Missouri Veteran Benefits (2026 Guide)
A complete guide to state-level benefits for veterans living in Missouri, including property tax exemptions, education programs, employment preference, and more. These benefits are in addition to your federal VA benefits.
Official source: Missouri veterans affairs agency — applications, forms, and current filing deadlines come from the state directly.
Benefits at a Glance
Missouri sits at the crossroads of the country's military infrastructure, home to Whiteman Air Force Base (home of the B-2 bomber), Fort Leonard Wood, and one of the largest veteran populations in the Midwest. The state offers full military retirement pay exemption and a growing list of benefits that reflect Missouri's commitment to its veteran community.
Getting help in Missouri
Accredited claims help
Missouri Veterans Commission
Phone: (573) 751-3779
205 Jefferson Street, 12th Floor, Jefferson City, MO 65102
Verified September 2026. Call to confirm before you travel.
Local veterans offices
The Missouri Veterans Commission has local offices — Missouri Veteran Service Officer Locator
Verified September 2026.
Not sure what you qualify for yet? The briefing takes about three minutes and needs no signup.
Start the briefingProperty Tax Exemption
Property Tax Credit (MO-PTC) for 100% disabled veterans, income-limited; full exemption only for former POWs with a total service-connected disability
Missouri's constitution (Art. X, § 6) exempts the homestead of a former prisoner of war who has a total service-connected disability; claim it with your county assessor. Other veterans who are 100% disabled as a result of military service can claim the Property Tax Credit (MO-PTC) from the Missouri Department of Revenue, a credit of up to $1,100 for owners or $750 for renters, if household income is under the year's limit (VA payments to a 100% service-connected veteran are not counted). The credit is claimed each year, and a claim can be filed up to three years after its due date.
Income Tax Benefits
Military retirement pay fully exempt
Missouri fully exempts military retirement pay from state income tax as of 2024. VA disability compensation is also tax-free.
Hunting & Fishing Licenses
Hunt and fish without a permit at 60%+ (except bear, deer, elk and turkey), resident or nonresident
Missouri lets honorably discharged veterans, resident or nonresident, with a service-related disability of 60% or greater, or who were prisoners of war, fish and hunt without a permit, except for black bear, deer, elk and turkey; trapping still requires a permit. A Missouri Migratory Bird Hunting Permit (and a federal duck stamp for waterfowl) and a Conservation Order Permit are still required. When a hunting permit is required, qualifying nonresident veterans may buy resident permits. Carry a certified statement of eligibility from the VA.
Education Benefits
Returning Heroes' Education Act tuition assistance
Missouri provides various education benefits including Missouri Returning Heroes Act (reduced tuition at state schools) and Wartime Veteran Survivors Grant.
Employment & Hiring Preference
Veterans preference in state employment
Missouri grants veterans preference in state civil service hiring — 5 points for veterans, 10 points for disabled veterans. Missouri Job Centers provide dedicated veteran employment services.
Vehicles & DMV
Free disabled veteran license plates
Free "Disabled Veteran" license plates for veterans with service-connected disability.
State Parks
Free camping for disabled veterans
Missouri state parks provide free camping for veterans with service-connected disability. The state operates 92 state parks and historic sites.
Housing & Veterans Homes
Missouri Veterans Homes
Missouri operates 7 Veterans Homes (St. Louis, Cape Girardeau, Cameron, Mexico, Mt. Vernon, St. James, Warrensburg) providing skilled nursing for eligible veterans.
Veterans in Missouri
Missouri is home to roughly 370,000 veterans. Fort Leonard Wood, Whiteman AFB, and multiple National Guard facilities create military communities across the state. The Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital in Columbia, the Kansas City VA Medical Center, and the John Cochran VA Medical Center in St. Louis provide healthcare coverage. The Missouri Veterans Commission operates seven skilled nursing facilities and maintains a statewide network of veteran service officers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Missouri Veteran Benefits
Does Missouri offer property tax exemptions for veterans?
Property Tax Credit (MO-PTC) for 100% disabled veterans, income-limited; full exemption only for former POWs with a total service-connected disability. Missouri's constitution (Art. X, § 6) exempts the homestead of a former prisoner of war who has a total service-connected disability; claim it with your county assessor. Other veterans who are 100% disabled as a result of military service can claim the Property Tax Credit (MO-PTC) from the Missouri Department of Revenue, a credit of up to $1,100 for owners or $750 for renters, if household income is under the year's limit (VA payments to a 100% service-connected veteran are not counted). The credit is claimed each year, and a claim can be filed up to three years after its due date.
Are military retirement benefits taxed in Missouri?
Military retirement pay fully exempt. Missouri fully exempts military retirement pay from state income tax as of 2024. VA disability compensation is also tax-free.
What education benefits does Missouri offer veterans?
Returning Heroes' Education Act tuition assistance. Missouri provides various education benefits including Missouri Returning Heroes Act (reduced tuition at state schools) and Wartime Veteran Survivors Grant.
Do veterans get free or discounted hunting and fishing licenses in Missouri?
Hunt and fish without a permit at 60%+ (except bear, deer, elk and turkey), resident or nonresident. Missouri lets honorably discharged veterans, resident or nonresident, with a service-related disability of 60% or greater, or who were prisoners of war, fish and hunt without a permit, except for black bear, deer, elk and turkey; trapping still requires a permit. A Missouri Migratory Bird Hunting Permit (and a federal duck stamp for waterfowl) and a Conservation Order Permit are still required. When a hunting permit is required, qualifying nonresident veterans may buy resident permits. Carry a certified statement of eligibility from the VA.
Does Missouri give veterans hiring preference for state jobs?
Veterans preference in state employment. Missouri grants veterans preference in state civil service hiring — 5 points for veterans, 10 points for disabled veterans. Missouri Job Centers provide dedicated veteran employment services.
Are there veterans homes or housing programs in Missouri?
Missouri Veterans Homes. Missouri operates 7 Veterans Homes (St. Louis, Cape Girardeau, Cameron, Mexico, Mt. Vernon, St. James, Warrensburg) providing skilled nursing for eligible veterans.
Do veterans get free or discounted state park access in Missouri?
Free camping for disabled veterans. Missouri state parks provide free camping for veterans with service-connected disability. The state operates 92 state parks and historic sites.
Want the full picture?
Missouri benefits sit alongside federal compensation, healthcare, education, housing, and employment benefits. The optional briefing walks through what may apply to your specific service.
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