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.
Property Tax Exemption
Full exemption for 100% P&T disabled veterans
Veterans with 100% permanent and total disability receive full property tax exemption on primary residence. Surviving unremarried spouses also eligible. Must reapply annually.
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
Free hunting/fishing for 60%+ disabled veterans
Missouri provides free small game hunting, fishing, and trapping permits for resident veterans with 60%+ service-connected disability.
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
With over 400,000 veterans, Missouri has the 13th-largest veteran population in the nation. 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. Missouri's Veterans Commission operates seven skilled nursing facilities — one of the largest state-run veterans home systems in the country — and maintains a statewide network of veteran service officers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Missouri Veteran Benefits
Does Missouri offer property tax exemptions for veterans?
Full exemption for 100% P&T disabled veterans. Veterans with 100% permanent and total disability receive full property tax exemption on primary residence. Surviving unremarried spouses also eligible. Must reapply annually.
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?
Free hunting/fishing for 60%+ disabled veterans. Missouri provides free small game hunting, fishing, and trapping permits for resident veterans with 60%+ service-connected disability.
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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