Missouri
Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only and may not reflect recent changes. Always verify with the official source linked below. This is not legal, medical, or financial advice.
Filter by Disability Rating
Property Tax
2 benefitsDisabled Veteran Full Property Tax Exemption
Veterans rated 100% totally and permanently disabled by the VA receive a full exemption from real property taxes on their primary residence. Available to unremarried surviving spouses.
Apply through county assessor with VA documentation.
Partially Disabled Veteran Property Tax Credit
Veterans with a service-connected disability receive a property tax credit based on their percentage of disability.
Income Tax
1 benefitMilitary Retirement Pay Exemption
Missouri fully exempts military retirement pay from state income tax as of 2024.
Vehicle / Registration
2 benefitsDisabled Veteran License Plates
Free disabled veteran plates available. Veterans with 100% disability are exempt from registration fees on two vehicles.
Military Specialty License Plates
Missouri offers specialty plates including Veteran, Purple Heart, Medal of Honor, POW, and branch-specific plates.
Education
4 benefitsReturning Heroes Education Act
Post-9/11 veterans who are Missouri residents may receive up to full tuition at Missouri public institutions.
Missouri Veteran Survivor Grant
Financial aid for dependents of veterans who died or have an 80%+ service-connected disability, providing up to full tuition at Missouri public institutions.
Missouri National Guard Tuition Assistance
Active Missouri National Guard members receive tuition assistance at Missouri public institutions.
In-State Tuition for GI Bill Users
Veterans using the federal GI Bill receive in-state tuition at Missouri public institutions regardless of residency status.
Employment
3 benefitsState Veteran Hiring Preference
Missouri provides preference in state employment for honorably discharged veterans, with disabled veterans receiving highest priority.
Missouri Job Center Veteran Services
Veterans receive priority of service at Missouri Job Centers with dedicated LVER and DVOP specialists.
Professional License Reciprocity
Missouri recognizes military experience toward professional licensing and provides expedited licensing for veterans and military spouses.
Hunting & Fishing
2 benefitsFree Hunting and Fishing Permits (100% Disabled)
Missouri resident veterans with 100% service-connected disability receive free hunting and fishing permits with all privileges.
Free Small Game and Fishing Permits (60%+ Disabled)
Missouri resident veterans with a 60%+ service-connected disability receive free small game hunting and fishing permits.
Healthcare
3 benefitsVA Medical Centers
Missouri is served by four VA Medical Centers: Columbia (Harry S. Truman), Kansas City, Poplar Bluff (John J. Pershing), and St. Louis (Jefferson Barracks and John Cochran divisions).
Missouri Veterans Homes
Seven state-operated veterans homes in Cameron, Cape Girardeau, Mexico, Mt. Vernon, St. James, St. Louis, and Warrensburg — one of the largest state veterans home systems nationally.
Vet Centers Readjustment Counseling
Vet Centers in Kansas City, Springfield, and St. Louis provide free readjustment counseling for eligible veterans.
Free Stuff & Parks
2 benefitsFree State Park Access
Missouri state parks do not charge entrance fees for any visitor. Camping fee discounts may be available for disabled veterans.
Free Veteran Designation on Driver's License
Honorably discharged veterans can receive a "VETERAN" designation on their Missouri driver's license or ID card.
Other Benefits
5 benefitsMissouri Veterans Commission Claims Assistance
Free VA claims assistance through veteran service officers statewide, coordinated by the Missouri Veterans Commission.
Missouri Veterans Cemeteries
State veterans cemeteries in Higginsville, Jacksonville, Bloomfield, Fort Leonard Wood, and Springfield provide free burial for eligible veterans.
Veterans Treatment Courts
Veterans treatment courts available in Jackson County, St. Louis, Greene County, and other jurisdictions.
Military Leave for State Employees
Missouri state employees receive up to 15 days of paid military leave per year for National Guard or Reserve duties.
Missouri Veterans' Survivor Grant (College Aid)
Financial aid for dependents of deceased or disabled veterans to attend Missouri colleges and universities.