Missouri Veteran Benefits: Complete Guide for 2026
Missouri provides 12 documented state-level benefits for disabled veterans across 8 categories. Notable programs include a homestead property tax exemption worth up to $1,100, Missouri Returning Heroes Act — Reduced Tuition and Wartime Veterans Survivors Grant, income tax relief (full exemption — value depends on retirement income amount). MO also provides hunting and fishing license benefits, additional benefits, small business benefits. Below is a detailed breakdown of every verified benefit available to disabled veterans in Missouri as of 2026.
Key Takeaways for MO Veterans
- Missouri offers 12 documented state-specific veteran benefits as of 2026
- Property Tax Credit (Circuit Breaker): worth up to $1,100/year
- Education: Missouri Returning Heroes Act — Reduced Tuition, Wartime Veterans Survivors Grant
- Military Retirement Pay Income Tax Exemption: full exemption — value depends on retirement income amount
- Vehicle benefits: Free DV License Plates (Any Disability Rating, Including 0%)
- Free Hunting & Fishing Permit Exemption
12
State Benefits
8
Categories
50+
Federal Benefits
415+
Discounts
See exactly what Missouri benefits add up to for you.
Get StartedMissouri State-Specific Benefits
Missouri Education Benefits (2)
Missouri Returning Heroes Act — Reduced Tuition
Reduced tuition at Missouri public institutions of higher education for certain combat veterans. Provides lower per-credit-hour rates at state colleges and universities.
Wartime Veterans Survivors Grant
Grants for children and spouses of veterans whose death or injuries resulted from combat action, or who became 80%+ disabled due to combat-related injuries since September 11, 2001.
Missouri Employment Benefits (1)
State Employment Preference Points (5 or 10 Points)
Missouri grants 5 preference points on state job tests for veterans and 10 points for service-connected disabled veterans. Private employers may also grant hiring and promotion preferences to 100% disabled veterans and their spouses. The Show-Me Heroes program reimburses businesses 50% of wages for eligible veterans hired through on-the-job training. Professional licensing boards accept military training as valid qualifications.
Missouri Hunting & Fishing (1)
Free Hunting & Fishing Permit Exemption
Veterans with a service-connected disability of 60% or greater, former POWs, or Warrior Transition Brigade patients may hunt (excluding deer, turkey, elk, and black bear) and fish in Missouri without a permit.
Missouri Income Tax Benefits (2)
Military Retirement Pay Income Tax Exemption
Military retirement benefits are fully exempt from Missouri state income tax for tax years 2021 and forward. Subtract total military retirement benefits from federal adjusted gross income on Form MO-A.
Active Duty Military Pay Income Tax Deduction
100% deduction of income received as a member of the active-duty component of the U.S. Armed Forces, including National Guard and Reserve income, from Missouri state income tax.
Missouri Other Benefits (2)
Missouri Income Tax Benefits
Military retirement partially deductible
Missouri Other Veteran Benefits
Employment preference
Missouri Property Tax Exemptions (2)
Missouri Property Tax Exemption
100% P&T + senior: property tax credit
Property Tax Credit (Circuit Breaker)
Refundable tax credit of up to $1,100 for homeowners (or $750 for renters) who are 100% disabled. Based on property taxes or rent paid during the year. Income-limited. Filed on Missouri income tax return.
Missouri Small Business Benefits (1)
Missouri Service-Disabled Veteran Enterprise (SDVE)
Missouri sets a 3% goal for awarding contracts to Service-Disabled and Honorably-Discharged Veteran Business Enterprises and gives a three-point bonus preference on bids (RSMo 34.074/34.069). Firms must be 51% veteran-owned and Missouri-based; certification renews every three years via the Office of Equal Opportunity.
Missouri Vehicle Benefits (1)
Free DV License Plates (Any Disability Rating, Including 0%)
Missouri offers one of the most accessible DV plate programs in the U.S.: any honorably discharged resident veteran with any service-connected disability rating—including 0% non-compensable—qualifies for one free set of DV plates. Plates may be personalized at no additional cost. Veterans with a permanent VA disability rating are exempt from the 4-year recertification requirement for accessible parking plates.
How Missouri Benefits Stack With Federal VA Compensation
Missouri state benefits are separate from and stack on top of your federal VA disability compensation. The federal compensation rate table below shows what you receive from the VA — your MO state benefits add to that total. For a 100%-rated veteran in MO, this means federal compensation plus the Property Tax Credit (Circuit Breaker) (up to $1,100/year) and 11 other state benefits — all at no additional cost. Some MO benefits are available to all veterans regardless of disability percentage, while others require a rating of up to 100%. To see your personalized combined federal-plus-Missouri benefits package, create a free account.
2026 Federal Compensation Rates (Veteran Alone)
These federal rates apply to all Missouri veterans with service-connected disabilities. Missouri state benefits are received in addition to these amounts.
Compare Property Tax Exemptions
See how Missouri's property tax exemptions compare to other veteran-friendly states:
Frequently Asked Questions About Missouri Veteran Benefits
What veteran benefits does Missouri offer in 2026?
Missouri offers 12 state-specific veteran benefits across 8 categories, such as Property Tax Credit (Circuit Breaker), Free DV License Plates (Any Disability Rating, Including 0%), Free Hunting & Fishing Permit Exemption. These cover education benefits, employment benefits, hunting and fishing license benefits, income tax benefits, and more — all in addition to federal VA disability compensation and healthcare.
Does Missouri offer property tax exemptions for disabled veterans?
Yes. Missouri offers 2 property tax benefits for disabled veterans. Some exemptions are available at any disability rating. The Property Tax Credit (Circuit Breaker) can be worth up to $1,100 per year depending on assessed home value. Contact your county assessor for filing instructions.
What education benefits are available for veterans in Missouri?
Missouri provides 2 education benefits, including Missouri Returning Heroes Act — Reduced Tuition and Wartime Veterans Survivors Grant — some extend to dependents and spouses. These can be combined with federal programs like the GI Bill and Vocational Rehabilitation (VR&E Chapter 31) to reduce or eliminate education costs.
Is military retirement pay taxable in Missouri?
Federal VA disability compensation is tax-free nationwide. Beyond that, Missouri offers 2 additional income tax benefits: the Military Retirement Pay Income Tax Exemption and the Active Duty Military Pay Income Tax Deduction. These may further reduce your MO state tax burden on military retirement pay or veteran-related income.
Does Missouri offer vehicle-related benefits for disabled veterans?
Yes. Missouri provides 1 vehicle-related benefit: Free DV License Plates (Any Disability Rating, Including 0%). Eligibility varies by disability rating and benefit type.
How do I apply for Missouri veteran benefits?
Most Missouri benefits require proof of your VA disability rating, available through VA.gov or your eBenefits account. Certain benefits require a rating of 100% or higher. Contact your local MO Department of Veterans Affairs or county veterans service office for application help.
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Benefits by VA Disability Rating
Your disability rating determines which federal and Missouri state benefits you qualify for: