State benefits

Veterans Benefits in Missouri

Missouri veterans are eligible for 14 state and federal benefit programs, including Healthcare, Education, Housing, and more. Most state programs require state residency and a VA-issued disability rating; eligibility thresholds vary by program. This page lists every benefit with source URLs and application paths.

14 programs8 categoriesOfficial source linked on every program

Healthcare

What healthcare benefits does Missouri offer to veterans?

MO Veterans Homes (7 State-Operated Nursing Facilities) (opens in a new tab)

Value: $2,773/month (vs. $7,000-$9,000/month private nursing home)

Missouri operates seven state veterans homes in Cameron, Cape Girardeau, Mexico, Mt. Vernon, St. James, St. Louis, and Warrensburg providing 24-hour skilled nursing care at $2,773/month.

Agency: Missouri Veterans Commission

Note: Seven locations statewide. Must be MO resident for 180 consecutive days. VA covers 100% cost for 70%+ disability. Rate is $2,773/month (adjusted annually). Hardship rates available.

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Education

Which education benefits are available to Missouri veterans?

MO National Guard Tuition Waiver (opens in a new tab)

Value: Up to 120 credit hours of tuition waiver at MO public institutions

Active Missouri National Guard members receive a tuition and fee waiver for undergraduate courses at MO public institutions, up to 120 credit hours. Last-dollar benefit after federal TA and GI Bill.

Agency: Missouri National Guard — Office of the Adjutant General

Note: Per RSMo 173.239. Must maintain 2.5 GPA. Must complete FAFSA. Last-dollar benefit. Up to 120 credits. Implemented 2025-26 academic year.

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MO Returning Heroes Act — Graduate Tuition Reduction (opens in a new tab)

Value: 70% tuition reduction for graduate programs at MO public universities

Combat veterans attending MO public universities receive graduate tuition capped at 30% of the standard rate, with a 20-year eligibility window from last discharge.

Agency: Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development

Note: Graduate component of the Returning Heroes Act (undergraduate $50/credit hour is a separate entry). 20-year eligibility window. Must have served in combat zone post-9/11. Must maintain 2.5 GPA.

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Missouri Veterans Survivor Grant (opens in a new tab)

Value: Covers tuition and fees at MO colleges

Provides educational grants to dependents of Missouri veterans who were killed in action or became 80% or more disabled as a result of combat action after September 11, 2001. Covers tuition, up to $2,000 per semester for room and board, and up to $500 for books at Missouri public colleges.

Agency: Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development

Note: For dependents of KIA or 80%+ combat-disabled post-9/11 veterans. Covers tuition, $2k/semester room/board, $500/semester books. Must attend MO public institution.

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Missouri Returning Heroes Education Act (opens in a new tab)

Value: $50 per credit hour tuition cap

Limits in-state tuition to $50 per credit hour at Missouri public universities for veterans who served in a combat zone after September 11, 2001.

Agency: Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development

Note: Reduces tuition to 0/credit hour at public universities. Can be applied before or after GI Bill at veteran's discretion. Use GI Bill for housing allowance + book stipend. Truly stackable — veteran saves GI Bill months while getting reduced tuition.

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Housing

Which housing benefits does Missouri offer to veterans?

MO MHDC First Place Home Loan Program for Veterans (opens in a new tab)

Value: Below-market interest rate + up to 4% forgivable down payment assistance

Offers below-market mortgage rates plus up to 4% of loan amount in forgivable down payment and closing cost assistance. Veterans do not need to be first-time homebuyers.

Agency: Missouri Housing Development Commission

Note: Veterans need DD-214 showing active duty within past 25 years — no first-time buyer requirement. 4% forgivable if staying 10 years. Must use MHDC-certified lender.

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Employment

Which employment benefits does Missouri offer to veterans?

MO State Employment Preference for Veterans (opens in a new tab)

Value: 5-point hiring preference (10-point for disabled veterans)

Missouri grants 5-point preference for veterans and 10-point preference for disabled veterans on state employment exams. Service-disabled veteran-owned businesses get 3-point bonus on state contracts.

Agency: Missouri Office of Administration

Note: Per RSMo 36.220. Also applies to surviving spouses and spouses of disabled veterans. SDVOB businesses get 3-point bonus on state contracts (RSMo 34.074).

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Financial

Which financial benefits does Missouri offer to veterans?

MO Military Family Relief Fund (opens in a new tab)

Value: Up to $3,000 grant per 12-month period

Provides financial grants of up to $3,000 per 12-month period to Missouri National Guard and Reserve families experiencing hardship.

Agency: Missouri National Guard

Note: For MO National Guard or MO-resident Reserve Component members and families. Contact Family Assistance Center at 1-888-526-6664.

Apply Source

Tax

How does Missouri handle veteran property tax exemptions?

MO Military Retirement Income Tax Exemption (opens in a new tab)

Value: 100% exemption of military retirement pay from state income tax

Missouri fully exempts military retirement pay from state income tax. Survivors receiving SBP, RCSBP, or RSFPP annuities may also deduct up to $47,633.

Agency: Missouri Department of Revenue

Note: Full exemption — deduct all military retirement pay on MO-A, Part 1, Line 10. Also covers SBP survivor annuities (up to $47,633).

Apply Source

Missouri Disabled Veterans Property Tax Credit (opens in a new tab)

Value: Up to $750 property tax credit

100% service-connected disabled veterans may receive a property tax credit of up to $750 on their primary residence through Missouri's circuit breaker program.

Agency: Missouri Department of Revenue
Deadline: April 15 (filed with state income tax return)

Note: File MO-PTC form with state tax return. 100% disabled veterans qualify regardless of income. Modest benefit but worth filing. Also applies to surviving spouses.

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Recreation

Which recreation benefits does Missouri offer to veterans?

MO State Parks Camping Discount for Veterans (opens in a new tab)

Value: $2/night camping discount plus free Veterans Day camping

Missouri State Parks offers a $2/night camping discount year-round plus free camping on Veterans Day and free tours of state historic sites for veterans and active-duty military.

Agency: Missouri Department of Natural Resources

Note: Must show valid military ID at check-in. Applies to veterans, retired military, active-duty, and active-duty family members.

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MO Free Hunting & Fishing Permits for Disabled Veterans (opens in a new tab)

Value: Free hunting and fishing permits (saves $30-$100+ annually)

Missouri provides free hunting and fishing permits to veterans with 60%+ service-connected disability or former POWs. Available to both residents and nonresidents.

Agency: Missouri Department of Conservation

Note: Does NOT cover deer, turkey, elk, or black bear permits. Must carry VA disability certification while hunting/fishing.

Apply Source

Other

Which additional benefits does Missouri offer to veterans?

MO State Veterans Cemeteries (opens in a new tab)

Value: Free burial services (saves $7,000-$15,000 vs. private cemetery)

Missouri operates five state veterans cemeteries in Bloomfield, Ft. Leonard Wood, Higginsville, Jacksonville, and Springfield providing free burial services. No Missouri residency requirement.

Agency: Missouri Veterans Commission

Note: Five active cemeteries. No residency requirement. Pre-certification available online. Spouses and eligible dependents included.

Apply Source

MO Veterans Treatment Courts (opens in a new tab)

Value: Alternative to incarceration with treatment and VA services

Missouri operates veterans treatment courts across the state diverting veterans with substance use and mental health conditions into treatment-focused programs connected to VA services.

Agency: Missouri Office of State Courts Administrator

Note: Available in St. Louis City, Boone County, Jackson County, Pulaski County, Clay County, Kansas City Municipal Court, and a 16-county regional court in SE Missouri (national model).

Apply Source

“Veterans need DD-214 showing active duty within past 25 years — no first-time buyer requirement. 4% forgivable if staying 10 years. Must use MHDC-certified lender.”

Questions

Frequently asked questions

What benefits does Missouri offer to disabled veterans?

Missouri offers 14 veteran benefit programs spanning Healthcare, Education, Housing, Employment, Financial, Tax, Recreation, Other. Eligibility requirements vary by program — most require a VA-issued disability rating and state residency.

Do I need a specific disability rating to qualify for Missouri veteran benefits?

Many Missouri benefit programs require a minimum VA disability rating — commonly 10%, 50%, or 100%. Some programs, such as education assistance or employment preference, have no rating requirement. Check each benefit listing on this page for the specific threshold.

Do I need to be a Missouri resident to claim state veteran benefits?

Most Missouri state benefits require current state residency. Some programs require continuous residency for one or more years. Federal VA benefits are available to all eligible veterans regardless of state of residence.

Can I stack Missouri benefits with federal VA benefits?

Yes — in most cases, state and federal veteran benefits are stackable. For example, a property tax exemption from Missouri does not reduce your federal VA disability compensation. Some federal needs-based programs may offset certain state payments; review each program's terms.

Where do I apply for Missouri veteran benefits?

Applications for Missouri state benefits are typically submitted through the Missouri Department of Veterans Affairs or the administering state agency. Application links are listed directly on each benefit card on this page. Federal VA benefits are applied for at VA.gov.

Does Missouri offer a property tax exemption for disabled veterans?

Yes — Missouri has at least one property tax benefit listed for veterans. Eligibility typically requires a minimum disability rating and state residency. See the Tax section on this page for the current threshold and application link.

Does Missouri have a veteran tuition waiver or education assistance program?

Yes — Missouri offers education benefits for veterans. These may include tuition waivers, National Guard tuition assistance, or supplemental GI Bill top-ups. See the Education section on this page for current programs and eligibility.

Is an honorable discharge required to qualify for Missouri veteran benefits?

Most Missouri state benefit programs require an honorable or general (under honorable conditions) discharge. Most federal VA benefits require a discharge under conditions other than dishonorable, but the GI Bill is stricter: the Montgomery GI Bill for active duty requires an honorable discharge, and the Post-9/11 GI Bill ordinarily does too. With an other-than-honorable discharge, VA makes a character-of-discharge determination, and some benefits may still be available; consult a VSO or accredited claims agent for individual eligibility.

Sources & Authorities

1.
Missouri Veterans Commission (opens in a new tab)
Agency · Healthcare benefit source — Missouri
2.
Missouri National Guard — Office of the Adjutant General (opens in a new tab)
Agency · Education benefit source — Missouri
3.
Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (opens in a new tab)
Agency · Education benefit source — Missouri
4.
Missouri Housing Development Commission (opens in a new tab)
Agency · Housing benefit source — Missouri
5.
Missouri National Guard (opens in a new tab)
Agency · Financial benefit source — Missouri
6.
Missouri Department of Revenue (opens in a new tab)
Agency · Tax benefit source — Missouri
7.
38 CFR Part 3 — Adjudication (opens in a new tab)
CFR · Federal regulations governing VA disability compensation and pension
8.
VA.gov Benefits Navigator (opens in a new tab)
Agency · Official U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs benefits portal

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