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Veterans Benefits in Missouri

14 benefit programs available in Missouri.

Healthcare

MO Veterans Homes (7 State-Operated Nursing Facilities)

$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

MO National Guard Tuition Waiver

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

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

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

$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

MO MHDC First Place Home Loan Program for Veterans

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

MO State Employment Preference for Veterans

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

MO Military Family Relief Fund

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.

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Tax

MO Military Retirement Income Tax Exemption

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).

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Missouri Disabled Veterans Property Tax Credit

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 RevenueDeadline: 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

MO State Parks Camping Discount for Veterans

$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

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.

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Other

MO State Veterans Cemeteries

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.

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MO Veterans Treatment Courts

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).

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