State file · MO
Veteran benefits in Missouri
Missouri fully exempts military pensions and active duty income from state income tax, discounts tuition to $50 per credit hour for combat veterans, and operates seven state veterans homes. Here is the full rundown.
Back to the state mapMissouri file
Financial benefits
Income tax exemptions
Missouri allows a subtraction of all military income received while serving in a combat zone, and effective January 1, 2016, all military pension income is tax-free and 100% of active-duty component income may be deducted. Income earned by military spouses stationed in Missouri is not taxable if their state of residence is elsewhere.
Property tax credits
Veterans with a 100% disability rating may claim a property tax credit of up to $750 for renters and $1,100 for homeowners. Former prisoners of war with a total service-connected disability receive a full exemption on their homestead property.
Survivor compensation
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation paid to eligible survivors is tax-free.
Sales tax picture
Statewide sales tax is 4.225%, counties may add up to 5.875%, and the current average is roughly 6.96%.
Recreation
Hunting & fishing licenses
Honorably discharged veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 60% or more qualify for free fishing and hunting licenses. Mobilized Guard and Reserve members can buy a license for $5, and active duty members buy at resident rates.
Education programs
Wartime Veteran's Survivors Grant
Annual grants go to children and spouses of veterans who died or sustained combat-related injuries — or have been at least 80% disabled — as a result of service since September 11, 2001, limited to 25 recipients per year. The veteran must have been a Missouri resident when first entering service or at the time of death or injury.
Missouri Returning Heroes Act
Reduces tuition for combat veterans attending public institutions of higher education to $50 per credit hour.
Veteran housing
Missouri State Veterans Homes
Seven state veterans homes operate in Cameron, Cape Girardeau, Mexico, Mt. Vernon, St. James, St. Louis, and Warrensburg. Residents must have a discharge other than dishonorable, have lived in Missouri for 180 days, and require skilled nursing care.
Employment & job training
Civil service points
Honorably discharged veterans receive 5 points added to state employment examination scores, and veterans with a service-connected disability receive 10 points.
CDL skills test waiver
Active duty and retired military members with at least 60 days of commercial vehicle experience can receive a waiver of the skills testing portion of the CDL exam.
Licensing & employment services
Professional licensing boards must accept education, training, or service completed in the military toward licensure, continuing education requirements pause during active duty call-ups, and veterans receive priority of service in federally funded employment programs alongside Local Veterans Employment Representatives and Disabled Veterans Outreach Program specialists.
Burials & memorials
National cemeteries in Missouri
Options include Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, Jefferson City National Cemetery, Springfield National Cemetery, and the Union Confederate Monument Site in Kansas City. There is no charge for eligible veterans, and spouses and dependents may be eligible.
VA resources in Missouri
St. Louis Regional Benefits Office
The VA regional office serving Missouri for benefits claims and questions.
Official siteVA St. Louis Health Care System
VA medical care for the St. Louis area, including the Jefferson Barracks Division.
Official siteBefore you apply
- First-time applicants generally need a copy of their DD-214 or discharge paperwork — keep certified copies somewhere safe.
- Most programs require a discharge under other than dishonorable conditions; a dishonorable or bad-conduct discharge may bar eligibility.
- “Active service” has a specific definition for many programs — training periods don’t always count. When in doubt, ask the agency directly.
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