Missouri Department of Veterans Affairs
Show-Me Honor: Missouri's Top 10 Most Valuable Veterans Benefits
The state of Missouri demonstrates its gratitude to veterans with a strong and diverse package of benefits designed to support their financial well-being, health, and quality of life. Administered by the Missouri Veterans Commission, these programs offer significant advantages to those who have served. While the individual value of each benefit varies, a clear top tier emerges based on monetary impact, broad applicability, and life-altering assistance.
Here are the top ten, most valuable veterans benefits offered through the Missouri Department of Veterans Affairs:
- Missouri Veterans Homes: A cornerstone of veteran care, Missouri operates seven state-of-the-art Veterans Homes across the state. These facilities provide high-quality, affordable skilled nursing and rehabilitative care in a comfortable, veteran-centric environment. Given the high cost of private long-term care, access to these homes is an invaluable resource for aging or disabled veterans.
- Full Exemption of Military Retirement Pay from State Income Tax: In a major financial advantage for career veterans, Missouri completely exempts military retirement pay from state income taxes. This policy allows retired service members to keep 100% of their hard-earned pension, providing a significant boost to their annual income.
- Property Tax Credit for Disabled Veterans: Missouri offers a property tax credit for certain disabled veterans. Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability are eligible for a credit that can significantly reduce or eliminate the property tax liability on their primary residence, saving homeowners hundreds or thousands of dollars annually.
- State Employment Preference: Honorably discharged veterans receive a hiring preference when applying for state government jobs. Five preference points are added to the examination scores of qualified veterans, and ten points are added for disabled veterans, providing a substantial advantage in securing stable and rewarding public service careers.
- Missouri Returning Heroes' Education Act: This act waives any tuition and fees that exceed a set amount ($50 per credit hour for qualifying combat veterans) at any Missouri public college or university. This can drastically reduce the cost of higher education, making a degree much more attainable for veterans who served in combat zones.
- State Veterans Cemeteries: Missouri maintains five beautifully kept Veterans Cemeteries, providing a dignified and honorable final resting place for veterans, their spouses, and eligible dependents. The state provides the plot, vault, opening and closing of the grave, and perpetual care at no cost to the family, alleviating a significant financial and emotional burden.
- "VETERAN" Designation on Driver's License/ID Card: Veterans can have a "VETERAN" designator placed on their Missouri driver's license or ID card. This simple but important benefit serves as official proof of veteran status, ensuring easy access to the numerous retail, service, and restaurant discounts offered throughout the state as a gesture of appreciation.
- Operation Recognition (High School Diplomas for Wartime Veterans): Missouri's "Operation Recognition" program awards high school diplomas to honorably discharged veterans who left school to serve in World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War. This benefit provides a long-overdue sense of closure and recognition for their sacrifice.
- Free Hunting and Fishing Licenses: Missouri residents who are honorably discharged veterans with a service-connected disability of 60% or more, or who were prisoners of war, are eligible to hunt and fish without a permit (with some exceptions). This valuable perk encourages participation in the state's rich outdoor traditions.
- Veterans Service Officer Program: While not a direct monetary benefit, the Missouri Veterans Commission provides a statewide network of accredited Veterans Service Officers (VSOs). These trained professionals provide free expert assistance to veterans and their families in applying for federal and state benefits, a service that can unlock thousands of dollars in compensation, healthcare, and other entitlements.
These premier benefits showcase Missouri's strong commitment to its veteran community. For detailed eligibility requirements and to connect with a Veterans Service Officer for assistance, veterans are encouraged to visit the official website of the Missouri Veterans Commission.
Contact Information:
Address:
Missouri Veterans Commission
205 Jefferson Street
12th Floor Jefferson Building
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Phone: 573-751-3779
Toll-Free Phone: 1-866-VET-INFO
