Missouri is home to more than 480,000 veterans across three major military installation corridors. The Show-Me State now offers a complete military retirement income tax exemption (effective 2024), a property tax credit for 100% SC disabled veterans under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 137.106, the Wartime Veterans Survivors Grant (§ 173.234) for dependent education, seven state veterans homes, strong employment preference under § 36.220, and hunting/fishing license discounts. This is the complete 2026 guide.
Missouri has a deep and enduring military heritage shaped by three major installations. Fort Leonard Wood in the Ozark foothills has trained generations of American soldiers and remains one of the Army's most important training and maneuver centers. Whiteman Air Force Base — home of the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber and the 509th Bomb Wing — stands as a cornerstone of the nation's strategic deterrence. Scott Air Force Base near St. Louis serves as headquarters for U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) and Air Mobility Command, coordinating global military logistics. These installations have created strong veteran communities throughout Missouri, particularly in the I-44, Fort Leonard Wood, and St. Louis corridors.
The Missouri Veterans Commission (MVC) is the state's primary veterans services agency, operating more than 100 Veterans Service Officers statewide, managing seven Missouri State Veterans Homes, and overseeing five state veterans cemeteries. Missouri's 2024 legislation completing the phase-out of the military retirement income tax — combined with an income-tested property tax credit for 100% SC disabled veterans, the Wartime Veterans Survivors Grant for dependents, and strong employment preference in state hiring — makes Missouri a genuinely competitive state for veterans making relocation decisions or planning long-term financial strategies.
| Benefit | Who Qualifies | Missouri Law |
|---|---|---|
| Property tax credit (income-tested) | 100% SC disabled veterans; income-tested | Mo. Rev. Stat. § 137.106 |
| Military retirement income tax exemption | All MO military retirees (eff. 2024) | Mo. Rev. Stat. § 143.174 |
| Wartime Veterans Survivors Grant | Surviving dependents of MO wartime veterans | Mo. Rev. Stat. § 173.234 |
| Employment preference points | Veterans; +5 pts (honorable), +10 pts (SC disabled) | Mo. Rev. Stat. § 36.220 |
| Returning Heroes Act (reduced tuition) | Combat zone veterans at MO public colleges | Mo. Rev. Stat. § 173.900 |
| 7 state veterans homes | Eligible veterans; some spouses | MVC administration |
| Hunting/fishing license discounts | SC disabled veterans (varying levels) | MDC regulations |
| 5 state veterans cemeteries | Eligible veterans & qualifying dependents | MVC administration |
Missouri provides a property tax credit for veterans with 100% service-connected disability ratings under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 137.106. Unlike the full property tax exemptions available in states like Texas, Maryland, and Mississippi, Missouri's benefit is structured as an income-tested credit that reduces the property tax owed on a primary residence. Understanding the structure — and its parameters — is essential for planning.
The credit under § 137.106 is designed to provide meaningful property tax relief for 100% SC disabled veterans who own their primary residence in Missouri. The income-tested structure means that veterans with higher total incomes receive a reduced credit or may not qualify, while veterans with lower income levels receive the full available benefit.
The § 137.106 property tax credit applies to the primary residence of veterans with a 100% service-connected VA disability rating. It is income-tested — eligibility and credit amounts depend on total household income. Apply through your county assessor's office or as directed by local property tax administration. Surviving spouses of 100% SC disabled veterans may qualify for continued credit in certain circumstances. Contact the Missouri Veterans Commission at 1-888-838-6946 for current income thresholds, credit amounts, and application procedures, as these are subject to annual legislative adjustment.
Veterans rated for Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) receive VA compensation at the 100% rate. Missouri's TDIU treatment for property tax purposes may vary — TDIU veterans should inquire with their county assessor and bring both their regular combined rating decision and their TDIU determination letter when applying for any property tax benefit.
The most financially significant veteran tax benefit in Missouri for 2024 and beyond is the state's completion of the military retirement income tax phase-out. Effective for tax years beginning January 1, 2024, Missouri fully exempts all military retirement income from state income tax with no income cap or limitation.
Missouri's 2024 tax legislation completed the multi-year phase-out of state income taxes on military retirement pay. For tax years beginning January 1, 2024, all military retired pay is fully exempt from Missouri state income tax regardless of income level. Previous law phased out the exemption for higher-income retirees — that income cap no longer applies.
The 2024 completion of Missouri's military retirement income tax exemption is a major development that significantly improves Missouri's competitive position as a retirement destination for career military personnel. Combined with Missouri's relatively low cost of living — especially outside major metro areas — and the seven state veterans homes, the complete retirement tax exemption makes Missouri a compelling long-term planning option for veterans considering relocation.
For context on what this means financially: a career Army sergeant first class retiring with $40,000 in annual retired pay saves $1,980/year. A retired lieutenant colonel drawing $80,000 saves $3,960/year. Over a 25-year retirement, those savings compound to $49,500–$99,000 in cumulative state tax relief — entirely separate from any federal VA disability compensation they may also receive.
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Get Free Claim Help →The Missouri Wartime Veterans Survivors Grant, codified at Mo. Rev. Stat. § 173.234, provides tuition assistance at Missouri public colleges and universities for surviving spouses and dependent children of Missouri wartime veterans who died as a result of a service-connected condition or while in service during a declared war or armed conflict.
This grant is a critical benefit for the families of Missouri's fallen — it provides a direct education subsidy to help surviving dependents access higher education at no tuition cost at Missouri public institutions.
Surviving dependents of eligible veterans may also qualify for the federal Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (Chapter 35) program through the VA, which provides a monthly education benefit. The Chapter 35 benefit and the Missouri § 173.234 grant may complement each other, but anti-duplication rules may apply — consult both MDHEWD and a VA education benefits counselor to optimize the combination.
The Missouri Returning Heroes' Education Act provides reduced in-state tuition for qualifying veterans attending Missouri public colleges and universities. Eligible veterans who served in a combat zone or hazardous duty area as designated by the President of the United States qualify for a capped tuition rate at Missouri public institutions, designed to make higher education accessible and affordable for returning combat veterans.
Active Missouri National Guard members in good standing are eligible for Missouri National Guard Tuition Assistance, which covers up to 100% of tuition at Missouri public colleges and universities. This is one of the most generous state Guard education benefits in the Midwest.
The Missouri Veterans Commission (MVC) is the primary state agency for veterans services in Missouri. MVC operates over 100 County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs) statewide, administers seven Missouri State Veterans Homes, manages five state veterans cemeteries, and coordinates benefits outreach and advocacy programs across the state. All MVC Veterans Service Officer services are free to Missouri veterans.
Missouri operates seven VA-certified state veterans homes providing skilled nursing, long-term care, and in some cases assisted living services for eligible veterans and, in limited circumstances, their spouses. VA certification means the VA may contribute per-diem payments toward the cost of care for eligible service-connected veterans — significantly reducing out-of-pocket costs for qualified residents.
Cape Girardeau, MO. Serving veterans in southeast Missouri along the I-55 corridor.
Cameron, MO. Serving veterans in northwest Missouri including the St. Joseph region.
Mexico, MO. Serving veterans in north-central Missouri including the Audrain County area.
Mt. Vernon, MO. Serving veterans in southwest Missouri near the Springfield corridor.
St. James, MO. Located near Fort Leonard Wood in the Phelps County region, serving veterans in the south-central Ozarks.
Warrensburg, MO. Serving veterans in west-central Missouri including the Whiteman AFB area.
St. Louis, MO. Serving veterans in the greater St. Louis metro area including Scott AFB veterans.
To apply for admission to a Missouri State Veterans Home, contact the Missouri Veterans Commission at 1-888-838-6946 or visit mvc.dps.mo.gov. Veterans should apply well in advance — facilities may maintain waiting lists depending on current occupancy. Financial eligibility criteria apply, and the VA's Aid & Attendance benefit may supplement costs for qualifying veterans.
Missouri operates five state veterans cemeteries providing no-cost burial services for eligible veterans, their spouses, and qualifying dependents. Services typically include the grave site, liner, opening and closing, and a government grave marker — at no cost to the veteran's family. The five Missouri State Veterans Cemeteries are located in:
Veterans and families interested in pre-enrollment should contact the MVC for registration procedures. Missouri veterans are also eligible for burial at the closest federal national cemetery — both state and federal cemetery options are available based on family preference.
Missouri's network of County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs), coordinated by the MVC, provides free assistance with VA disability claims, benefits navigation, appeals, and coordination with federal VA programs. CVSOs are accredited to represent veterans before the VA and can help draft Notices of Disagreement, prepare evidence packages, and file through the Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, and Board of Veterans' Appeals lanes.
Missouri Veterans Commission
Phone: 1-888-838-6946
Website: mvc.dps.mo.gov
The MVC can connect you with your nearest CVSO, assist with veterans home applications, cemetery pre-enrollment, and coordinate with state and federal benefit programs.
Missouri provides statutory employment preference for veterans in state civil service hiring under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 36.220. This preference directly benefits veterans competing for state government positions by adding points to their examination scores.
| Veteran Category | Preference Points Added |
|---|---|
| Veteran with honorable discharge | 5 points added to passing exam score |
| Veteran with service-connected disability | 10 points added to passing exam score |
| Surviving spouse of veteran (died in service or from SC condition) | Preference points — confirm details with MSPB |
Veterans preference under § 36.220 applies to competitive scored examinations for positions subject to Missouri State Personnel Board (MSPB) rules. This advantage can be decisive in competitive hiring — particularly for 100% SC disabled veterans who receive the maximum 10-point preference. Missouri state agencies are required to apply veterans preference in their hiring decisions.
Missouri's network of job centers — operating under the Missouri Job Center system — provides priority employment services for veterans. Federal Jobs for Veterans State Grant (JVSG) funding supports:
Veterans seeking employment in Missouri should visit their nearest Missouri Job Center and specifically request veteran services — DVOP and LVER services are available free of charge at centers statewide. The Missouri Workforce Innovation Board also coordinates veteran-specific career pipeline programs through partnerships with major Missouri employers.
Missouri law provides fee waivers and expedited licensing for veterans with military occupational specialties (MOS) that align with state-regulated professions. Veterans transitioning to civilian careers in healthcare, construction, transportation, security, and other licensed fields should contact the relevant Missouri licensing board to inquire about military equivalency credits, fee waivers, and expedited processing available for qualifying military service.
Missouri provides hunting and fishing license discounts for veterans with service-connected disability ratings through the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC). Veterans with higher disability ratings qualify for greater discounts — with 100% SC disabled veterans eligible for free or significantly reduced-price annual hunting and fishing licenses.
Missouri offers specialty license plates for veterans including disabled veteran plates (reduced or no fee for 100% SC disabled veterans), Purple Heart plates, POW/MIA plates, combat service plates (Vietnam, Korean War, Gulf War, OEF/OIF), and branch-of-service plates. Disabled veteran plates may be issued without the standard plate fee for qualifying 100% SC disabled veterans. Contact the Missouri Department of Revenue's Motor Vehicle Bureau for current plate options and eligibility.
Active-duty military personnel stationed in Missouri but domiciled in another state are not subject to Missouri income tax on their military pay. Missouri active-duty residents serving in combat zones may be eligible for tax deferrals and other combat zone tax exclusion benefits consistent with federal law. For specific situations — particularly for Guard and Reserve members with complex duty statuses — consult the Missouri Department of Revenue's military tax guidance or a tax professional familiar with Missouri military taxation rules.
Missouri's veteran communities are concentrated around its major installation areas: the St. Louis metro (Scott AFB corridor), the Knob Noster / Warrensburg area (Whiteman AFB), and the Waynesville / St. Robert area (Fort Leonard Wood). Each of these regions has significant VA healthcare access: the St. Louis VA Medical Center (John Cochran Division) serves the metro east; the Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital in Columbia serves mid-Missouri; and the Poplar Bluff VA Medical Center serves southeast Missouri. Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) in Springfield, Kansas City, Joplin, and other cities extend VA healthcare statewide.
Missouri's state benefits are strongest for military retirees (full retirement income exemption) and combat veterans with higher disability ratings (property tax credit, employment preference, education programs). But Missouri's state benefits are designed to layer on top of federal VA disability compensation — which remains the most financially impactful benefit for most veterans.
| Benefit | Approximate Annual Value | Tax Status |
|---|---|---|
| VA disability pay — 100% with no dependents (2026) | $47,263/yr ($3,938.58/mo) | Federal & MO state tax-exempt |
| Military retirement pay (example: $50,000/yr) | $50,000/yr | MO state income tax-exempt (eff. 2024) |
| MO state income tax savings on $50,000 retirement | $2,475/yr (at 4.95%) | N/A — exempted |
| Property tax credit (§ 137.106) | Up to credit maximum (income-tested) | N/A — tax credit |
| Free VA healthcare (Priority Group 1) | $3,000–$15,000+/yr value | N/A — no copays |
| Combined annual financial benefit | $100,000+/yr potential | Largely tax-free |
Editorial Standards: This article was written by Sarah Henley, a veterans benefits researcher specializing in state-level benefit programs. Content is verified against current 38 CFR regulations, Mo. Rev. Stat. § 137.106, § 173.234, and § 36.220, and VA.gov guidance. Last reviewed: June 2026. Not legal advice — for representation on your specific claim, talk to a VA-accredited attorney.
No — Missouri fully exempts military retirement income from state income tax, effective for tax years beginning January 1, 2024. The previous income-based phase-out has been eliminated. This applies to all active-duty, Reserve, and National Guard retirement pay. VA disability compensation remains separately exempt under federal law.
Under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 137.106, Missouri provides an income-tested property tax credit for veterans with 100% service-connected disability ratings on their primary residence. Unlike full exemptions in some states, this is a credit against taxes owed, and the amount depends on total household income. Contact the Missouri Veterans Commission at 1-888-838-6946 or your county assessor for current amounts and eligibility requirements.
The Missouri Wartime Veterans Survivors Grant (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 173.234) provides tuition assistance at Missouri public colleges and universities for surviving spouses and dependent children of Missouri wartime veterans who died from service-connected conditions or while in service. Apply through MDHEWD at dhe.mo.gov and the financial aid office of your Missouri public institution.
Under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 36.220, Missouri veterans receive preference on state civil service exams: 5 points for veterans with honorable discharges, and 10 points for veterans with service-connected disabilities. This preference applies to initial appointment decisions for positions subject to Missouri State Personnel Board rules.
Missouri operates seven state veterans homes: Cape Girardeau, Cameron, Mexico, Mt. Vernon, St. James, Warrensburg, and St. Louis. All are VA-certified, allowing VA per-diem contributions for eligible service-connected veterans. Contact the MVC at 1-888-838-6946 to apply.
Yes. Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) provides hunting and fishing license discounts for veterans with service-connected disability ratings, with 100% SC disabled veterans eligible for free or significantly discounted licenses. Contact MDC at mdc.mo.gov for current fee schedules and documentation requirements.
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