Veteran Benefits in Missouri

Property Tax Credit

Who qualifies

Qualifying homeowners or renters, including veterans who became 100% disabled because of military service or their spouses. For 2026, statutory income limits are $38,200 for single filers or $41,000 married filing combined; for a homestead owned and occupied all year they are $42,200 and $48,000. Income is calculated under section 135.010, not simply gross household receipts.

What you get

For 2026, the credit can reach $1,550 for actual property tax or $1,055 for rent equivalent. The amount depends on statutory income and eligible tax or rent paid.

How to apply

Use Form MO-1040 with a Property Tax Schedule (MO-PTS) if required to file a Missouri income-tax return.

Official page (opens in a new tab) RSMo §§ 135.010 and 135.030

Former prisoner of war homestead exemption

Who qualifies

Missouri citizens who are former prisoners of war and have a total service-connected disability, with real property qualifying as a homestead.

What you get

Exempts the qualifying homestead from property taxation.

How to apply

Provide eligibility evidence to the assessor.

Official page (opens in a new tab) Missouri Constitution, Article X, § 6

Military retirement subtraction

Who qualifies

Taxpayers receiving retirement benefits from their service in the U.S. Armed Forces, including reserve components and the Missouri National Guard.

What you get

Subtracts 100% of qualifying military retirement benefits included in federal adjusted gross income.

How to apply

Enter taxable military pension on Form MO-A, Part 1, Line 10.

Official page (opens in a new tab) RSMo § 143.121.3(12)

Missouri Returning Heroes' Education Act

Who qualifies

Combat veterans discharged under honorable conditions who are current Missouri residents or eligible to vote in Missouri. Undergraduate recipients must maintain a cumulative 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale.

What you get

At covered public colleges, undergraduate tuition is limited to $50 per credit hour for certificate, associate or bachelor's programs, within ten years after the last discharge. Graduate tuition and fees are limited to 30% of normal cost within twenty years; professional degrees are excluded.

Official page (opens in a new tab) RSMo § 173.900

Wartime Veteran's Survivors Grant

Who qualifies

Children under 25 or spouses of qualifying military members, certified eligible by the Missouri Veterans Commission. The veteran must meet the post-September 11, 2001 wartime-service, combat-related death or injury, and Missouri-residency criteria. Qualifying children must have been dependents, and spouses married to the veteran, at death or injury or within five years after injury.

What you get

Subject to appropriations and the annual limit of 25 recipients, provides tuition up to the statutory cap, up to $2,000 per semester for room and board and up to $500 per semester for books. Renewal requires a 2.5 cumulative GPA; support ends after the first bachelor's degree.

How to apply

Apply through the State Financial Aid Portal for the 2026 to 2027 academic year.

Official page (opens in a new tab) RSMo § 173.234

Missouri National Guard educational assistance

Who qualifies

Current Missouri National Guard members with satisfactory service, school admission eligibility, a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, no bachelor's degree and a submitted FAFSA. The waiver ends when completed credits exceed 120.

What you get

Provides educational grants and an undergraduate tuition and mandatory-fee waiver at covered Missouri institutions. Other specified aid applies first. The waiver cannot exceed the institution's grant for that member and is subject to statutory appropriation conditions.

How to apply

Apply to the appropriate Missouri National Guard office before each semester.

Official page (opens in a new tab) RSMo § 173.239

Veterans' preference in state employment

Who qualifies

Veterans, disabled veterans, surviving spouses and spouses of disabled veterans applying to covered state positions.

What you get

Preference in competitive examinations and in appointment when other relevant job-related factors are equal.

Official page (opens in a new tab) RSMo § 36.220

Disabled veteran and former POW hunting and fishing exemptions

Who qualifies

Honorably discharged veterans with a service-related disability of at least 60%, or former prisoners of war.

What you get

Exempts eligible fishing and hunting from ordinary permit requirements. Trout permits or daily tags, black bear, deer, elk, turkey, migratory-bird and Conservation Order permits remain required where prescribed.

How to apply

Carry a certified statement of eligibility from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs while hunting or fishing.

Official page (opens in a new tab) 3 CSR 10-5.205(1)(S)

Military camping discount

Who qualifies

Military members and veterans.

What you get

For 2026, reduces Missouri State Parks camping charges by $2 per night year-round.

Official page (opens in a new tab)

Disabled Veteran license plates

Who qualifies

Honorably discharged or separated veterans meeting the statutory service-connected disability criteria, including those receiving VA compensation for total service-connected disability.

What you get

One set of Disabled Veteran plates is issued without a fee. Additional sets have ordinary registration and personalization fees.

How to apply

Submit the signed military personalized-plate application.

Official page (opens in a new tab) RSMo §§ 301.071 to 301.075

State veterans homes

Official page (opens in a new tab)