American Legion Department of MO accredited service officer support for Lee's Summit-area veterans. Service officers help draft VA claims, gather evidence, and represent veterans through the appeals process at no cost.
Veteran Benefits in Missouri
Complete guide to veteran benefits in Missouri. VA disability compensation, state tax exemptions, property tax benefits, and MVC assistance for Missouri veterans.
Veterans in Missouri have access to a comprehensive array of federal and state benefits. With approximately 390,000 veterans calling Missouri home, the state has developed programs that complement federal VA benefits with state-specific advantages.
This guide covers every major benefit available to Missouri veterans, from VA disability compensation and pension to state tax exemptions, property tax benefits, and programs administered by the Missouri Veterans Commission.
Federal VA Benefits
Disability Compensation
VA disability compensation is a tax-free monthly payment for veterans with service-connected conditions. Ratings range from 0% to 100%, with 2026 monthly payments from $171.23 (10%) to $3,737.85 (100%). Missouri veterans can file claims online at VA.gov, by phone at 1-800-827-1000, or through the MVC.
VA Pension
Wartime veterans aged 65+ or permanently disabled with limited income may qualify for VA pension. Aid and Attendance provides additional monthly payments for veterans needing help with daily activities. The MVC can assist with pension applications.
Missouri State Benefits
Missouri exempts military retirement pay from state income tax (phased in). Disabled veterans with 100% rating receive full property tax exemption. Free hunting/fishing licenses for 60%+ disabled veterans. Free state park passes for disabled veterans
State Income Tax
Missouri provides military retirement exempt (phased in) for veterans. This is a significant financial advantage that can save veterans thousands of dollars annually.
Property Tax Benefits
Missouri offers full exemption for 100% disabled. Contact your county assessor's office for application details and deadlines.
Getting Help with Claims
The Missouri Veterans Commission provides free claims assistance to Missouri veterans. You can also work with accredited Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) like the American Legion, VFW, or DAV — their assistance is free and significantly improves claim outcomes.
Key Contacts
- VA Benefits Hotline: 1-800-827-1000
- MVC: Contact for state-specific benefits assistance
- Local VA Regional Office: Find your nearest office at VA.gov
100% Disabled Veteran Benefits in Missouri
Veterans with a 100% permanent and total VA disability rating typically qualify for the largest stack of state benefits in Missouri. Common categories include property tax exemption, vehicle registration and license plate fee waivers, free or reduced state park access, tuition waivers for the veteran or their dependents, and priority access to state veterans homes.
- Property tax exemption: Most states fully or partially exempt the primary residence of a 100% disabled veteran from property tax. Confirm the application form, deadline, and any income test with the Missouri Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Vehicle registration and DV plates: Disabled veteran license plates and reduced or waived registration fees are usually available. Bring your VA award letter to the DMV.
- State park, hunting, and fishing access: Free or discounted lifetime passes are common for 100% disabled veterans.
- Tuition assistance: Many states offer free in-state tuition at public colleges for the veteran and, in some cases, dependents.
- State veterans homes: Priority admission and reduced cost of care.
Confirm current eligibility, rates, and application steps with the Missouri Department of Veterans Affairs before applying.
Benefits Resources in Missouri
Missouri state veterans affairs office providing benefits counseling, claims assistance, and connections to state veteran programs.
Student Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Independence area. SVA chapters provide peer support, advocacy, and connections to GI Bill, scholarship, and career resources.
Accredited county Veterans Service Officer for Springfield area veterans. Free help filing VA disability, pension, dependency, and burial benefit claims. Walk-in and appointment hours vary by office; call before visiting.
Veterans Resource Center (VRC) and certifying-official support for GI Bill students at community and technical colleges in the Springfield area. Help with VA Form 22-1995, Yellow Ribbon, and credit-for-prior-learning evaluations.
Student Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Lee's Summit area. SVA chapters provide peer support, advocacy, and connections to GI Bill, scholarship, and career resources.
VA Regional Office and benefit-counselor lookup for veterans in Columbia, MO. Confirm in-person hours, schedule a claims appointment, or find your nearest VBA benefits office.
Veterans Resource Center (VRC) and certifying-official support for GI Bill students at community and technical colleges in the Kansas City area. Help with VA Form 22-1995, Yellow Ribbon, and credit-for-prior-learning evaluations.
Student Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Columbia area. SVA chapters provide peer support, advocacy, and connections to GI Bill, scholarship, and career resources.
Veterans Resource Center (VRC) and certifying-official support for GI Bill students at community and technical colleges in the Independence area. Help with VA Form 22-1995, Yellow Ribbon, and credit-for-prior-learning evaluations.
Accredited county Veterans Service Officer for Kansas City area veterans. Free help filing VA disability, pension, dependency, and burial benefit claims. Walk-in and appointment hours vary by office; call before visiting.
Student Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the St. Louis area. SVA chapters provide peer support, advocacy, and connections to GI Bill, scholarship, and career resources.
Student Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Springfield area. SVA chapters provide peer support, advocacy, and connections to GI Bill, scholarship, and career resources.
Accredited county Veterans Service Officer for St. Louis area veterans. Free help filing VA disability, pension, dependency, and burial benefit claims. Walk-in and appointment hours vary by office; call before visiting.
VA Regional Office and benefit-counselor lookup for veterans in Independence, MO. Confirm in-person hours, schedule a claims appointment, or find your nearest VBA benefits office.
VA Regional Office and benefit-counselor lookup for veterans in Springfield, MO. Confirm in-person hours, schedule a claims appointment, or find your nearest VBA benefits office.
VA Regional Office and benefit-counselor lookup for veterans in St. Louis, MO. Confirm in-person hours, schedule a claims appointment, or find your nearest VBA benefits office.
Veterans Resource Center (VRC) and certifying-official support for GI Bill students at community and technical colleges in the St. Louis area. Help with VA Form 22-1995, Yellow Ribbon, and credit-for-prior-learning evaluations.
Veterans Resource Center (VRC) and certifying-official support for GI Bill students at community and technical colleges in the Lee's Summit area. Help with VA Form 22-1995, Yellow Ribbon, and credit-for-prior-learning evaluations.
American Legion Department of MO accredited service officer support for Springfield-area veterans. Service officers help draft VA claims, gather evidence, and represent veterans through the appeals process at no cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What state benefits are available for veterans in Missouri?
- Missouri veterans receive military retirement exempt (phased in) and full exemption for 100% disabled. Additional benefits include Missouri exempts military retirement pay from state income tax (phased in).
- Does Missouri tax military retirement pay?
- Missouri provides military retirement exempt (phased in). This applies to military retired pay received from the federal government.
- What property tax exemptions do Missouri veterans get?
- Missouri provides full exemption for 100% disabled. Eligibility and amounts depend on disability rating and local jurisdiction.
- How do I file a VA disability claim in Missouri?
- File online at VA.gov, call 1-800-827-1000, or visit the MVC for free claims assistance. Working with an accredited VSO significantly improves outcomes.
- Where can I get free help with VA benefits in Missouri?
- The Missouri Veterans Commission provides free benefits counseling. VSOs like the American Legion, VFW, and DAV also provide free accredited representation for claims.
- What benefits do 100% disabled veterans get in Missouri?
- In Missouri, veterans rated 100% permanent and total by the VA typically qualify for a property tax exemption on their primary residence, free or discounted disabled veteran (DV) license plates, free state park access, tuition waivers for the veteran or eligible dependents, and priority admission to the state veterans home. Combine these with federal benefits such as VA disability compensation, Special Monthly Compensation, CHAMPVA for dependents, and Dependents Educational Assistance.
- How do I apply for the Missouri 100% disabled veteran property tax exemption?
- Most Missouri counties require a copy of your VA award letter showing 100% service-connected disability, proof of residency, and a state-specific application filed with your county assessor or department of revenue. Use the Vet Uplift Forms library filtered to Missouri to find the current application, and contact your county assessor for filing deadlines.
Top Missouri cities for benefits
Related guides in Missouri
Benefits in nearby states
Related resources
Recently verified benefits resources serving Missouri, ordered by most recent verification.
Student Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Lee's Summit area. SVA chapters provide peer support, advocacy, and connections to GI Bill, scholarship, and career resources.
Veterans Resource Center (VRC) and certifying-official support for GI Bill students at community and technical colleges in the Lee's Summit area. Help with VA Form 22-1995, Yellow Ribbon, and credit-for-prior-learning evaluations.
American Legion Department of MO accredited service officer support for Lee's Summit-area veterans. Service officers help draft VA claims, gather evidence, and represent veterans through the appeals process at no cost.
VA Regional Office and benefit-counselor lookup for veterans in Lee's Summit, MO. Confirm in-person hours, schedule a claims appointment, or find your nearest VBA benefits office.
Accredited county Veterans Service Officer for Lee's Summit area veterans. Free help filing VA disability, pension, dependency, and burial benefit claims. Walk-in and appointment hours vary by office; call before visiting.
Student Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Independence area. SVA chapters provide peer support, advocacy, and connections to GI Bill, scholarship, and career resources.