The Ultimate Guide to Mississippi Veteran Benefits [Updated]

Best Mississippi Veteran Benefits

Mississippi veteran benefits (including disabled veteran benefits) are available to augment the federal benefits offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. These additional benefits and exemptions support veterans and their families in their return to civilian life.

More than 165,000 veterans make their home in the Magnolia State (about 7% of the population). Mississippi is proud to honor and support those who served.

Mississippi Veteran Benefits: What You Should Know

Mississippi veteran benefits include (but are not limited to):

• Tax advantages
• Help with home loans
• State employment assistance and preferences
• Tuition assistance
• Special military tags for your vehicle
• Hunting and fishing license privileges

Your military branch, career status, and disability status, as well as your residence status, can affect benefit eligibility.

Mississippi veteran benefits are administered in large part by the Mississippi VA (MSVA). This is one place to learn about many of your state and federal benefits, or get help with claims and applications. (VA Claims Insider and your local VSO can also help.)

Read on for the ultimate guide to Mississippi veteran benefits!

Mississippi Veteran Benefits for State Taxes

Mississippi veteran benefits feature tax exemptions on retired military pay and additional property tax exemptions, including a complete property tax exemption for veterans with a 100% VA disability rating.

Homestead Property Tax Exemption

Mississippi disabled veteran benefits (for those with a VA disability rating of 100%) provide an exemption from all property taxes on the assessed value of the veteran’s homestead property. Surviving spouses of eligible veterans also receive this tax exemption.

Mississippi Veteran Benefits for Retired Military Pay Income Taxes

Mississippi veteran benefits exempt retirement income, pensions, and annuities from Mississippi income tax if the recipient has met the retirement plan requirements.

Mississippi Disabled Veteran Benefits Not Taxable

Military disability retirement pay received as a pension, annuity, or similar allowance (for personal injury or sickness resulting from active service) is not considered taxable income. 

Some of the Mississippi disabled veteran benefits excluded from income tax include:

• Disability compensation and pension payments for disabilities paid either to the veteran or the veteran’s family
• Grants for homes designed for wheelchair living
• Grants for motor vehicles for veterans who lost their sight or the use of their limbs, or
• Benefits under a dependent-care assistance program

If you are a military retiree and receive disability benefits from the VA, see IRS Publication 525 for more information.

Mississippi Tax Exemption for National Guard and Reserve Service Members

The first $15,000 received by National Guard or reserve service members is excluded from taxable income.

This includes pay for inactive duty training (monthly or special drills or meetings), active-duty training (summer camps, special schools, cruises), and state active duty (emergency duty).

All Mississippi National Guard and Reserve Service members are eligible for this tax exemption.

Learn more about Mississippi’s tax exemption for National Guard and Reserves

Mississippi Veteran Benefits for Home Ownership

The Veterans’ Home Purchase Board (VHPB) works with Mississippi veterans to obtain VA-backed mortgages to buy a home. This includes low-interest mortgage loans of up to $400,000. 

Mississippi veterans, current active-duty military personnel, current members of the Mississippi National Guard, or Reserves with over six years of service may apply. The property must be a single-family residence in Mississippi.

The Veterans’ Home Purchase Board offers competitive rates, fewer fees, and 100% loan to value. Loans are serviced by the Veterans’ Home Purchase Board and remain at the agency for the life of the loan.

Permanent financing of a construction loan to build a single-family residence is also available. Farms, raw land, mobile homes, townhouses, and condominiums are not eligible.

To apply, write, email, or call the VHPB to request an application.

Mississippi Veteran Benefits for Education

Does Mississippi offer assistance to veterans and their families for their education? If you answered yes, step to the head of the class!

Nonresident Veteran Benefits for Tuition

Honorably discharged, nonresident veterans are eligible for in-state tuition when attending Mississippi institutions of higher learning. (Proof of service, such as a DD214, is required.)

Learn more about Mississippi in-state tuition for nonresident veterans.

Mississippi Veteran Benefits Provide In-State Tuition for Spouses and Children

Mississippi veteran benefits grant in-state tuition rates to the spouse and children of a service member.

Dependents who begin (and complete) senior year of high school in Mississippi and enroll full-time in a Mississippi institution of higher learning after graduation will keep their residency status. Students must remain enrolled and in good standing. Enrollment during summer school is not required to keep resident status.

Mississippi Veteran Benefits for Honorary High School Diplomas 

Local school districts may award an honorary Mississippi high school diploma to veterans who were unable to finish high school due to military service.

The honorary diploma may be awarded to any honorably discharged Mississippi veteran who was scheduled to graduate but entered the U.S. Armed Forces before graduation. Veterans must have served during World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War.

Family members of deceased eligible veterans may apply for the diploma posthumously. For more information, contact the school district where the veteran attended high school.

Mississippi school district directory

Mississippi Veteran Benefits for Employment

Mississippi veterans benefit from state services and preferences that help them and their families seeking valuable employment.

Mississippi Veteran Benefits for State Employment

The Mississippi State Personnel Board grants qualified veterans five preference points over other applicants for initial or promotional appointments. Mississippi disabled veterans are given ten preference points.

Mississippi veteran benefits are good for four retention points during state layoffs. Mississippi disabled veteran benefits offer veterans eight retention points over nonveteran employees.

These Mississippi disabled veteran benefits require a service-connected disability rating of at least 30% or receipt of a Purple Heart for wounds received in combat.

Mississippi State Personnel Board Policy and Procedures Manual

Mississippi state employment application

Mississippi Veteran Benefits at the Department of Employment Security (MDES)

Several Mississippi veteran benefits are listed on the MDES web page, including specialized benefits, housing, and information on getting and keeping a job. Veterans receive priority services from MDES. There are five main categories:

• Job Search
• Training and education
• Employment rights
• Veteran service sites
• Rehabilitation services for veterans

Learn more about Mississippi Department of Employment Security veterans services

Mississippi Veteran Benefits for Driver License/ID and Vehicle License Plates

Mississippi veteran benefits are available at the Mississippi Department of Public Safety’s Driver Service Bureau. You can obtain a “veteran” designation for your driver’s license as well as specialty license plates for your vehicle.

Mississippi Veteran Benefits for Driver’s Licenses or ID  

To request a driver’s license or state ID with a “veteran” designation, bring proof of your military service to your local Driver Service Bureau when renewing your license.

Mississippi Veteran Benefits for Vehicle License Plates

Mississippi veteran benefits include more than 30 military-themed license plates. Plates are available for passenger vehicles, pickup trucks, noncommercial vehicles, and motorcycles.

For every specialty plate purchased, a portion of the proceeds goes to Mississippi’s four veterans homes and two veteran memorial cemeteries.

To purchase your specialty license plate, visit your local tax collector’s office. 

For more information regarding specialty tags, visit the Mississippi Department of Revenue’s website.

See available plates here.

For assistance, contact the MSVA at (601) 576-4850 or toll-free at (877) 203-5632, or contact your local county’s Veterans Service Officer.

Mississippi County Veteran Service Officer directory

Mississippi Veteran Benefits for Hunting and Fishing

Mississippi disabled veteran benefits are your ticket to free hunting and fishing licenses! Mississippi veterans with a 100% VA disability rating are eligible for hunting and fishing licenses free of charge.

You must carry proof of age, residency, and 100% service-connected disability rating while hunting or fishing. You may buy a Disabled Exempt License for $5 as a single source of proof.

Mississippi Application for Resident Exempt Hunting/Fishing License

Learn more about Mississippi disabled veteran benefits for hunting and fishing licenses.

Concealed Weapon Permit Fee Exemption for Mississippi disabled Veterans

Disabled veterans in Mississippi are exempted from concealed weapon permit fees and renewal fees.

You must have lived in Mississippi for 12 months or longer at the time of applying to be eligible. However, this requirement can be waived if you have a valid concealed weapon permit from another state or if you’re active military.

Learn more in the Mississippi VA Benefits Guidebook.

Mississippi Veterans’ Homes

Mississippi veteran benefits ensure expert care at the state’s four skilled nursing facilities in Collins, Jackson, Kosciusko, and Oxford.

Mississippi is proud of the “best-in-class” ratings these veterans’ homes receive. While each home has approximately 150 residents, MSVA employees total:

• 220 certified nursing assistants
• 220 licensed professional nurses
• 136 registered nurses
• 52 administrators
• More than 200 supporting staff.

Veterans’ Home Locations

Mississippi veterans homes eligibility and paperwork.

Mississippi VA Health Care Facilities

Mississippi Veterans Mental Health Services

MUTEH (Mississippi United to End Homelessness): Housing and mental health support for veterans and vulnerable populations.

Mental Health Association of South Mississippi: 4803 Harrison Circle, Gulfport, 228-864-6274. Provides resources and support services for those seeking mental wellness and recovery, including drop-in centers in Gulfport and Ocean Springs and other programs.

Mississippi Veteran Benefits: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What Mississippi veteran benefits are there for taxes?

Thanks to the state’s Homestead Property Tax Exemption, Mississippi disabled veteran benefits (for those with a VA disability rating of 100%) are exempt from all property taxes on the assessed value of one homestead property.

Surviving spouses of eligible veterans may also receive this tax exemption. Additionally, Mississippi veteran benefits exempt retirement income, pensions and annuities from Mississippi income tax if the recipient has met the retirement plan requirements.

Do Mississippi veteran benefits provide the means to buy a home?

Yes! Mississippi veteran benefits include low-interest mortgage loans of up to $400,000. The Veterans’ Home Purchase Board works with Mississippi veterans to obtain VA-backed mortgages.

Mississippi veterans, current active-duty military personnel, and current members of the Mississippi National Guard or Reserves with six years of service may apply.

Is tuition assistance available to families of Mississippi veterans?

Yes! Mississippi veteran benefits grant in-state tuition rates to the spouse or child of a service member.

Dependents keep residency status if they begin and complete senior year of high school in Mississippi and enroll full-time in a Mississippi institution of higher learning in the fall after high school graduation.

Are hiring preferences among the Mississippi veteran benefits?

Yes! The Mississippi State Personnel Board grants qualified veterans five preference points over other applicants for initial or promotional appointments in state employment. Mississippi disabled veteran benefits provide ten preference points.

During state layoffs, Mississippi veteran benefits provide four retention points; Mississippi disabled veterans receive eight retention points over nonveteran employees. Mississippi disabled veteran benefits for hiring preference require a service-connected disability rating of at least 30% or receipt of a Purple Heart.

What special license plates are available to Mississippi veterans and their families?

Mississippi offers more than 30 specialized vehicle license plates to honor the service and sacrifice of service members, veterans, retirees, and eligible family members. You can see them here.

Are there Mississippi veteran benefits for hunting and fishing licenses?

Yes! Mississippi disabled veterans with a 100% VA disability rating are eligible for free hunting and fishing licenses. You must carry proof of age, residency, and 100% service-connected disability rating while hunting or fishing. You may buy a Disabled Exempt License for $5 as a single source of proof.

MAKE SURE YOU GET ALL THE BENEFITS YOU DESERVE

Regardless of what state you live in, it’s important that you pursue the monthly compensation payments due to you for disabilities connected to your military service.

Most veterans are underrated for their disabilities and therefore not getting the compensation they deserve. At VA Claims Insider, we help veterans understand and take control of the claims process so they can get the rating and compensation they’re owed by law.

Our process takes the guesswork out of filing a VA disability claim and supports you every step of the way in building a fully developed claim (FDC)—so you can increase your rating in less time!  

If you’ve filed your VA disability claim and have been denied or have received a low rating – or you’re not sure how to get started – reach out to us for a FREE VA Claim Discovery Call so you can FINALLY get the disability rating and compensation you deserve. We’ve supported more than 25,000 veterans to win their claims and increase their ratings. NOW IT’S YOUR TURN.

About the Author

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Brian Reese

Brian Reese is one of the top VA disability benefits experts in the world and bestselling author of You Deserve It: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Veteran Benefits You’ve Earned (Second Edition).

Brian’s frustration with the VA claim process led him to create VA Claims Insider, which provides disabled veterans with tips, strategies, and lessons learned to win their VA disability compensation claim, faster, even if they’ve already filed, been denied, gave up, or don’t know where to start. 

As the founder of VA Claims Insider and CEO of Military Disability Made Easy, he has helped serve more than 10 million military members and veterans since 2013 through free online educational resources.

He is a former active duty Air Force officer with extensive experience leading hundreds of individuals and multi-functional teams in challenging international environments, including a combat tour to Afghanistan in 2011 supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.

Brian is a Distinguished Graduate of Management from the United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO, and he holds an MBA from Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business, Stillwater, OK, where he was a National Honor Scholar (Top 1% of Graduate School class).