Mississippi Disabled Veteran Benefits

If you are a disabled veteran living in Mississippi, or thinking about moving here, this page puts every state-level benefit tied to your VA (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs) disability rating in one place: the full homestead property-tax exemption, state income tax, the $1 disabled-veteran license plate, parks and free hunting/fishing, education for you and your family, the State Veterans Homes, state hiring preference, and more. Every figure, deadline, and form below comes from an official Mississippi source, and I link that source so you can check it yourself. Where the state's own pages leave a number unsettled, I tell you to confirm it rather than guess.

Plain-language promise: I keep the how-to steps here so you can act. The only thing I route out is filing or increasing a VA claim, because that is free claims work best handled by an accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) or your County Veterans Service Officer, never a paid company.

Recent change — the full homestead exemption now reaches more surviving spouses. Under a 2025 state law, effective January 1, 2026, the exemption from all property (ad valorem) taxes on a homestead was extended to (1) the unremarried surviving spouse of an honorably discharged veteran who had reached age 90, and (2) the unremarried surviving spouse of a homeowner classified as totally disabled under federal Social Security or Railroad Retirement rules. This is already in effect. It sits alongside the long-standing full exemption for service-connected totally disabled veterans and their surviving spouses described below. Confirm your specific situation with your county Tax Assessor.

Sources State Tax Dept: property-tax exemptions · State Tax Dept: 2025 legislation

Property tax exemption

What it is: Mississippi runs its homestead property-tax relief through your county Tax Assessor, not the state. There are two tiers. A service-connected totally disabled veteran (and certain surviving spouses) gets a full (100%) exemption from all ad valorem taxes on the homestead — not a capped amount. A separate, smaller tier gives people who are age 65+ or totally disabled (from any cause) an exemption on a limited slice of assessed value.

The routes to the FULL (100%) exemption — exempt from ALL ad valorem taxes on the homestead:

• Route 1 — service-connected total disability (the core disabled-veteran route). A veteran who has a service-connected total disability and was honorably discharged is exempt from all ad valorem taxes on the assessed value of the homestead. The law keys on “service-connected total disability,” not on one exact percentage. In plain terms, the ways a rating reaches “total” are: a 100% schedular rating; a Permanent & Total (P&T) rating; or Individual Unemployability (IU / TDIU), where the VA pays you at the 100% rate because service-connected conditions keep you from working. Mississippi treats IU as a total rating in its nursing-home law, which supports IU here too — but because your county reviews your VA letter, confirm with your county Tax Assessor that your specific rating is accepted.
• Route 2 — unremarried surviving spouse of such a veteran. The same full exemption extends to the unremarried surviving spouse of a service-connected totally disabled veteran.
• Route 3 — unremarried surviving spouse of a service member killed or who died on active duty. Effective January 1, 2023, the unremarried surviving spouse of a member of the U.S. Armed Forces (including a Reserve or National Guard member) who was killed or died on active duty, or on active duty for training, is allowed the full exemption from all ad valorem taxes on the homestead. Confirm with your county Tax Assessor.
• Route 4 — honorably discharged veteran age 90 or older. An honorably discharged veteran who has reached age 90 (on or before January 1 of the exemption year) also qualifies for the full exemption. This is an age-based path, but worth knowing if you age into it.
• Route 5 — new surviving-spouse extensions (effective January 1, 2026). As noted above, the full exemption now also reaches the unremarried surviving spouse of a 90+ honorably discharged veteran, and the unremarried surviving spouse of a homeowner classified totally disabled under Social Security or Railroad Retirement.

The partial tier (used when the full exemption does not apply):

• Age 65+ or totally disabled exemption: a qualified homeowner who is age 65 or older, or who is totally disabled (from any cause, including non-service-connected), or the unremarried surviving spouse of such a person, is exempt from ad valorem taxes on up to $7,500 of the assessed value of the homestead. Note this cap is on assessed value, which in Mississippi is a fraction of market value, so ask your assessor what it means in dollars for your home.

1. Get your VA award letter showing your rating and, if you have it, your Permanent & Total or Individual Unemployability status, with the effective date.
2. Contact your county Tax Assessor's office (search “[your county] MS Tax Assessor homestead exemption”). They administer this, not the state.
3. File your homestead exemption application in person at the county Tax Assessor's office. Applications are only accepted January 1 through April 1 each year, so do not miss that window.
4. Bring your VA disability letter (for the service-connected total-disability full exemption) or proof of age/total disability (for the $7,500 tier), plus proof you own and occupy the home.
5. Confirm the exemption posted by checking your next tax bill, or call the assessor a few weeks after filing.

Sources State Tax Dept: homestead exemption · State Tax Dept: property-tax exemptions · State Tax Dept: property-tax FAQ · State VA: benefits

State income tax

What it is: Mississippi does not tax your VA disability payments, and it fully exempts military retirement pay.

• VA disability compensation is not taxed. Mississippi does not tax benefits received from the Veterans Administration. This also mirrors federal law, which already excludes VA disability compensation from gross income, so it never enters your taxable income.
• Military retirement pay is fully exempt from Mississippi income tax — no cap and no age requirement — covering active-duty, Reserve, and National Guard retired pay.
• Combat-zone pay is exempt: compensation for hazardous duty in a Presidentially designated combat zone is exempt from Mississippi income tax.
• National Guard / Reserve pay exclusion: the first $15,000 of compensation for service in the National Guard or reserve forces is excluded from Mississippi income.
• No separate veteran-specific state income-tax credit was identified beyond these exclusions. Re-check the current-year instructions each filing season with the Department of Revenue in case new legislation adds one.

1. Confirm your VA disability compensation and military retirement pay are not carried onto your Mississippi return as taxable income.
2. If you serve in the Guard or reserves, make sure the first $15,000 exclusion is applied on the current-year return.
3. If a prior Mississippi return taxed VA pay or military retirement, fix it with a preparer familiar with military filings or by contacting the Mississippi Dept. of Revenue — this is a filing mechanic, not claims work.

Sources State Tax Dept: income-tax FAQ · State Tax Dept

Vehicles, plates & tolls

What it is: the marquee vehicle benefit is the Disabled American Veteran license plate — a $1 tag that also wipes out the vehicle's ad valorem and privilege taxes. Plates are issued through your county Tax Collector under the Mississippi Dept. of Revenue.

• Disabled American Veteran plate — $1.00, and the vehicle is tax-exempt. A Mississippi resident veteran who is rated 100% permanent and total by the VA, or rated 70% or above, non-permanent, or the unremarried surviving spouse of such a veteran, may buy up to two (2) motor-vehicle plates and one (1) motorcycle tag for the county of residence for $1.00 each in total cost. A vehicle registered under this plate is exempt from all ad valorem and privilege taxes.
• Renewing the 70% non-permanent tag: because that rating can change, plan to provide an updated VA letter confirming your rating is still 70% or above when you renew. Confirm the current renewal proof with your county Tax Collector. A veteran rated 100% permanent and total generally does not re-certify each year.
• Extra plates cost the normal amount: any disabled-veteran plates beyond the statutory allotment (2 vehicle / 1 motorcycle) are charged regular fees and taxes.
• Other honor plates that waive fees entirely: the Purple Heart plate is free (one plate; the surviving spouse's plate is exempt from taxes and fees); the Congressional Medal of Honor, Ex-Prisoner of War, and Silver Star plates are exempt from all registration fees and privilege taxes.
• Concealed-carry permit fee waiver: a veteran with a service-connected disability is exempt from concealed weapon permit fees and renewal fees (after 12 months' residency).

1. Get your VA letter showing you are rated 100% permanent and total, or 70%+ non-permanent (surviving spouses: bring proof of your spouse's rating and your marital status).
2. Go to your county Tax Collector's office with the VA letter and your title/registration documents and ask for the Disabled American Veteran plate.
3. Confirm at the counter that the plate is $1 and that the vehicle's ad valorem and privilege taxes are waived before you pay.
4. Note that a fresh application for a specialty plate is generally required every 5 years when the plate design changes.

Sources State Tax Dept: disabled-veteran plate · State Tax Dept: available plates · State Tax Dept: motor-vehicle FAQ · State VA: benefits

Recreation: parks, hunting & fishing

What it is: a totally disabled veteran does not have to buy a hunting or fishing license, and there is a discount on state-park camping and lodging. These run through the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP).

• Free hunting and fishing — no license required (total service-connected disability): a Mississippi resident with a total service-connected disability from the VA is not required to purchase a hunting or fishing license, but must carry proof of age, residency, and disability status while hunting or fishing.
• Optional $5 Exempt License: rather than carrying separate paperwork afield, a 100% service-connected disabled veteran can buy a single Exempt License ($5) that serves as proof of eligibility. You apply with a VA letter stating 100% service-connected disability. Form: Resident Exempt License Application (PDF) — MDWFP.
• State-park camping / lodging discount: MDWFP offers a 15% discount off the camping and lodging rate for veterans, active-duty service members, disabled persons, and those 62+ (excluding holidays and special events). To use the disability version, bring a VA letter stating 100% Service-Connected Disability (or Social Security / Railroad disability documentation). Because park promotions and rates change, confirm the current discount and any veteran entry benefit directly with MDWFP.
• Federal parks bonus: a veteran the VA rates Permanent & Total can get the free lifetime “America the Beautiful” Access Pass for national parks and federal recreation lands (a federal, not state, benefit).

1. Get your VA letter (100% or total service-connected disability). Carry it, or buy the $5 Exempt License so you have one clean proof document.
2. For parks, ask the campground or lodge to apply the veteran/disabled discount and have your VA letter ready.
3. Confirm current rules with MDWFP before you rely on a specific fee.

Sources Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks: fishing rules · Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks: hunting rules · Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks: permits · Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks: park fees · National Park Service: passes

Education for you & your family

What it is: Mississippi has a scholarship for disabled veterans and their dependents, a separate scholarship for children of POW/MIA service members, and an in-state tuition rule for veterans.

• Disabled Veteran and Dependents Patriot Scholarship (formerly the Mississippi G.I. Dependent Scholarship): administered by the Mississippi Adjutant General (Military Department) together with the state Board of Trustees of Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL), this program pays tuition and required fees for an eligible disabled veteran and their dependents at Mississippi public colleges, universities, and community/technical colleges. Eligibility runs to a veteran the VA rates 40% or more service-connected disabled (and to former prisoners of war and those officially declared missing in action). A “dependent” is a child, stepchild, spouse, or unremarried widow(er); children and stepchildren may receive up to ten semesters (five academic years) at the in-state tuition rate. The exact tuition and fee limits are set by rule and change over time, so confirm the current dollar limits, the qualifying disability level, and any FAFSA / residency requirements with the Adjutant General's Office before relying on it. Apply through a Mississippi VA office.
• POW/MIA Dependent Scholarship: a child of a service member whose home of record and residence is Mississippi and who is officially reported a prisoner of war or missing in action can receive an eight-semester scholarship, without cost (exclusive of books, food, supplies, and extracurricular fees), at any state-supported college or university in Mississippi.
• In-state tuition for veterans: a veteran (or a person entitled to VA education benefits) is authorized in-state tuition at Mississippi public colleges and universities regardless of residency.
• Federal GI Bill and Chapter 35 (Dependents' Educational Assistance) benefits are separate federal programs administered by the VA.

1. Decide which program fits: the Patriot / G.I. Dependent Scholarship for you and your dependents, or the POW/MIA scholarship for a child if you were a POW or MIA.
2. Contact a Mississippi VA office / Veterans Benefits Specialist or the Adjutant General's Office to get the current application and confirm the qualifying disability level.
3. Complete the FAFSA if required, and coordinate with your school's financial aid office so the award applies against tuition actually owed.

Sources the 2024 scholarship law · State VA: benefits · VA.gov: education

State Veterans' Homes & long-term care

What it is: Mississippi operates State Veterans Nursing Homes providing 24-hour skilled nursing care. There are homes in Collins, Jackson, Kosciusko, Oxford, and Tradition (Biloxi).

• No daily resident charge for higher-rated disabled veterans. Per the Mississippi VA, there is no State Veterans Nursing Home resident daily charge for a resident who needs nursing-home care and either (a) has a VA-adjudicated service-connected disability with a singular or combined rating of 70% or more, or (b) is rated a total 100% based on Individual Unemployability (IU/TDIU). Confirm your exact cost with the specific Home's admissions office.
• Admission requirements: active-duty service with a discharge other than dishonorable (DD-214), current or former Mississippi residency (non-residents may be admitted if no Mississippi resident is waiting), and a physician's exam within 30 days of admission showing no communicable disease and no care needs beyond the home's capability.
• Spouses of veterans may be admitted per state policy, and indigent veterans can request assistance with the cost of care.
• Federal VA health care (VA Medical Centers, community care) is a separate federal benefit.

1. Pick the closest Home (Collins, Jackson, Kosciusko, Oxford, or Tradition/Biloxi) from the Mississippi VA homes page.
2. Download the admission packet from the Mississippi VA site or request it from the Home, a Mississippi VA office, or a hospital social-work department.
3. Call the Home's admissions office and confirm your cost given your VA rating (no daily charge at 70%+ or IU/TDIU 100%, as above).
4. Have your DD-214 and VA rating letter ready to submit with the application.

Sources State VA: benefits · VA.gov: health care

State hiring & civil service

What it is: Mississippi gives veterans a hiring preference for state jobs, with an added preference for disabled veterans, administered by the Mississippi State Personnel Board (MSPB).

• Veterans' preference on state hiring lists: MSPB designates the veteran or disabled-veteran status of applicants on the lists of eligibles sent to hiring agencies, with disabled veterans listed ahead of other veterans. In state layoffs, veterans are granted preference and additional preference is given to disabled veterans. The official sources describe the preference structure but do not publish specific point values — confirm any point figures directly with MSPB.
• Purple Heart recipients count as disabled veterans for this preference (a 2019 law aligned Mississippi's definitions with federal standards).
• Job-search help & priority of service: the Mississippi Department of Employment Security (MDES) gives veterans priority of service at WIN Job Centers for job search, training referrals, and employment-rights help.

1. When you apply for a Mississippi state job, indicate your veteran status on the application so MSPB can attach your preference, with your DD-214 and VA rating letter ready.
2. If you have a service-connected disability or a Purple Heart, make sure you are flagged in the disabled-veteran tier and ask MSPB how the preference is applied to your list placement.
3. Use your local WIN Job Center and MDES veterans services for priority job-search help.

Sources State Personnel Board: veterans info · Employment Security: veterans services

Other: burial, home loans, business

What it is: a handful of smaller but valuable programs — state veterans cemeteries, a below-market home loan, and a business privilege-tax exemption.

• State Veterans Memorial Cemeteries: Mississippi operates cemeteries at Kilmichael and Newton, using VA National Cemetery eligibility. Burial is at no charge for most eligible veterans, and spouses and dependents may be interred. Note: under a 2024 federal law effective July 1, 2024, certain National Guard members and Reservists pay a plot fee (confirm the current amount with the cemetery). Bring the DD-214 or other discharge document. Pre-eligibility questions go to a Mississippi VA cemetery.
• Veterans' Home Purchase Board home loan: a state agency makes below-market VA-guaranteed mortgage loans (roughly 1–2% under market, up to a program maximum) to eligible Mississippi veterans, active-duty members, Guard/Reserve members with over six years' service, and unmarried surviving spouses, to buy or build a home. Check your eligibility and apply through the Veterans' Home Purchase Board (how to apply).
• Business privilege-tax exemption (general disability provision): a person who is age 65+, blind, deaf, has lost a hand or foot (or use of one), or can document being disabled to perform physical labor, and whose annual gross income is $900 or less, is exempt from privilege tax for certain specified small businesses. This is a general (not veteran-specific) provision and the $900 figure appears dated — confirm the current threshold with the Mississippi Dept. of Revenue.

1. For burial, your funeral director requests military honors and coordinates interment; have the DD-214 ready. Pre-eligibility questions go to a Mississippi VA cemetery.
2. If you want to buy or build a home, check your eligibility and current rates with the Veterans' Home Purchase Board before shopping for a private mortgage.
3. If you run a very small business, ask the Mississippi Dept. of Revenue whether the disability privilege-tax exemption applies to you and what the current income threshold is.

Sources Biloxi National Cemetery · State Tax Dept

Who to call

Mississippi Veterans Affairs (the state agency) is your front door for the programs above and for free help with a VA claim or rating.

• Website: msva.ms.gov
• Address: 660 North Street, Suite 100-D, Jackson, MS 39202
• Phone: (601) 576-4850 · Toll-free: (877) 203-5632
• Find your local County Veterans Service Officer or a state Veterans Benefits Specialist: Veterans Benefits Specialists — Mississippi VA
• Property-tax questions: your county Tax Assessor (they administer the exemptions).

1. Anything tied to your actual VA rating — filing a new claim, appealing, or seeking a higher percentage — goes to a free accredited VSO or your County Veterans Service Officer. Never pay a private company for basic claims help. Find one through Mississippi VA or at VA.gov.
2. State-program questions (property tax, plates, parks, education, homes, hiring) go to the specific office linked in each section, or start at msva.ms.gov.

Sources State Tax Dept: homestead exemption

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