Mississippi veteran benefits
Veteran Compass lists 29 Mississippi programs for veterans and their families. Each one links to the official government page, because rules, amounts and deadlines change. This is a guide to what is worth looking into, not a decision about whether you qualify. Federal VA benefits, such as health care, disability compensation and the GI Bill, also apply in Mississippi; see the full directory or use the Benefit Finder.
Burial
Mississippi State Veterans Memorial Cemeteries
Mississippi VA operates two state veterans memorial cemeteries, at Newton and Kilmichael, offering casket or cremation burial and military funeral honors arranged through the funeral director.
Who it may help: Veterans whose discharge was under conditions other than dishonorable, along with spouses and dependents, may be buried there. Certain National Guard members and Reservists may also qualify under the Burial Equity Act effective July 1, 2024, and that act carries a fee; see the page for the current cost. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Education
In-State Tuition for Veterans and Title 38 Education Beneficiaries
Mississippi VA's state benefits page says veterans as defined by Title 38 of the U.S. Code, and people entitled to Title 38 education benefits, are authorized to pay in-state tuition.
Who it may help: Eligibility depends on being a veteran under Title 38 or being entitled to Title 38 education benefits. The page cites state code section 37-103-25; confirm how a school applies it with its admissions or veterans office. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Mississippi National Guard State Education Assistance Program (SEAP)
The Mississippi National Guard describes SEAP as a state-funded scholarship for undergraduate or career and technical study at in-state schools, subject to legislative funding. The state page is undated, so confirm current details with the Mississippi National Guard.
Who it may help: The page describes SEAP for Mississippi National Guard service members and lists requirements including completing Basic Training or joining the ROTC Simultaneous Membership Program, holding a warrant officer rank of WO1-CW4 or officer rank of O1-O4, being a registered Mississippi voter, serving in good standing, keeping a 2.0 GPA for the prior semester funded (or completing a vocational course), and enrolling at an accredited Mississippi college, community college or vocational program. It states payment limits that vary by school type and application windows, and funding depends on legislative appropriations. Confirm details with the Guard education office. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Mississippi State Approving Agency for GI Bill Programs
Mississippi Veterans Affairs houses the State Approving Agency, which approves schools and training programs that veterans may use for education benefits and answers questions about GI Bill program approval.
Who it may help: The page does not list eligibility rules for education benefits; it directs visitors to the agency for questions. It lists the types of programs reviewed, including colleges, vocational schools, flight schools and apprenticeships. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Honorary High School Diploma for Veterans
Local school boards may award an honorary high school diploma to honorably discharged Mississippi resident veterans of World War II, the Korean Conflict or the Vietnam Conflict who could not finish school because of military service. Family members of eligible deceased veterans may apply for a posthumous award.
Who it may help: The page lists honorably discharged Mississippi residents who served in World War II, the Korean Conflict or the Vietnam Conflict, with graduation-year and service-ribbon conditions for some groups. Awarding is up to the local school board. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Employment
State Employment Preference for Veterans and Disabled Veterans
The Mississippi State Personnel Board says qualified veterans appear at the top of eligible lists sent to hiring agencies, with disabled veterans placed ahead of other veterans. Purple Heart recipients are treated as disabled veterans.
Who it may help: Applicants must indicate veteran status on the state application. The page does not explain scoring or other conditions, so confirm with the State Personnel Board. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
MDES Veterans Employment Services
The Mississippi Department of Employment Security gives veterans priority of service and offers job search help, training and education information, and employment rights information.
Who it may help: The page describes services for veterans and links an eligibility screening form; the page does not list detailed requirements. Contact a Mississippi WIN Job Center or MDES for specifics. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
State Personnel Board Military Spouse Transition Network
The Mississippi State Personnel Board's veterans page describes a network for military spouses who work for state government agencies in NASPE member states, offering help such as resume building, skills translation and informal contacts when moving.
Who it may help: The page says the program is open to identified military spouses working for state government agencies in NASPE member states. Mississippi spouses who receive a PCS notice can contact the State Personnel Board for help transitioning to another state. The page does not list the participating states. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Professional License Reciprocity and Military Training Credit
Mississippi Veterans Affairs says military members and spouses who move to Mississippi because of an active duty transfer may get faster professional licensing for many occupations, and military training may count toward requirements, depending on the licensing board.
Who it may help: The page says temporary licenses may be available and that applicants must contact the specific licensing board, since board guidelines apply. Additional requirements apply. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Family
Tuition Scholarship for Children of POW/MIA Service Members
Children of service members officially listed as prisoner of war or missing in action, whose home of record is Mississippi, may receive an eight-semester tuition scholarship at a state-supported college or university. The page says books, food, supplies and extracurricular fees are not covered.
Who it may help: The parent's home of record must be Mississippi and the parent must be officially listed as POW or MIA. Confirm application steps with Mississippi VA or the school. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Military Spouse Income Tax Residency Relief
A Department of Revenue notice explains that a military spouse living in Mississippi only to be with a servicemember stationed here under orders may keep their former state of residency for income tax purposes, so the spouse may be exempt from Mississippi income tax. The state notice is dated 2022, so confirm current rules with the Department of Revenue.
Who it may help: The notice lists four conditions: the spouse lives in Mississippi, lives here solely to be with the servicemember, the servicemember is here under military orders, and both claim the same state of domicile. It describes filing a joint nonresident return with a military spouse ID card and Form DD-2058, and says the relief covers the spouse only. The notice is dated March 17, 2022. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Financial
Homestead Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans
Mississippi's homestead exemption program includes a full property tax exemption on a qualifying homestead for honorably discharged veterans classified as service-connected totally disabled, and for their unremarried surviving spouses. The same page lists other veteran-related groups, such as veterans aged 90 or older.
Who it may help: Applicants must apply with the county Tax Assessor within the yearly filing period, own and occupy the home as their primary residence on January 1, and meet the general homestead rules. The page does not define honorably discharged or service-connected, so confirm details with your county Tax Assessor. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Mississippi Income Tax Treatment of Military Pay
The Department of Revenue says hazardous duty pay earned in a presidentially designated combat zone is exempt from state income tax. It also says National Guard and reserve members may exclude part of their salary from income.
Who it may help: The page says the first $15,000 of salary for Guard and reserve service (inactive duty training, active duty training and state active duty) is excluded from income, and that military pay is taxed by the state that is your home of record. Additional requirements may apply; confirm with the Mississippi Department of Revenue. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Retirement Income and VA Payments Under Mississippi Income Tax
The Department of Revenue's FAQ says retirement income, pensions and annuities are generally not subject to Mississippi income tax when plan requirements are met, and that Veterans' Administration payments are not taxed. The page does not mention military retirement pay or military disability pay by name.
Who it may help: The page ties the retirement exemption to meeting the retirement plan's requirements and says early distributions may be taxable. Confirm with the Department of Revenue how your specific military or VA income is treated. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Homestead Exemption for Veterans Age 90+ and Military Survivors
Under the total-exemption tier of Mississippi's homestead exemption, a qualifying homestead may be exempt from property taxes for honorably discharged veterans who are 90 or older, and for unremarried surviving spouses of service members who died on active duty or Guard/Reserve members who died on active duty for training.
Who it may help: The page lists honorably discharged veterans at least 90 years old on or before January 1 and their unremarried surviving spouses, plus unremarried surviving spouses of Armed Forces members killed or who died on active duty and of Guard or reserve members killed or who died on active duty for training. It says homeowners must meet the homestead eligibility requirements, including owning and occupying the home as a primary residence on January 1. Applications go to the county Tax Assessor's office between January 1 and April 1 each year. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Healthcare
Mississippi State Veterans Homes
The Mississippi Veterans Affairs agency runs state veterans homes, which the page lists in Collins, Jackson, Kosciusko, Oxford and Biloxi (Tradition). The page describes the care only in general terms.
Who it may help: Applicants are veterans with active duty service and a discharge that was not dishonorable (DD 214 needed), or the spouse of a veteran already living in a state veterans nursing home. Applicants must be or have been Mississippi residents, though a non-resident may be admitted if no resident is waiting. A physician's exam is required before admission. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
988 Crisis Line and Veterans Crisis Line Access in Mississippi
The Department of Mental Health explains that 988 offers free, confidential crisis support by call, text or chat, and that veterans and service members can press 1 after dialing to reach the Veterans Crisis Line.
Who it may help: No eligibility screening is described on the page. Anyone in crisis or worried about someone else may use it. If life is in immediate danger, call 911. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Housing
Veterans' Home Purchase Board Home Loans
The Veterans' Home Purchase Board of Mississippi offers state home loans to eligible veterans. The page also notes a credit report fee is due before an application can be processed.
Who it may help: Applicants must have lived in Mississippi right before entering service or for two consecutive years before applying, hold a VA Certificate of Eligibility, and have a discharge that is not dishonorable. Reserve and National Guard members with at least six years of service, certain activated members, active-duty members, and unmarried surviving spouses of veterans who died of service-connected causes may also apply. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Legal
Veterans Benefits Specialists
Mississippi VA lists Veterans Benefits Support Specialists stationed at its main office, district offices, campuses, VA medical centers and military installations, along with county service officers, as contacts for benefits help.
Who it may help: The page lists contact information but does not describe the specific duties or eligibility rules. Contact Mississippi VA at the main office listed on the page to find the specialist nearest you. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Concealed Carry Permit Fee Exemptions for Veterans and Service Members
Mississippi Veterans Affairs lists fee exemptions for concealed weapon permits and renewals for veterans with a service-connected disability and for active duty members.
Who it may help: The page says veterans with a service-connected disability need to have lived in Mississippi at least 12 months before applying, with a possible waiver for some applicants. It also lists a separate qualification route for current or former service members with certain training. Confirm with the Department of Public Safety. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Other
Mississippi Veterans Honor Medal
Mississippi Veterans Affairs offers a state honor medal that recognizes veterans for their service. Applicants apply through the agency using its application form and a fee paid by check.
Who it may help: The page lists Mississippi residency (current, at entry into service, or at death), U.S. Armed Forces service in wartime or peacetime, an honorable discharge, and Guard or Reserve membership. One medal is awarded per veteran or family, and the page lists a fee. Contact Mississippi Veterans Affairs for details. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
DD-214 Copy Requests Through Mississippi VA
Mississippi Veterans Affairs lets veterans and next of kin of deceased veterans request copies of a DD-214 online or with a fillable form. Authorized third parties can also request one with signed permission.
Who it may help: Veterans and next of kin may request; next of kin must supply legal proof of the relationship such as a birth, death or marriage record or obituary, and third parties need signed, dated authorization. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Free Birth and Death Certificate Copies for Veterans' Claims
Mississippi Veterans Affairs provides a request form for certificates that the state provides without charge in certain veteran-related situations, such as supporting benefit claims or after the death of a veteran.
Who it may help: The page describes two provisions: copies needed to prove dependency, disability or survivor claims, requested through a recognized Veterans Service Officer for Mississippi resident veterans; and up to five death certificate copies for a deceased honorably discharged veteran or someone who died on active duty, with written proof of service. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Recreation
Hunting and Fishing License Exemption for Totally Disabled Veterans
Mississippi VA's state benefits page says veterans with a total service-connected disability do not need a hunting or fishing license, but must carry proof of age, residency and disability status while hunting or fishing.
Who it may help: Applicants need a total service-connected disability and the documents the page lists. Confirm the exact procedure with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
State Park Camping and Lodging Discount
Mississippi state parks list a discount on camping and lodging rates for veterans, active service members, disabled individuals and people 62 and older.
Who it may help: The page says the discount excludes holidays, special events, Gulf View sites and primitive sites. The page does not list the documents needed to show veteran status; ask the park or the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Non-Resident Armed Forces 14-Day Hunting and Fishing License
The Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks lists a short-term non-resident license for armed forces members that covers hunting and fishing but not saltwater fishing, with a listed price.
Who it may help: The price page lists this license in the non-resident section under the name Armed Forces 14-Day Hunting/Fishing and notes it does not include saltwater fishing. A related non-resident fishing listing says to apply through the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. The page does not describe who qualifies, so additional requirements apply; confirm with the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Transportation
Mississippi Veterans License Plates
Mississippi offers veteran and combat veteran license plates for passenger vehicles, pickups, other noncommercial vehicles and motorcycles, showing the holder's branch of service. Plates are bought at the local tax collector's office.
Who it may help: The page does not list personal eligibility requirements or fee amounts; it points to the Mississippi Department of Revenue website for more information on specialty tags. Additional requirements may apply; confirm with Mississippi VA or your local tax collector. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Discounted Plates for 100% Disabled Veterans
Mississippi VA's state benefits page says Mississippi resident veterans with a 100% permanent and total service-connected disability, or 100% through individual unemployability, may buy two car or pickup plates per year for a total of $1.00, plus one motorcycle plate per year. Unmarried surviving spouses are listed too.
Who it may help: Applicants must hold the stated VA rating. The page says unmarried surviving spouses qualify while they remain unmarried. Confirm the process with your county tax collector or Mississippi VA. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
VET Designation on Mississippi Driver License or ID
The Driver Service Bureau can add a veteran designation to a Mississippi driver license or ID card when you show military service paperwork in person.
Who it may help: Bring one accepted document: a DD-214, military retiree ID, VA medical ID or VA ID card, or National Guard Form NGB-22. The page does not list a separate fee for the designation and says applicable license or ID fees apply. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-25
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