Mississippi State Veterans Benefits: A Comprehensive Guide
CCK Law: Our Vital Role in Veterans Law
In addition to those benefits offered by Veterans Affairs (VA), Mississippi veterans can access a wide range of state-provided benefits and resources designed to assist the veterans and their families with housing, education, employment, and more.
As a national law firm dedicated to serving veterans in Mississippi and beyond, we have compiled a list of state benefits that veterans may find valuable.
Note that even state benefits may only be available for certain VA ratings. If you are having challenges filing the supplemental claims or appeals you need to get the VA rating you deserve, consider contacting a VA-accredited advocate to assist you.
What Housing Benefits Are Available to Mississippi Veterans?
For many veterans, safe and stable housing is a vital part of maintaining independence and quality of life after military service. Recognizing this, the State of Mississippi offers a range of housing benefits designed to support those who served. These programs are aimed at meeting both immediate and long-term housing needs, whether a veteran requires skilled nursing care or is working toward purchasing a home for their family.
State Veterans Homes
Mississippi operates four state veterans homes that provide long-term care to honorably discharged veterans. These homes are located in:
- Collins
- Jackson
- Kosciusko
- Oxford
To be eligible, veterans must have:
- Served on active duty and was discharged under honorable conditions
- A need for skilled nursing care
- A valid Mississippi residency
Mississippi Home Corporation (MHC)
MHC offers home loans and financial assistance to veterans for purchasing homes. Benefits include:
- Competitive interest rates
- Down payment assistance
What Financial Benefits Are Available to Mississippi Veterans?
Mississippi recognizes the sacrifices made by its veterans. It offers a range of financial benefits that help ease the cost of living for those who have served in the military. From income and property tax exemptions to targeted financial relief for low-income and disabled veterans, the state has implemented several programs to provide long-term economic support.
These benefits are designed to ensure veterans and their families can maintain financial stability in civilian life. Whether a veteran is retired, living with a service-connected disability, or operating a small business, Mississippi’s tax policies and assistance programs can offer relief.
Income Tax Relief
Military retirement pay is fully exempt from state income tax in Mississippi. Additionally, all VA disability benefits are exempt from state income tax.
Property Tax Relief
Veterans with a total service-connected disability who have been honorably discharged are exempt from all ad valorem taxes on the assessed value of their homestead property. This exemption also extends to un-remarried surviving spouses of such veterans.
Privilege Tax Exemption
Veterans who are 65 or older, blind, deaf, or have a 50 percent disability, and an income of $900 or less are exempt from the privilege tax for certain businesses.
What Educational Benefits Are Available to Mississippi Veterans?
Education is a powerful tool for transitioning from military to civilian life, and Mississippi offers a range of programs to help veterans and their families access the opportunities they’ve earned. Whether a veteran is looking to return to school, complete a high school diploma, or support their children’s education, the state provides targeted benefits to reduce financial barriers and recognize military service.
Honorary High School Diploma
Local school districts may award honorary high school diplomas to veterans of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War who could not complete their education due to military service.
Family members of deceased eligible veterans may apply for the diploma to be awarded posthumously.
In-State Tuition
The State of Mississippi offers financial assistance to veterans and their family members pursuing higher education. This includes the Mississippi Armed Forces State Tuition Assistance Program, which provides tuition assistance for eligible students.
Nonresident veterans and individuals entitled to veterans’ educational assistance under Title 38 are eligible for in-state tuition rates at state colleges and universities.
Educational Assistance for Children
Children of service members who are prisoners of war or missing in action receive an eight-semester scholarship at state-supported colleges or universities.
Additionally, the Adjutant General of Mississippi pays tuition for certain members of the Mississippi National Guard enrolled in state institutions.
What Employment Benefits Are Available to Mississippi Veterans?
Re-entering the civilian workforce can present unique challenges for veterans, but the State of Mississippi has developed a variety of programs to ease this transition and recognize the valuable skills veterans bring to the job market. Mississippi’s employment benefits not only give veterans a competitive edge in public sector hiring but also provide access to dedicated support for job placement, retraining, and career development.
Veterans’ Preference in Hiring
Veterans receive preference points on civil service exams for state jobs, which increases their chances of securing employment in state government positions.
Employment Assistance Programs
The Mississippi Department of Employment Security (MDES) provides specialized employment services to veterans, including job search assistance, resume workshops, and training programs. Additionally, MDES offers the Mississippi Reemployment Assistance Program, which helps veterans return to school or training.
Professional License Reciprocity
Military personnel and spouses moving to Mississippi due to an active-duty transfer can quickly obtain licenses for many professions, allowing them to continue their careers without interruption.
What Recreation Benefits Are Available to Mississippi Veterans?
Access to the outdoors and recreational activities can play a vital role in the well-being of veterans and their families. To support this, the State of Mississippi offers a range of recreational benefits that make it easier and more affordable for veterans to enjoy the benefits of living in the state.
State Parks and Recreation Passes
Honorably discharged veterans who are residents of Mississippi are eligible for a free Lifetime Sportsman License, which grants access to all state parks, campgrounds, day-use areas, and recreational facilities.
Hunting and Fishing Licenses
Veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more are eligible for reduced-fee hunting and fishing licenses. Additionally, the state offers free lifetime hunting and fishing licenses to Medal of Honor recipients.
What Burial Benefits Are Available to Mississippi Veterans?
Mississippi is committed to honoring the service and sacrifices of its veterans not only during their lifetimes, but also in death. Through state-operated veterans cemeteries and burial programs, Mississippi ensures that veterans and their eligible family members are laid to rest with dignity, respect, and the recognition they have earned.
Mississippi State Veterans Memorial Cemetery
The state operates veterans’ cemeteries, which provide free burial for veterans and their eligible dependents. These cemeteries are located in:
- Newton
- Kilmichael
To be eligible for burial in a Mississippi state veterans cemetery, veterans must have:
- Served on active duty and was discharged under honorable conditions
- Been a Mississippi resident at the time of death or entry into military service
Spouses, minor children, and in certain cases, unmarried adult children with disabilities are also eligible for burial.
Additional Resources for Mississippi Veterans
VA Health Care
Veterans in Mississippi can access comprehensive VA health care services through the VA health care system. This includes general medical care, mental health services, and specialized treatments for service-connected disabilities.
Family Members and Surviving Spouses
Mississippi provides several benefits for the family members and surviving spouses of veterans. These include education benefits, health care access, and financial assistance programs to support the families of those who have served.
Education and Training
Veterans and their family members can take advantage of various education and training programs, including the GI Bill and state-specific tuition waivers. These programs help veterans transition to civilian life by providing opportunities for school or training in new career fields.
Recording and Retrieving Documentation
The Mississippi Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, provides free copies of birth and death certificates for veterans. These documents can be used to establish claims for dependency, disability, or survivors’ benefits. Chancery and Circuit Clerks also provide free copies of marriage licenses, divorce decrees, and other records for veterans’ benefit claims.
Concealed Weapon Permit Exemption
Veterans with service-connected disabilities and active-duty military personnel are exempt from concealed weapon permit fees and renewal fees. Veterans must have been residents of the state for 12 months or possess a valid permit from another state.
License Plates
Veterans with a 100 percent service-connected disability are eligible to purchase vehicle and motorcycle license plates for $1 annually.
Use of Support Animals
Veterans with disabilities who use support animals are entitled to full public accommodations, including access to hotels, businesses, and public transportation, with their support animals.
How Can Veterans Get Help with Their VA Disability Benefits?
If you are a Mississippi veteran who has had your VA disability claim denied, our team at Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick may be able to help. As the nation’s leading veterans law firm, we have extensive experience in compelling VA to follow its rules and have successfully helped thousands of veterans win their appeals for VA disability benefits.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation and to learn more about how we can assist you in obtaining the benefits you deserve.
