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One third of Mississippi’s veterans are living with service-connected disabilities – with half of them reporting ratings of 70% or higher. This usually involves complex health and financial challenges requiring substantial support and resources. 

Mississippi provides a wide range of federal and state-level benefits tailored for disabled veterans. These include property tax exemptions, housing assistance, deeply discounted vehicle tags, priority in public sector hiring, outdoor recreation benefits, and more. 

The Hill & Ponton guide helps Mississippi’s disabled veterans and their families learn about the state and federal benefits they can receive. It explains the specific programs and resources offered by the state of Mississippi and how to access them. 

Property Tax Exemptions and Housing Assistance 

Do Disabled Veterans Pay Property Taxes in Mississippi?  

100% totally disabled Mississippi veterans and veterans over the age of 90 do not have to pay property tax on their primary residence if they apply between January 1 and April 1 and meet eligibility requirements. Veterans over the age of 65 without a total disability may also benefit from partial property tax exemptions. Find out more. 

What Must a Veteran Do to Get the Homestead Tax Exemption?

  • Must file an application with the county Tax Assessor along with documentation like SSN/ITIN, date of birth, vehicle tag numbers, purchase/closing info, and proof of residence and ownership. 
  • Must own and occupy the home as the primary residence as of January 1 of the tax year. 
  • Must be recognized as “Head of Family,” own the property in a qualifying manner, live in a property defined as a “homestead,” and comply with Mississippi income tax and road/bridge privilege tax laws. 

Mississippi Homestead Tax Exemption Tiers 

  • Tier 1 (Regular Exemption): For homeowners under age 65 without a disability exemption. Up to $300 credit against property taxes. 
  • Tier 2 (Age/Disability Exemption): For homeowners over the age of 65 by Jan 1 of the year OR classified as totally disabled under a federal act or the provisions of a retirement plan approved by the Department of Revenue. Exempts taxes on the first $7,500 of assessed value, which may increase in future years. Proof of age or total disability is required. 
  • Tier 3 (Total Exemption): Full property tax exemption for honorably discharged American veterans with a service‑connected total disability and their unremarried surviving spouses, as well as honorably discharged American veterans over the age of 90 by Jan 1 of the year (and their unremarried surviving spouses). 

Housing Assistance for Mississippi Veterans 

The Veterans’ Home Purchase Board offers VA-backed mortgages with no down payment (100% loan-to-value) and low fees to Mississippi veterans and the unremarried surviving spouses of eligible veterans who died from service-connected causes. Veterans must be honorably discharged, have a Certificate Eligibility from the VA, and be a Mississippi resident either immediately before entering military service or for at least two consecutive years before applying. Learn more. 

Transportation Benefits

Disabled Veteran License Plates for Mississippi Veterans 

100% disabled Mississippi veterans and veterans with a service connected disability rated at least 70% by the VA can purchase one car or pickup truck license plate or tag and one motorcycle plate or tag for $1 each per year, regardless of the vehicle’s make or model. Vehicles registered under this benefit are exempt from all ad valorem and privilege taxes. 

Mississippi Disabled Veteran Tag Requirements 

The benefit applies only to private passenger motor vehicles, pickup trucks or motorcycles, and requires proof of ownership. Veterans with a nonpermanent 70% rating must also provide an updated VA benefits letter each year to renew. A surviving unremarried spouse can continue renewing the license plates or tags under the same terms or apply if the veteran was eligible but hadn’t yet received the plates before passing away. 

Education Benefits

In addition to federal educational benefits like the G.I. Bill, Mississippi veterans may be eligible for local programs, such as the scholarships offered by the University of Mississippi to their student veterans. Find out more. 

Employment Benefits for Mississippi Veterans 

Veteran Hiring Preference in Mississippi 

The State Personnel Board specifically indicates veterans and disabled veterans in the lists of applicants that it sends to agencies seeking to fill job vacancies. Disabled veterans rated at least 30% within the last 90 days and veterans awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received in combat receive a ten-point preference on state civil service examinations (versus a five-point preference for other honorably discharged veterans). These preference points can improve a veteran’s ranking among job applicants and increase their chances of being hired into state government positions.  

Layoff and Reemployment Protections for Veterans 

In state layoffs, veterans are granted retention preference over non-veterans, and additional preference is given to disabled veterans. Mississippi has also enacted re-employment protections for those returning from active duty. These laws ensure that eligible veterans are reinstated in their former jobs or in positions of similar seniority, status, and pay, provided they meet certain criteria, such as timely application for re-employment and honorable discharge. Find out more. 

Recreation Benefits

Free Mississippi Hunting and Fishing License for Disabled Veterans  

100% disabled veterans and other Mississippi residents declared 100% disabled by Social Security or who are blind, paraplegic, or multiple amputees do not need to buy a hunting or fishing license. Veterans must carry proof of their disability and Mississippi residency while hunting or fishing, unless they get an annual Disabled Exempt license. 

Healthcare Benefits

In addition to VA medical centers and clinics, the Mississippi VA operates five highly rated Veterans Homes providing long-term skilled nursing care to veterans with an honorable or general discharge and spouses of veterans residing in one of the State Veterans Nursing Homes. Mississippi residency is required unless no in-state applicants are waiting. There is no resident daily charge for disabled veterans rated at 70% or more or with a 100% rating based on individual unemployability.  

Mississippi State Veterans Homes 

  • Collins – 3261 Highway 49, Collins, MS 39428 | Phone:  (601) 765‑0403 
  • Jackson – 4607 Lindbergh Drive, Jackson, MS 39209 | Phone:  (601) 353‑6142 
  • Kosciusko – 310 Autumn Ridge Drive, Kosciusko, MS 39090 | Phone:  (662) 289‑7044 
  • Oxford – 120 Veterans Drive, Oxford, MS 38655 | Phone:  (662) 236‑7641 
  • Tradition (Biloxi) – 11721 Tradition Parkway, Biloxi, MS 39532 | Phone:  (228) 295‑7444 

 VA Medical Centers and Clinics 

  • G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery VA Medical Center: 1500 East Woodrow Wilson Avenue, Jackson, MS 39216 
  • Biloxi VA Medical Center (VA Gulf Coast Health Care): 400 Veterans Avenue, Biloxi, MS 39531 
  • Columbus VA Clinic: 824 Alabama Street, Columbus, MS 39702 
  • Dogwood View Parkway VA Clinic: 6522 Dogwood View Parkway, Suite F, Jackson, MS 39213 
  • Greenville VA Clinic: 1651 Highway 1 South, Suite 1D, Greenville, MS 38701 
  • Hattiesburg VA Clinic: 5003 Hardy Street, Tower B, Suite 402, Hattiesburg, MS 39402 
  • Kosciusko VA Clinic: 405 West Adams Street, Kosciusko, MS 39090 
  • McComb VA Clinic: 1308 Harrison Avenue, McComb, MS 39648 
  • Meridian VA Clinic: 2103 13th Street, Meridian, MS 39301 
  • Natchez VA Clinic: 105 Northgate Drive, Suite 2, Natchez, MS 39120 

Burial and Survivor Benefits

The Mississippi VA operates two Veterans Cemeteries in Kilmichael and Newton, offering burial services for veterans, spouses and dependents. 

  • Kilmichael Cemetery – 2 Legion Road, Kilmichael, MS 39747 | Phone: (662) 262-4232 
  • Newton Cemetery – 248 Honor Circle, Newton, MS 39345 | Phone: (601) 683-2959 

As of July 1, 2024, Mississippi Law also allows eligible National Guard and Reservists to be interred at these cemeteries. Burial costs are approximately $950 per individual, plus $115 for niche costs (cremation in a columbarium) or $445 for a casket or cremation buried-in-ground. 

Military honors may include TAPS, rifle detail, color guard, and a flag presentation. Families who choose not to bury their loved one in a VA cemetery can request either commemorative plaques or urns from the VA to honor their veteran’s service. 

Surviving spouses and dependents are also eligible for death benefits, Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), accrued benefits, and more. See how to get survivor benefits. 

Federal Benefits Available to Mississippi Veterans 

In addition to Mississippi’s specific benefits, disabled veterans get a wide range of federal VA disability benefits, including:

  • Monthly tax-free compensation payments based on disability rating (calculate it here) 
  • Medical care, including mental health services and counseling  
  • Home loans and housing benefits  
  • Vocational rehabilitation and employment services  
  • Education benefits through the GI Bill  
  • Survivor benefits  
  • Federal hiring preference  

Eligibility for some of these benefits depends on the disability rating percentage. Use the links below to see what federal benefits Mississippi veterans can get with a rating of 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, etc. 

100% Disabled Veteran Benefits

Mississippi veterans with a 100% disability rating receive the highest level of federal VA benefits, including:

  • Full monthly VA compensation
  • Full VA healthcare coverage
  • Dental care
  • Adaptive equipment grants

See all federal benefits for a 100% disabled Mississippi veteran → 

100% Disabled Veteran Benefits for Spouse and Dependents

Spouses and family members of 100% disabled veterans may also be able to get several benefits:

  • CHAMPVA healthcare  
  • DIC eligibility  
  • Education benefits  
  • Continued property tax exemption  
  • Access to Mississippi state resources  

Benefits for Toxic Exposure

Veterans who served at contaminated military bases or who were exposed to Agent Orange, burn pits, or other environmental hazards may qualify for additional VA benefits. Bases in or near Mississippi with known toxic exposure issues include: 

If you served at a base in a different state, you can find yours on our toxic exposure map: www.hillandponton.com/toxic-exposure/.  

Getting VA Disability in Mississippi 

Getting through the VA disability claims process can be tricky, but there are local and national resources to help guide you. These resources include local veteran groups, state-supported VA services, and experienced disability attorneys. 

How to Apply for VA Benefits in Mississippi – Free Guide 

Attorney Matthew Hill has written THE book on how to get VA disability compensation and benefits. And it’s yours free of charge. We also offer a free online course for easy, immediate access.  

Mississippi State Assistance and Resources 

Help from Experienced Lawyers 

Our VA-accredited attorneys proudly serve Mississippi veterans who were denied or underrated, with no upfront costs. Contact us for a free evaluation – even if we don’t take your case, we’ll point you in the right direction!

Hill & Ponton has successfully assisted disabled veterans all over Mississippi. Find out more about our legal services: