Mississippi Military and Veterans Benefits

State Taxes
Education Benefits
Employment Benefits
Unemployment Insurance
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Benefits
Health Insurance Benefits
Parks and Recreation Benefits
Miscellaneous Benefits
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Facilities in Mississippi
Mississippi Military Resource Locator
Resources

Summary of Mississippi Military and Veterans Benefits: Mississippi offers special benefits for service members, Veterans and their families including tax exemptions on military retired pay, property tax exemptions, state employment preferences, education and tuition assistance, special military vehicle tags, as well as hunting and fishing license privileges. Eligibility for some benefits may depend on residency, military component, and Veteran disability status.

Mississippi Veterans Affairs, Veterans Service Officers:Mississippi Veterans Affairs has trained Veterans Service Officers located throughout the state to assist Veterans and their families find and apply for benefits under federal, state, and local laws. All their services are provided free of charge.

Learn more about Mississippi Veterans Affairs, Veterans Service Officers Directory

Welcome to Mississippi Sign

Mississippi State Benefit Highlights and Eligibility

What are my Mississippi Military and Veteran State Tax Benefits?

Mississippi Taxes on Military Pay:The following military pay received by a Mississippi resident service members are exempt from Mississippi income tax: 186th ANG

Pay received by a service member serving in a designated combat zone
The first $15,000 received by a reserve component service member for:
- Inactive duty training (monthly or special drills or meetings)
- Active duty training (summer camps, special schools, cruises)
- State active duty (emergency duty)

All other military pay is taxed in Mississippi.

Learn more about Mississippi Taxes on Military Pay

Mississippi Military Retired Pay Income Tax Exemption: Military retired pay is exempt from Mississippi income tax.
Mississippi Individual Income Tax Instructions

Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) does not withhold taxes for state or local income tax, but it is reported annually on IRS Form 1099-R. All TSP distributions are subject to state taxes and early distributions may incur higher taxes.

Learn more about Mississippi Military Retired Pay Income Tax Exemption

Military Spouses Residency Relief Act (MSRRA): The spouses of nonresident service members who are stationed in Mississippi are exempt from Mississippi taxes on income earned in Mississippi.

To claim this exemption spouses are required to file a Mississippi Nonresident Individual Income Tax Return, provide a copy of their dependent ID card and complete a State of Legal Residence Certificate.
Who is eligible for MSRRA? Military spouses must meet the following requirements to be eligible:

Currently lives in Mississippi
Lives in Mississippi only to be with their service member spouse who is in Mississippi in compliance with military orders
Service member and military spouse have the same state of residence

Learn more about the Military Spouses Residency Relief Act

Mississippi State Taxes on U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Military Disability Retirement Pay: Mississippi does not tax Veteran disability pensions. Military Disability Retirement Pay received as a pension, annuity or similar allowance for personal injury or Veteran in a wheelchair on his porch sickness resulting from active service in the U.S. Armed Forces should not be included in taxable income. Some payments considered disability benefits include:

Disability compensation and pension payments for disabilities paid either to Veteran or their 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

See IRS Publication 525 for more information.

Learn more about Mississippi Income Tax Exemption for Military Disability Retirement Pay

Homestead Property Tax Exemption for Veteran With 100% Disability: Honorably discharged Veterans who have a service-connected total disability are exempt from all property taxes on the assessed value of their homestead property. Surviving spouses of eligible Veterans can also receive the tax exemption.
Who is eligible for the Mississippi Homestead Property Tax Exemption? To qualify for the exemption the Veteran must have been honorably discharged and have a service-connected, total disability rating from the VA.

For more information and to apply, please contact the local tax collector where the property is located.
Mississippi Code 27-33-67
Mississippi Tax Commission, Property Frequently Asked Questions
Mississippi Department of Revenue Property Tax Web Page
Mississippi Tax Assessor and Collector Directory

Learn more about the Mississippi Homestead Property Tax Exemption for Veterans With 100% Disability

Homestead Property Tax Exemption for a Surviving Spouse of a Deceased Service Member: An unremarried surviving spouse of a service member who is killed while serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, or a reserve component service member serving on active duty for training are eligible for an exemption on all ad valorem taxes on the assessed value of their homestead.

For more information and to apply, please contact the local tax collector where the property is located.
Mississippi Tax Commission, Property Frequently Asked Questions
Mississippi Department of Revenue Property Tax Web Page
Mississippi Tax Assessor and Collector Directory

Learn more about the Mississippi Homestead Tax Exemption for a Surviving Spouse of a Deceased Service Member

Mississippi State Taxes on U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Disability Dependency and Indemnity Compensation(DIC):DIC is a tax-free Burial Flag monetary benefit paid to eligible survivors of military service members who died in the line of duty or eligible survivors of Veterans whose death resulted from a service-connected injury or disease.

Learn more about Mississippi State Taxes on U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Disability Dependency and Indemnity Compensation

Mississippi State Tax Exemption for Military Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RCSBP), and Retired Serviceman’s Family Protection Plan (RSFPP) Annuities: SBP, RCSBP and RSFPP annuities are not taxed in Mississippi.

Learn more about the Mississippi State Tax Exemption for Military Survivor Benefit Plan, Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan, and Retired Serviceman’s Family Protection Plan Annuities

Mississippi State Tax Exemption for Social Security Benefits: Mississippi does not tax Social Security benefits.

Learn more about Mississippi State Tax Exemption for Social Security Benefits

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What are my Mississippi Military and Veteran Education Benefits?

Mississippi State Educational Assistance Program (SEAP): SEAP pays tuition to state and regionally accredited institutions in Mississippi for Mississippi National Guard service members. SEAP currently funds up to $5,000 per year:

$1100 per semester for full-time students at a two-year Mississippi institution
$2500 per semester for full-time students at a four-year Mississippi institution
- Less than full-time (11 semester hours or less but at least six semester hours) students may apply but will only receive half of the full-time allotment.

Students have a 10-year window from when the first payment is made until expiration of SEAP eligibility. SEAP funds may be combined with Federal Tuition Assistance, GI Bill (excluding Ch. 33 benefits), grants, scholarships, or any other funding received by the student and can be used towards the first undergraduate degree or technical certificate. Service members not entitled to federal tuition assistance may apply for an additional award after all other funding has been posted, not to exceed the cost of tuition at a Mississippi public institution.
Who is eligible for SEAP? Service members must meet the following requirements to be eligible:

Service member serving in the Mississippi National Guard in good standing and enlisted through the end of the school term
Completed basic training
Registered Mississippi voter
Taking undergraduate level courses at a Mississippi university or institution
Maintains a 2.0 semester GPA
Inform school of intention to utilize SEAP

Applications and required documentation can be emailed to ng.ms.msarng.mbx.education-office@army.mil or faxed to 601-313-6151.For more information please call 601-313-6300 or 601-313-6442.

For a listing of eligible schools please visit the Mississippi National Guard, Education Services Office, Additional Resources webpage.
Mississippi National Guard SEAP Application
Mississippi National Guard SEAP Additional Award Application
Mississippi National Guard Education Services Office Contact Information

Learn more about Mississippi State Educational Assistance Program

Mississippi Resident Tuition Rates for Nonresident Service Members: Nonresident service members serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces who are stationed in Mississippi and nonresident service members serving in the Mississippi National Guard are considered residents, for tuition purposes at Mississippi state-supported institutions of higher learning. Nonresident service members who are reassigned outside of Mississippi or leave the Mississippi National Guard, are no longer eligible. Students should contact the admissions office at the school they plan to attend for more information.
Mississippi Public Universities
Mississippi Public Community Colleges

Learn more about Mississippi Resident Tuition Rates for Nonresident Service Members

Mississippi In-State Tuition for Nonresident Veterans: Nonresident Veterans are eligible for in-state tuition when attending Mississippi state supported institutions of higher learning.
Who is eligible for Mississippi Veteran In-state Tuition? Veterans who received a discharge other than dishonorable are eligible for in-state tuition rates. Veterans must provide proof of service (DD214). Students who are using transferred VA educational assistance are also eligible for in-state tuition. Students should contact the admissions office at the school they plan to attend for information.
Mississippi Public Universities
Mississippi Public Community Colleges

Learn more about Mississippi In-State Tuition for Nonresident Veterans

Mississippi In-State Tuition for Spouse and Children of Service Members: The spouseand child of a service member serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces who is stationed in Mississippi are eligible for in-state tuition when attending Mississippi Airmen in a classroom state supported institutions of higher learning. The spouse and children will lose their residency status when the service member is reassigned to another duty station inside the continental U.S. unless they meet the following requirements:

Begin and complete their senior year of high school in Mississippi and enroll in a Mississippi institution of higher learning
Remains continuously enrolled in a Mississippi institution of higher learning
Dependents of a service member who is stationed overseas after a duty assignment in Mississippi

Students should contact the admissions office at the school they plan to attend for information.
Mississippi Public Universities
Mississippi Public Community Colleges

Learn more about Mississippi In-State Tuition for Spouse and Children of Service Members

Mississippi Honorary High School Diplomas for Veterans: Mississippi school districts may award an honorary Mississippi high school diploma to Veterans who left high school prior to graduation to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces during specified time periods.
Who is eligible for a Mississippi Honorary High School Diplomas for Veterans?
Honorary diplomas may be awarded to Veterans who received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces for service during the following time periods:

Between 1941 and 1955
Between 1963 and 1973

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

Learn more about Mississippi Honorary High School Diplomas for Veterans

Mississippi Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (MIC3): Thepurpose of this compact is to remove barriers to educational success imposed on children of military families due to frequent moves and deployment of their child writing at her desk parents by:

Facilitating the prompt enrollment of children of military families and ensuring that they are not placed at a disadvantage due to difficulty in the transfer of educational records from the previous school district or variations in entrance or age requirements
Facilitating the student placement process through which children of military families are not disadvantaged by variations in attendance requirements, scheduling, sequencing, grading, course content or assessment
Facilitating the qualification and eligibility for enrollment, educational programs, and participation in extracurricular academic, athletic and social activities
Facilitating the on-time graduation of children of military families
Providing for the enforcement of administrative rules implementing the provisions of this compact
Providing for the uniform collection and sharing of information between and among member states, schools and military families under this compact
Promoting coordination between this compact and other compacts affecting military children
Promoting flexibility and cooperation between the educational system, parents and the student in order to achieve educational success for the student

MIC3 Assistance Request

Primary Point of Contact
Phone:601-941-7353

Learn more about Mississippi Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children

Mississippi Military Star School Program for Military-Friendly Schools: The Mississippi MilitaryStar School program recognizes schoolsthat show a major commitment to students and families connected to the U.S. Armed Forces.

For a school to qualify for the Military Star Award they must appoint a school liaison who is specially trained to handle the unique challenges experienced by military families. This liaison will ensure that other teachers at their school are aware of special considerations that students from military families can benefit from. For more information, please call 601-359-3461.
Military Child Education Coalition Purple Star School Program
Mississippi Executive Order 1561

Learn more about the Mississippi Military Star School Program

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What are my Mississippi Military and Veteran Employment Benefits?

Paid Leave for Military Duty for Mississippi State Employees: State employees receive 15 working days of paid military leave per year without loss of pay, time, annual leave, or efficiency rating when they are ordered to required military duty. Service members whoattend required duty for more than 15 days are authorized a leave of absence and are entitled to reemployment.
Who is eligible for Paid Leave for Military Duty for Mississippi State Employees? Mississippi state employees who are service members serving in a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible for paid military leave and a leave of absence to attend required military duty.

Learn more about Paid Leave for Military Duty for Mississippi State Employees

Mississippi State Employment Veterans Hiring Preferences: The Mississippi State Personnel Board grants eligible Veterans five preference points over other applicants for initial or promotional appointments, disabled Veterans are given an additional 10 preference points.

During a layoff, Veterans and disabled Veterans are granted retention preference over non-Veteran employees.
Who is eligible for Mississippi State Employment Veterans Hiring Preferences? Veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, for at least 90 days during a period of war or armed conflict and received an honorable discharge, or who served less than 90 days and were discharged due to a service-connected injury are eligible for five points.

Veterans who have at least a 30% or more service-connected disability rating from the VA, or received the Purple Heart are eligible for 10 points. For more information and to apply for Mississippi state employment please visit the Mississippi State Employment Job opportunities webpage.
Mississippi State Personnel Board Policy and Procedures Manual

Learn more about Mississippi State Employment Veterans Hiring Preferences

Credit for Military Service in Mississippi Public Employee Retirement System (PERS): Mississippi PERS offers military service credit for purchase and in some cases for free for state employees who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. frontend loader

Employees can receive up to four years of service credit that may allow them to receive retirement pay earlier than usual. Employees are required to submit a copy of their DD214 (or similar documentation) to verify eligibility.

Free Military Service Credit: To receive military service credit for free employees must meet the following requirements:

Served on active duty in the U.S. Armed forces

Entered or reentered state employment after discharge from active duty service in the U.S. Armed Forces and is vested in PERS

Received a discharge other than dishonorable
Not have credit for this military service in any other retirement system administered by PERS and not have overlapping service for the same period

National Guard or U.S. Armed Forces Reserve service members may be eligible for service credit if they served on federal active duty and received a DD214 for that service. Neither the NGB Form 22, or the Chronological Statement of Retirement Points will be accepted to establish eligibility for active duty military service.

Military Service Credit for Purchase: Under certain circumstances, employees may be awarded credit for military service that interrupts public service, provided the appropriate member and employer contributions are paid.

To purchase service under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), you must have worked for a covered employer, left employment for a military leave of absence, and returned to work with the same employer within 90 days of discharge or release, except as otherwise provided under USERRA.

For more information, please call 800-444-7377 or 601-359-3589, or email customerservice@pers.ms.gov.
Public Employees Retirement System of Mississippi Member Handbook

Learn more about Credit for Military Service in Mississippi Public Employee Retirement Service

Mississippi Re-Employment Rights for Service Members: Service members serving in an active or reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces who leave their job for active state duty, state training duty or any other military duty (authorized under Title 10 or Title 32) and receives a discharge under conditions other than dishonorable are entitled to be returned to their previous or similar position with the same status, pay and seniority.

Learn more about Mississippi Re-Employment Rights for Service Members

Mississippi Extension for Service Member’s Professional Licenses: A professional license issued under Mississippi Code, Title 73, Professions and Vocations to a member of the Mississippi National Guard or the U.S. Armed Forces Reserves will not expire while the service member is serving on federal active duty and will be extended until 90 days after their return.

The service member will only be responsible for normal renewal fees and will not be charged any additional costs such as, late fees or delinquency fees. The service member must provide a copy of official military orders or written verification from their commanding officer before the end of the 90 day period to qualify for the extension.
Who is eligible for an Extension for Service Member’s Professional Licenses? Mississippi National Guard or U.S. Armed Forces Reserve service members who served on federal active duty are eligible for an extension of their professional license. For more information service members should contact the licensing board or agency that regulates their profession.
Mississippi Professional License Directory
Mississippi Department of Health Professional Licensure Webpage

Learn more about the Mississippi Extension for Service Member’s Professional Licenses

Mississippi Professional License for Active Duty Service Members and Military Spouses: Active duty service members and their spouse who are permanently assigned to a duty station in Mississippi are eligible for accelerated processing of professional license applications. State licensing boards can grant either permanent or temporary licenses. Temporary licenses allow individuals to start working while waiting for their permanent license to be processed.

In addition, service members can apply military training (subject to licensing authority guidelines) toward licensing requirements.

For more information applicants should contact the licensing board or agency that regulates their profession.
Mississippi Professional License Directory
Mississippi Department of Health Professional Licensure Webpage
Mississippi Legislature, Senate Bill 2419

Learn more about Mississippi Professional License for Military and Military Spouses

Mississippi Department of Employment Security Veterans Services (MDES): MDES has a webpage for Veterans with information about specialized benefits, housing, and how to get and keep a job. Veterans will receive priority services from MDES. The information provided is broken down into 5 categories:

Job Search - Links to sources for job information, availabilities listings and advice when applying for a job
Education and Training – Links to education and training resources
Employment Rights – Links to websites regarding Veterans rights as it relates to employment
Resources – Links to resources for Veterans that includes information on specialized benefits, service records requests, assistance for women Veterans and more
Housing and Homeless Services – Links to resources to help Veterans find homes for their families

Learn more about Mississippi Department of Employment Security Veterans Services

Federal Employment Veteran's Hiring Preferences: By Federal law, Veterans who are disabled or who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces during certain specified time periods or in military campaigns are entitled to preference over non-Veterans in hiring into the Federal civil service and in retention during reduction in force. Veterans may be entitled to 5 or 10 points included in any scoring process for examination or interviews.

5-point Hiring Preference: Five points are added to the examination score or rating of a Veteran who served:

During a war, or
During the period April 28, 1952, through July 1, 1955, or
For more than 180 consecutive days, other than for training, any part of which occurred after January 31, 1955, and before October 15, 1976, or
During the Gulf War from August 2, 1990, through January 2, 1992, or
For more than 180 consecutive days, other than for training, any part of which occurred during the period beginning September 11, 2001, and ending on August 31, 2010, the last day of Operation Iraqi Freedom, or
In a campaign or expedition for which a campaign medal has been authorized. Any Armed Forces Expeditionary medal or campaign badge, including El Salvador, Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, Southwest Asia, Somalia, and Haiti, qualifies for preference

10-point Compensable Disability (CP) Preference: 10 points are added to the examination score or rating of a Veteran who served at any time and who has a compensable service-connected disability rating of at least 10% but less than 30% .

10-Point 30% Compensable Disability Preference (CPS): 10 points are added to the passing examination score or rating of a Veteran who served at any time and who has a compensable service-connected disability rating of 30% or more.

10-Point Disability Preference (XP): 10 points are added to the passing examination score or rating of:

A Veteran who served at any time and has a present service-connected disability or is receiving compensation, disability retirement benefits, or pension from the military or the VA but does not qualify as a CP or CPS, or
A Veteran who received a Purple Heart

10-Point Derived Preference (XP): 10 points are added to the passing examination score or rating of spouses, surviving spouses, or mothers of Veterans. Both a mother and a spouse (including surviving spouse) may be entitled to preference based on the same Veteran's service if they both meet the requirements. However, neither may receive preference if the Veteran is living and is qualified for Federal employment.

Ten points are added to the passing examination score or rating of the spouse of a disabled Veteran who is disqualified for a federal position along the general lines of their usual occupation because of a service-connected disability. Such a disqualification may be presumed when the Veteran is unemployed and:

Is rated by appropriate military or VA authorities to be 100% disabled and/or unemployable, or
Has retired, been separated, or resigned from a civil service position because of a disability that is service-connected in origin, or
Has attempted to obtain a civil service position or other position along the lines of their usual occupation and has failed to qualify because of a service-connected disability

Preference may be allowed in other circumstances but anything less than the above warrants a more careful analysis.

A campaign medal holder or Gulf War Veteran who originally enlisted after September 7, 1980, (or began active duty on or after October 14, 1982, and has not previously completed 24 months of continuous active duty) must have served continuously for 24 months or the full period called or ordered to active duty. The 24-month service requirement does not apply to 10-point preference eligible Veterans separated for disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty, or to Veterans separated for hardship or other reasons under Title 10 U.S.C. 1171 or 1173.

Learn more about Federal Employment Veteran's Hiring Preferences

Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA): USERRA protects civilian job rights and benefits for Veterans and members of reserve components. USERRA also protects service member rights and benefits by clarifying the law, improving enforcement mechanisms, and adding Federal Government employees to those employees already eligible to receive Department of Labor assistance in processing claims.

Absence from Work for Military Duty: USERRA establishes the cumulative length of time that anindividual may be absent from work formilitary duty 186th ARW refueling an aircraft and retain reemployment rights to five years. Exceptions to the five-year limit, include initial enlistments lasting more than five years, periodic National Guard and U.S. Armed Forces Reserve training duty, and involuntary active duty extensions and recalls, especially during a time of national emergency. USERRA establishes that reemployment protection does not depend on the timing, frequency, duration, or nature of an individual's service if the basic eligibility criteria are met.

Disability Accommodation: USERRA provides protection for disabled Veterans, requiring employers to make reasonable efforts to accommodate the disability. Service members recovering from injuries received during service or training may have up to two years from the date of completion of service to return to their jobs or apply for reemployment.

Return to Work without Loss of Seniority: USERRA provides that returning service members are reemployed in the job that they would have attained had they not been absent for military service, with the same seniority, status and pay, as well as other rights and benefits determined by seniority. USERRA also requires that reasonable efforts (such as training or retraining) be made to enable returning service members to refresh or upgrade their skills to help them qualify for reemployment. USERRA also provides that while an individual is performing military service, they are deemed to be on a furlough or leave of absence and are entitled to the non-seniority rights accorded other individuals on non-military leaves of absence.

Extension of Health and Pension Plans: Health and pension plan coverage for service members is provided for by USERRA. Individuals performing military duty of more than 30 days may elect to continue employer sponsored health care for up to 24 months; however, they may be required to pay up to102% of the full premium. For military service of less than 31 days, health care coverage is provided as if the service member had remained employed. USERRA clarifies pension plan coverage by making explicit that all pension plans are protected.
Who is eligible for USERRA Benefits?Veterans, U.S. Armed Forces Reserve or National Guard service members who leave a position for training or active military service are eligible.

The Department of Labor, through the Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS) helps all who have claims under USERRA, including Federal and Postal Service employees.
VETS Regional and State Offices Locator

Learn more about Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act

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What are my Mississippi Military and Veteran Unemployment Insurance Benefits?

Mississippi Unemployment Insurance (UI): UI provides income to those unemployed due to no fault of their own. UI is a partial, short-term replacement of lost wages while workers are seeking other work and is not intended to be a permanent source of income. Benefits are not based on financial need. Employers pay all costs of the UI program.

Applicants must provide the following information:

State issued driver’s license or ID card
Social Security number
Name and address of each employer during the past 18 months, start and end dates of employment and the reason for separation
Pay stubs showing year-to-date earnings from each employer in the past 18 months
DD214 Member Copy 4, for service members who separated from the U.S. Armed Forces in the last 18 months
SF50 or SF8 form if separated from federal employment in the last 18 months
Alien registration number or visa number if not a U.S. Citizen

Mississippi Regular UI Claims Fact Sheet
Who is eligible for Mississippi Unemployment Insurance? To be eligible for UI benefits, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Unemployed through no fault of their own
Able to work
Available for work and seeking full time work
File a claim for benefits
Serve a one-week waiting period (benefits cannot be paid for this week)
Earned sufficient wages during their base period
Registered for work at a WIN Job Center

To file for UI applicants can apply at a WIN Job Center, online at the Mississippi Department of Employment Security, Online Services webpage, or by calling or 601-493-9427.

The Unemployment Compensation for Ex-Service Members (UCX) program provides benefits for former service members who separated from the U.S. Armed Forces in the last 18 months. Wages earned during that period may be used to establish a claim for UI.
Mississippi UI Frequently Asked Questions
Mississippi UI Eligibility Requirements
UCX Program Fact Sheet

Learn more about the Mississippi Unemployment Insurance

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What are my Mississippi Military and Veteran Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Benefits?

“VETERAN” Designation on Mississippi Driver’s Licenses and ID Cards: The Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS) offers a “VETERAN” designation on the driver’s licenses or ID cards of honorably discharged Veterans. Veterans must provide one Drivers license with veteran designation of the following documents as proof of eligibility when applying:

DD214
Retired service member ID card
VA Medical ID card
VA ID card
NGB22

Veterans can apply at any Mississippi Driver Service Bureau Station. All applicable fees apply when purchasing an original, duplicate, or renewal driver’s license or ID card.
Mississippi Code 63-1-35
Mississippi DPS, Driver license Locations

Learn more about “VETERAN” Designation on Mississippi Driver’s Licenses and ID Cards

Special Military and Veteran Vehicle License Plates: The Mississippi Department of Revenue offers 74military and Veteran distinctive specialty license plates to honor the service and sacrifice of Veterans, retired service members, service members and family members.

To request a special license plate applicants must go to a Mississippi Department of Revenue, County Tax Collector Office. Applicants must provide official documentation as proof of eligibility. All forms are available at the tax collector's office. Contact your local tax collector for more information.
Mississippi Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Licensing Frequently Asked Questions
Mississippi Department of Revenue Special Vehicle License Plate Fees
Mississippi Department of Revenue, Vehicle Title and Registration Contact Webpage

Mississippi Medal of Honor License Plate: Medal of Honor vehicle license plates are available forresident service members and Veterans Mississippi Medal of Honor Plate of U.S. Armed Forces who received the Medal of Honor. Applicants are authorized one license plate and will not be charged vehicle registration fees or privilege taxes. Applicants must request from the Mississippi Veterans Affairs a certificate that they were awarded the Medal of Honor before they order the license plate.

Unremarried surviving spouses of deceased Veterans can keep or request this license plate.
Mississippi Veterans Affairs Contact Webpage
Mississippi Code 27-19-54

Mississippi Purple Heart License Plate: Purple Heart motor vehicle and motorcycle license plates are available for resident service members and Veterans who were awarded the Purple Heart Medal. Applicants can request these license plates for five motor vehicles and one motorcycle that are registered in their name, but only the first Purple Heart license plate is exempt from property taxes, privilege taxes or any other taxes and fees. Applicants must provide proof that they were awarded the Purple Heart.

Unremarried surviving spouses of deceased Veterans can keep or request this license plate.
Mississippi Code 27-19-56.5

Mississippi Disabled American Veteran License Plate: The Mississippi Disabled American Veteranlicense plates are available for Mississippi Mississippi Disabled Veteran License Plate resident Veterans who have a 100% permanent service-connected disability rating, or at least 70% non-permanent service-connected disability rating from the VA. Veterans can purchase two motor vehicle, or one motorcycle license plate for $1 each. These license plates are exempt from all other property taxes, privilege taxes, or any other taxes and fees. Additional Disabled American Veteran license plate will incur regular taxes and fees. Veterans must provide proof from the VA of their disability rating, non-permanent disabled Veterans must provide an updated VA Benefit Summary Letter annually.Disabled American Veteran license plates have the name and seal of the Veteran’s branch of service.

Unremarried surviving spouses of deceased Veterans can keep or request this license plate.
Mississippi Code 27-19-53

Mississippi Veteran License Plate: Veteran vehicle and motorcycle license plates are available for Mississippi Veteran plate honorably discharged Mississippi resident Veterans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Veterans can request these license plates for all vehicles that are registered in their name.

In addition, decals indicating branch and period of military service can be requested.
Mississippi Code 27-19-56.12

Mississippi Gold Star Family License Plate: Gold Star Family license plates are available for Mississippi resident family members of a resident service member who was killed in action or died in a combat zone while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Eligible family members are:

Unremarried surviving spouse
Child and stepchild
Parents
Biological sibling, adopted sibling, stepsibling
Grandparent
Grandchild
Aunt or uncle
Stepparent who is married to the mother or father of the deceased service member

The surviving spouse and mother of a deceased service member are authorized one plate that is exempt from property taxes, privilege taxes and all other taxes and fees.
Mississippi Code 27-19-56.524

Learn more about Mississippi Military and Veteran Specialty License Plates

Mississippi Resident Service Member Driver’s License Renewal when Stationed out of State: Service members serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, stationed out of state and their dependents who live with them can renew their Mississippi driver’s license that is within six months of expiration by mail. Service members and their dependents must provide the following:

Copy Mississippi driver’s license
First page of military orders assigning service member to current duty station
Certified check or money order made out to the Department of Public Safety for required fees (fees listed at “Learn more…” link below)
Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope

Mail to:

Department of Public Safety
Office of Central Print
P.O. Box 1459
Jackson, MS 39046

Mississippi Code 63-1-49

Learn more about Mississippi Resident Service Member Driver’s License Renewal when out of State

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What are my Mississippi Military and Veteran Health and Insurance Benefits?

National Guard Association of Mississippi, State Sponsored Life Insurance (SSLI): SSLI,offered through the National Guard Association of Mississippi, provides term life insurance exclusively for service members serving in the Mississippi National Guard and NG Association of Mississippi their families. Current members of the Mississippi National Guard are automatically protected with $1,000 of SSLI at no charge.

The Basic program provides financial protection in the event of death. It also provides coverage for spouses and children, at an affordable monthly cost.

The Enhanced program can provide additional group term life insurance for service members and spouses.
Who is eligible for SSLI? Mississippi National Guard service members and their dependents are eligible for coverage.

Service members can apply online by using the National Guard Association of Mississippi, Online Life Insurance Enrollment Form.

For more information, please call 601-354-7555 or email ngams@ngams.org.
National Guard Association of Mississippi, Contact information

Learn more about National Guard Association of Mississippi, State Sponsored Life Insurance

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Life Insurance:The VA provides valuable life insurance benefits to Veterans, active and reserve component service members and their families to provide financial security given the extraordinary risks involved in military Service. The VA provides the following life insurance benefit programs:

Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI)
Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI)
Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (FSGLI)
Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance Traumatic Injury Protection Program (TSGLI)
Service-Disabled Veterans’ Life Insurance (S-DVI)
Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI)

Learn more about U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Life Insurance

TRICARE Reserve Select Health Insurance: TRICARE Reserve Select is a premium-based plan, available worldwide for Selected Reserve, (U.S. Armed Forces Reserve and National Guard service members) and their families who meet the following qualifications:

Not on active duty orders
Not covered under the Transitional Assistance Management Program
Not eligible for or enrolled in the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program or currently covered under FEHB, either under their own eligibility or through a family member

This plan provides comprehensive health care coverage when a service member is not on active duty and covered by active duty TRICARE benefits.

Learn more about TRICARE Reserve Select Health Insurance

Workers’ Compensation and Medical Benefits for Mississippi National Guard Service Members on State Active Duty: Mississippi National Guard service members serving on state active duty are eligible for medical coverage and compensation through the Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Trust for injury, disability or death that happens in the line of duty.
Who is eligible for Workers Compensation and Medical Benefits for Mississippi National Guard Service Members on State Active Duty? Mississippi National Guard service members serving on state active duty are eligible for coverage under the Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Trust.
Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Laws
Military Department of Mississippi, Mississippi National Guard Human Resources Contact Information

Learn more about Workers’ Compensation and Medical Benefits for Mississippi National Guard Service Members on State Active Duty

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What are my Mississippi Parks and Recreation Benefits?

100% Disabled Veterans not required to Possess Mississippi Hunting or Fishing Licenses:Resident Veterans who have a 100%service-connected disability rating from the VA are not required to purchase hunting or fishing licenses. Man fishing from a dock at the lake
Who is eligible for 100% Disabled Veterans not required to Possess Mississippi Hunting or Fishing Licenses? Veterans must carry proof of age, residency and 100% service-connected disability rating while hunting or fishing. Veterans have the option to buy a Disabled Exempt License for $5 as a single source of proof of eligibility.
Mississippi Application for Resident Exempt Hunting/Fishing License

Learn more about 100% Disabled Veterans not Required to Possess Mississippi Hunting and or Fishing Licenses

Nonresident Service Members may Purchase Mississippi Resident Hunting and Fishing Licenses: Nonresident active duty service members serving in the U.S. Armed Forces stationed in Mississippi are authorized to purchase Mississippi hunting and fishing licenses at resident prices. Applicants must show a valid military ID.
Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks Fishing License Information

Learn more about how Nonresident Military may Purchase Mississippi Resident Hunting and Fishing Licenses

Mississippi Nonresident Armed Forces 14-Day Hunting/Fishing Licenses: Nonresidentservice members who are serving on active duty can purchase the Mississippi Nonresident Armed Forces 14-day Hunting/Fishing License for $36.65. Applicants must provide a copy of their military ID when they Wildlife, Fishieries, and Parks apply. Service members can only purchase two, Nonresident Armed Forces 14-Day Hunting/Fishing Licenses during a license year. Please refer to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks Nonresident Armed Forces 14-Day Hunting/Fishing License Application for documentation requirements and application instructions.
Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks Fishing License Information

Learn more about Mississippi Nonresident Armed Forces 14-Day Hunting/Fishing Licenses

Mississippi Resident Service Members Exempt from Purchasing a Hunting or Fishing License when on Leave: Mississippi resident service members serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and assigned outside Mississippi are not required to purchase hunting or fishing licenses when home on leave. Service members must carry their leave form and a military ID when hunting or fishing.

Learn more about Mississippi Resident Service Members Exempt from Purchasing a Hunting or Fishing License when on Leave

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What are my Mississippi Miscellaneous Military and Veterans Benefits?

Mississippi Veterans Document Archival and Retrieval: Mississippi has special benefits for Veterans and their family members regarding official documents.

Recording of Discharges: Chancery Clerks will record honorable discharges and all certificates of service for resident U.S. Armed Forces service members and provide certified copies free of charge.
Mississippi Chancery Clerks Directory

Free Certified Copies of Birth Certificates When Volunteering for Military Service: The Mississippi Department of Health will provide a free copy of a birth certificate to be used when volunteering for service in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Documents for VA Claims:The Mississippi Department of Health, Chancery and Circuit Clerks will provide copies of documents free when filing claims with the VA. Documents provided are:

Birth and death certificates
Marriage licenses
Divorce decrees
Adoption decrees
Any other records when needed to establish dependency, disability, or survivors’ benefits eligibility

Mississippi Department of Health Vital Records Webpage
Mississippi Code 35-3-13

Learn more about Mississippi Veterans Document Archival and Retrieval for Mississippi Veterans

Exemption from Jury Duty for Mississippi National Guard Service Members: MississippiNational Guard service members are exempt from jury duty when it interferes with military duty. Service members are required to get a statement from their superior officer stating their jury duty will interfere with their military duties.

Learn more about Exemption from Jury Duty for Mississippi National Guard Service Members

Exemption from Arrest for Mississippi National Guard Service Members: Mississippi National Guard service members cannot be arrested when traveling to, from, or when at their official place of duty, except for a felony or treason.

Learn more about Exemption from Arrest for Mississippi National Guard Service Members

Mississippi Veterans’ Home Purchase Board (VHPB): The Mississippi VHPB provides low interest mortgage loans for Veterans, active and reserve component service members and unremarried surviving spouses. The VHPB offers competitive rates, fewer fees and 100% loan to value.

The property must be a single-family residence in Mississippi to qualify. Permanent financing of a construction loan to construct a single-family residence is also available. Farms, raw land, mobile homes, townhomes, and condominiums are not eligible.
Mississippi Code 35-7
Who is eligible for a VHPB Loan? To be eligible for a VHPB loan applicants must meet the following requirements:

Mississippi resident immediately prior to entering the U.S. Armed Forces or lived in Mississippi for two consecutive years immediately prior to application
Applicant must obtain a VA Home Loan Certificate of Eligibility

Discharged from active duty service in the U.S. Armed Forces under conditions other than dishonorable

U.S. Armed Forces Reserve and National Guard service members who have six years of service or served on federal active duty (Title 10)

Active duty service members who have a been a Mississippi resident for two years

Unremarried surviving spouse of an eligible Veteran who died as a result of service or service-connected injuries

VHPB Eligibility Information

Those eligible can request an application package by contacting the VHPB, or they can apply online at the VHPB online application webpage.

Veterans Home Purchase Board
PO Box 54411
Pearl, MS 39288-4411
Phone: 601-576-4800
Fax: 601-576-4812 / 601-576-4826
Email: vhpbinfo@vhpb.ms.gov

Mississippi VHPB Contact Information
Mississippi VHPB Loan Terms Information

Learn more about the Mississippi Veterans’ Home Purchase Board

Mississippi State Veterans Homes: Mississippi has four State Veterans Homes that provide skilled long-term care for eligible Veteransand their spouse. Each Veteran home has 150 beds and is staffed with dedicated professionals to provide the best possible care. MS State Veterans Home

Mississippi State Veterans Homes Locations:

Brigadier General Martha Jo Leslie,
Mississippi State Veterans Home in Kosciusko
Martha Jo Leslie Veterans Home

310 Autumn Ridge Drive
Kosciusko, MS 39090
Phone: 662-289-7044
Fax: 662-289-7824

Mississippi State Veterans Home in Oxford
Veterans Home Oxford

120 Veterans Drive
Oxford, MS 38655
Phone: 662-236-7641
Fax: 662-236-7863

General Hilton R ‘Jack’ Vance,
Mississippi State Veterans’ Home in Jackson
General Hilton R Vance Veterans Home

4607 Lindbergh Drive Jackson, MS 39209
Phone: 601-353-6142
Fax: 601-354-6060

Mississippi State Veterans Home in Collins
Veterans Home Collins

3261 Highway 49 Collins, MS 39428
Phone: 601-765-0403
Fax: 601-765-5045

Who is eligible for care at a Mississippi State Veterans Home? To be eligible for admissionVeterans or their spouses must meet the following requirements :

Veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and was discharged under other than dishonorable conditions (applicant must provide a DD214 or equivalent), or
Spouse of a Veteran who is currently a resident of a Mississippi State Veterans Home
Nonresident applicants may be admitted if no Mississippi resident is waiting for admission
Must have a medical examination by a physician within 30 days of admission and does noy have any of the following:
- Communicable disease
- Require care that the Home cannot provide
- Behavior issues that may be dangerous to themselves, other residents, or employees

Mississippi Code 35-1-19 through 35-1-32
Mississippi State Veterans Homes, Online Application
Mississippi State Veterans Homes, Application Packet

Learn more about the Mississippi State Veterans Homes

Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemeteries: Mississippi has two Veterans Memorial Cemeteries that provide a dignified final resting place for Veterans and their eligible family members. The cemeteries offer the following services:

Opening and closing of the gravesite

Use of committal shelter for services

Supply and install headstones or markers

Perpetual care

Families of eligible Veterans can request Military Funeral Honors through their funeral director. Military Funeral Honors may include:

Playing of “Taps”
Rifle detail
Color guard
Uniformed service members to present the burial flag

Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemetery locations:

Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Newton

248 Honor Circle Newton, MS 39345
Phone: 601-683-2959
Fax: 601-683-2958

North Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Kilmichael

2 Legion Road Kilmichael, MS 39747
Phone: 662-262-4232
Fax: 662-262-4241

Mississippi Code 35-1-41 and 35-1-43
Who is eligible for Burial in a Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemeteries? Eligibility requirements for the burial at a Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemeteries are the same as for VA National Cemeteries. Exact eligibility requirements can viewed at the VA, National Cemetery Administration Eligibility webpage. The following are the general eligibility requirements:

Discharged from active duty service in the U.S. Armed Forces under conditions other than dishonorable, or
Died while serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, or
Served at least 20 years in the National Guard or U.S. Armed Forces Reserves and qualified for military retired pay (or would have qualified except death occurred before age 60), or
Reserve component service members if they were activated for federal service, (active duty for training does not qualify)
Spouses and dependents (burial of dependent children is limited to unmarried children under 21 years old, or 23 years old if a full-time student at an approved educational institution, or a child who develops a lifelong disability prior to age 21)

For more information or to schedule a burial, please contact the cemetery directly.

Learn more about the Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemeteries

Mississippi Concealed Weapon Permit Benefits for Service Members and Veterans: Mississippi offers a residency exemption and fee waiver for concealed weapon permits for eligible service members, Veterans, and retired service members.

Service members serving in an active or reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces, honorably discharged Veterans, or retired service members are exempt from Mississippi residency requirements when applying for a concealed weapons permit. Applicants must have completed law enforcement or combat training with pistols or other handguns to be eligible.

Veterans who have a service-connected disability and service members serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces are exempt from fees when applying for a concealed weapons permit.

Learn more about Mississippi Concealed Weapon Permit Benefits for Service Members and Veterans

Mississippi Housing Unit for Military Veterans (HUM-V): Mississippi Veterans Affairs (MSVA) has partnered with the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) to establish the HUM-V Program to prepare incarcerated Veterans for life after prison. HUM-V uses military and Veteran-centric themes incorporating counseling, job training, coupled with good order and discipline, to prepare Veterans to reenter society as productive citizens.

Veterans who are within 12 to 18 months of release who are willing to participate and declared good candidates are transferred to the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility and placed in a designated housing unit specifically for Veterans.

HUM-V is divided into two phases, basic training and Veterans Career Education and Training (V-CET). During basic training, Veterans participate in intensive training covering good citizenship, computer literacy, cognitive behavior therapy, anger management, and addressing issues surrounding co-dependent relationships. V-CET is a technical school where Veterans learn vocational skills and receive job training prior to their release. For more information, please contact the MSVA at 601-576-4850.

Learn more about the Mississippi Housing Unit for Military Veterans

Mississippi Veterans Honor Medal: The Mississippi Veterans Honor Medal was established to honor the service and sacrifice of Mississippi Veterans.
Who is eligible for the Mississippi Veterans Honor Medal? To be eligible for the Mississippi Veterans Honor Medal, Veterans must meet the following requirements:

Current Mississippi resident, or
Mississippi Resident at the time of entry into the U.S. Armed Forces, or
Mississippi resident at time of death, and
Served in an active or reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces, and
Received an honorable discharge

Only one medal can be awarded per Veteran. To apply Veterans or their family member must mail a completed Mississippi Veterans Honor Medal Application, a copy of the Veterans DD214 (discharge papers) and a $17 fee to:

Mississippi Veterans Affairs
Attn: Honor Medal Administrator
660 North Street, Suite 200
Jackson, MS 39202

Learn more about the Mississippi Veterans Honor Medal

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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Facilities in Mississippi

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Facilities in Mississippi: The VA has numerous resources available for Veterans and family members. Please see the local location listing for your nearest facility.

Learn more about U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Facilities in Mississippi

Natchez National Cemetery U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Cemeteries in Mississippi: The VA National Cemetery Administration maintains three national cemeteries in Mississippi. Please see the local location listing for the nearest cemetery.