Veteran Benefits in Missouri
Veterans may apply for VA benefits in Missouri through the state Veterans Commission (MVC) under the Department of Public Safety (DPS). Available veterans benefits include employment assistance, burial benefits, vocational rehabilitation and Veterans Homes.
However, federal veterans administration benefits include disability compensation, home loans and health care. When applying for programs, the MVC is available to help servicemembers complete, submit and follow-up on claims. To learn more about veterans assistance, including how to apply for these benefits, review the information below.
Disability Benefits for Veterans in Missouri
Veterans may apply for VA disability pay in Missouri if they have a service-connected disability or injury, including mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
To obtain these VA disability benefits, veterans must complete an Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits (VA Form 21-526EZ) and submit the form with medical evidence to support the claim. Additional disabled veterans benefits include Dependency and Indemnity (DIC) or Special Monthly Compensation (SMC).
To file these VA disability claims, veterans must complete VA Form 21-534EZ or 21-2680.
Eligible veterans may apply for VA life insurance in addition to obtaining disability benefits, including Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance, Veterans’ Group or Veterans’ Mortgage Life.
Other veterans life insurance policies include Service-Disabled Veterans’ Insurance, Family Servicemembers’ Group and Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (Traumatic Injury Protection). To enroll in life insurance for veterans, servicemembers must obtain a paper application, or they may apply online.
Health Insurance Benefits for Veterans in Missouri
Veterans who meet VA health care qualification requirements may apply for health insurance online, in person, by telephone or by mail. To apply for VA health insurance in person or by telephone, servicemembers must visit a local veteran medical facility, or they may call 1-877-222-8387 to enroll by telephone.
To enroll in VA medical benefits by mail, veterans must complete VA Form 10-10EZ and submit it to the following address:
Health Eligibility Center 2957 Clairmont Road, Suite 200 Atlanta, GA 30329-1647
After obtaining veterans health insurance in Missouri, service members receive benefits such as prescription drug coverage, emergency and preventive health services. Additional VA medical benefits in MO include the following:
- Nursing home care at any of the state’s seven Veterans Homes
- Access to local VA Vet Centers and Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC)
- Medical services for women veterans
- Transportation to and from VA medical facilities
To learn more about health insurance for veterans, contact the MVC.
Pension Benefits for Veterans in Missouri
Veterans may apply for a VA pension in Missouri if they meet income, disability, and/or minimum age requirements. As such, available veterans pension programs include Aid and Attendance (A&A), Housebound Allowances and survivors payments.
To apply for these VA pension benefits, servicemembers or their surviving spouses must complete the following applications:
- VA Form 21P-527EZ – to apply for benefits as a low-income veteran
- VA Form 21P-534EZ – to apply for benefits as a surviving spouse or child
To enroll in the A&A or Housebound veterans pension benefits, servicemembers must submit medical evidence to the Pension Management Center (PMC) at the following address:
Department of Veterans Affairs Claims Intake Center Attention: Milwaukee Pension Center P. O. Box 5192 Janesville, WI 53547-5192
Additional MO veteran pension program options include the following: the state Military Family Relief Fund (MMFRF), the Universal Service Fund, the Low-Income Weatherization Assistance Program and the Association for Community Action.
Housing Benefits for Veterans in Missouri
Several Missouri VA housing benefits are available to veterans and their families, including the home loans, skilled nursing care and tax exemptions.
Veterans who meet VA home loan eligibility requirements may apply for a Purchase Loan, Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL), Native American Direct Loan (NADL) or an Adapted Housing Grant.
To get access to VA home loan rates, service members must complete a Request for a Certificate of Eligibility (VA Form 26-1880) before mailing it to the following address:
Department of Veterans Affairs St. Paul Regional Loan Center 1 Federal Drive, Ft. Snelling St. Paul, MN 55111-4050
Furthermore, Missouri veterans housing assistance is available through the state’s Veteran Homes, including those in Cameron, Warrensburg, St. James, St. Louis, Mount Vernon, Mexico and Cape Girardeau.
To apply for VA housing assistance through any of the seven Veteran Homes, patients must complete an Application for Admission (MO 812-0100), an Admission Medical Information form (MO 812-1099), a Financial Information Income and Assets Worksheet (MO 812-0704), a Health Care Information sheet, and they must submit a Notice of Privacy Practices.
Additional benefits for veterans include property and income tax exemptions under the state Department of Revenue (DOR), which include:
- Income tax exemptions for military retirement pensions.
- Property tax exemptions for former prisoners of war with total service-connected disabilities.
- Income tax exemptions for active duty military members.
- Property tax receipt waivers for out-of-state military members.
- Personal property tax credits.
Note: To learn more about tax exemptions, contact the DOR at 573-751-3505.
Education Benefits for Veterans in Missouri
Federal VA education benefits are available under the GI bill, a tuition assistance program for military members and/or their eligible dependents. To apply for post 911 GI bill benefits, students must complete an Application for Education Benefits (VA Form 22-1990) and mail the form to the following address:
VA Regional Office P. O. Box 32432 St. Louis, MO 63132-0832
However, MO veterans education benefits are also available. These va college benefits include Operation Recognition, in-state college tuition eligibility, and exemption from the three-year attendance requirement in the A+ Schools Program.
Other VA school benefits include the Veterans Education and Training program under the state Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE) and Troops to Teachers (TTT).
Additionally, the following scholarships for veterans are available:
- Reduced tuition under the state’s Returning Heroes’ Education Act
- Academic credits for military courses or training
- War Veteran’s Survivor Grant
- Tuition refunds for students called to active duty
- Bright Flight Scholarship status when called to serve in active duty
To learn more about veteran scholarships or grants, contact a Veteran Service Officer.
Employment Benefits for Veterans in Missouri
When seeking Missouri VA jobs assistance, service members have access to on-the-job training (OJT) or apprenticeships. Additionally, service members who cannot find suitable jobs for veterans may apply for unemployment compensation.
Other veteran jobs resources include the following state programs:
- Local Veterans Employment Representatives (LVER)
- The Disabled Veterans’ Outreach Program (DVOP)
- Show Me Heroes
- Veterans Employment and Training Services
- Veterans’ preference
For more information on MO VA employment assistance, visit a local Veteran Service Office.
Funeral Benefits for Veterans in Missouri
Missouri VA death benefits includes burial at any of the five Veteran Cemeteries under the MVC, including the facilities in Bloomfield, Fort Leonard Wood, Springfield, Jacksonville and Higginsville.
However, additional VA burial benefits include interment services, a concrete grave liner, full military honors, the opening and closing of the grave, the headstone and perpetual care.
Note: To receive veterans death benefits, servicemembers may pre-apply by completing an Eligibility and Pre-Certification Application (MO 812-1360). After completing the application, veterans must mail the form to the cemetery of their choice, along with any supporting documentation.