Rating Based State Benefits
COMPENSATION
Compensation is a benefit paid to a Veteran who was injured while on active duty. How much money you make, or the value of your net worth has nothing to do with this particular benefit. So, if you were hurt while on active duty, even if it was not the result of combat, you can file a claim for a service connected (S/C) disability. If the VA approves your claim for a S/C disability and you are rated by the VA at 10% or higher, the VA will pay you COMPENSATION. In other words, you will be compensated for the injury you received while serving your country
INCOME TAX
Active duty is tax-free.
Reserve pay is exempt from income tax. For 2022, up to 60% of reserve pay is exempt, this will increase to 100% by 2024.
PROPERTY TAX CREDITS
The Missouri Property Tax Credit Claim gives credit to some 100% VA disabled veterans for a portion of the real estate taxes or rent paid for the year.
The maximum credit is $750 for renters and $1,100 for homeowners. The actual credit is based on the amount of real estate taxes or rent paid and total household income (taxable and nontaxable).
WAR VETERAN’S SURVIVOR GRANT PROGRAM
Available to children and spouses of veterans whose deaths or injuries were a result of combat action or were attributed to an illness that was contracted while serving in combat action, or who became 80% disabled because of injuries or accidents sustained in combat action since Sept. 11, 2001.
The veteran must have been a Missouri resident when first entering the military service or at the time of death or injury. Children must be under 25
FREE FISHING & HUNTING LICENSE FOR DISABLED VETERANS
Any honorably discharged veteran with a service-connected disability of 60% or more can fish or hunt without permit. You must have proof of eligibility on your person, some trout or turkey tags may be required.
Guard & reserve members who are currently (or have in the last 12 months) mobilized under federal orders can get a fishing and hunting license for $5.
All State Benefits
Compensation
Compensation is a benefit paid to a Veteran who was injured while on active duty. How much money you make, or the value of your net worth has nothing to do with this particular benefit. So, if you were hurt while on active duty, even if it was not the result of combat, you can file a claim for a service connected (S/C) disability. If the VA approves your claim for a S/C disability and you are rated by the VA at 10% or higher, the VA will pay you COMPENSATION. In other words, you will be compensated for the injury you received while serving your country
Pension
Pension is an income-based benefits that requires at least 90 days of active-duty service prior to 1980 and at least one day of that service must have been during a declared war time. After 1980 it requires 2 years of active-duty service and again at least one day during the war time. Since it is an income-based benefit, you must fall within guidelines for your monthly income and for your total net worth. You also must be over 65 years old OR in a nursing home OR be permanently and totally disabled at any age and have an honorable discharge.
Death Pension
If you are the widow/widower of a Veteran, who’s death has nothing to do with his/her service, you may be eligible for Death Pension. To be eligible your income must fall within the guidelines and the Veteran must have the required military service time as stated above. Age, being in a nursing home, or being permanently disabled, which are qualifying factors for the Veteran
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
For a survivor to be eligible for DIC the Veterans death must have resulted from a disease or injury incurred or aggravated in the line of duty while on active duty or active duty for training. An injury incurred or aggravated in the line of duty while on inactive duty training. A service-connected disability or a condition directly related to a service-connected disability. DIC also may be paid to survivors of veterans who were totally disabled from service-connected conditions at the time of their death, even though their service-connected disabilities did not cause their death. The survivor qualifies if the veteran was continuously rated totally disabled for a period of 10 years immediately preceding death. Continuously rated totally disabled from the date of military discharge and for at least 5 years immediately preceding death. Surviving spouses of a veteran who died on or after 1/1/93 receive a basic rate, plus additional payments for dependent children.
Health Care Benefits
You may be entitled to receive medical care and prescription through the VA health care system. Service-connected Veterans are eligible to receive VA health care and Many non- service-connected Veterans are also entitled to VA health care. You can apply for VA health care benefits by submitting a VA Form 10-10EZ to the nearest VA medical center or through your local Veteran Service Officer.
Veterans Cemeteries Program
The Missouri Veterans Commission provides the following benefits at no cost to Veterans, their spouses, and eligible dependent children.
- Opening and closing of the grave
- A concrete grave liner if a vault is not purchased by the family
- Upright granite headstone or columbarium niche cover
- Military honors for the veteran
- Perpetual care
Veterans Homes Program
Each Missouri Veterans Home employs a licensed nursing home administrator, has registered nurses on duty 24 hours per day, and provides physician care; physical, speech, occupational and recreational therapy; medications; cosmetology; maintenance, environmental and social services, and dietary specialists. Each home has a secured dementia unit that includes a dining room, activity area and enclosed courtyard.
Interment Services
Interment services are provided to Veterans, their spouses, and eligible dependent children. There is no charge for any of the services provided. Those who choose cremation have the choice of in-ground burial or placement within a columbarium niche. Pre-registration for future planning purposes is also available for Veterans and their eligible family members
Pre-planning
Pre-planning for future burial is available at each of the cemeteries. You may do this by contacting the Veterans cemetery nearest you or by submission of the pre-certification application.
Veterans must include a copy of their DD-214 or Military discharge showing character of discharge and dates of active service with the pre-certification application. A Veteran who desires his/her spouse be buried with him/her must provide a copy of the Marriage Certificate with the pre-certification application.
