Benefits and Resources for Senior Veterans in Mississippi

Benefits and Resources for Senior Veterans in Mississippi

Last updated: August 2025

Quick Help Box (always at the top)

Note on sources: This guide links to official federal, state, or well-established organizations. Programs and contact details can change. Always confirm on the official site.

How to Use This Guide

  • Start with Emergency and Urgent Help.
  • Then go to Healthcare, Money and Taxes, Housing and Long-Term Care, Food and Utilities, Transportation, Legal/Employment, and Caregiver supports.
  • Use the tables for quick scanning. Click the descriptive links to go straight to applications or offices.

Emergency and Urgent Help in Mississippi

Key Contacts at a Glance

Program/Office What it does How to access
Mississippi Veterans Affairs (MSVA) State veterans benefits, County Veterans Service Officers (VSO), State Veterans Homes and Cemeteries MSVA homepage: https://msva.ms.gov — Find a County VSO: https://msva.ms.gov/benefits-claims
G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center – Jackson VA hospital care, specialty clinics, women’s health, mental health Facility page and contact: https://www.va.gov/jackson-health-care/
VA Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System – Biloxi VA hospital/clinics for Gulf Coast, mental health, specialty care Facility page and contact: https://www.va.gov/gulf-coast-health-care/
Veterans Crisis Line 24/7 confidential support Dial 988, then Press 1; text 838255; chat: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net
MDHS Aging & Adult Services Area Agencies on Aging (AAA), meals, caregiver support, transportation https://www.mdhs.ms.gov/aging/
SNAP (food help) – Mississippi Department of Human Services Food assistance for low-income households (elderly/disabled rules apply) SNAP info and application: https://www.mdhs.ms.gov/economic-assistance/snap/
LIHEAP (energy bills) – MDHS Help with heating/cooling bills, crisis assistance LIHEAP info and application: https://www.mdhs.ms.gov/lihwap-liheap/
Mississippi Department of Revenue Homestead and property tax info, special plates Homestead exemption: https://www.dor.ms.gov/property/homestead — Special plates: https://www.dor.ms.gov/motor-vehicle/special-plates
Mississippi Department of Employment Security (MDES) Veteran job services, priority of service, workshops MDES Veteran Services: https://mdes.ms.gov/job-seekers/veterans/
VA Caregiver Support Program Help for family caregivers (coaching, stipends for eligible cases) https://www.caregiver.va.gov/

Healthcare for Senior Veterans in Mississippi

Enrolling in VA Health Care

Major VA facilities serving Mississippi:

Reality check:

  • Appointment wait times and specialty referrals can vary. Use the VA facility pages for current clinic availability and contact options. VA’s online tools also show estimated wait times. Facility finder: https://www.va.gov/find-locations

Medicare and TRICARE For Life (for retirees 65+)

Tip: If you use both VA and Medicare/TRICARE, coordinate your providers. VA care is separate from Medicare; not all VA services bill Medicare. Learn more at VA’s “VA and Other Health Insurance” page: https://www.va.gov/health-care/about-va-health-benefits/va-health-care-and-other-insurance/

Telehealth and Rural Access

Women Veterans Health

LGBTQ+ Veteran Health

Long-Term Care Through VA

Money: Disability, Pensions, Aid & Attendance, and Taxes

VA Disability Compensation

Reality check:

VA Pension and Aid & Attendance (A&A) or Housebound

  • For wartime veterans with limited income and assets, age 65+ or permanently disabled. A&A/Housebound increase the monthly pension for those needing help with daily activities or who are mostly housebound. Details and current rates: https://www.va.gov/pension/
  • Application and medical forms are on VA’s pension page. Consider working with a County VSO (free): https://msva.ms.gov/benefits-claims

Tip:

  • A&A can help pay for in-home care or assisted living. Keep receipts and care agreements. VA will review medical need and financial eligibility. Avoid “pension poachers.” See VA’s warning: https://www.va.gov/pension/pension-poaching/

Social Security for Older Veterans

  • Retirement, SSI (for very low income), and disability (SSDI) are federal programs separate from VA. Many veterans receive both VA and Social Security benefits. Social Security Mississippi field offices: https://www.ssa.gov/locator/
  • SSI and Medicaid links can affect long-term care planning. Learn about SSI: https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/

Mississippi Taxes and Exemptions

Important:

  • Property and tag benefits often require a VA disability rating letter or other proof. Check your county’s tax assessor site for local forms and deadlines.

Hunting and Fishing

  • Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks offers licenses for veterans, including special options for certain disabled veterans. Check current rules and fees here: https://www.mdwfp.com/licenses/
  • Mississippi State Parks (managed by MDWFP) policies and discounts may change. Verify current veteran/disabled veteran park benefits: https://www.mdwfp.com/parks-destinations/

Summary Table: Money and Tax Benefits

Benefit Who it helps What it provides How to apply
VA Disability Compensation Veterans with service-connected disabilities Monthly tax-free payments https://www.va.gov/disability/
VA Pension + Aid & Attendance/Housebound Low-income wartime vets 65+ or disabled Monthly income support; increased amounts for those needing daily care https://www.va.gov/pension/
Mississippi Homestead and Property Tax Homeowners; special rules for seniors and certain disabled veterans Reduced property tax based on eligibility https://www.dor.ms.gov/property/homestead (then contact your county)
Military/retirement income tax rules Retirees State tax treatment of pensions/retirement income https://www.dor.ms.gov/individual/retirement-income
Veteran license plates Veterans/Disabled Veterans Special tags; some fees reduced for qualifying disabilities https://www.dor.ms.gov/motor-vehicle/special-plates

Housing, Long-Term Care, and Assisted Living

Mississippi State Veterans Homes

Mississippi operates State Veterans Homes that provide skilled nursing care for eligible veterans (and in some cases eligible spouses). Find locations, admissions criteria, and contact info at Mississippi Veterans Affairs (MSVA): https://msva.ms.gov/state-veterans-homes

  • Expect a medical evaluation and financial review. Availability changes; waitlists can occur.
  • VA may help cover a daily per diem. Private pay, Medicare, Medicaid, and other coverage may also apply depending on the situation. Confirm details with the home and MSVA.

State Veterans Memorial Cemeteries

Preventing or Ending Homelessness

  • HUD-VASH (housing vouchers with VA case management), Grant and Per Diem (GPD) transitional housing, and other supports are coordinated through VA. Start here: https://www.va.gov/homeless
  • National Call Center for Homeless Veterans: 877-424-3838.
  • Mississippi Home Corporation coordinates homelessness programs with local partners. See programs and contacts: https://www.mshomecorp.com/

Home Repairs and Weatherization

  • Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) helps reduce energy costs for low-income households, including seniors. In Mississippi, start at MDHS Division of Community Services: https://www.mdhs.ms.gov/community-services/
  • USDA Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants (“Section 504”) can help very low-income rural homeowners with repairs and accessibility modifications. Mississippi page: https://www.rd.usda.gov/ms

Assisted Living, In-Home Care, and Caregiver Support

Summary Table: Housing and Long-Term Care

Program What it does Who it’s for Where to learn more
MS State Veterans Homes Skilled nursing care for eligible veterans Veterans who need nursing facility level care https://msva.ms.gov/state-veterans-homes
State Veterans Memorial Cemeteries Burial for eligible veterans and family Veterans, spouses, dependents per eligibility https://msva.ms.gov/state-veterans-cemeteries
HUD-VASH & VA Homeless Programs Vouchers, transitional housing, case management Homeless or at-risk veterans https://www.va.gov/homeless
MS Weatherization (WAP) Energy-saving home upgrades Low-income households including seniors https://www.mdhs.ms.gov/community-services/
Medicaid E&D Waiver In-home care, adult day, respite Medicaid-eligible seniors/disabled https://medicaid.ms.gov/

Food and Utility Help

Reality check:

  • SNAP and LIHEAP funds can run out seasonally. Apply early in the season, submit complete documentation, and ask your local office about priority rules for seniors.

Transportation

Summary Table: Transportation to Care

Option Where it operates How it helps How to check availability
VA Veterans Transportation Service (VTS) Through VA facilities (Jackson, Biloxi, CBOCs) Rides to VA medical appointments https://www.va.gov/health-care/get-transportation-to-va-appointments/
DAV Transportation Network County-based volunteer drivers No-cost rides to VA appointments (when available) Ask your VA facility’s Voluntary Services office via https://www.va.gov/find-locations
Medicaid NEMT Statewide (for Medicaid members) Non-emergency rides to covered care https://medicaid.ms.gov/
AAA Senior Transport By region through Area Agencies on Aging Local non-emergency rides https://www.mdhs.ms.gov/aging/

Legal, Consumer Protection, and Employment

Tip:

  • If you have a VA service-connected disability, ask MDES about accommodations and available training programs that fit your abilities.

Working With Mississippi Veterans Affairs (MSVA) and County VSOs

  • County Veterans Service Officers help you prepare and file VA claims, pension/A&A, and state benefits—free of charge. Find your county office through MSVA: https://msva.ms.gov/benefits-claims
  • MSVA also administers State Veterans Homes and State Veterans Memorial Cemeteries. Main site: https://msva.ms.gov

Tip:

  • Bring your DD-214 and any VA decision letters to your VSO meeting. If you can’t locate your discharge papers, request them through the National Archives: https://www.archives.gov/veterans

Health and Benefits for Specific Groups

LGBTQ+ Senior Veterans

  • VA LGBTQ+ Health Program: support with primary care, hormone therapy coordination, mental health, and navigating records with correct names/pronouns — https://www.patientcare.va.gov/LGBT/
  • For Mississippi facility support, ask the Patient Advocate or LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinator listed on your VA medical center’s site (Jackson or Biloxi).

Disabled Senior Veterans

Tribal-Specific Resources (Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians)

Note: Program details vary by tribe. Contact MBCI directly for the most accurate local information.

Rural Senior Veterans With Limited Access

  • Use VA telehealth and prescription mail delivery: https://telehealth.va.gov/
  • Ask your VA clinic about community care referrals if VA cannot provide the needed care in a reasonable time or distance under the VA MISSION Act. Overview: https://www.va.gov/communitycare/
  • Transportation: Check DAV/VA rides and AAA regional programs; some counties have demand-response transit through planning and development districts—your AAA can direct you.

Female Senior Veterans

MSVA State Benefits Overview (Highlights)

State benefit What it is Where to learn more
State Veterans Homes Skilled nursing for eligible veterans https://msva.ms.gov/state-veterans-homes
State Veterans Memorial Cemeteries Burial/markers for eligible veterans and family https://msva.ms.gov/state-veterans-cemeteries
County VSO Claims Help Free help filing VA/state claims https://msva.ms.gov/benefits-claims
MS Identification/Plates Veteran and disabled veteran designations/plates https://www.dor.ms.gov/motor-vehicle/special-plates
Hunting/Fishing Licenses with veteran/disabled options https://www.mdwfp.com/licenses/

Note: Mississippi also recognizes military service for hiring preference in state employment. See the Mississippi State Personnel Board and MDES for current rules: https://www.mspb.ms.gov/ and https://mdes.ms.gov/job-seekers/veterans/

Step-by-Step: Applying for Common Benefits

  1. Get your records together
  2. Contact your County Veterans Service Officer (VSO)
  3. Apply online or by mail
  4. Pair benefits with state/local help
  5. Keep copies and notes
    • Save all filings and letters. Write down who you spoke with and when.

Reality check:

Resources by Region (Mississippi)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: I’m 70 and a Vietnam veteran living on Social Security. Can I get VA Pension or Aid & Attendance?
A: Possibly. VA Pension is for wartime veterans with limited income/assets who are 65+ or permanently disabled. Aid & Attendance increases the pension if you need help with daily activities or are mostly housebound. Start here: https://www.va.gov/pension/ and ask an MSVA County VSO for free help: https://msva.ms.gov/benefits-claims

Q: Is my military retirement taxed by Mississippi?
A: Mississippi has favorable tax treatment for retirement income. Review current rules at the Mississippi Department of Revenue: https://www.dor.ms.gov/individual/retirement-income and consult a tax professional or DOR if you have questions.

Q: How do I apply to a Mississippi State Veterans Home?
A: Contact MSVA’s State Veterans Homes for admissions criteria and availability: https://msva.ms.gov/state-veterans-homes. They will explain medical eligibility, coverage sources, and waitlists.

Q: I live in a rural county and can’t drive. How do I get to VA appointments?
A: Ask your VA clinic about Veterans Transportation Service and DAV vans: https://www.va.gov/health-care/get-transportation-to-va-appointments/ and call your Area Agency on Aging for local senior rides: https://www.mdhs.ms.gov/aging/

Q: Can I get both VA disability compensation and Social Security?
A: Yes. These are separate programs with different rules. Many veterans receive both. Social Security office locator: https://www.ssa.gov/locator/

Q: Where can I get help filing my VA claim in Mississippi?
A: Your County Veterans Service Officer (VSO) can help at no cost. Find yours via MSVA: https://msva.ms.gov/benefits-claims

Q: I’m a woman veteran and feel more comfortable with a women’s health provider. What are my options?
A: Each Mississippi VA medical center has a Women Veterans Program Manager who can coordinate your care. Jackson: https://www.va.gov/jackson-health-care/ and Biloxi: https://www.va.gov/gulf-coast-health-care/

Q: I’m a Choctaw veteran. Can I use both IHS and VA?
A: Yes, many Native veterans use both systems. Ask about coordination and referrals. VA Tribal Health overview: https://www.va.gov/tribalgovernment/ and Choctaw Health Center (IHS): https://www.ihs.gov/oklahomacity/healthcarefacilities/choctaw/

Q: Are there scam risks with “Aid & Attendance planners”?
A: Yes. Some charge high fees or push unsuitable financial products. Learn how to avoid pension poaching here: https://www.va.gov/pension/pension-poaching/ and use a free County VSO: https://msva.ms.gov/benefits-claims

Q: Does Mississippi give property tax relief to disabled veterans?
A: Mississippi has homestead exemptions and special provisions for certain disabled veterans. Because rules are detailed and county-administered, review the Mississippi DOR Homestead page and call your county tax assessor: https://www.dor.ms.gov/property/homestead

Reality Checks, Tips, and Common Missteps

Sources and Direct Links (Selected)

Federal

Mississippi

Tribal and Legal Aid

About this guide

by the GrantsForSeniors.org Editorial Team

The GrantsForSeniors.org editorial team has been building benefit and assistance resources for seniors nationwide since 2020. We research programs across all 50 states by reviewing government websites, checking agency updates, and gathering information from available sources.

Our Commitment to You:

  • Experience & Expertise: The information in this guide is compiled and reviewed by a team with experience in senior services and financial aid programs. We are committed to sharing our knowledge to help you find the support you need.
  • Authority & Trust: We rely on verified sources, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and official program websites, to ensure the accuracy of our content. Our goal is to be a trusted authority you can rely on for credible information.
  • Clarity & Accessibility: We understand that seeking financial assistance can be challenging. This guide is designed to be clear and easy to understand, breaking down complex topics into actionable steps.

While we work hard to provide the most accurate information available, please note that program details and eligibility requirements can change. We recommend always checking with the official program source or agency website for the most current information, as we are not official agencies but rather compile available information.

  • Last Updated: August 2025
  • Sources Verified: August 2025
  • Next Review: February 2026

If you find outdated information, discover new resources, or have questions, please contact us at info@grantsforseniors.org. We’re here to help seniors find resources that can make a real difference in their daily lives.

Disclaimer

This guide is for general information only. It does not replace advice from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Mississippi Veterans Affairs, the Mississippi Department of Human Services, the Mississippi Division of Medicaid, or any other agency. Benefits change, and eligibility is specific to your situation. Always verify details with the official agency or a qualified professional before applying or making decisions.