Montana veterans are eligible for 8 state and federal benefit programs, including Healthcare, Education, Employment, and more. Most state programs require state residency and a VA-issued disability rating; eligibility thresholds vary by program. This page lists every benefit with source URLs, application paths, and 2026 verification status.
Montana operates three state veterans homes in Butte, Columbia Falls, and Glendive, providing skilled nursing care to honorably discharged veterans. Spouses admitted on a space-available basis.
Note: Three facilities: Butte, Columbia Falls, Glendive. Spouses on space-available basis.
The Montana Honorably Discharged Veterans Waiver offers a tuition waiver at Montana University System institutions. Children of KIA/MIA veterans or those who died from service-connected causes also receive tuition waivers.
Note: For honorably discharged veterans and children of KIA/MIA/service-connected death veterans.
Montana veterans and disabled veterans receive hiring preference points on state government job applications. Disabled veterans receive additional points, and the preference applies to promotions as well.
Note: Preference points added to state job exam scores. Disabled veterans receive additional points beyond the standard veteran preference. Applies to both initial hiring and promotions within state government.
Montana exempts military retirement pay from state income tax. If a veteran is still working, the exemption is 50% of military retirement income or the total income from other state sources, whichever is less.
Note: Full exemption if retirement pay is only income. If still working, exemption = lesser of 50% retirement or total other income.
Montana veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating may receive a property tax exemption of up to $1,500 on their primary residence. The benefit is income-tested for partial exemptions.
Note: Income-tested for partial exemptions. 100% disabled veterans get up to $1,500. File with Montana DOR by April 15. Can be combined with Montana's general property tax assistance program for additional savings.
Montana veterans with a permanent 100% service-connected disability rating receive a free combination hunting and fishing license each year, covering most species and seasons in the state.
Note: Must be 100% permanent P&T rated. Apply annually at any FWP office or license agent with your VA disability letter. Covers most game species but special permits (e.g., elk) may require separate drawings.
Montana resident veterans receive 50% off camping fees at all Montana state parks.
Note: Available to ALL resident veterans, not just disabled. 50% off camping fees.
Montana operates three veterans cemeteries in Helena, Missoula, and Miles City providing burial at no cost to eligible veterans. Spouses can be buried alongside the veteran for a small charge.
Note: Three locations: Helena, Missoula, Miles City. Free for veterans. Small spousal charge.
“Full exemption if retirement pay is only income. If still working, exemption = lesser of 50% retirement or total other income.”
Montana offers 8 veteran benefit programs spanning Healthcare, Education, Employment, Tax, Recreation, Other. Eligibility requirements vary by program — most require a VA-issued disability rating and state residency.
Many Montana benefit programs require a minimum VA disability rating — commonly 10%, 50%, or 100%. Some programs, such as education assistance or employment preference, have no rating requirement. Check each benefit listing on this page for the specific threshold.
Most Montana state benefits require current state residency. Some programs require continuous residency for one or more years. Federal VA benefits are available to all eligible veterans regardless of state of residence.
Yes — in most cases, state and federal veteran benefits are stackable. For example, a property tax exemption from Montana does not reduce your federal VA disability compensation. Some federal needs-based programs may offset certain state payments; review each program's terms.
Applications for Montana state benefits are typically submitted through the Montana Department of Veterans Affairs or the administering state agency. Application links are listed directly on each benefit card on this page. Federal VA benefits are applied for at VA.gov.
Yes — Montana has at least one property tax benefit listed for veterans. Eligibility typically requires a minimum disability rating and state residency. See the Tax section on this page for the current threshold and application link.
Yes — Montana offers education benefits for veterans. These may include tuition waivers, National Guard tuition assistance, or supplemental GI Bill top-ups. See the Education section on this page for current programs and eligibility.
Most Montana state benefit programs and all federal VA benefit programs require an honorable or general (under honorable conditions) discharge. Veterans with other-than-honorable discharges may still qualify for some programs; consult a VSO or accredited claims agent for individual eligibility.
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