State benefits
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 and application paths.
8 programs6 categoriesOfficial source linked on every program
Healthcare
Value: Subsidized skilled nursing care
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.
Education
Value: Tuition waiver at state institutions
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.
Employment
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.
Tax
Value: Partial to full state income tax exemption on military retirement
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.
Value: Up to $1,500 annual property tax reduction
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.
Recreation
Value: Free annual combination hunting and fishing license
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.
Value: 50% off camping at state parks
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.
Other
Value: Free burial for veterans (saves $5,000–$10,000+)
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.”
Questions
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 require an honorable or general (under honorable conditions) discharge. Most federal VA benefits require a discharge under conditions other than dishonorable, but the GI Bill is stricter: the Montgomery GI Bill for active duty requires an honorable discharge, and the Post-9/11 GI Bill ordinarily does too. With an other-than-honorable discharge, VA makes a character-of-discharge determination, and some benefits may still be available; consult a VSO or accredited claims agent for individual eligibility.
Agency · Healthcare benefit source — Montana
Agency · Education benefit source — Montana
Agency · Tax benefit source — Montana
Agency · Recreation benefit source — Montana
CFR · Federal regulations governing VA disability compensation and pension
Agency · Official U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs benefits portal
VeteranHQ
Our engine matches your service history, disability rating, and location against every available benefit program to find what you qualify for.
Get Personalized Results