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Veterans Benefits in Montana

8 benefit programs available in Montana.

Healthcare

Montana Veterans Homes (Butte, Columbia Falls, Glendive)

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.

Agency: Montana Department of Military Affairs

Note: Three facilities: Butte, Columbia Falls, Glendive. Spouses on space-available basis.

Education

Montana Veteran Tuition Waiver

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.

Agency: Montana University System

Note: For honorably discharged veterans and children of KIA/MIA/service-connected death veterans.

Employment

Montana Veteran Employment Preference

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.

Agency: Montana Department of Military Affairs

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

Montana Military Retirement Income Tax Exemption

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.

Agency: Montana Department of Revenue

Note: Full exemption if retirement pay is only income. If still working, exemption = lesser of 50% retirement or total other income.

Montana Disabled Veterans Property Tax Assistance

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.

Agency: Montana Department of RevenueDeadline: April 15 of each year

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

Montana Veterans Free Hunting and Fishing License

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.

Agency: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks

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 Half-Price Camping for Veterans

50% off camping at state parks

Montana resident veterans receive 50% off camping fees at all Montana state parks.

Agency: Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks

Note: Available to ALL resident veterans, not just disabled. 50% off camping fees.

Other

Montana State Veterans Cemeteries

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.

Agency: Montana Department of Military Affairs

Note: Three locations: Helena, Missoula, Miles City. Free for veterans. Small spousal charge.

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