Montana Veteran Benefits

Discover 16 state benefits available to Montana veterans based on your disability rating and service history.

16
State Benefits
9
Benefit Categories
Any
Min Rating Required
Statewide Only
County Programs

Benefit Categories in Montana

🏛️Tax Benefits(3)

Active Duty Military Pay Tax Exemption

Any Veteran

Active-duty military pay is exempt from Montana state income tax.

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Military Retirement Income Partial Deduction

Any Veteran

Deduction equal to the lesser of 50% of military retirement income or Montana-source wage income for 5 years.

Value: Up to 50% of retirement income deduction

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Disabled Veteran Property Tax Reduction

100%+

Property tax rate reduced by 50-100% on primary residence for 100% service-connected disabled veterans.

Value: Up to 100% property tax reduction

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🏠Housing & Home Loans(1)

Veterans' Home Loan Mortgage Program

Any Veteran

Fixed-rate 30-year mortgage at 1% below standard rate for first-time Montana veteran homebuyers.

Value: 1% below standard mortgage rate

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🎓Education & Training(3)

Veteran Tuition Waiver (Montana University System)

Any Veteran

Last-dollar tuition waiver at any Montana University System campus for veterans who have exhausted VA education benefits.

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War Orphan Tuition Waiver

Any Veteran

Tuition waiver at Montana University System campuses for children of service members killed in action.

Value: Full tuition to bachelor's degree

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Surviving Spouse/Child of Guard Member Tuition Waiver

Any Veteran

Tuition waiver at Montana University System for surviving spouse or child of Guard member killed on state active duty.

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🏥Healthcare(1)

Montana State Veterans Homes

Any Veteran

Skilled nursing and domiciliary care at three state-run veterans homes across Montana.

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💼Employment(1)

Veterans Public Employment Preference

Any Veteran

5% score enhancement for veterans, 10% for disabled veterans on state employment applications.

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💰Compensation(1)

Montana Military Family Relief Fund

Any Veteran

Grants up to $2,000 for Guard/Reserve members during deployment to cover food, housing, and utilities.

Value: Up to $2,000

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🚗Transportation(2)

Purple Heart (50%+) Vehicle Registration Fee Waiver

50%+

Vehicle registration fee waiver for up to 2 vehicles for Purple Heart recipients rated 50%+.

Value: Free registration for 2 vehicles

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Vehicle Registration Fee Waiver (100% Disabled)

100%+

Free registration and veterans cemetery fee for up to 2 vehicles for 100% disabled veterans.

Value: Free registration for 2 vehicles

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🌲Recreation & Parks(3)

Veteran Camping Fee Discount

Any Veteran

50% discount on camping fees at all Montana state parks for resident veterans.

Value: 50% off camping fees

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Purple Heart Recipient Hunting & Fishing

Any Veteran

Purple Heart recipients can fish and hunt game birds with only a Wildlife Conservation License.

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Disabled Veteran Hunting & Fishing Discounts

Any Veteran

Half-price Conservation License ($8) and half-price deer, elk, fishing, and upland game bird licenses for disabled veterans.

Value: 50% off license fees

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Burial & Memorial(1)

Montana State Veterans Cemeteries

Any Veteran

Free burial including plot, opening/closing, headstone, and perpetual care at three state veterans cemeteries.

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2026 VA Disability Compensation Rates

Monthly payment amounts effective December 1, 2025. These federal rates apply to all Montana veterans.

RatingVeteran AloneWith Spouse
10%$180.42$180.42
20%$356.66$356.66
30%$552.47$617.47
40%$795.84$882.84
50%$1,132.90$1,241.90
60%$1,435.02$1,566.02
70%$1,808.45$1,961.45
80%$2,102.15$2,277.15
90%$2,362.30$2,559.30
100%$3,938.58$4,158.17

Rates for 10-20% are the same regardless of dependents. Dependent additions apply at 30%+. View complete rate tables →

Frequently Asked Questions — Montana Veteran Benefits

How many state veteran benefits does Montana offer?
Montana offers 16 state-level veteran benefits across categories including tax exemptions, education, housing, healthcare, employment assistance, and more. Benefits range from programs available to all veterans to those requiring a 100% VA disability rating.
What disability rating do I need for Montana veteran benefits?
Montana veteran benefits are available at various disability rating levels. 13 benefits are available to any veteran regardless of rating. Others require ratings of 10% to 100%. Use VetUnlock's free tool to see exactly which benefits match your specific rating.
Does Montana offer property tax exemptions for disabled veterans?
Yes, Montana offers 3 tax-related benefits for veterans. Active Duty Military Pay Tax Exemption: Active-duty military pay is exempt from Montana state income tax.
What education benefits are available to Montana veterans?
Montana offers 3 education benefits for veterans and their families. These include: Veteran Tuition Waiver (Montana University System), War Orphan Tuition Waiver, Surviving Spouse/Child of Guard Member Tuition Waiver.
How do I apply for Montana veteran benefits?
Each Montana veteran benefit has its own application process. Most require a DD-214 (discharge paperwork) and proof of Montana residency. Use VetUnlock to see which benefits you qualify for and get direct links to each application.

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