Montana
Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only and may not reflect recent changes. Always verify with the official source linked below. This is not legal, medical, or financial advice.
Filter by Disability Rating
Property Tax
1 benefitDisabled Veteran Property Tax Reduction
Veterans with 100% service-connected disability receive a property tax reduction on their primary residence, with up to $100,000 of market value exempt.
Lesser exemptions are available for veterans with lower disability ratings. The exemption applies to the primary residence only.
Income Tax
2 benefitsMilitary Retirement Pay Partial Exemption
Up to $5,500 of military retirement pay is exempt from Montana state income tax for those with AGI under the applicable threshold.
No General Sales Tax
Montana has no general sales tax, benefiting all residents including veterans on everyday purchases.
Vehicle / Registration
3 benefitsDisabled Veteran License Plates
Special DV plates are available for veterans with a service-connected disability. Veterans with 100% disability are exempt from registration fees.
Veteran Specialty License Plates
Montana offers specialty plates for veterans including Veteran, Purple Heart, POW, branch-specific, and Gold Star plates.
Former POW Free License Plates and Registration
Former prisoners of war receive free license plates and vehicle registration in Montana.
Education
4 benefitsMontana Veterans Honor Scholarship Waiver
Wartime veterans with an honorable discharge who served in a recognized campaign receive a tuition waiver at Montana University System schools.
Veteran must have been a Montana resident at time of entry into service or for at least one year prior to application.
Fee Waiver for Dependents of Deceased/Disabled Veterans
Fee waivers are available for dependents of Montana veterans killed in action or who died of service-connected causes.
In-State Tuition for GI Bill Veterans
Veterans using the GI Bill receive in-state tuition rates at Montana public institutions regardless of residency status.
Montana National Guard Tuition Assistance
Active Montana National Guard members are eligible for state tuition assistance at Montana public institutions.
Employment
3 benefitsState Veteran Hiring Preference
Honorably discharged veterans and disabled veterans receive preference in Montana state government hiring.
Montana Job Service Veteran Priority
Veterans receive priority of service at Montana Job Service offices with access to dedicated DVOP specialists and LVERs.
Professional License Reciprocity
Montana recognizes military training and experience toward professional licensing and offers expedited licensing for veterans and military spouses.
Hunting & Fishing
3 benefitsFree Hunting and Fishing Licenses for Disabled Veterans
Veterans with 60%+ service-connected disability receive free resident conservation license, fishing license, and deer/elk combination license.
Must be a Montana resident with VA disability documentation.
Resident License Rates for Active Duty
Active duty military personnel stationed in Montana may purchase hunting and fishing licenses at resident rates.
Reduced-Fee Combination License for Veterans
Montana offers a reduced-fee combination hunting/fishing license for all veterans at a rate lower than the standard fee.
Healthcare
3 benefitsVA Montana Health Care System
The VA Montana Health Care System based at Fort Harrison in Helena provides comprehensive healthcare services to veterans with CBOCs across the state.
Community-Based Outpatient Clinics located in Anaconda, Billings, Bozeman, Cut Bank, Glasgow, Glendive, Great Falls, Havre, Helena, Kalispell, Lewistown, Miles City, Missoula, Plentywood, and Sidney.
Montana Veterans Home
The Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls provides skilled nursing and domiciliary care for eligible veterans.
Vet Centers — Readjustment Counseling
Free readjustment counseling services available at Vet Centers in Billings and Missoula for eligible veterans and their families.
Free Stuff & Parks
2 benefitsFree "VETERAN" Designation on Driver's License
Honorably discharged veterans can get a free "VETERAN" designation added to their Montana driver's license or state ID by presenting DD-214 at an MVD office.
Free State Park Entry
Montana does not charge entrance fees at most state parks, making them free for all residents. Disabled veterans may also receive reduced camping fees.
Other Benefits
4 benefitsFree VA Claims Assistance
Montana Veterans Affairs Division provides free VA claims assistance through Veterans Service Officers located in counties across the state.
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
The Montana State Veterans Cemetery in Helena provides free burial for eligible veterans, their spouses, and dependents.
Veterans Treatment Court
Specialized veterans treatment court programs are available in multiple Montana judicial districts for veterans involved in the criminal justice system.
Paid Military Leave for State Employees
Montana state employees receive 15 days of paid military leave per year for military service obligations.