Montana Veteran Benefits

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Benefits organized by category so you can quickly compare tax relief, education support, recreation perks, and more.

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How Montana compares

Montana is more limited overall, so veterans may need to rely more on federal benefits than unusually strong state-level programs.

Quick categories

🏠 Property Tax 💰 Income Tax 🎓 Education 🎣 Recreation 🚗 Vehicle 🏥 Healthcare

🏠 Property Tax

1 tracked item

Disabled Veteran Assistance Program (MDV)

Rating: 100%

Reduces property tax rate on home for 100% disabled veterans or unremarried surviving spouses. Tax reduction of 50%, 70%, 80%, or 100% based on income and marital status. Average benefit $1,913 in 2025.

Eligibility: 100% disability from service-related injury Source

💰 Income Tax

2 tracked items

Military Retirement Pay Partial Exemption

Rating: None

Exempt the lesser of half the military retirement income or the amount of Montana source wage income, for 5 consecutive years. Expires tax year 2033.

Eligibility: Military retirees meeting eligibility Source

Active Duty Pay Exclusion

Rating: None

Base pay, special pay, and incentive pay for active duty service members excluded from Montana income tax.

Eligibility: Active duty service members Source

🎓 Education

1 tracked item

Montana University System Tuition Waiver

Rating: None

Tuition waivers at Montana University System schools for National Guard members and honorably discharged veterans after exhausting other benefits. Children of KIA/MIA/service-connected death veterans also receive waivers.

Eligibility: Guard members, veterans, and children of KIA/MIA Source

🎣 Recreation

2 tracked items

Veteran Hunting/Fishing License Benefits

Rating: Varies

Guard/Reserve members on federal active duty 2+ months outside MT get free resident licenses for 5 years. Purple Heart recipients need only Conservation License. Up to 50 half-price licenses annually for combat-connected injuries.

Eligibility: Guard/Reserve activated; Purple Heart; combat-injured veterans Source

50% State Parks Camping Discount

Rating: None

Resident veterans receive 50% discount on camping fees in Montana state parks.

Eligibility: Montana resident veteran Source

🚗 Vehicle

1 tracked item

Reduced Vehicle Registration and Veteran Plates

Rating: 100% or 50% with Purple Heart

Reduced registration fees for 100% disabled veterans or Purple Heart recipients with 50%+ disability. Veteran designation available on driver's license/ID for a small fee.

Eligibility: 100% disabled or Purple Heart with 50%+ disability Source

🏥 Healthcare

1 tracked item

Montana Veterans Homes

Rating: None

Three veterans homes in Butte, Columbia Falls, and Glendive for honorably discharged veterans needing skilled care. Spouses admitted on space-available basis.

Eligibility: Honorably discharged veteran needing skilled care Source
⚠️ Verify Before You Rely: State veteran benefits change frequently. The information above is summarized for general guidance and may not reflect the most current laws, amounts, or eligibility requirements. Always verify with your state VA office or state Department of Veterans Affairs before making financial decisions. Last reviewed: April 2026.