Montana Veteran Benefits (2026 Guide)
A complete guide to state-level benefits for veterans living in Montana, including property tax exemptions, education programs, employment preference, and more. These benefits are in addition to your federal VA benefits.
Official source: Montana veterans affairs agency — applications, forms, and current filing deadlines come from the state directly.
Benefits at a Glance
Montana's wide-open spaces and independent spirit attract veterans who value self-reliance and the outdoors. The state backs up that lifestyle with meaningful benefits: full military retirement pay exemption, property tax reductions for disabled veterans, and reduced-fee hunting and fishing licenses that let veterans enjoy everything Montana's landscape has to offer.
Property Tax Exemption
Property tax reduction of 50-100% for 100% disabled veterans
Montana Disabled Veteran (MDV) program: veterans rated 100% disabled (or unmarried surviving spouses) may receive 50%, 70%, 80%, or 100% property tax reduction on primary residence market value depending on income. Average benefit was $1,913 in 2025 (3,612 recipients). Apply by April 15 each year via electronic or paper MDV Form to local field office.
Income Tax Benefits
Military retirement pay 50% exempt (or amount of other income, whichever is less)
Montana exempts 50% of military retirement income OR the total income from other sources in the state, whichever is less. Veterans still working may benefit significantly. VA disability compensation is tax-free.
Hunting & Fishing Licenses
Purple Heart recipients: reduced requirements; Guard/Reserve: free licenses up to 5 years
Resident Purple Heart recipients need only a Wildlife Conservation License and AIS Pass to fish and hunt game birds (not turkeys). Purple Heart veterans with permanent total disability get 50% discounted hunting license. Montana National Guard and Reserve members activated 2+ consecutive months outside the state for contingency operations get free resident licenses for up to 5 years. Active-duty stationed in Montana 30+ days get resident rates.
Education Benefits
Tuition waiver at Montana University System for honorably discharged veterans
Montana Honorably Discharged Veteran Tuition Waiver: waives tuition (not fees) at Montana University System campuses for resident veterans who have exhausted or expired their VA educational benefits. Montana National Guard Tuition Waiver: covers tuition for Guard members in good standing who completed Initial Entry Training. War orphans also eligible for tuition waivers.
Employment & Hiring Preference
Veterans preference in state employment
Montana grants veterans preference in state employment. Montana Department of Labor and Industry provides dedicated veteran employment services. Montana Veterans Affairs Division offers career counseling and referrals.
Vehicles & DMV
Free disabled veteran license plates
Free "Disabled Veteran" license plates for veterans with service-connected disability.
State Parks
Free camping for disabled veterans
Montana state parks provide free camping for veterans with service-connected disability.
Housing & Veterans Homes
Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls
The Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls provides skilled nursing, assisted living, and domiciliary care for eligible veterans.
Veterans in Montana
Montana has one of the highest per-capita veteran populations in the country, with roughly 85,000 veterans in a state of just over 1 million people. Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls is the primary active military installation. The Fort Harrison VA Medical Center near Helena and the Miles City Community Living Center provide healthcare, supplemented by community-based outpatient clinics in Billings, Missoula, Kalispell, and other communities. Montana's Board of Veterans' Affairs operates a veterans cemetery and coordinates with county-level veteran service officers to ensure access in rural areas.
Frequently Asked Questions About Montana Veteran Benefits
Does Montana offer property tax exemptions for veterans?
Property tax reduction of 50-100% for 100% disabled veterans. Montana Disabled Veteran (MDV) program: veterans rated 100% disabled (or unmarried surviving spouses) may receive 50%, 70%, 80%, or 100% property tax reduction on primary residence market value depending on income. Average benefit was $1,913 in 2025 (3,612 recipients). Apply by April 15 each year via electronic or paper MDV Form to local field office.
Are military retirement benefits taxed in Montana?
Military retirement pay 50% exempt (or amount of other income, whichever is less). Montana exempts 50% of military retirement income OR the total income from other sources in the state, whichever is less. Veterans still working may benefit significantly. VA disability compensation is tax-free.
What education benefits does Montana offer veterans?
Tuition waiver at Montana University System for honorably discharged veterans. Montana Honorably Discharged Veteran Tuition Waiver: waives tuition (not fees) at Montana University System campuses for resident veterans who have exhausted or expired their VA educational benefits. Montana National Guard Tuition Waiver: covers tuition for Guard members in good standing who completed Initial Entry Training. War orphans also eligible for tuition waivers.
Do veterans get free or discounted hunting and fishing licenses in Montana?
Purple Heart recipients: reduced requirements; Guard/Reserve: free licenses up to 5 years. Resident Purple Heart recipients need only a Wildlife Conservation License and AIS Pass to fish and hunt game birds (not turkeys). Purple Heart veterans with permanent total disability get 50% discounted hunting license. Montana National Guard and Reserve members activated 2+ consecutive months outside the state for contingency operations get free resident licenses for up to 5 years. Active-duty stationed in Montana 30+ days get resident rates.
Does Montana give veterans hiring preference for state jobs?
Veterans preference in state employment. Montana grants veterans preference in state employment. Montana Department of Labor and Industry provides dedicated veteran employment services. Montana Veterans Affairs Division offers career counseling and referrals.
Are there veterans homes or housing programs in Montana?
Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls. The Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls provides skilled nursing, assisted living, and domiciliary care for eligible veterans.
Do veterans get free or discounted state park access in Montana?
Free camping for disabled veterans. Montana state parks provide free camping for veterans with service-connected disability.
Want the full picture?
Montana benefits sit alongside federal compensation, healthcare, education, housing, and employment benefits. The optional briefing walks through what may apply to your specific service.
Take the 3-minute briefing →