Montana Veteran Benefits: Complete Guide for 2026
Montana provides 11 documented state-level benefits for disabled veterans across 8 categories. Notable programs include property tax relief for disabled veterans, Tuition Waivers for Wartime Veterans & Dependents, 2 vehicle-related benefits including Vehicle Registration Fee Exemption — 100% P&T or Purple Heart 50%+. MT also provides hunting and fishing license benefits, additional benefits, small business benefits, state parks and recreation benefits. Below is a detailed breakdown of every verified benefit available to disabled veterans in Montana as of 2026.
Key Takeaways for MT Veterans
- Montana offers 11 documented state-specific veteran benefits as of 2026
- Property tax exemptions available for disabled veterans
- Education: Tuition Waivers for Wartime Veterans & Dependents
- Vehicle benefits: Vehicle Registration Fee Exemption — 100% P&T or Purple Heart 50%+, Free License Plates — 100% Disabled Veterans
- Half-Price Deer & Antelope Licenses (Combat-Connected)
- Employment: State Employment Hiring Preference
11
State Benefits
8
Categories
50+
Federal Benefits
415+
Discounts
See exactly what Montana benefits add up to for you.
Get StartedMontana State-Specific Benefits
Montana Education Benefits (1)
Tuition Waivers for Wartime Veterans & Dependents
The Montana University System offers tuition waivers for wartime veterans no longer eligible for federal VA education benefits, and for children of veterans who died in service or from service-connected disabilities. A $1,000 scholarship is available for Purple Heart or higher medal recipients.
Montana Employment Benefits (1)
State Employment Hiring Preference
Honorably discharged Montana veterans receive hiring preference for state, county, and municipal job appointments.
Montana Hunting & Fishing (1)
Half-Price Deer & Antelope Licenses (Combat-Connected)
Montana veterans with certain combat-connected injuries may be eligible for half-priced deer and antelope licenses. VA hospital patients may receive free fishing permits. Purple Heart recipients and Legion of Valor members get special fishing and upland game bird privileges.
Montana Other Benefits (2)
Montana Other Veteran Benefits
Hunting/fishing license discounts
Montana Income Tax Benefits
Retirement pay: retirement income exemption
Montana Property Tax Exemptions (2)
Montana Property Tax Exemption
100% P&T: 50–100% tax rate reduction (income-based)
Property Tax Rate Reduction — 100% Disabled Veterans
Montana's MDV program reduces the property tax rate on the primary residence of 100% service-connected disabled veterans by 50-100% depending on income. For 2026, income limits are $62,598 (single) / $72,229 (married). Apply by April 15.
Montana Small Business Benefits (1)
Montana Veteran Business Resources
Montana has no statewide procurement preference or set-aside for veteran-owned businesses. Veteran entrepreneurs can get free counseling through the Montana APEX Accelerator, the Billings-based Veterans Business Outreach Center, and the Montana SBDC, and pursue federal SDVOSB certification.
Montana State Parks & Recreation (1)
50% Discount on State Park Camping for Veterans
All Montana resident veterans receive a 50% discount on camping fees at Montana state parks. Day-use admission to state parks is included in the $9 state parks fee paid during vehicle registration. This benefit applies to all honorably discharged veterans regardless of disability rating.
Montana Vehicle Benefits (2)
Vehicle Registration Fee Exemption — 100% P&T or Purple Heart 50%+
Montana exempts qualifying disabled veterans from all motor vehicle registration fees and the veterans' cemetery fee for up to two non-commercial vehicles. Eligibility requires a 100% service-connected disability rating or a Purple Heart with 50%+ rating. DV plates are also provided, which confer disabled parking privileges.
Free License Plates — 100% Disabled Veterans
Montana veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating are eligible for free automobile license plates for one vehicle.
How Montana Benefits Stack With Federal VA Compensation
Montana state benefits are separate from and stack on top of your federal VA disability compensation. The federal compensation rate table below shows what you receive from the VA — your MT state benefits add to that total. For a 100%-rated veteran in MT, this means federal compensation plus the Tuition Waivers for Wartime Veterans & Dependents (up to $1,000/year) and 10 other state benefits — all at no additional cost. Some MT benefits are available to all veterans regardless of disability percentage, while others require a rating of up to 100%. To see your personalized combined federal-plus-Montana benefits package, create a free account.
2026 Federal Compensation Rates (Veteran Alone)
These federal rates apply to all Montana veterans with service-connected disabilities. Montana state benefits are received in addition to these amounts.
Compare Property Tax Exemptions
See how Montana's property tax exemptions compare to other veteran-friendly states:
Frequently Asked Questions About Montana Veteran Benefits
What veteran benefits does Montana offer in 2026?
Montana offers 11 state-specific veteran benefits across 8 categories, such as Tuition Waivers for Wartime Veterans & Dependents, Vehicle Registration Fee Exemption — 100% P&T or Purple Heart 50%+, 50% Discount on State Park Camping for Veterans. These cover education benefits, employment benefits, hunting and fishing license benefits, additional benefits, and more — all in addition to federal VA disability compensation and healthcare.
Does Montana offer property tax exemptions for disabled veterans?
Yes. Montana offers 2 property tax benefits for disabled veterans. Veterans rated 100% disabled or with Permanent & Total (P&T) status may qualify for a full property tax exemption. Some exemptions are available at any disability rating. Contact your county assessor for filing instructions.
What education benefits are available for veterans in Montana?
Montana provides 1 education benefit, including Tuition Waivers for Wartime Veterans & Dependents — some extend to dependents and spouses. These can be combined with federal programs like the GI Bill and Vocational Rehabilitation (VR&E Chapter 31) to reduce or eliminate education costs.
Does Montana offer vehicle-related benefits for disabled veterans?
Yes. Montana provides 2 vehicle-related benefits: Vehicle Registration Fee Exemption — 100% P&T or Purple Heart 50%+, Free License Plates — 100% Disabled Veterans. Eligibility varies by disability rating and benefit type.
How do I apply for Montana veteran benefits?
Most Montana benefits require proof of your VA disability rating, available through VA.gov or your eBenefits account. Certain benefits require a rating of 100% or higher. Contact your local MT Department of Veterans Affairs or county veterans service office for application help.
Can I receive both Montana state and federal VA benefits at the same time?
Absolutely. Montana state veteran benefits are separate from and stack on top of federal VA disability compensation, healthcare, and other federal programs. For example, a 100%-rated veteran in MT receives federal compensation plus the Tuition Waivers for Wartime Veterans & Dependents (up to $1,000/year) and all other eligible state programs.
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Benefits by VA Disability Rating
Your disability rating determines which federal and Montana state benefits you qualify for: