Montana offers a wide array of benefits for veterans, covering everything from housing and financial assistance to education and employment support. Here’s a summary of some key benefits available to veterans in Montana:
Housing Benefits
- Veterans Homes: Montana operates veterans homes in Columbia Falls and Glendive for honorably discharged veterans requiring skilled care. Eligibility extends to spouses on a space-available basis​​.
Financial Benefits
- Income Tax Exemptions: Active-duty and Reserve/Guard pay is exempt from state income tax, and a portion of military retirement pay is also tax-exempt, depending on gross income and other conditions​​.
- Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemption: Provides property tax exemptions for 100% disabled veterans under certain income limits, with eligibility also extending to unmarried surviving spouses​​.
- Montana Military Family Relief Fund: Offers grants up to $2,000 for family members of Montana National Guard members or reservists under specific service conditions​​.
Education Benefits
- Tuition Waivers: Tuition waivers are available for honorably discharged veterans and dependents under specific conditions, including service in combat zones and for those who received the Southwest Asia Service Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, or Iraq Campaign Medal​​.
Employment Benefits
- Veteran Hiring Preference: Veterans receive a preference in public employment, with additional points added for disabled veterans and some spouses or un-remarried surviving spouses​​​​.
- Commercial Driver’s License Military Waiver: Allows eligible active-duty members and veterans to waive the skills test portion of the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) based on their military driving experience​​.
Recreational Benefits
- Hunting and Fishing Licenses: Offers discounted licenses for disabled veterans and allows active-duty non-residents and their families to purchase licenses at resident rates​​.
- State Park Admission: Discounts are available for Montana resident veterans on campsites and amenities at state parks​​.
Additional Veteran Benefits
- Vehicle Registration for Veterans: Qualifying veterans and their un-remarried surviving spouses may be exempt from registration fees for up to two non-commercial vehicles under specific criteria, including being a Purple Heart recipient or having a 100% disability rating due to military service​​.
- License Plates and Parking Benefits: Montana provides several specialized license plates for qualifying veterans, each offering specific benefits, such as a one-time plate production fee and no annual renewal fee for certain plates​​.