Montana Veteran Benefits

Veterans in Montana are eligible for the same VA disability compensation as veterans in any other state. However, each state offers some of its own unique benefits for veterans who are considered disabled by the VA. Below you will find a list of the Montana disabled veteran benefits.

Montana veteran mortgage benefits

The Montana Veterans Home Loan Program offers qualifying resident veterans a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage with a lower-than-average interest rate, as long as funds are available. 

To qualify, the veteran must be a first-time homebuyer, contribute at least $2,500 toward the home purchase, and complete a homebuyer education class. They must have also been discharged under honorable conditions.

Loan amounts vary but max out at a little over $517,000.

Montana veteran property tax benefits

The Montana Disabled Veterans (MDV) Assistance Program reduces the property taxes for totally disabled veterans or their unmarried surviving spouses. The MDV reduction amount is based on the veteran’s income and marriage status, but can be 100%, 80%, 70%, or 50% of your normal tax rate.

To qualify, a veteran must:

• Own or be under a contract to buy a home
• Live in the home for at least seven months of the year
• Have a letter from VA showing you have a 100% VA disability rating
• Meet gross income qualifications (exact amounts change each tax year and are listed in the link above)

To be eligible as an unmarried surviving spouse, you must have a letter from the VA showing your spouse either died in active duty, died as a result of a service-related disability, or was rated 100% disabled because of a service-related injury at the time of their death.

Montana veteran income tax benefits

Montana residents who retired from military service or their survivors may be eligible to exempt half of their military retirement income from Montana taxable income for five consecutive years. 

This benefit is for eligible retirees or beneficiaries who were Montana residents before June 30, 2023.

Montana veteran vehicle benefits

The Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) offers various special vehicle licence-plate benefits for eligible veterans and their unmarried surviving spouses. 

First, veterans with a 100% VA disability rating or who receive TDIU benefits can have their registration fees reduced. This benefit is also available to veterans who received a Purple Heart and have a 50% or higher VA disability rating.

Second, veterans in Montana can get licence plates that reflect their branch of service or service-related recognition. 

The state also offers “DV,” or disabled veteran, plates, which provide disabled parking privileges. To qualify, the veteran must either have a 100% VA disability rating, receive TDIU benefits, or be a Purple Heart recipient that is considered at least 50% disabled by the VA.

You can learn more or apply for a special plate or fee reduction on the Montana MVD website.

Montana veteran education benefits

The Montana Board of Regents of Higher Education offers tuition waivers for veterans and “war orphans” at campuses in the Montana university system. 

To be eligible as a veteran, you must have an honorable discharge and have served in active duty, not including active duty for training. You must also have already exhausted other financial aid benefits like the GI Bill.

Montana veteran hunting and fishing licenses

Veterans or disabled service members with a combat-connected injury or disabilities may be eligible for special hunting licenses at half the fee, including certain deer and antelope tags. 

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Department issues only up to 50 of the licenses per year. You must apply and be accepted to receive the license.

If you do not qualify as a combat veteran, Montana also offers reduced fee licenses to residents who are “permanently and substantially” disabled, veteran or otherwise.

Other veteran benefits in Montana

The Montana Veterans Home (MVH) provides long-term care and assisted living services to veterans and their spouses, if space is available. The Medicare- and Medicaid-supported facility offers care of varying levels, depending on the veteran’s needs. It’s located in Columbia Falls and has more than 100 beds.

Other benefit information for service members, Reservists, and more can be found here.

VA facilities in Montana

We share more about where to find VA facilities in Montana including regional offices, medical facilities, and VA cemeteries.

VA regional offices in Montana

Each state has at least one VA regional office (VARO) that provides in-person services to help veterans with VA benefits and claims. Offices also offer information about veteran medical help, education and career counseling, memorial benefits, aid for homeless veterans, and more. Below is the VARO in Montana.

VA medical facilities in Montana

VA medical facilities offer medical information and assistance for veterans. Vets may also receive their compensation and pension (C&P) exam at many of these facilities. The VA uses the information gathered at a C&P exam to determine how severe a veteran’s condition is and whether it is service connected. Below is a list of VA medical facilities in Montana.

Vet Centers in Montana

Vet Centers provide veterans with counseling and referral services, many of which are community-based. These centers also offer services for family members of veterans.

VA cemeteries in Montana

VA cemeteries can be found all over the U.S. and are dedicated resting places for those who honorably served their country. Veterans or families can make arrangements to be laid to rest in a VA cemetery. Qualifying spouses of veterans may also be eligible. You can find eligibility requirements for VA cemeteries here. Below is a list of VA cemeteries in Montana.

Montana military bases with toxic exposure

Dangerous toxins have been found in the groundwater and soil at various military bases in Montana such as Malmstrom Air Force Base.

Veterans who were subject to toxic exposure at a Montana military installation and later developed health complications may be eligible for VA disability benefits. Below is a list of Montana military bases that have been affected by toxic exposure.

For more information about toxins at Montana military bases and how exposure may affect your health, check out our Military Bases Toxic Exposure Map.

Woods & Woods: VA disability appeal lawyer Montana

Woods & Woods is an accredited VA disability law firm that serves veterans nationwide. Our team of VA disability lawyers serves Montana from Billings to Missoula and everywhere in between. We have helped tens of thousands of veterans across the US fight the VA for the full benefits they deserve, including countless veterans in Montana.

If you are looking for an experienced and professional VA disability appeal lawyer in Montana, call us today for your free case evaluation.

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