Veteran Benefits in Montana

Veteran Benefits & Resources

Veteran Benefits & Resources in Montana

Introduction

Montana is home to more than 90,000 military veterans and has one of the highest veteran populations per capita in the country. With a strong tradition of military service and a focus on rural access to care, Montana provides a range of benefits through state programs, VA healthcare systems, and local veteran service organizations.

This guide highlights key benefits, healthcare services, and organizations available in Montana so veterans can easily access assistance with education, housing, employment, healthcare, and community support.

Key Veteran Benefits in Montana

Disabled Veteran Property Tax Assistance Program

Montana offers a property tax assistance program for disabled veterans, which reduces property taxes based on disability rating and income eligibility.

Source:
https://mtrevenue.gov/property/property-tax-assistance/

Montana Veterans Education Benefits

Montana provides education support through tuition waivers and assistance programs for veterans and eligible dependents.

Source:
https://veterans.mt.gov

Veteran Employment Preference

Veterans receive preference in Montana state hiring, improving access to public sector employment.

Source:
https://statecareers.mt.gov

Veteran Designation on Montana Driver License

Veterans can add a “Veteran” designation to their Montana driver license or ID.

Source:
https://dojmt.gov/driving

Montana Veterans Affairs Division

Provides assistance with VA claims, benefits navigation, and access to veteran programs.

Source:
https://veterans.mt.gov

VA Disability Benefits by Rating in Montana

Understanding how your VA disability rating impacts your benefits can help you take full advantage of both federal VA programs and Montana-specific benefits.

100% Disabled Veterans

Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating receive the highest level of support.

In Montana, this includes:

• Eligibility for property tax assistance programs that can significantly reduce tax liability based on income
• Full federal VA compensation at the highest rate
• Comprehensive VA healthcare at no cost
• Eligibility for CHAMPVA (dependents) and commissary/exchange privileges
• Access to additional state-level support programs

Montana provides meaningful tax relief, though benefits are income-based rather than full exemptions.

70% Disabled Veterans

Veterans rated at 70% disability receive strong federal benefits and access to expanded programs.

Key benefits include:

• Higher monthly VA compensation
• Priority access to VA healthcare and specialty services
• Eligibility for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU)
• Expanded access to mental health and long-term care programs

State-level benefits are limited but still supportive.

50% Disabled Veterans

At the 50% disability rating, veterans reach an important healthcare threshold.

This includes:

• No-cost VA healthcare for all conditions
• Increased monthly compensation
• Access to a broader range of VA medical services and prescriptions

This level significantly improves access to care.

Lower Ratings (10%–40%)

Veterans with disability ratings between 10% and 40% still receive meaningful benefits, including:

• Monthly tax-free VA compensation
• VA healthcare for service-connected conditions
• Eligibility for Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E) programs
• Access to local and state veteran support services

These ratings provide important foundational support.

No matter your rating, working with a Montana Veterans Service Officer can help ensure you’re receiving every benefit you’ve earned and assist with increasing your rating if your condition has worsened.