Big Sky Honor: Montana's Top 10 Most Valuable Veterans Benefits

Montana, a state with a proud military tradition, offers a solid package of benefits to honor its veterans and support them and their families. Administered by the Montana Veterans Affairs Division, these programs provide valuable assistance in areas like housing, employment, and recreation. While the personal value of each benefit can differ, a clear top tier emerges based on monetary impact, broad applicability, and quality-of-life enhancements.

Here are the top ten, most valuable veterans benefits offered through the Montana Department of Veterans Affairs:

  1. Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans: A significant financial benefit, Montana offers a property tax exemption on the primary residence for veterans with a 100% service-connected disability. The exemption amount is tiered based on income, but for many, it can dramatically reduce or even eliminate their annual property tax liability, saving thousands of dollars.
  2. Montana Veterans' Homes: A cornerstone of long-term care, Montana operates two excellent State Veterans' Homes in Columbia Falls and Glendive. These facilities provide affordable, high-quality skilled nursing and domiciliary care in a setting dedicated to the unique needs of veterans, offering peace of mind and specialized support for aging heroes.
  3. State Employment Preference: Honorably discharged veterans receive a hiring preference when applying for public employment. Five points are added to the examination scores of qualified veterans, and ten points are added for disabled veterans, providing a substantial advantage in securing stable government careers at the state, county, and local levels.
  4. State Veterans Cemeteries: Montana maintains three beautiful Veterans Cemeteries in Fort Harrison, Miles City, and Missoula. These facilities provide a dignified and honorable final resting place for veterans, their spouses, and eligible dependents at no cost to the family for the plot and interment, alleviating a significant financial and emotional burden.
  5. Free State Park Admission and Discounted Recreational Licenses: Montana honors its resident disabled veterans with free admission to state parks and reduced fees for hunting and fishing licenses. Veterans with a 100% disability can fish for free, while those with a lower disability rating can obtain licenses at a reduced cost, encouraging enjoyment of Montana's world-renowned outdoor heritage.
  6. Military Retirement Pay Tax Exemption: Montana provides a tax advantage for military retirees by allowing a portion of their military retirement pay to be exempt from state income tax. This allows retired veterans to keep more of their hard-earned pension.
  7. In-State Tuition Status: Veterans and their dependents who establish residency in Montana are eligible for in-state tuition rates at the state's public colleges and universities. This can save a family thousands of dollars per year on the cost of higher education.
  8. Operation Recognition (High School Diplomas for Wartime Veterans): Montana's "Operation Recognition" program awards high school diplomas to honorably discharged veterans who left school to serve in World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War. This benefit provides a long-overdue sense of closure and recognition for their sacrifice.
  9. Special License Plates: Montana offers a variety of special license plates to recognize veterans and their service. Disabled veterans are eligible for special plates that exempt them from certain vehicle registration fees, providing a recurring annual savings.
  10. Veterans Service Officer Network: While not a direct monetary benefit, Montana provides a statewide network of accredited Veterans Service Officers (VSOs). These trained professionals provide free expert assistance to veterans and their families in identifying and applying for the full range of federal and state benefits they have earned. This service is invaluable for navigating the complexities of the VA system and can unlock thousands of dollars in benefits.

These premier benefits showcase Montana's strong commitment to its veteran community. For detailed eligibility requirements and to connect with a Veterans Service Officer for assistance, veterans are encouraged to visit the official website of the Montana Veterans Affairs Division.

Montana Veterans Affairs

Contact Information:

Address: 
Montana Veterans Affairs Division
1956 Mt. Majo St., P.O. Box 4789
Fort Harrison, MT 59636-4789

Phone: 1-406-324-3742

Return to the WeSalute State Veterans Benefits Guide

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