State Benefits

State of Montana Veteran Benefits

The State of Montana provides trained Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) for claims representation. These VSOs are skilled and passionate in providing veterans the utmost excellent care and maximization of benefits eligible to veterans. To receive representation in your benefits claim, visit the Veteran Services webpage here: Veteran-Services/Veteran-Services-Program-Home.  

Eligible veterans are entitled to be buried in one of the 3 state veterans cemeteries, located in Fort Harrison, Miles City, and Missoula. The burial is low-cost, with free options for cremated remains. Spouses and eligible dependents are also entitled to burial with the veteran. To determine eligibility, pre-register, or schedule a burial, visit their webpage at: Veteran-Cemeteries/index. 

Montana Veterans can choose to add a "Veteran" designation to their driver license or ID card. This simple addition is a meaningful way to recognize your service and gives you an easy way to show your Veteran status when asking about benefits or discounts from participating businesses and organizations.

To add veteran designation to your drivers license, visit Motor Vehicle Divisions website here: https://mvdmt.gov/military-resources/veteran-designation/. 

Motor Vehicle Division offers several license plates for veterans and military personnel. To see all plate designs, visit the Motor Vehicle Divisions webpage here: https://mvdmt.gov/military-resources/military-veteran-license-plates/.

 

The Montana Veteran Affairs Division designed the Patriot License Plate available to all of Montana citizens to show your support for Montana's veterans and families. The plate costs $20 for the initial purchase, then $15 per year for renewal. 100% of these fees are given to the Montana Veteran Affairs Division to be used for operating our programs. To receive a Patriot License Plate, ask your local Motor Vehicle Division for this special plate! 

The Montana Military Family Relief Fund (MMFRF) provides grants to help families of activated National Guard/Reserve members with expenses like housing and food. 

For more information, visit: https://dma.mt.gov/DO/Military-Family-Relief-Fund 

Questions about Veteran Benefits for Hunting and Fishing can be directed to Fish, Wildlife, and Parks at (406) 444-2950.

Hunting

A veteran with certain combat–connected injuries may be entitled to half-priced licenses for deer and antelope. 

For details, visit - https://fwp.mt.gov/buyandapply/hunting-licenses/disabled-licenses 

 

Fishing

Veteran Administration Patients - Permits are available for patients residing at VA Hospitals and residents of State institutions, except the State penitentiary. These free permits are available on-site at the VA Hospital or State Institution.

Legion of Valor - A Conservation License allows both residents and nonresidents, regardless of age, to fish. Legion of Valor membership card required to qualify. Available only at FWP offices.

Purple Heart - Residents who have been awarded a Purple Heart, regardless of age, may fish and hunt upland game birds with a Conservation License issued by FWP.

  • Nonresidents who have been awarded a Purple Heart, regardless of age, may fish and hunt upland game birds with a Conservation License issued by FWP.
  • Verification of Purple Heart and DD 214 Form required to qualify. Residents can only obtain this special license at FWP offices. Nonresidents only available at FWP Headquarters in Helena. 

Veterans will receive hiring preference for state jobs as referred to in the Veterans' Employment Preference Policy, which can be found here: https://www.mdt.mt.gov/jobs/docs/veteransemploymentpreference.pdf. 

Visit Department of Labor and Industry's website for additional benefits and services here: https://wsd.dli.mt.gov/job-seeker/veteran-services/. 

Separating from the military? Visit the Veteran and Military Transition Center here:  https://www.careeronestop.org/Veterans/default.aspx? 

 

The State of Montana operates 3 Veterans Homes, located in Butte, Columbia Falls, and Glendive, available for veterans requiring skilled nursing care. These facilities are operated under Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS). To find information on the veteran homes, please visit their websites below:

The Montana Disabled Veteran (MDV) Property Tax Assistance Program offers property tax relief on the primary residence for qualifying 100% disabled Veterans and their unmarried surviving spouses. The level of assistance and eligibility requirements can differ. For up‑to‑date details on eligibility, income limits, and how to apply, please visit the Department of Revenue’s Disabled Veteran Property Tax Relief page at https://revenue.mt.gov/publications/disabled-veteran-property-tax-relief.

The Montana University System has multiple tuition waivers depending on certain requirements. Visit Montana State University - Tuition Waivers for more information!

 

The Montana Veteran Affairs Division offers a $1,000 scholarship for veterans who have received a purple heart or higher medal of honor. Visit the webpage here to determine eligibility and submit an application.