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Montana — Veteran Benefits

Complete reference covering 58 benefit categories across 14 service tiers. Verify current eligibility with your County VSO before filing.

At a Glance — What Unlocks by Status / Rating

Veteran benefits unlocked at each service status and disability rating in Montana
Status / Rating Headline Benefits Unlocked
**Active Duty** Full exemption on active/contingency pay from Montana income tax; resident hunting/fishing rates after 30 days stationed in state; vehicle registration extended validity while deployed; CDL skills test waiver within 12 months of separation
**Guard / Reserve** Montana National Guard tuition waiver (last-dollar); MMFRF grants during federal activation; 5-year free wildlife license after 2+ months federal deployment outside Montana; income tax exemption on contingency/homeland defense duty pay
**Military Retiree** Working Military Retirement Exemption (WMRE): 50% of pension deductible, up to Montana-source wage income — 5-year limit for TY2024–2025; limit removed effective TY2026 by SB93; SBP 50% subtraction (same rules)
**Veteran (honorable, no rating)** +5-point state hiring preference; honorably discharged veteran tuition waiver at MUS (after VA benefits exhausted); 50% camping discount at state parks; Veteran designation on DL; Veterans Home eligibility (55+); CDL skills test waiver; MIC3 K–12 compact
**0% SC** Same as veteran no-rating; no additional rating-based state benefits at 0%
**10–20%** Same as veteran no-rating; no additional state benefits in this range
**30–40%** Same as veteran no-rating; no additional state benefits in this range
**50–60%** Vehicle registration fee waiver for 2 vehicles if Purple Heart + 50%+ SC; DV plate + disabled parking (Purple Heart + 50%+)
**70–90%** Half-price deer/antelope hunting licenses for combat-connected disability (70%+ SC); donated hunting license program; no additional property tax benefit below 100%
**100% schedular** MDV property tax reduction (50–100% based on income, TY2026 thresholds); vehicle registration fee waiver for 2 vehicles; DV plate + disabled parking; Veterans Home admission; surviving spouse coverage
**TDIU** Same as 100% schedular if paid at the 100% rate — MDV property tax reduction and vehicle fee waiver apply
**P&T** Same as 100%/TDIU; P&T designation does not trigger a separate state benefit category in Montana
**SMC (Housebound/A&A)** Same as 100%; no additional SMC-specific Montana state benefit beyond the 100% tier
**Surviving spouse / dependents** MDV property tax reduction (unmarried surviving spouse, income-tiered); vehicle registration fee waiver for 2 vehicles (unmarried surviving spouse, veteran died SC or on active duty); dependent/war orphan tuition waivers at MUS; Gold Star Family plate; Honor and Remember Medallion; Veterans Home admission (space available)

Taxes

1. Property Tax — Primary Residence

(1) 100% SC disability rating OR paid at 100% rate by VA (TDIU included); (2) own and occupy primary residence as primary home for 7+ months per year; (3) meet income thresholds below. Unmarried surviving spouses of veterans who died on active duty or from a 100% SC disability also qualify.

Authority: MCA 15-6-311, 15-6-312; ARM 42.19.401, 42.19.402

2. Property Tax — Vehicle / Personal Property

Montana has no vehicle personal property tax. Vehicles pay registration fees, not ad valorem property tax. Registration fee waivers for veterans are covered under Category 10.

3. Vehicle Sales / Use Tax

Montana has no state sales tax and no local sales taxes. There is no vehicle sales or use tax for any purchaser. Universal state policy, not a veteran-specific exemption.

4. State Income Tax — Active Duty Military Pay

**Full exemption:** Residents on active duty in the regular armed forces who entered active duty from Montana pay no Montana income tax on basic pay, special pay, or incentive pay.

Authority: MCA 15-30-2120(3)(c)(i)–(ii); ARM 42.15.214

5. State Income Tax — Military Retirement Pay

**Working Military Retirement Exemption (WMRE):** Montana resident military retirees (and SBP beneficiaries — see Category 6) may subtract up to 50% of military retirement income from Montana taxable income, capped at their Montana-source wage/business/farming income for the same year.

Authority: MCA 15-30-2120(3)(n); SB93 (2025 Legislature)

6. State Income Tax — SBP Annuity

**SBP 50% subtraction:** SBP beneficiaries may subtract 50% of their military Survivor Benefit Plan annuity from Montana taxable income. No Montana-source wage income requirement (unlike the WMRE for retirees). Same residency eligibility rules as WMRE.

Authority: MCA 15-30-2120(3)(n)(ii); SB93 (2025)

7. State Income Tax — General

**VA disability compensation:** Excluded from Montana taxable income following federal treatment. **DIC (Dependency and Indemnity Compensation):** Tax-free at both federal and state levels. **Montana veterans' bonus payments (WWII, Korean War, Vietnam):** Fully exempt from Montana income tax; any previously paid Montana tax on such payments is refundable. **Authority:** MCA 15-30-2120(3)(c)(iv) **Montana income tax rates (for context):** TY2025 top rate 5.9%; TY2026 top rate 5.65%; TY2027 top rate 5.4% (two-bracket system under HB 337). **Senior deduction (age 65+):** $5,500 subtraction from federal taxable income; available to all qualifying Montana residents including veterans.

Authority: MCA 15-30-2120(3)(c)(iv)

8. Sales Tax Exemption

Montana has no state sales tax. No sales tax exemption card exists or is needed.

9. Other State Tax Breaks

**Veterans' bonus interest:** Interest earned on Montana veterans' bonus payments is exempt under MCA 15-30-2120. **Incompetent veterans' trusts:** Property held in trust for incompetent veterans by a veterans' organization is exempt from property tax under MCA 15-6-203.

Vehicle, Travel & ID

10. Vehicle Registration Fee

**100% SC disabled veteran (or paid at 100% rate, including TDIU):** All registration fees waived on up to 2 non-commercial motor vehicles plus 2 sets of special veteran license plates. Cemetery fee also waived. **Purple Heart recipient rated 50%+ SC:** Same fee waiver on 2 non-commercial vehicles and 2 plate sets. Cemetery fee not waived under this pathway. **Former POW (documented by DoD):** Same fee waiver as 100% SC. **Unmarried surviving spouse of veteran who died SC or killed on active duty:** Same fee waiver. **Active-duty members stationed outside Montana:** May register Montana vehicles without certain light vehicle registration fees while deployed out of state. **License extension:** Active-duty members' Montana driver licenses remain valid until 90 days after honorable discharge.
Verify locally: No confirmed statutory extension to boats. ⚠️ Verify with county treasurer whether any administrative waiver applies to watercraft for 100% SC veterans.

Authority: MCA 61-3-460

11. Disabled Veteran License Plates

**Two variants:** 1. **Standard DV plate** (no ISA symbol): For 100% SC disabled veterans or Purple Heart recipients rated 50%+ SC. Does not confer disabled parking; requires a separate physician-certified mobility placard for parking privileges. 2. **Wheelchair/ISA version:** Same eligibility plus physician certification of mobility limitation. Confers full disabled parking privileges when issued.

Authority: MCA 61-3-458; MCA 49-4-302

12. Other Veteran / Military Specialty Plates

Montana offers 24+ military/veteran specialty plate designs including branch plates (Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, Space Force), Purple Heart plate, Gold Star Family plate, POW/MIA plates, and general Veteran plates.

Authority: MCA 61-3-458

13. Toll Road / Bridge Exemption

Montana has no state toll roads or toll facilities. No veteran toll exemption exists or is needed.

14. Public Transit Discount

Montana does not have a state-funded veteran transit benefit program. Federal DAV van service to VA medical centers may be available locally. Contact regional MVAD VSO offices for community transportation resources.

15. Disabled Parking Privileges

Disabled parking privileges are conferred via the ISA-version DV plate (see Category 11) when issued with physician certification. Any veteran with a qualifying mobility impairment may also apply for a standard disabled parking placard through their physician at the county treasurer, using the same process as any disability. **Authority:** MCA 49-4-302 **Action:** [mvdmt.gov/license-plate-information/physical-disability-plates/](https://mvdmt.gov/license-plate-information/physical-disability-plates/)

Authority: MCA 49-4-302

16. Driver License / State ID Fee

**Veteran designation on DL/ID:** Montana honorably discharged veterans may add "VETERAN" to the front of their driver license or state ID card. - Replacement (non-REAL ID) with veteran designation: $10.30 - Replacement (REAL ID) with veteran designation: $36.05 - At normal renewal: standard renewal fees apply; veteran designation added at no additional charge beyond the renewal fee.
Verify locally: **Documentation:** MVAD letter confirming veteran status plus certified DD-214 showing honorable discharge.

17. CDL Fee / Skills-Test Waiver

**Military CDL Skills Test Waiver:** Active-duty members or veterans within 12 months of separation may apply to waive the CDL skills test if they operated military vehicles substantially similar to a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) for at least 2 years. Written knowledge tests and fees still required. No fee waiver on the CDL license itself. **Application:** Form CDL Military Even Exchange, completed by applicant and commanding officer, presented to MT MVD. **Authority:** Federal FMCSA program; administered by MT Motor Vehicle Division **Action:** [mvdmt.gov/cdl/](https://mvdmt.gov/cdl/)

Authority: Federal FMCSA program; administered by MT Motor Vehicle Division

18. Veteran Designation on DL / ID

Covered under Category 16.

Outdoor Recreation

19. Hunting License

**Combat-disabled veterans — half-price deer/antelope licenses:** Veterans with a permanent, substantial combat-connected disability may purchase half-price deer and antelope licenses. Under MCA 87-2-817, Montana FWP must provide 50 half-price licenses per license type (deer A tag, deer B tag, antelope) per administrative region or hunting district annually. In regions where licenses are scarce, veterans receive up to 10% of total licenses for that area. There is no single statewide cap of 50. Requires a VA Benefit Summary Letter documenting the combat-connected injury. **Authority:** MCA 87-2-817; ARM 12.3.106
Verify locally: **VA hospital patients:** Veterans receiving inpatient care at a Montana VA medical facility may fish and hunt without a license while carrying signed documentation from hospital staff verifying inpatient status. ⚠️ Verify current availability and quota with Montana FWP at (406) 444-2535.

Authority: MCA 87-2-817; ARM 12.3.106

20. Fishing License — Freshwater

**Purple Heart residents:** Fish with Conservation License ($8) plus AIS Prevention Pass ($2) only — no separate fishing license required. **Legion of Valor:** Fish with Conservation License only. **Guard/Reserve 5-year benefit:** Class A resident fishing license included (see Category 19). **VA hospital patients:** Fish license-free with hospital documentation. **Resident disability fishing:** Montana residents who are permanently and substantially disabled may purchase a Conservation License ($8) plus AIS Prevention Pass ($2) plus a half-price fishing license ($10.50; full resident base rate is $21/season). This is a general disability program, not veteran-specific. **Resident lifetime fishing for the blind:** $10 lifetime license for blind Montana residents. **Authority:** MCA 87-2-817; FWP regulations **Action:** [fwp.mt.gov/buyandapply/fishinglicenses](https://fwp.mt.gov/buyandapply/fishinglicenses)

Authority: MCA 87-2-817; FWP regulations

21. Fishing License — Saltwater

Montana is landlocked. No saltwater fishing licenses exist.

22. Combination Hunt/Fish License

**Guard/Reserve — Class AAA combination sports license:** Free for 5 license years following qualifying deployment (see Category 19). Covers game bird hunting and fishing.

23. Trapping License

**Unavailable (veteran-specific benefit confirmed)** — No veteran-specific trapping license discount found in statute or FWP materials. ⚠️ Verify directly with Montana FWP at (406) 444-2535. Note: nonresident active-duty members stationed 30+ consecutive days may purchase trapping licenses at resident rates under the general military residency rule.
Verify locally: **Unavailable (veteran-specific benefit confirmed)** — No veteran-specific trapping license discount found in statute or FWP materials. ⚠️ Verify directly with Montana FWP at (406) 444-2535.

24. State Parks — Day Use / Entrance

No veteran-specific day-use discount. Montana resident vehicles that paid the $9 state parks fee embedded in annual vehicle registration receive free daily entrance — this applies to all resident vehicle owners, not veteran-specific.

25. State Parks — Camping

**Montana resident veterans: 50% discount on base camping fees.** Electrical hookup fees are excluded from the discount. **Proof:** DD-214, VA ID card, or Montana driver license with Veteran designation. **Reservation:** Note the discount when booking through the Montana State Parks reservation system, or present documentation on arrival. **Authority:** Montana FWP State Parks fee policy **Action:** [fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/fees-and-general-information](https://fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/fees-and-general-information)

Authority: Montana FWP State Parks fee policy

26. State Parks — Annual / Lifetime Pass

**Unavailable (veteran-specific)** — No separate veteran annual or lifetime state parks pass program exists. The federal America the Beautiful Military Pass provides free access to federal lands (national parks, refuges, national forests) for veterans and Gold Star families — that is a federal program, not a Montana state benefit.

27. Boat / Watercraft Registration

**Unavailable (veteran-specific discount confirmed)** — MCA 61-3-460 covers "motor vehicles" only and does not explicitly extend to watercraft. Montana charges one-time boat registration fees ($65.50 under 16 ft; $125.50 for 16–18 ft; $295.50 for 19 ft+). ⚠️ Verify with county treasurer whether any administrative fee waiver applies to watercraft for 100% SC veterans.
Verify locally: **Unavailable (veteran-specific discount confirmed)** — MCA 61-3-460 covers "motor vehicles" only and does not explicitly extend to watercraft. ⚠️ Verify with county treasurer whether any administrative fee waiver applies to watercraft for 100% SC veterans.

Education

28. In-State Tuition

**Guard/Reserve:** Montana National Guard members who do not meet standard residency requirements are eligible for in-state tuition status for the Guard tuition waiver program. **Nonresident active-duty:** Members stationed in Montana 30+ consecutive days qualify for resident hunting/fishing rates; in-state tuition at Montana University System schools requires a separate institutional eligibility determination.

29. Tuition Waiver — Disabled Veteran

(1) Montana resident; (2) honorable discharge from active duty (other than training); (3) VA education benefits elected and fully exhausted or expired; (4) applied by the 3rd week of the first semester; (5) maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). **No income limit or disability rating requirement** — available to all honorably discharged veterans who have used up federal education benefits. **Documentation:** DD-214 plus VA letter confirming benefits are exhausted. **Authority:** Montana University System Board of Regents Policy 940.1 **Action:** Apply at the financial aid office of any MUS campus. [mus.edu/Prepare/Pay/Waivers/](https://www.mus.edu/Prepare/Pay/Waivers/)
Verify locally: **Documentation:** DD-214 plus VA letter confirming benefits are exhausted.

Authority: Montana University System Board of Regents Policy 940.1

30. Dependent Education Benefit

**War Orphan/Dependent Tuition Waiver:** Children age 25 or younger whose parent served in WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, or Afghanistan and was killed in action or died from a combat-related injury, disease, or other service-connected disability qualify for a MUS tuition waiver. Parent must have been a Montana resident at entry into service. Waiver covers tuition only (not fees) up to a bachelor's degree. Not available if comparable educational assistance is received from any government or private source.

31. Spouse Education Benefit

**No standalone spouse tuition waiver** exists for veterans' spouses in Montana outside Guard programs. Military spouses of active-duty members receive in-state tuition treatment at MUS under the Military Spouse Residency Relief Act (income tax) and MCA 37-1-147 (professional licensing reciprocity), but no tuition waiver is provided solely by virtue of military spouse status. ⚠️ Verify with individual MUS campuses for any campus-level spouse benefit.
Verify locally: ⚠️ Verify with individual MUS campuses for any campus-level spouse benefit.

32. National Guard / Reserve Tuition Assistance

(1) Bona fide member of Montana National Guard (Army or Air) in good standing; (2) completed Initial Entry Training; (3) applied by the 3rd week of the first semester; (4) maintaining SAP. Not available for Flat Fee Courses. **Documentation:** NGB certification of Guard membership in good standing. **Authority:** MUS Board of Regents Policy **Action:** [mus.edu/Prepare/Pay/Waivers/](https://www.mus.edu/Prepare/Pay/Waivers/)

Authority: MUS Board of Regents Policy

33. K-12 Support

**Military Interstate Children's Compact (MIC3):** Montana is a member. Removes barriers for military children — accepts unofficial enrollment records, places students in comparable coursework from their prior school, allows on-time graduation support, waives local graduation requirements where possible, and provides enrollment/attendance flexibility.

Authority: Montana OPI MIC3 program

34. State Student Loan / Scholarship

**Montana Veterans' Home Loan Program (VHLP):** First mortgage at 1% below the Montana Board of Housing Regular Bond Loan rate, fixed 30-year term. No income or purchase price limits.
Verify locally: **Fund availability:** Revolving fund — check availability before applying.

Authority: MCA 90-6-603; administered by Montana Housing Trust

Employment & Licensing

35. Veterans Hiring Preference

**+5 points:** Veterans who served 180+ consecutive days on active federal military duty (other than training) with honorable discharge; OR Guard/Reserve service during a period of war or campaign; OR Purple Heart recipients. **+10 points:** Service-connected disabled veterans and eligible family members of deceased veterans. The 10-point preference also covers retention during reductions-in-force.

Authority: MCA 39-29-102; ARM 2.21.3615

36. Professional License Fee Waiver

**Expedited reciprocal licensing (MCA 37-1-147):** Montana boards regulated by the Department of Labor and Industry must issue a license to an active-duty member, a military spouse subject to change-of-station orders, or a recently honorably discharged veteran who relocated, when the person holds a valid out-of-state license in good standing. If requirements are substantially equivalent, a full license is issued. If not, a temporary license is issued while additional requirements are completed.
Verify locally: ⚠️ Verify with the specific licensing board (Medicine, Nursing, Law, etc.

37. Professional License Reciprocity — Military Spouse

Covered under MCA 37-1-147 (see Category 36). Military spouses may receive expedited or temporary licenses in Montana when accompanying an active-duty spouse on orders. Covers all DLI-regulated professions. **Action:** Contact the specific licensing board for timeline and fee schedule.

38. Business License Fee Break

**Unavailable (confirmed state-specific program)** — No confirmed Montana state veteran-owned business procurement preference or license fee waiver found. Federal SBA programs (VOSB/SDVOSB set-asides) apply for federal contracting. Montana Department of Commerce provides entrepreneurship counseling through the Veterans Business Outreach Center (Region VIII, Billings). ⚠️ Verify with the Montana Department of Administration procurement office for any state contract set-aside rules.
Verify locally: **Unavailable (confirmed state-specific program)** — No confirmed Montana state veteran-owned business procurement preference or license fee waiver found. ⚠️ Verify with the Montana Department of Administration procurement office for any state contract set-aside rules.

39. Civil Service / Retirement Credit

**Teachers' Retirement System (TRS) — military service credit purchase:** Vested Montana public school employees may purchase up to 2 years of creditable service for active-duty military service (Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard), American Red Cross, or Merchant Marine service. Member pays combined employer and employee contributions based on the first full year's TRS salary, plus interest. **Authority:** MCA 19-20-404

Authority: MCA 19-20-404

Housing & Financial

40. State Home Loan / Down-Payment Assistance

Covered under Category 34. VHLP: 1% below-market rate, 30-year fixed, first-time buyer, $517,020 max loan.

41. Financial Assistance / Emergency Relief

**Montana Military Family Relief Fund (MMFRF):** Three grant types for qualifying Montana National Guard/Reserve members on federal active duty in a contingency operation for 30+ consecutive days, pay grade O-3/W-3 or below, Montana residents:

Authority: Montana Department of Military Affairs — MMFRF

42. State Veteran Bonus

**No current Montana state service bonus** exists for post-9/11 service (Iraq, Afghanistan, Gulf War). Historical bonus programs for WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam-era veterans are part of closed programs; any remaining eligible payments and tax exemptions are governed by MCA 15-30-2120(3)(c)(iv).

Authority: Montana DMA

43. Specially Adapted Housing — State Supplement

**Unavailable (state-specific supplement)** — No Montana state-funded adapted housing supplement found. Federal VA Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grants (⚠️ verify current 2026 federal amount at va.gov) and Special Home Adaptation (SHA) grants are available to eligible Montana veterans with severe SC disabilities. The VHLP (Category 34) is a first-time buyer program and is not an adapted housing grant.
Verify locally: Federal VA Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grants (⚠️ verify current 2026 federal amount at va.

44. Utility / Heating Assistance

**LIHEAP:** Montana DPHHS administers the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Not veteran-specific; income-based. Season: October 1–April 30. Range: minimum $180, maximum $3,228 per year. Low-income veterans may apply. **Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF):** Federal program administered locally; provides temporary financial assistance including utility help for veterans at risk of homelessness. **Energy Share of Montana:** One-time assistance with heating bills or equipment repair for Montanans in crisis. Not veteran-specific.
Verify locally: ⚠️ Verify with local VSO for county-level assistance.

Health & Support

45. State Veterans Home / Nursing Home

Honorably discharged veteran (any era), age 55 or older (exceptions for younger veterans unable to earn a living). No Montana residency requirement; Montana residents receive priority. Spouses admitted on space-available basis. Must meet medical criteria for intermediate nursing care or domiciliary care. **Cost:** Reduced rates for eligible veterans; contact facility for current fee schedule. Federal VA per-diem supplement applies. **Action:** [dphhs.mt.gov/healthcarefacilities/mvh/](https://dphhs.mt.gov/healthcarefacilities/mvh/)

46. Behavioral / Mental Health Programs

Income-based (approximately 138% FPL or below). **Action:** [dphhs.mt.gov/montanahealthcareprograms/](https://dphhs.mt.gov/montanahealthcareprograms/)

47. Dental / Vision / Health Programs

The **HELP Plan (see Category 46)** covers dental, vision, and prescriptions for income-eligible veterans not adequately covered by VA. This is the primary state-level dental/vision benefit for non-VA-eligible Montana veterans.

48. Long-Term Care / Aid & Attendance Supplement

**Montana Veterans' Homes (Category 45)** provide long-term care including skilled nursing and memory care at reduced rates — this is the state's primary LTC benefit for veterans.
Verify locally: ⚠️ Verify with MVAD whether any state-funded in-home LTC supplement exists.

49. Free Legal Aid / Veteran Treatment Courts

**Montana Attorneys For Montana Veterans (MAMV):** Joint program of the Montana Supreme Court and University of Montana School of Law. Pro bono representation for veterans with VA disability benefit claims before the Board of Veterans Appeals (BVA). No income requirement. **Action:** [courts.mt.gov/probono/Resources/mamv](https://courts.mt.gov/probono/Resources/mamv)

50. Concealed Carry / Firearms Fee Waiver

No veteran-specific CCW fee waiver found in Montana law. Standard concealed weapons permit (CWP) fees: $50 initial (standard), $75 (enhanced), $25 renewal (standard), $35 renewal (enhanced); additional $5 fingerprinting; renewal every 4 years. **Authority:** MCA 45-8-322

Authority: MCA 45-8-322

51. Vital Records / Notary Fee Waiver

No veteran-specific fee waiver confirmed for vital records (birth certificates, marriage/death certificates). Standard fees apply: $8 per certified copy of birth or death certificate. ⚠️ Verify with Montana DPHHS Office of Vital Records at (406) 444-2685 whether any veteran waiver exists.
Verify locally: No veteran-specific fee waiver confirmed for vital records (birth certificates, marriage/death certificates). ⚠️ Verify with Montana DPHHS Office of Vital Records at (406) 444-2685 whether any veteran waiver exists.

Legal & Administrative

52. Unique State Programs

**Honor and Remember Medallion:** Montana awards the state Honor and Remember Medallion to families of service members killed or listed as MIA in any armed conflict on or after September 8, 1939. Eligible family members: spouse, parents, children, siblings, grandparents. First medallion free; subsequent medallions $20 each. **Action:** [dma.mt.gov/mvad/veterans-benefits](https://dma.mt.gov/mvad/veterans-benefits)

Survivor Benefits

53. Surviving Spouse — Property Tax

Covered under Category 1. Unmarried surviving spouses of veterans who died on active duty or from a 100% SC disability qualify for the MDV property tax reduction under the same income-tiered schedule, using the surviving spouse thresholds (which are lower than veteran thresholds). Must remain unmarried and occupy the property as a primary residence for 7+ months per year. **Authority:** MCA 15-6-311, 15-6-312 **Action:** Form MDV; April 15 annual deadline.

Authority: MCA 15-6-311, 15-6-312

54. Surviving Spouse — Education

No standalone surviving spouse education benefit found for spouses of veterans outside Guard programs. Surviving spouses of Montana National Guard members killed in line of duty during state active duty qualify for the dependent tuition waiver at MUS (see Category 30). The War Orphan waiver covers children only, not spouses.

55. Dependent / Survivor State Benefit

**DIC (federal):** Tax-free at both federal and state levels in Montana. **Dependent tuition waivers:** Available for qualifying children (see Category 30). **Vehicle registration fee waiver:** Unmarried surviving spouses of veterans who died SC or were killed on active duty receive the vehicle registration fee waiver for up to 2 vehicles (see Category 10). **Gold Star Family plate:** Available; standard fees apply (see Category 12). **Honor and Remember Medallion:** Available to families of KIA/MIA (see Category 52). **Veterans' Home admission:** Spouses admitted on space-available basis; surviving spouses retain eligibility (see Category 45). **SBP 50% subtraction:** Surviving SBP beneficiaries may subtract 50% of annuity from Montana income (see Category 6).

Memorial & Burial

56. State Veterans Cemetery

Same federal standard as VA National Cemetery — other-than-dishonorable discharge plus sufficient years of service, OR 20-year Guard/Reserve retiree, OR qualifying Guard/Reserve service under the Burial Equity for Guards and Reserves Act. No Montana residency requirement.

57. Burial Allowance / Plot

No state burial allowance program found beyond the no-charge cemetery services at state veterans cemeteries (Category 56). Federal VA burial allowance ($1,002 burial + $1,002 plot for veterans who died on or after October 1, 2025; prior year was $978 each) applies to eligible Montana veterans. ⚠️ Verify with MVAD whether any state-funded burial transportation or plot allowance supplements the federal VA benefit.
Verify locally: ⚠️ Verify with MVAD whether any state-funded burial transportation or plot allowance supplements the federal VA benefit.

58. Headstone / Memorial / Honors

**Military honors at state cemeteries:** 30-minute ceremony standard — firing party, Taps, and flag fold for eligible veterans at no charge. **Federal headstone/marker:** Eligible veterans at Montana state cemeteries may receive a federally provided headstone or grave marker at no cost through the National Cemetery Administration. **Honor and Remember Medallion:** State-issued; first one free to eligible family (see Category 52). **Montana Honor Guard:** MVAD can assist with coordinating an honor guard for eligible veterans at non-state-cemetery funerals. ⚠️ Contact MVAD for availability and lead time: (406) 324-3742.