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Montana

Review State Benefits/Programs

In Montana, veterans and members of the National Guard have access to state-funded education benefits. The Montana National Guard Tuition Assistance Program provides tuition assistance to eligible members of the Montana National Guard, covering a portion of their tuition and fees for undergraduate and graduate studies at approved Montana institutions. The Montana Veteran Dependent Tuition Waiver offers a tuition waiver for eligible dependents of veterans who were killed in action, died as a result of military service, or have a 100% permanent and total service-connected disability, allowing them to attend Montana University System institutions without paying tuition. Montana State University also offers veteran services to support veterans and their families in pursuing higher education. These education benefits aim to assist veterans and National Guard members in achieving their educational goals in Montana. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is recommended to consult the Montana Department of Military Affairs directly.
  • Offers Tuition programs for National Guard
    • Students who are members of the Montana National Guard are eligible for a tuition waiver. Waivers for qualifying students will be applied as last-dollar awards, up to the total annual cost of in-state tuition only. The final tuition waiver amounts will vary depending on the amount of federal grants and scholarships students receive. You qualify for the tuition waiver if you: are a bona fide member of the Montana National Guard at the start of the semester are in good standing don’t have a baccalaureate degree or higher, and meet all admission requirements of the institution
  • Offers College Tuition waivers for Veterans
    • The State of Montana offers qualifying veterans free tuition at state schools for up to 12 semesters. The veteran must be classified as an in-state resident and have already used up all available federal GI Bill benefits. To qualify for free tuition, you must have: been honorably discharged, and performed military service in an approved war zone or campaign
  • Tuition Programs to Spouses & Dependents
    • Montana’s War Orphans Waiver is granted to children aged 25 or less, whose Montana resident parent was on active duty and killed in action or died as a result of combat-related injury, disease, or other disability during a qualifying war or conflict. The waiver applies to students accepted to schools in the Montana University System.
  • Offers Military Spouse Interstate License Recognition
    • (State must recognize military spouse license if home state has equivalent training) State agencies shall issue licenses to licensees from other states (not limited to military spouses) with substantially equivalent education/training requirements.
  • Participates in CDL Even Exchange Program (Knowledge Test Waiver) as of May 2022
    • working on implementation
The Montana Department of Military Affairs - Veterans Affairs Division (VAD) is committed to providing valuable information and assistance to veteran business owners, connecting them with essential resources, benefits, and programs available within the state. For veteran entrepreneurs seeking comprehensive support, the Montana Small Business Development Center (SBDC) serves as a valuable resource. The Montana SBDC offers specialized business counseling, training, and resources tailored specifically to veterans, covering crucial areas such as business planning, marketing strategies, financial management, access to capital, and even government contracting opportunities. To navigate the complexities of government procurement, the Montana Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) provides invaluable support to veteran-owned businesses. Their experienced team assists veterans with registering as government contractors, identifying bidding opportunities, understanding regulations, and preparing and submitting proposals. While Montana does not have a specific certification program for veteran-owned businesses, veterans can leverage their status to access various resources and opportunities for government contracts and procurement. Additionally, Montana offers various financing programs to support veteran-owned businesses, including loans, grants, and assistance in accessing capital for business development and expansion. The Montana Department of Commerce and local financial institutions play a significant role in providing these programs, ensuring that veterans have the necessary financial resources to thrive and succeed in their business endeavors. To access the specific resources and benefits available for veteran business owners in Montana, I recommend visiting the official websites of the Montana Department of Military Affairs - Veterans Affairs Division (VAD) at https://veterans.mt.gov/, the Montana Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at https://sbdc.mt.gov/, and the Montana Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) at https://sbdc.mt.gov/PTAC. These websites should provide information on programs, certifications, financing options, counseling services, and other resources available for veteran entrepreneurs. Additionally, you may consider reaching out to local veteran organizations, chambers of commerce, or the local Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Montana for further assistance and guidance tailored to veteran business owners in the state.
  • Preferred Vendor Status, Certification Program, or State Procurement Program
  • Business Resource and Education Programs
  • Offers or proposed SSBCI CAP and OCSP Funding Programs
    • - State Department: Montana Department of Commerce
      - Program Types: Loan Participation Program
      - Program Names: MT SSBCI 2.0 Loan Participation Program
      - Contact Information: MTSSBCI@mt.gov
In Montana, veterans, military spouses, and dependents have access to various tax, land, and real estate benefits and programs. These include a property tax exemption for disabled veterans and surviving spouses, providing relief from property taxes on their primary residence. Montana also exempts military pay earned while on active duty from state income tax, offering tax relief for service members. The Montana Veterans Home Loan Program offers low-interest home loans to eligible veterans, assisting them in purchasing their homes. For specific eligibility requirements and detailed information, it is recommended to consult the Montana Department of Revenue, Montana Department of Veterans Affairs, or relevant state agencies.
  • Offers property tax exemptions for Disabled Veterans
    • For veterans with a 100% disability status, Montana offers multiple levels of property tax exemption based on income tax brackets and filing status. A full chart describing these brackets is offered by the Montana Department of Revenue. (Disability Rating to Qualify: 100%)
  • Offers reduced tax or tax exemption for military retirement pay
    • No special tax Treatment of military retirement pay
  • Offers a Military Family Relief Fund or Program
    • Program Name: Montana Military Family Relief Fund (MMFRF)
      Program Description: MMFRF provides monetary grants to Families of Montana National Guard and Reserve Service members who are on Federal active duty in support of a contingency operation on or after April 28, 2007. MMFRF grants are intended to help Montana Families pay for the costs of food, housing, utilities, medical services, and other expenses that become difficult to afford when a wage-earner has temporarily left civilian employment to be placed on active duty.
      Eligible Groups: - Veterans / Service Members
      - Military Families
      - Surviving Families
      - Wounded / Injured
In Montana, veterans, guard members, and reserve members can take advantage of various state programs, preferences, and benefits to support their employment needs. First, veterans receive preference in public employment, giving them an advantage in the hiring process for state and local government positions. The Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program (DVOP) offers specialized employment services to disabled veterans, including job placement, career counseling, and vocational training. The Local Veterans' Employment Representatives (LVER) program assists veterans with job search, resume writing, and interview skills, while also promoting the hiring of veterans to employers. Additionally, the Montana Veterans' Preference Act ensures that veteran-owned businesses receive preference in public contracting opportunities. Lastly, the Montana Veterans' Upward Bound (VUB) program provides educational assistance, such as academic counseling and college preparation, to help veterans pursue higher education and training. These state programs and preferences are designed to support and empower veterans, guard members, and reserve members in their employment journey in Montana.
  • Offers Military Service Credit in Retirement System
    • The Montana Public Employees' Retirement System (MPERS) provides provisions for military service credit for eligible members. Here are some key points about military service credit in the Montana Public Employees' Retirement System: Eligibility: To be eligible for military service credit, you must be a member of the Montana Public Employees' Retirement System and have served in the military. Types of Military Service Credit: MPERS offers two types of military service credit: a. Vesting Credit: If you served in the military before becoming an MPERS member, you may be eligible to receive vesting credit towards your retirement benefits. This credit counts towards the total years of service needed to become vested in the retirement system. b. Benefit Credit: You may also be able to purchase benefit credit for your military service. This credit can increase your retirement benefit calculation. Cost and Calculation: The cost of purchasing military service credit and the calculation method can vary. It is typically based on actuarial calculations and considers factors such as the length of your military service and your salary. It's important to note that the specific rules, eligibility criteria, and costs for military service credit in the Montana Public Employees' Retirement System may vary. It's advisable to contact MPERS directly for detailed information and personalized guidance regarding military service credit in Montana.
  • Offers Veteran Designation on Driver License
  • Offers Vehicle Privilege or License Tax and Registration Fee Exemption
Veterans can potentially benefit from a range of state recreation programs and benefits. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is recommended you contact the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs or the Department of Parks and Recreation.
  • Offers discounted or free Hunting & Fishing Licenses
    • Offers Free and Discounted Hunting & Fishing Licenses
  • Offers State Parks Admission/Camping Discounts and Waivers

Information

Capital

Helena

State Population

864,747

Veteran Population

80,953

Veteran Population Percentage

9.36%

Veteran Benefits

15

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