In a Nutshell

Known as Big Sky Country for its vast open spaces and stunning mountain views, Montana is a state of breathtaking beauty and rugged individualism. However, many Montanans are dealing with financial challenges beneath the picturesque landscapes.

With 12.1% of Montana’s population living in poverty in 2022, surpassing the national average of 11.5%, many residents are navigating tough economic terrain amid the natural wonders.

To combat these hurdles, Montana offers a wide range of financial assistance programs to provide support. From cash aid to healthcare services and housing assistance, these initiatives help residents overcome financial hardships and build a more stable future.

Discover how Montana’s financial assistance programs offer a helping hand to those in need and ensure all Montanans thrive in the Land of the Shining Mountains.

Government Assistance Programs in Montana

Montana offers several government assistance programs to help residents manage financial strain and access vital resources like healthcare and housing. These initiatives aim to help Montanans get back on their feet.

Cash Assistance Programs

For Montanans experiencing financial hardships, various cash assistance programs are available to help cover essential living expenses.

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services distributes benefits and direct cash assistance through the Montana EBT Card. It operates like a debit card, allowing cardholders to buy products directly from participating retailers.

  • Formerly known as the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC)
  • Temporary cash assistance to needy families, with a lifetime limit of 60 months for adults
  • Previously known as Food Stamps
  • Offers cash benefits for low-income households to purchase healthy food

Montana Stimulus Checks

  • Montana has no new stimulus checks scheduled for 2024 or after that
  • Residents may still receive refunds by claiming the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit if they file their federal tax returns before April 15, 2025
  • While Montana doesn’t have a state-level Child Tax Credit, residents can claim the Montana State Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC)

Medical Assistance

Montana offers a wide selection of medical assistance programs to ensure residents access essential healthcare services.

  • Healthcare program for eligible low-income residents that pay for medically necessary services
  • Standard benefits include dental care, hospital and emergency services, prescription drugs, maternity care, vision, and transportation
  • Free or low-cost health insurance plan for eligible children up to age 19
  • Coverage includes medical care, prescriptions, dental, transportation, and medical equipment
  • Free cancer screenings and diagnostic follow-up services for eligible women
  • Services include mammograms, clinical breast exams, Pap tests, pelvic exams, and diagnostic testing for abnormal results

Pregnant and Single Mother Programs

Expecting mothers and single parents can access various programs in Montana that deliver the support and resources they need to thrive.

  • Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children under five
  • Facilitates access to healthy food, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and connections to community resources
  • Comprehensive educational and support services to low-income and vulnerable families, including pregnant women and children up to age five
  • Programs focus on early care and education, promoting growth in language, literacy, and social-emotional development

Child Care Services

Finding quality child care can be challenging, but Montana’s assistance programs can lighten the load and support families in providing the best care for their children.

  • Supports child care needs for low-income families, working parents, teen parents attending high school, or those involved in TANF family investment activities
  • Covers child care costs at licensed centers, homes, or with Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) providers
  • Coordinates services for children and families, offering resources and access to affordable, quality childcare options
  • Works with local providers and clinics to support programs, including child care, developmental delay services, and nutrition education

Food Assistance

Food assistance programs in Montana help individuals and families in need, ensuring they have access to nutritious meals and resources to maintain their well-being.

  • A federally funded program that provides nutritious meals and snacks to eligible children and adults in non-residential care settings
  • Offers cash reimbursements for meals that meet federal nutritional guidelines
  • Supplemental monthly food package for low-income Montana residents over age 60+
  • Supports the dietary needs of older adults with foods that align with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans

Assistance for Veterans

The Montana Veterans Affairs Division (MVAD) runs a network of services to help veterans and their families access the benefits they’ve earned. The division also guides veteran-related policies, ensuring veterans receive the recognition and support they deserve. Other state benefits and services include:

  • Employment assistance
  • Montana Veteran Homes  
  • Discounts on fishing and hunting licenses, property taxes, and vehicle registration
  • State Veteran Cemetery program
  • Tuition waivers at state universities

Elderly and Disabled Adult Programs

The State Unit on Aging in Montana provides various programs and services for seniors, adults with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. These services help seniors maintain independence by choosing their preferred living and care arrangements.

Programs and services include:

  • Aging and Disability Resource Center  
  • Alzheimer’s support  
  • Area Agencies on Aging  
  • Lifespan Respite  
  • Long-Term Care Ombudsman  
  • Nutrition services  
  • State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)

Utility Bill Assistance

For Montanans struggling with utility bills, the state offers two key energy assistance programs that provide financial relief and improve home energy efficiency:

  1. Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): Provides partial payment for winter energy bills and may assist with furnace emergencies
  2. Weatherization Assistance Program: Enhances home heating efficiency to reduce energy consumption and lower utility costs

Residents can submit a combined LIHEAP and Weatherization application (PDF) to apply. Eligibility is determined by income and resource limits, and both homeowners and renters may qualify. Households receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), SNAP, or TANF benefits may be automatically eligible for energy assistance.

Assistance for Unemployment

Navigating unemployment can be challenging, but Montana offers resources to support residents during tough times while helping them find new work opportunities.

  • Temporary income for qualified workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own while seeking full-time work or approved training
  • UI division helps local communities maintain a stable workforce and economy
  • Assists with job searches by offering help with resume writing and job application strategies
  • Provides resources for re-employment, re-training, and access to necessary job search tools like computers, telephones, and copier machines

Housing and Homelessness Assistance

Montana’s Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) program offers crucial support to individuals and families facing homelessness or at risk of losing their homes. This initiative provides several services to alleviate housing situations and promote long-term stability.

ESG program components include:

  • Street Outreach: Engages and assists individuals living in unsheltered conditions with services such as case management, emergency health care, and transportation
  • Emergency Shelter: Provides essential services to homeless families like job training, child care, education, outpatient health services, and legal aid
  • Homelessness Prevention (HP): Helps with rental assistance, security deposits, and utilities for individuals and families at risk of losing their homes
  • Rapid Re-Housing: Offers short- and medium-term rental assistance and housing stabilization services to help individuals or families quickly secure and maintain permanent housing

Transportation Assistance

Medicaid Transportation Services cover travel expenses to medical appointments, including mileage, meals, and lodging (when meeting specific requirements). Transportation options include:

  • Personal vehicles
  • Specialized non-emergency transport (wheelchair or stretcher vans)
  • Commercial options (taxi, bus, etc.)

Divorce and Other Legal Assistance

  • The Court Help Program offers free assistance with civil, non-criminal legal problems, providing information and resources to help individuals navigate their legal issues
  • Montana Law Help provides free DIY legal information, forms, and court representation for civil legal issues such as divorce, eviction, and debt, primarily for low or moderate-income individuals

Nonprofit Assistance Programs in Montana

Montana’s spirit of community shines through its network of nonprofit organizations that help residents overcome financial hardships. These privately funded nonprofits provide critical support, from food banks to housing assistance, ensuring everyone can thrive in Big Sky Country.

  • Coalition that promotes the health and safety of Montana families by supporting mothers and babies up to age three
  • Offers resources and information on pregnancy, parenting, safe sleep for babies, and self-care for parents
  • Online platform for discovering grant opportunities available to individuals, small businesses, nonprofits, and other organizations
  • Features an updated database of grants covering different needs such as healthcare, housing, education, arts, and financial aid
  • Montana’s only statewide food bank that distributes food to partners like schools, pantries, senior centers, and shelters  
  • Promotes programs like BackPack, Mail-a-Meal, and No Kid Hungry to combat hunger

How Do You Get Financial Help in Montana?

While Montana offers many financial assistance programs to support residents, it may not be enough for those grappling with significant debt, like high credit card bills or medical expenses. If you’re overwhelmed by debts, partnering with a trusted debt relief company like TurboDebt can make a difference.

TurboDebt provides effective debt relief programs in Montana for residents seeking customized support to pay off unsustainable debts. In 2023 alone, we’ve helped thousands reduce their total debt by an astounding average of 56% before fees.

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  • No upfront fees to get started
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  • No new loans or lines of credit as part of your debt relief program
  • Top-rated customer service, backed up by over 15,000+ 5-star TurboDebt reviews from satisfied clients

Don’t let debt control your life any longer. Contact us for a free consultation and find out in minutes if you qualify for our relief program. It’s time to break free from the endless cycle of debt and embrace a brighter financial future today!