MONTANA

Montana Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Montana TANF program provides temporary financial assistance for needy families with children under the age of 18 as well as pregnant women in their last trimester.

TANF cash assistance is a not free ride. Able-bodied adults must participate in work-related activities through the Pathways program for a required number of hours per week.

If you are a single mother with a child under age 6, you are required to participate in a minimum of 27 hours per week of approved activities.

How much do I get for TANF in Montana?

TANF payments vary based on family size and income. For example, a family of three in Montana with little or no income may receive up to $588 a month in cash benefits.

How do I apply for TANF in Montana?

The most convenient way to apply for TANF in Montana is through apply.mt.gov . Applications are also accepted at a local Office of Public Assistance  (OPA).

Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services
Office of Public Assistance
(888) 706-1535

Montana Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Montana SNAP, commonly known as food stamps, helps low-income individuals and families buy the food they need for a nutritionally adequate diet.

Eligible SNAP participants are issued a Montana Access Card used to make food purchases at grocery stores and supermarkets, in place of paper food stamp coupons.

Unless otherwise exempt, all able-bodied participants must register for work, and may be required to participate in a SNAP Employment and Training Program.

What is the income limit for food stamps in Montana?

To qualify for SNAP, families must have a gross income below 200% of the federal poverty level. For a family of three, this equals a monthly income of $4,442 or less.

How do I apply for SNAP in Montana?

You may apply for food stamps online through apply.mt.gov  under “Apply for Assistance.” If you do not already have an account, you will need to create one.

Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services
Office of Public Assistance
(888) 706-1535

Montana School Meal Program

Administered by the Montana Office of Public Instruction, Montana’s School Meal Program helps cover all or part of the cost of school breakfast and lunch for eligible children.

In Montana, any family who qualifies by income can receive free or reduced priced meals at a cost of 30 cents for breakfast and 40 cents for lunch. Families at or below 130% FPL qualify for free school meals.

How do I apply for free school meals in Montana?

The free and reduced price meal applications are mailed to every student household in August of each year, but you may apply at anytime during the school year.

To apply for the Montana School Meal Program, you can:

1. Opt in to the online application  in the DCA
2. Select the school district you are applying for
3. Submit your application
4. Wait for a decision from your school or district

Children in low-income areas may also get free, nutritious meals throughout the summer months when they are out of school through Summer Food Service Program.

Montana Special Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

Montana WIC provides supplemental foods, nutrition education and referrals to health care, at no cost, to low-income women, infants, and children in need of nutritional support.

WIC serves Montana residents who are either:

1. Pregnant. Proof of pregnancy is not required.
2. Breastfeeding, up to baby’s first birthday.
3. Non-breastfeeding mothers, up to six months after baby’s birth.
4. Infants and children children up to age 5.

All eligible WIC participants will receive an eWIC card which can be used like a debit-card with a 4-digit PIN wherever Montana eWIC is accepted.

What is the income limit for WIC in Montana?

To be eligible for WIC, you must be a resident of the state of Montana with gross income not exceeding 185% of the federal poverty guidelines.

How do I apply for WIC in Montana?

Reach out to your local WIC clinic  to apply or schedule an appointment. If your local WIC clinic is unavailable, the state office may be reached at:

Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program
(800) 433-4298

Montana Medicaid

Montana Medicaid is a health care coverage for low-income families including uninsured children under age 18, pregnant women, disabled adults, as well as seniors.

In Montana, Medicaid is divided into two primary, distinct categories: family-related Medicaid and Medicaid for people who are aged, blind, or disabled.

Medicaid for children ages 0–18 is provided through Healthy Montana Kids Plus (HMK Plus) for families with income at or below 148% of the federal poverty level.

What are the income requirements for Medicaid in Montana?

As Montana is expanding coverage, Medicaid is now available to all adults age between 19—64 with income up to 138% of the poverty level and up to 162% for pregnant women.

Native Americans are exempt from premiums and co-payments if they are eligible for services through Indian Health Services (IHS) or a tribal provider.

Is Medicaid expansion is still active in Montana?

While the program was originally set to expire (“sunset”) in June 2025, Governor Greg Gianforte signed House Bill 245  in March 2025, which officially removed that expiration date and made the program permanent.

Where do I apply for Medicaid in Montana?

You can apply for Medicaid in Montana online through apply.mt.gov , the state’s primary portal for health coverage and food assistance programs.

For questions about applications and eligibility, call

Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services
Office of Public Assistance
(888) 706-1535

Healthy Montana Kids

Healthy Montana Kids (HMK) is a free or low-cost health insurance plan that provides coverage to eligible Montana children up to age 19.

Covered services include well-child checkups, prescription drugs, dental care, eye exam, and other related services, with no pre-existing condition limitations.

The program is divided into two parts based on household income:

HMK Plus (Children’s Medicaid)

HMK Plus provides no-cost Medicaid coverage for children in families with the lowest incomes, generally those earning less than 148% of the federal poverty level.

HMK (CHIP)

HMK is the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for families who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but still need affordable health coverage for their children. HMK (CHIP) may have small co-pays for certain services.

What is the income limit for Healthy Montana Kids?

Healthy Montana Kids coverage is available to children whose families earn up to 266% of the federal poverty level. That’s about $5,907 per month for a family of three.

Coverage is free for most families. Some families enrolled in Healthy Montana Kids (HMK) may pay small copayments, but no family pays more than $215 per year.

How do I sign up for Healthy Montana Kids?

You may sign up for Healthy Montana Kids online through apply.mt.gov , or call (888) 706-1535 to have an application mailed to you.

Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services
Office of Public Assistance
(888) 706-1535

HMK Plus Member Services
(855) 823-5995

Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarships

The Early Childhood Services Bureau offers “Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarships ” to qualified low-income families in Montana to help cover the cost of child care.

Recipients of the scholarship are working families, working care takers, TANF recipients, and parents in high school, college or pursuing a GED.

Families participating in the program are required to make co-payments based on a sliding fee scale  that takes into account a percentage of the family’s gross monthly income.

What is the income limit for child care assistance in Montana?

A family is considered “income eligible” when the total gross monthly income is at or below 185% of the federal poverty level at the time of initial application. For a family of three, that’s about $4,109.

How do I apply for child care assistance in Montana?

Families seeking child care assistance must complete the scholarship application and submit it the local Child Care Resource and Referral Agency  or apply online at app.mt.gov  for expedited processing.

As a condition of eligibility, parents are required to work or participate in work related activities for the minimum number of hours per week.

Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services
Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)
(406) 444-2544

Montana Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Montana’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) a federally funded program that helps eligible residents pay their winter heating bills.

LIHEAP provides assistance for primary heating fuel, helps prevent utility shutoffs, and supports home energy efficiency improvements.

Eligible households with income less than 60% of the State Median Income (SMI) may receive a one-time credit of up to $3,765 per program year.

How do I apply for LIHEAP in Montana?

Applications for LIHEAP are accepted during the heating season, which is October 1 through April 30 of each year, at the local eligibility office  or Tribal LIHEAP office serving your community. Paper applications are also available at local post offices and senior centers.

Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services
State LIHEAP Office
(833) 317-1080

Montana Weatherization Assistance Program

If you are eligible for LIHEAP, you may also be eligible to have your home weatherized at no cost to you whether you own your home or rent from a landlord.

These services include energy-saving improvements such as

• insulation,
• window replacement,
• furnace repair or replacement, and
• energy education.

How do I apply for Weatherization in Montana?

You may apply for both LIHEAP and weatherization by submitting a single, combined application . Priority is given to households with high energy burdens, older adults, individuals with disabilities, and families with children.

For those facing immediate heating emergencies who may not qualify for LIHEAP, Energy Share Montana  may provide additional support.

Energy Share of Montana
(406) 442-4900

Montana Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)

NOTICE: Funding is no longer available for LIHWAP. Households may not receive LIHWAP benefits at this time.

Montana LIHWAP helps pay a portion of eligible household’s water bills to avoid shutoffs or disconnections. Eligibility is based on the household’s gross income and resources.

To qualify for LIHWAP, you must meet all program guidelines , which includes an annual income being at or below 60% of the current State Median Income. Priority is given to households with the elderly, disabled or a young child under age 6.

How do I get help paying my water bill in Montana?

Applications for LIHWAP are only accepted during the heating season, which is October 1 through April 30 of each year. Please contact your local eligibility office  to submit your application in-person.

Montana Unemployment Insurance

Montana’s Unemployment Insurance (UI) provides temporary financial assistance to workers unemployed through no fault of their own.

In order to be eligible for unemployment benefits in Montana, you must have earned a minimum amount of wages in a recent ‘base period’ and must have:

1. wages in at least two quarters in the first four calendar quarters out of the last five (base period),
2. total base-period wages of at least 1.5 times the wages earned in your highest-paid quarter.

If not eligible under the standard base period, an alternate base period (the most recent four completed quarters) will be used.

How much unemployment benefits can I get in Montana?

Depending on how much you have earned in your base period, you may receive up to $767 per week for a maximum of 24 weeks of unemployment benefits per year.

Where can I claim unemployment benefits in Montana?

Claims for benefits may be filed online at uiclaimant.mt.gov  for each week you want to get paid or call (406) 444-2545 if you prefer to file by phone.

Unless exempt, you are required to register for work online at Montana Works  and provide proof of work search each week that you are collecting benefits.

Montana Department of Labor and Industry
Unemployment Insurance Division
(406) 444-2545

Montana Emergency Rental Assistance Program (MERA)

Effective March 24, 2023, at 11:59 p.m., MERA has stopped accepting all applications.

Montana’s Emergency Rental Assistance program is available for Montanans who have lost their income as a direct or indirect result of the COVID-19 pandemic and are at risk of housing instability.

Renters may receive a monthly maximum of $2,200 for past due and future rent payments, dating back to April 1, 2020, up to $300 for past due and future utilities including gas and electric, and $50 per month for internet.

How do I apply for rental assistance in Montana?

To learn more, check your eligibility, and apply for Emergency Rental Assistance, visit housing.mt.gov  and schedule an appointment online with one of the application processors.

Montana Promise Grant

Montana Promise Grant helps eligible students afford their first two years of college at participating community colleges, tribal colleges, and two-year institutions within the Montana University System.

As a “last-dollar” program, it covers the remaining costs of tuition after all other federal, state, and private grants or waivers have been applied.

Eligible full-time students (12+ credits) can receive $1,000 per semester, while part-time students (6–11 credits) receive $500 per semester.

To be considered for this grant, students must be admitted to an eligible college and submit the FAFSA as early as possible for the best chance of funding, as priority deadlines vary by institution.

Montana University System
Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education
(800) 537-7508

Montana Earned Income Tax Credit

Montana EITC came into effect in 2019 where low-income working families in Montana can claim the state credit beginning with the 2020 income tax filing season.

The state EITC is available only to working families and it’s fully refundable, meaning those who qualify and claim the credit could pay less federal tax, pay no tax or even get a tax refund.

How much is Montana Earned Income Credit?

For most taxpayers, the Montana EITC equals 10% of the federal EITC claimed, resulting in a maximum credit of $805 but it is legislatively set to increase to 20% of the federal credit starting in tax year 2026.¹

Can I get a refund if I owe no tax in Montana?

If your Montana EITC is $805 and you owe $0 in state income tax, and you receive the full $805 as a refund as illustrated in the table below:

In order to claim the credits, you have to file both a federal 1040 form and Montana Individual Income Tax Return, also known as Form 2.