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Veterans Benefits in Michigan

13 benefit programs available in Michigan.

Healthcare

Michigan Veteran Homes

Subsidized long-term skilled nursing and domiciliary care

Michigan operates three state veteran homes providing skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and domiciliary care to eligible veterans: Grand Rapids, D.J. Jacobetti (Marquette), and Chesterfield Township.

Agency: Michigan Veteran Homes (MVH)

Note: Three locations: Grand Rapids (2950 Monroe Ave NE), D.J. Jacobetti (Marquette), and Chesterfield Township (47901 Sugarbush Rd). Chesterfield Township facility ranked #1 nursing home in MI. VA per diem offsets cost; members pay based on ability. Must have served 2+ years active duty or have service-connected disability.

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Education

Michigan Children of Veterans Tuition Grant

Up to $2,800 per year

Provides tuition grants to children of Michigan veterans who died or became totally and permanently disabled as a result of service, for use at Michigan colleges.

Agency: Michigan Department of Treasury — Student Financial Services Bureau

Note: For children of deceased or 100% disabled MI veterans. Must be enrolled at MI public or private institution. FAFSA required. Renewable for up to 4 years.

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Michigan National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program (MINGSTAP)

Up to $14,400 per school year ($600 per credit hour)

Provides tuition assistance of up to $600 per credit hour (max $14,400 per school year) to active Michigan National Guard members attending any Michigan college, university, or trade school. Expanded to include spouses and dependents.

Agency: Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA)

Note: Established by Public Act 259 of 2014. Must be active MI National Guard member. PA 33 of 2023 expanded eligibility to spouses and dependents. Covers public and private institutions in MI including vocational/trade schools.

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Employment

Michigan Veterans Preference in State Employment

5-point or 10-point preference in state civil service hiring

Michigan grants veterans a 5-point preference (10-point for disabled veterans or Purple Heart recipients) added to final scores in state classified civil service hiring and promotional selection processes.

Agency: Michigan Civil Service Commission

Note: Under MCSC Rule 3-8. 5 points for non-disabled veterans with 90+ days active duty; 10 points for service-connected disabled veterans, Purple Heart recipients, or eligible surviving spouses. Expanded in 2021 to include promotional postings.

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Michigan Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Preference in State Contracting

Up to 10% pricing preference on state contract bids

Service-disabled veteran-owned businesses receive up to a 10% pricing preference when bidding on State of Michigan procurement contracts, with a state goal of awarding 5% of total expenditures to qualified SDVOB firms.

Agency: Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget (DTMB)

Note: Under Public Act 91 of 2005 (preference) and PA 133 of 2008 (5% spending goal). Business must be 51%+ owned by service-disabled veteran(s). NVBDC certification accepted.

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Financial

Michigan Veterans Trust Fund Emergency Grants

Emergency grants up to several thousand dollars

Provides emergency financial assistance to wartime veterans and their families facing unexpected hardship due to circumstances beyond their control.

Agency: Michigan Veterans Trust Fund

Note: For wartime veterans facing unexpected hardship (medical emergencies, house fires, utility shutoffs). Apply through county veterans service officer. One-time emergency grant, not recurring.

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Michigan Military Family Relief Fund

Up to $2,000 per calendar year

Provides emergency financial grants of up to $2,000 per calendar year to families of Michigan National Guard and Reserve members experiencing hardship due to active-duty deployment or line-of-duty injury or illness.

Agency: Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA)

Note: Established by Public Act 363 of 2004. For MI National Guard and Reserve families facing hardship from deployment or line-of-duty injury. Funded through voluntary donations and tax check-off.

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Tax

Michigan Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemption

Full property tax exemption

Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability or who are individually unemployable receive a total and permanent property tax exemption on their primary residence.

Agency: Michigan Department of Treasury / Local Assessor

Note: Full exemption for 100% P&T or TDIU. Apply at local township/city assessor by filing affidavit. Surviving unremarried spouses retain exemption.

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Michigan Military Retirement Income Tax Exemption

Full exemption of military retirement pay from 4.25% state income tax

Michigan fully exempts military retirement pay from state individual income tax. Military pensions, Michigan National Guard pensions, and survivor benefit payments are all excluded from taxable income on the MI-1040.

Agency: Michigan Department of Treasury

Note: Claimed on Schedule 1 of MI-1040. Applies to armed forces retirement pay, MI National Guard pensions, and survivor benefits. Only the retiree or surviving spouse may claim the subtraction.

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Transportation

Michigan Disabled Veteran License Plate and Registration Exemption

Registration tax exemption (saves $100–$200+/year depending on vehicle value)

Totally disabled veterans receive a permanent special license plate and are exempt from vehicle registration tax. Veterans rated 50%–99% disabled also qualify for a standard Disabled Veteran plate.

Agency: Michigan Secretary of State

Note: Registration tax exemption under MCL 257.803f applies only to 100% disabled veterans (one vehicle). Veterans rated 50%–99% get the DV plate but still pay registration tax. Surviving unremarried spouse of 50%+ DV may continue using the plate.

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Recreation

Michigan Free Hunting and Fishing Licenses for Disabled Veterans

Free annual hunting and fishing licenses (approx. $50–$150/year value)

Michigan provides free hunting and fishing licenses to 100% permanently and totally disabled veterans or those rated individually unemployable (TDIU) by the VA.

Agency: Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR)

Note: Eligible for any resident hunting or fishing license not requiring a lottery. Must be 100% P&T or individually unemployable (TDIU). Requires VA letter as proof. Available at retail license agents or online at mdnr-elicense.com.

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Michigan Recreation Passport Fee Waiver for Disabled Veterans

$17/year Recreation Passport fee waived

Vehicles registered with a Michigan Disabled Veteran license plate are exempt from the Recreation Passport fee, providing free entry to all Michigan state parks, recreation areas, and boating access sites.

Agency: Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR)

Note: Exemption is tied to the Disabled Veteran license plate, not the individual. Vehicle must be registered with DV, ex-POW, or Medal of Honor plate. Covers entry to 103 state parks and hundreds of boating access sites.

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Other

Michigan Veterans Treatment Courts

Treatment-based alternative to incarceration; potential charge dismissal or reduced sentencing

Michigan operates 27+ Veterans Treatment Courts statewide, providing justice-involved veterans with treatment-based alternatives to incarceration that address underlying issues such as PTSD, TBI, substance abuse, and mental health conditions.

Agency: Michigan Supreme Court — State Court Administrative Office

Note: Authorized under MCL 600.1201. 27+ courts statewide. Combines drug and mental health court elements for veterans. Generally for non-violent offenses. Honorable discharge not always required.

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