The Ultimate Guide to Michigan Veterans Benefits [Updated]

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The Best Michigan Veterans Benefits

More than 634,000 veterans make their home in Michigan (about 8.8% of the population).

The Great Lakes State is proud to honor the sacrifice of those who served with an impressive wealth of Michigan veteran benefits. These unique Michigan veteran benefits supplement the federal benefits available to all eligible U.S. military veterans.

Michigan veteran benefits include (but are not limited to):

• Property tax exemptions
• Homestead credits
• Education and training programs
• Help with employment
• Professional credit for military experience
• Recreational licenses and discounts
• Emergency financial assistance
• Social assistance and support 

A veteran’s military branch, career status, disability status, and residence status can all affect benefit eligibility.

The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) administers many of the veteran programs and benefits in Michigan. This is a great place to learn about your state and federal benefits or get help with claims and applications.

Have a question? Call the MVAA: (800) 642-4838. Veteran resource service center technicians are available 24/7/365 to help connect you to the benefits you have earned for your service.

For more state and local information, visit www.michigan.gov and https://www.michigan.gov/dmva.

Read on for the ultimate guide to Michigan veterans benefits! 

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Michigan Veterans Benefits for State Taxes and Home Programs

Michigan veteran benefits include special tax credits and exemption for those who served.

Michigan Homestead Property Tax Credit

A homestead property tax credit may be available if: 

• the homestead is located in Michigan 
• the owner was a Michigan resident for at least six months during the tax year, and 
• the owner pays property taxes or rents a house or apartment in the state.

Taxpayers are not eligible for this tax credit if the household income is more than $60,000 (or the taxable value of the home is greater than $135,000).

Homestead Property Tax Credit forms must be filed when state income tax forms are due each April.

Tax forms are online at www.michigan.gov/treasury. With questions, call (517) 636-4486 or (517) 373-3200.

Michigan Disabled Veteran Benefits Include Property Tax Exemption

An honorably discharged Michigan veteran with a VA disability rating of 100% P&T is exempt from paying taxes on his or her home!

To be eligible for this Michigan disabled veteran benefit, veterans must meet one of the following criteria:

• Have a VA disability rating of 100% P&T
• Have a certificate from the VA certifying they are receiving or have received financial assistance due to disability for specially adapted housing
• Have been rated by VA as individually unemployable

If you’re an eligible veteran or the surviving spouse of a disabled veteran, complete the MI-1040CR and MI-1040CR-2 Michigan Homestead Property Tax Credit Claim for Veterans and Blind People. File the form that gives you the more significant credit.

Michigan disabled veteran benefits for property tax

Learn more about the Michigan Homestead Property Tax Credit

Michigan Veterans Benefits Include Income Tax Credit for Property Tax Paid

Even if no income tax is due, an eligible veteran may still submit an MI-1040CR-2 to receive the income tax credit as a tax refund. Visit the Michigan Department of Treasury website for the form and instructions.

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Michigan Veterans Benefits for Financial Assistance

Multiple assistance programs exist to help Michigan veterans facing a financial emergency or who have fallen on hard times. 

Michigan Veterans Trust Fund Emergency Grant Program

Special emergency Michigan veteran benefits may be available to honorably discharged Michigan veterans who served at least 180 days of wartime active duty.

This Michigan veterans assistance program provides grants to help resolve a temporary or short-term financial emergency or hardship. This includes delays in unemployment benefits (or other income) or hospitalization that causes reductions in income.

These grants can assist with housing, utilities, car payments, insurance, or medical devices. The program coordinates with other agencies that may also assist.

Contact the Veterans Trust Fund (517) 284-5299 or your county’s Veterans Affairs office. Information is also available on the Michigan Department of Veterans Affairs website.

Michigan Veteran Benefits in the Soldiers Relief Commission

In some counties, Michigan veteran benefits may include emergency relief grants to those who do not meet Michigan Veterans Trust Fund criteria. Funds are limited, so the commission may refer veterans to other sources of financial assistance for which they may be eligible.

Contact your county’s Veterans Service Officer or call (800) 642-4838 for assistance.

Michigan Veterans Trust Fund Board of Trustees

Since 1946, Michigan veteran benefits have drawn from the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund founded on $50 million in post-World War II reserve funds. Since then, the MVTF has helped veterans of every era get back on their feet financially.

The Emergency Grant Program helps veterans overcome an unforeseen temporary or short-term financial emergency or hardship, provided the applicant can demonstrate the ability to meet future expenses.

To apply for emergency funds from the MVTF, contact a Veterans Service Officer in your county or submit an Emergency Assistance Form.

Michigan Disabled Veteran Benefits for Home Heating Credit

The Home Heating Credit is designed to assist low-income families, seniors, and Michigan disabled veterans in paying their home heating costs. A homestead can be a rented apartment or a mobile home on a lot in a mobile home park.

Qualified Michigan disabled veterans or their spouses may be eligible for an increased credit. Applications for the Home Heating Credit are accepted from January through September 30 each year.

Michigan Veteran Benefits for Energy Assistance

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides federal funds to each state to assist low-income families with energy costs. In Michigan, the LIHEAP block grant is used for:

• Home Heating Credit
• State Emergency Relief (SER)
• Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

For more information, visit the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

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Michigan Disabled Veteran Benefits for Education and Training

Michigan disabled veteran benefits include a Michigan veterans assistance program that provides tuition and educational support to veterans and their families.

Tuition for Children of Michigan Disabled/Deceased Veterans

The Children of Veterans Tuition Grant (CVTG) provides an undergraduate tuition program for children of disabled or deceased Michigan veterans.

This Michigan veteran benefits program is for children ages 16-25 who have been Michigan residents for 12 months prior to application.

A student must be a Michigan veteran’s natural or adopted child (stepchildren are not eligible).

The veteran must have been a legal resident of Michigan immediately before entering military service and must not have resided outside of Michigan for more than two years (or the veteran must have established legal residency in Michigan after entering military service).

Students may receive scholarship assistance totaling $11,200 for up to four academic years. Awards are for an academic year, with the amount determined by the student’s enrollment status. Full-time students can receive up to a maximum of $2,800 per academic year.

Information on eligibility and application forms can be found here.

For more information, call (888) 447-2687. Or read the Children of Veterans Tuition Grant Fact Sheet.

Troops to Teachers Program

This Michigan veteran benefits program provides advisory services to transition Michigan veterans to a new career as classroom teachers in K-12 public schools.

The Troops to Teachers program is available to:

• Military retirees
• Members on active duty who are within one year of their retirement date
• Members of the National Guard and Selective Reserves with 10 or more years of service
• Members transitioning from active duty with at least six years of active duty and who commit for three years of service in the National Guard or Selective Reserves
• Members separated due to physical disability after January 8, 2002 (must register within four years of separation)

Limited job placement assistance and counseling on teacher certification requirements are provided. Financial support is offered to eligible participants.

For more information about Troops to Teachers:

• (517) 241-7045/toll-free (866) 801-0007
• Michigan Department of Education

Michigan Veteran Benefits in VetSuccess on Campus

The VetSuccess on Campus (VSOC) program provides on-campus assistance and readjustment counseling to veterans completing their college educations and entering the labor market.

An experienced vocational rehabilitation counselor and a Vet Center outreach coordinator at each campus provides outreach, support, assistance, and peer-to-peer counseling and referral services.

Locations include Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Kellogg Community College, Eastern Michigan University, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, and Washtenaw Community College.

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Michigan Veterans Benefits for Employment

Do Michigan veteran benefits include help with employment? Yes! There’s a Michigan assistance program for you, whether it’s occupational licensing for military experience, apprenticeships, or special unemployment compensation.

Michigan Veteran Benefits in State Employment Hiring Preferences

Michigan veterans and their spouses receive hiring preferences for state employment/Michigan civil service positions. Michigan disabled veterans receive further considerations for hiring. 

Please note the following: 

• Veterans’ preference can only be used for the initial appointment to a Michigan civil service position.
• A qualifying veteran or spouse must possess the minimum qualifications for the job and any position-specific selection criteria.
• Candidates must fulfill all other conditions for appointment as described in the civil service rules and regulations (e.g., drug testing)

If the selection process involves a numerical score on a written civil service examination, points are added to the veteran applicant’s final passing score:

• 5 points for a Michigan veteran (or surviving spouse)
• 10 points for a Michigan disabled veteran, spouse of a Michigan veteran with more than 50% VA disability, a surviving spouse who has a child younger than 18, or a surviving spouse with continuing parental care of a disabled child

If an examination score is not used, the following points are added to the applicant’s screening score:

• 5% of the highest possible screening score is added for a Michigan veteran (or surviving spouse)
• 10% of the highest possible screening score is added for a Michigan disabled veteran or the spouse of a Michigan veteran with more than 50% VA disability, a surviving spouse who has a child younger than 18, or a surviving spouse with continuing parental care of a disabled child

If a mechanical or random screening process is used to reduce the number of applicants, the qualified Michigan veteran (or spouse) must be retained and placed in the final candidate pool. All applicants are then considered using the same merit appraisal system.

Applicants must register on the Michigan Civil Service Commission, Veterans Preference Registration web page to receive veterans’ preference. You can email questions to [email protected].

Michigan State Employment Veterans’ Preference fact sheet

Learn more about the Michigan state employment veterans’ hiring preference.

Michigan Veteran Benefits in Occupational Licensing

Several Michigan state statutes now allow the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) to count military experience toward ten qualifications required for certain occupational licenses (e.g., electrician and plumber).

Additionally, many license application fees are waived for honorably discharged Michigan veterans.

You can find Michigan veteran benefits in occupational licensing on the LARA website.

Michigan Veteran Benefits at the Workforce Development Agency

The Workforce Development Agency’s Veterans Employment Services provides help to eligible veterans and spouses unable to obtain employment through the core services offered by MichiganWorks! service centers.

For additional information on training and employment services available to veterans, contact your local Michigan Works! service center or call (800) 285-WORK (9675). 

Michigan Disabled Veteran Benefits for Rehabilitation

The Michigan veterans assistance program is run by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity Rehabilitation Services and administered by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Services may supplement VA allowances for vocational rehabilitation in cases of special need for vocational rehabilitation, guidance, and counseling. Employment services may also be available to veterans whose disabilities are not service-related. 

For more information:

• Call 800-605-6722 
• www.michigan.gov/mrs

Michigan Disabled Veteran Benefits for Business Owners

Michigan disabled veteran benefits extend to veteran business owners who may be eligible for up to a 10% pricing preference when bidding for specific state government purchases or construction contracts.

For more information, call (517) 388-6012.

Michigan Veteran Benefits for Unemployment Compensation

Veterans who don’t begin civilian employment immediately after leaving military service may be eligible to receive weekly unemployment compensation for a limited time. Veterans attending school full-time may also be eligible for unemployment.

Contact Michigan Works! for more information:

(800) 285-WORK (9675)

Homeless Veteran Community Employment Services

Homeless Veteran Community Employment Services (HVCES) helps job-ready veterans recently homeless (or on the brink) to gain stable, long-term employment. Community employment coordinators work with local employers to identify suitable jobs based on skills and abilities.

Working out of VA Medical Centers, these coordinators connect homeless and at-risk veterans to appropriate VA and community-based employment services.

Find a community employment coordinator in Michigan.

Compensated Work Therapy and Transitional Work

Compensated Work Therapy (CWT) provides Michigan disabled veterans realistic and meaningful vocational opportunities, encouraging successful reintegration into the community at the veteran’s highest functional level.

Individualized rehabilitation plans allow veterans to work for pay, learn new job skills, and relearn successful work habits. 

The Transitional Work (TW) program provides a therapeutic residential setting for veterans involved in CWT, bridging a gap between hospitalization or intensive outpatient treatment and successful reintegration.

Five centers in Michigan have CWT programs: Ann Arbor, Battle Creek, Detroit, Iron Mountain, and Saginaw. Battle Creek also has a TW program. Veterans should call the nearest VA medical center for additional information on CWT or TW.

Veteran-friendly Employers in Michigan

The state of Michigan offers employers certain benefits if they become “veteran friendly.” 

This means that employers who apply and are added to the list of Michigan-wide veteran-friendly employers do things such as:

• Maintain a veteran employee retention rate of at least 75% over the most recent 12-month period
• Have a veteran-specific onboarding/orientation process
• Have a hiring process where applications are marked and/or tracked as veterans, Guard or Reserve members and spouses
• Have a veteran or Guard/Reserve specific benefit package
• Have a veteran-centric or veteran-specific training program
• And more

You can learn more and view a list of veteran-friendly employers in Michigan on the Michigan veterans affairs website.

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Michigan Veterans Benefits for Automotive Licensing

Michigan Driver and Motor Vehicle Services offers specially designated driver licenses and distinctive license plates to Michigan veterans, disabled veterans, and qualifying family members.

Michigan Veteran Benefits for State ID and Driver Licenses

Honorably discharged veterans can request a “Veteran” designation for their Michigan driver’s license or state ID card. This can make it easier to take advantage of the many discounts and services requiring military service proof.

Eligible veterans may get the driver’s license designation by submitting a veteran designation application at any Secretary of State office or renewing through the mail. The designation is available at no additional charge when applying for an original (or renewing) Michigan driver’s license or ID. If the designation is added at another time, correction fees apply.

For more information, visit the Secretary of State website.

Michigan Veterans Benefits for License Plates

Michigan veteran and military service plates are available for motorcycles and passenger vehicles.

Plates are available with two variations:

1. A plain white background
2. The Spectacular Peninsulas background

NOTE: Trailers and vehicles used commercially are not eligible for these plates.

The fee for the standard design is $5. The Spectacular Peninsulas design is $10. When purchasing an original plate or replacing an existing plate when renewing, other registration fees may apply. Veteran plates can also be personalized for an additional fee.

A certificate of release or discharge from active duty (form DD-214) must be presented when applying for certain veteran license plates. Visit the Secretary of State website for a complete listing of plates and requirements.

Veterans interested in obtaining one of the veteran license plates may apply at their local Secretary of State office by submitting a veteran license plate application.

Michigan Disabled Veteran Benefits for Free License Plates

Michigan disabled veteran benefits qualify them to register one passenger vehicle with a disabled veteran plate for free. (There is a one-time $5 administrative fee when the plate is first issued.) Contact a Secretary of State office for additional information.

Note: Former POWs (regardless of disability rating) are also eligible for this free license plate.

License Plate Fees Raise Funds to Enhance Michigan Veteran Benefits

The “Support Michigan Veterans” license plate raises funds for Michigan veterans.

Proceeds provide outreach and services to veterans (such as education on the psychological effects of war, PTSD, and other service-related disabilities). At least 25 percent of the money goes to tuition support for the Michigan National Guard members or the Children of Veterans Tuition Grant program.

Michigan residents who want to help support outreach to veterans can purchase the plate at any Secretary of State office. To apply, complete the Support Michigan Veterans license plate order form.

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Michigan Veteran Benefits for Outdoor Recreation

Michigan veteran benefits offer privileges for admission to state parks, camping, hunting and fishing licenses and more. Michigan veterans can enjoy the great outdoors in the Great Lakes State for reduced costs and fees.  

Recreation Passport

A Recreation Passport sticker provides access to all state parks, state recreation areas, and state boat launches (not including local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas).

Vehicles with the following license plates don’t need a Recreation Passport to receive these benefits:

• 100% disabled veteran
• POW
• Medal of Honor

Michigan Disabled Veteran Benefits: Free Hunting and Fishing Licenses

Michigan veterans with a 100 percent disability (and active duty military) are eligible to receive a state hunting and fishing license at no charge. Proof of eligibility must be presented at time of purchase and carried when hunting or fishing.

Visit the Department of Natural Resources website for more information.

A 4th with No Fireworks

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and MVAA have collaborated to offer alternative camping options to veterans and other visitors seeking a quieter holiday. Selected campgrounds are located away from traditional community firework displays.

Although the Michigan Parks and Recreation system cannot guarantee that fireworks will not be set off near state parks, the DNR encourages campers to refrain from setting off fireworks in participating state parks during this special weekend.

(Aerial fireworks such as Roman candles and bottle rockets are not allowed in Michigan state parks at any time).

Michigan Disabled Veteran Benefits in Operation Freedom Outdoors

The mission of this collaborative partnership is to provide outstanding outdoor recreation opportunities to wounded veterans and individuals with health challenges and coordinate a support network that facilitates their recovery through connecting with nature.

MiOFO activities center around the DNR-managed Sharonville State Game Area and the neighboring Camp Liberty property.

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Michigan Veteran Benefits for Health Care

Among the many Michigan veteran benefits, the VA health care system is available to all veterans. However, you must apply and be accepted for coverage. Contact the VA for information on health care requirements, eligibility, and how to start the application process.

Visit the MVAA health care web page.

Michigan Veterans Homes

The Grand Rapids Home for Veterans provides:

• Physician care
• Skilled nursing care
• Social work
• Nutritional care
• Physical, occupational, speech, and rehabilitation therapy programs
• Programs for Alzheimer’s
• Special-needs care for qualified disabled veterans.

A second veteran home, the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans, is located in Marquette.

This Upper Peninsula home provides physician coverage for various services and additional services on a fee-for-service basis. The home has a:

• Residence unit
• Skilled nursing care
• Basic nursing care
• Memory care unit.

For information on eligibility, enrollment procedures, and life at the homes, contact the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency at (800) MICH-VET (642-4838) or visit the MVAA website at www.MichiganVeterans.com.

Michigan Veteran Benefits for Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is an injury caused by direct or indirect involvement with an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and injuries from mortars, grenades, bullets, car accidents, or falls.

The injury can be sustained without external wounds. The extent of damage from TBI might not be realized until after a veteran is back home.

Furthermore, the symptoms may not be recognized as TBI and may even be confused with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). 

The Brain Injury Association of Michigan (BIAMI) addresses TBI through education, advocacy, research, and local support groups.

Contact BIAMI at (800) 444-6443 or through the BIAMI website.

Learn more here.

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Social Services and Assistance for Michigan Veterans

Michigan Vet Centers

Readjustment counseling helps veterans transition from military to civilian life (or deal with traumatic events). Individual, group, marriage, and family counseling are offered in addition to referral and connection to other VA or community benefits and services.

Many Vet Center counselors and outreach staff are also veterans prepared to discuss the tragedies of war, loss, grief, and transition after trauma.

Michigan Vet Centers are community-based counseling centers that provide a wide range of social and psychological services to eligible veterans and their families. 

Vet Centers are available throughout Michigan:

• Macomb County Vet Center, 42621 Garfield Road, Suite 105, Clinton Township, Mich. 48038, (586) 412-0107
• Dearborn Vet Center, 19855 Outer Drive, Suite 105 W. Dearborn, Mich. 48124, (313) 277-1428
• Detroit Vet Center 11214 E. Jefferson Ave., Detroit, Mich. 48214, (313) 822-1141
• Escanaba Vet Center, 3500 Ludington St., Suite 110, Escanaba, Mich. 49829, (906) 233-0244
• Grand Rapids Vet Center, 2050 Breton Road S.E., Grand Rapids, Mich. 49546 (616) 285-5795
• Pontiac Vet Center, 44200 Woodward Ave., Suite 108, Pontiac, Mich. 48341, (248) 874-1015
• Saginaw Vet Center, 5360 Hampton Place, Saginaw, Mich. 48604 (989) 321-4650
• Traverse City Vet Center, 3766 N. U.S. 31, South Traverse City, Mich. 49684 (231) 935-0051

Michigan Veteran Benefits for the Homeless

Michigan veteran benefits include help for homeless veterans. If you are in immediate need of shelter, call the Homeless Shelter Hotline at (800) A-SHELTER (274-3583). Staff will arrange for a temporary emergency shelter or motel stay.

Michigan Veterans Benefits in Special Court

Michigan’s Veterans Treatment Courts support Michigan veterans in their transition to civilian life.

Veterans Treatment Court uses a hybrid integration of drug court and mental health court principles. They help promote sobriety, recovery, and stability and involve collaboration with partners and organizations that support veterans and their families. 

To participate, a veteran cannot be charged with a violent offense. Veterans must complete a confidential pre-admission screening and evaluation assessment. Twenty-one district and six circuit courts have established veterans treatment courts as allowed by law.

Michigan Veterans Assistance Program for Incarcerated Veterans

Health Care for Reentry Veterans (HCRV) is a Michigan veterans assistance program that offers outreach, referrals, and short-term case management for incarcerated veterans who may be at risk for homelessness upon release.

Michigan’s reentry specialist is Denise Botko. She can be reached by phone at (734) 645-2505 or by email at [email protected].

Visit www.va.gov/homeless/reentry.asp for more information. 

Veterans Community Action Teams (VCATs)

The Veterans Community Action Team (VCAT) comprises federal, state, local, and faith-based organizations that support veterans in the communities where they live and work.

The VCAT focuses on solving gaps in veteran services, reducing duplication of efforts, and simplifying connections with local resources.

This community-based Michigan veterans benefit allows networks of service providers to employ best practices, share information and tools, and connect more quickly with veterans.

Find out more about VCATs in your area.

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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facilities and Outpatient Clinics

Below is a list of VA medical facilities and outpatient clinics operating statewide:

• Alpena: 180 N. State Ave., Alpena, Mich., 49707, (989) 356-8720
• Ann Arbor: 2215 Fuller Road, Ann Arbor, Mich. 48105, (734) 769-7100
• Bad Axe: 1142 S. Van Dyke Road, Suite 100, Bad Axe, Mich. 48413, (989) 269-7445
• Battle Creek: 5500 Armstrong Road, Battle Creek, Mich. 49037, 269-966-5600
• Benton Harbor: 115 E. Main St., Benton Harbor, Mich. 49022, (269) 934-9123
• Cadillac: 1909 N. Mitchell St., Cadillac, Mich. 49601, (231) 775-4401
• Clare: 11775 N. Isabella Road, Clare, Mich. 48617, (989) 386-8113
• Detroit: 4646 John R St., Detroit, Mich. 48201, (313) 576-1000
• Flint, G-2360 S. Linden Road, Flint, Mich. 48532, 810-720-2913
• Gaylord: 806 S. Otsego, Gaylord, Mich. 49732, (989) 732-7525
• Grand Rapids: 2050 Breton S.E., Grand Rapids, Mich. 49546, 616-285-5795
• Grayling: 1680 Hartwick Pines Road, Grayling, Mich. 49738, (989) 344-2002
• Hancock: 787 Market St., Suite 9, Hancock, Mich. 49930, (906) 482-7762
• Iron Mountain: 325 E. H St., Iron Mountain, Mich. 49801, (906) 774-3300
• Ironwood: 629 W. Cloverland Drive, Suite 1, Ironwood, Mich. 49938, (906) 932-0032
• Lansing: 2025 S. Washington Ave., Lansing, Mich. 48910, (517) 267-3925
• Mackinaw City: 14540 Mackinaw Highway, Mackinaw City, Mich. 49701, (231) 436-5176
• Manistique: 813 E. Lakeshore Drive, Manistique, Mich. 49854, 906-341-3420
• Marquette: 1414 W. Fair Ave., Suite 285, Marquette, Mich. 49855, (906) 226-4618
• Menominee: 1110 10th Ave., Suite 101, Menominee, Mich. 49858, (906) 863-1286
• Michigan Center (Jackson): 4328 Page Ave., Michigan Center, Mich. 49254, 517-764-3609
• Muskegon: 5000 Hakes Drive, Michigan Center, Mich. 49441, (231) 798-4445
• Oscoda: 5671 Skeel Ave., Suite 4, Oscoda, Mich. 48750, (989) 747-0026
• Pontiac: 44200 Woodward Ave., Suite 208, Pontiac, Mich. 48341, (248) 332-4540
• Saginaw: Health Care Annex, 4241 Barnard Road, Saginaw, Mich. 48603, (800) 406-5143 ext. 11230
• Saginaw: 1500 Weiss St., Saginaw, Mich. 48602, (989) 497-2500
• Sault Ste. Marie: 509 Osborn Blvd., Suite 306, Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. 49783, (906) 253-9383
• Traverse City: 3271 Racquet Club Drive, Traverse City, Mich. 49684, (231) 932-9720
• Wyoming: 5838 Metro Way, Wyoming, Mich. 49519, (616) 249-5300
• Yale: 7470 Brockway Drive, Yale, Mich. 48097, (810) 387-3211

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Miscellaneous Michigan Veteran Benefits

Michigan Veteran Benefits for Legal Counsel

Michigan veteran benefits are available at Michigan law schools that offer clinics to assist veterans with legal issues.

For more information about the types of cases taken and assistance available, visit the following school websites:

University of Michigan

Wayne State University

Additional information is available in the Michigan Military & Veterans Legal Service Guide.

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Michigan Veteran Benefits: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do Michigan disabled veteran benefits include tax exemptions?

Yes! Michigan disabled veteran benefits grant an exemption from state taxes on a disabled veteran’s home.

Furthermore, even if no income tax is due, an eligible veteran may still submit an MI-1040CR-2 form to receive the income tax credit as a tax refund. Visit the Michigan Department of Treasury website for instructions.

Are there Michigan disabled veteran benefits to help with winter heating bills?

The Home Heating Credit is designed to assist low-income families, seniors, and Michigan disabled veterans in paying their home heating costs.

Qualified Michigan disabled veterans or their spouses may be eligible for an increased credit. Applications for the Home Heating Credit are accepted from January through September 30 each year.

Is there a Michigan veterans assistance program to help veterans with financial difficulties?

Yes! The Michigan Veterans Trust Fund Emergency Grant Program helps when a grant may resolve a temporary or short-term financial emergency or hardship, such as a delay in unemployment benefits or other income, or hospitalization that causes reductions in income.

Additionally, some counties offer grants from the Soldiers Relief Commission to veterans who may not meet the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund criteria. 

Is there a tuition assistance program to help children and families of Michigan disabled veterans?

Yes! The Children of Veterans Tuition Grant (CVTG) provides an undergraduate tuition scholarship for children of Michigan disabled or deceased veterans.

The program is for children ages 16 to 25 who have been Michigan residents for 12 months prior to application. Students may receive a scholarship up to $2,800 per academic year, with a total of $11,200 for up to four academic years.

Are there Michigan veteran benefits for occupational licenses?

Yes! Several Michigan state statutes have been revised to allow the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) to count military experience toward qualifications required for certain occupational licenses.

Additionally, several license application fees are waived for honorably discharged Michigan veterans.

Is there a vocational rehabilitation program for Michigan disabled veterans?

Yes! Compensated Work Therapy (CWT) provides realistic and meaningful vocational opportunities.

An individual rehabilitation plan allows veterans to work for pay, learn new job skills, and relearn successful work habits.

The Transitional Work (TW) program provides a therapeutic residential setting for veterans involved in CWT, bridging a gap between hospitalization or intensive outpatient treatment and successful reintegration.

Do Michigan disabled veteran benefits grant special privileges at state parks?

Yes! Michigan disabled veteran benefits include receiving a Recreation Passport for admission to Michigan state parks free of charge, as do former POWs and Medal of Honor recipients.

For answers to more questions, visit the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency.

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MAKE SURE YOU GET ALL THE BENEFITS YOU DESERVE

Regardless of what state you live in, it’s important that you pursue the monthly compensation payments due to you for disabilities connected to your military service.

Most veterans are underrated for their disabilities and therefore not getting the compensation they deserve. At VA Claims Insider, we help veterans understand and take control of the claims process so they can get the rating and compensation they’re owed by law.

Our process takes the guesswork out of filing a VA disability claim and supports you every step of the way in building a fully-developed claim (FDC)—so you can increase your rating in less time!  

If you’ve filed your VA disability claim and have been denied or have received a low rating – or you’re not sure how to get started – reach out to us for a FREE VA Claim Discovery Call so you can FINALLY get the disability rating and compensation you deserve. We’ve supported more than 25,000 veterans to win their claims and increase their ratings. NOW IT’S YOUR TURN.

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