Michigan Veteran Benefits
12 state benefits for veterans in Michigan.
Property Tax
View all Property Tax in Michigan →Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemption
Under MCL 211.7b (Public Act 161 of 2013), real property used as a homestead and owned by a qualifying disabled veteran is fully exempt from property taxes. An unremarried surviving spouse may continue the exemption.
Eligibility: Michigan resident veteran discharged under honorable conditions who is VA-rated 100% permanently and totally disabled (paid at the 100% rate), rated individually unemployable, or holds a VA certificate for specially adapted housing; also unremarried surviving spouses.
Estimated value: Full (100%) exemption of homestead property taxes
How to apply: File Michigan Department of Treasury Form 5107 (Affidavit for Disabled Veterans Exemption) with your local city or township assessor. Since January 1, 2025 the exemption remains in effect without annual reapplication until rescinded or denied.
Education
View all Education in Michigan →Children of Veterans Tuition Grant (CVTG)
Undergraduate tuition assistance for the children of Michigan veterans who died or became totally and permanently disabled from a service-connected cause, or who are listed as missing in action.
Eligibility: Natural or adopted child, age 16 to under 26, of a qualifying Michigan veteran (Michigan legal resident before entering service, or who established Michigan residency after service, who died or is totally and permanently disabled from service, or MIA). Student must be a 12-month Michigan resident, enroll at least half-time at a participating Michigan institution, and maintain a 2.25 GPA.
Estimated value: Up to $2,800 per academic year, up to $11,200 total (8 semesters)
How to apply: File the FAFSA each year and apply through MI Student Aid; contact 1-888-447-2687 or your school's financial aid office.
Michigan National Guard State Tuition Assistance (MINGSTAP)
Tuition assistance for members of the Michigan National Guard attending a Michigan college, university, vocational, technical, or trade school. Public Act 33 of 2023 extended eligibility to spouses and dependents.
Eligibility: Active members of the Michigan National Guard in good standing (not AWOL or under UCMJ/MCMJ charges); eligible spouses and dependents may use a member's benefit before age 26.
Estimated value: Tuition assistance toward Michigan school costs
How to apply: Apply through the MINGSTAP online application before the term begins; see program policy and deadlines on the DMVA website.
Employment
View all Employment in Michigan →Veterans' Preference in State Employment
Michigan grants preference to eligible veterans and certain spouses in state classified civil service hiring, adding points to passing scores in numerically scored selection processes.
Eligibility: Veterans with at least 90 days of active-duty service and an honorable discharge (5 points); 10 points for veterans with a service-connected disability, Purple Heart recipients, or an eligible surviving spouse. Preference must be claimed and requires registration with the Michigan Civil Service Commission.
Estimated value: 5 or 10 points added to civil service selection scores
How to apply: Register for veterans' preference with the Michigan Civil Service Commission and claim the preference when applying for a State of Michigan job.
Recreation/Hunting & Fishing
View all Recreation/Hunting & Fishing in Michigan →Free Hunting & Fishing Licenses for Disabled Veterans
Michigan resident disabled veterans may obtain, free of charge, any hunting or fishing license that does not require a separate lottery application.
Eligibility: Michigan resident veteran who is VA-determined permanently and totally disabled from military service and entitled to benefits at the 100% rate (other than blindness), or rated individually unemployable.
Estimated value: Free hunting and fishing licenses (non-lottery)
How to apply: Obtain licenses free at any DNR license agent or online at mdnr-elicense.com; carry VA documentation of eligibility.
Free Recreation Passport (State Park Entry)
Vehicles registered with a Michigan Disabled Veteran, Ex-POW, or Medal of Honor license plate do not need to purchase a Recreation Passport, giving free entry to Michigan state parks, recreation areas, boating access sites, and state forest campgrounds.
Eligibility: Michigan resident veterans holding a valid Disabled Veteran (100% or individually unemployable at 100% rate), Ex-Prisoner of War, or Medal of Honor Michigan license plate.
Estimated value: Waived Recreation Passport fee (approx. $14/year value)
How to apply: Obtain the qualifying Disabled Veteran, Ex-POW, or Medal of Honor plate through the Secretary of State; the passport waiver is automatic for that vehicle.
Vehicle/DMV
View all Vehicle/DMV in Michigan →Disabled Veteran & Military License Plates
The Michigan Secretary of State issues Disabled Veteran, Ex-POW, Medal of Honor, and other military/veteran specialty plates. Qualifying disabled veterans receive registration fee relief.
Eligibility: Disabled Veteran plate available to honorably discharged veterans rated 100% permanently and totally disabled or individually unemployable at the 100% rate; DV plate eligibility expanded to 50%+ service-connected in October 2024. Registration fee is waived for veterans with a total and permanent disability rating (one-time $5 administrative fee).
Estimated value: Waived registration fee for totally/permanently disabled veterans (one vehicle)
How to apply: Apply at any Secretary of State branch office with your VA disability letter and DD-214; no service fee for the plate application or renewal.
Veteran Designation on Driver's License or State ID
Veterans can add a red "Veteran" designation to their Michigan driver's license or state ID card, providing an easy way to verify veteran status for discounts and services.
Eligibility: Veterans who served in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces and received an honorable or general (under honorable conditions) discharge.
Estimated value: No extra fee when added at first issuance or renewal
How to apply: Visit any Secretary of State office with acceptable proof of service (e.g., DD-214), or mail the Veteran Designation Application with documentation to the Department of State Renewal By Mail Unit.
Financial
View all Financial in Michigan →Military Retirement Pay Income Tax Exemption
Military retirement and pension benefits are exempt from Michigan individual income tax, and active-duty military pay earned by Michigan residents is also not taxed by the state.
Eligibility: Recipients of U.S. Armed Forces (including Reserve and National Guard) retirement pay; active-duty pay exemption applies to Michigan residents on active duty.
Estimated value: Full exemption of military retirement pay from state income tax
How to apply: Deduct qualifying military retirement benefits on your Michigan individual income tax return (Schedule 1) when filing. See Treasury guidance for details.
Michigan Veterans Trust Fund Emergency Grants
One-time emergency financial assistance to help veterans and their families overcome an unforeseen, temporary financial hardship such as utility bills, home repairs, or mortgage assistance.
Eligibility: Veteran (or spouse) with at least 180 days of active service and an honorable discharge who served during a wartime era (or holds a qualifying Expeditionary Medal); peacetime-era veterans 65+ with 180 days of service also qualify under the 65+ Peacetime Program. Generally limited to once per two-year period.
Estimated value: One-time emergency grant (amount based on need)
How to apply: Apply through the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund county committee serving your county of residence.
Housing
View all Housing in Michigan →Michigan Veteran Homes (Long-Term Care)
State-operated skilled nursing and long-term care homes for veterans at Grand Rapids and Chesterfield Township, offering nursing care, memory care, and related services.
Eligibility: Honorably discharged veterans eligible for USDVA health care or financial assistance for long-term nursing care, and certain dependents (spouse, former spouse, surviving spouse, or Gold Star parent). Michigan residency is not required.
Estimated value: State-subsidized long-term nursing care
How to apply: Submit an admission application with a certified copy of the honorable discharge to the desired home; contact the Grand Rapids (616.345.6110) or Chesterfield (586.210.7103) admissions office.
MVAA Resource Service Center & State Benefits Navigator
The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency operates a one-stop resource center connecting veterans and families to state and federal benefits, including a Discharge Document (DD-214) Retrieval Service and a State of Michigan Veteran Benefits webpage.
Eligibility: All Michigan veterans and their family members.
Estimated value: Free benefits navigation and DD-214 retrieval
How to apply: Call 1-800-MICH-VET (1-800-642-4838) or use the online resources at Michigan.gov/MVAA.