The state of Michigan provides several veteran benefits. This page explains those benefits.
Michigan State Veterans Homes
There are three Michigan Veteran Homes. The homes are in Chesterfield Township, Grand Rapids and Marquette.
Veterans eligible for U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care or financial assistance for long-term care may be admitted. The veteran must have been discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable.
Veterans who enlisted after Sept. 7, 1980, or who entered active duty after Oct. 16, 1981, must have served 24 continuous months or the full period for which they were called to active duty in order to be eligible.
Michigan residency is not required, and spouses or surviving spouses may be admitted if space is available. Fees are income-based.
Michigan Veteran Financial Benefits
Income Tax
Active-duty pay, retired pay, and Survivor Benefit Plan payments are tax-free.
Property Tax Waiver
100% disabled veterans and those rated 100% due to individual unemployability may be exempt from paying taxes on their home. The veteran must have an other-than-dishonorable discharge and be a Michigan resident.
Unremarried surviving spouses are also eligible.
Vehicle Registration
100% permanently and totally disabled veterans may be eligible to register one vehicle with a disabled veteran plate for free.
Emergency Assistance
The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency offers emergency assistance to those having temporary financial issues who require assistance with utility bills, vehicle or home repairs, medical bills or other debts.
There are many resources available including county Soldier and Sailor Relief Funds, the Michigan Veteran Trust Fund, and the National Guard Family Programs.
Michigan State Employment Veterans Preference
Preference will be given to veterans and certain veteran spouses for initial employment with the state.
Michigan Children of Veterans Tuition Grant
The grant provides undergraduate tuition assistance for natural or adopted children of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled or died as a result of military service. Children must apply and receive benefits prior to age 26.
Michigan Veteran Recreation Benefits
Active Duty Hunting and Fishing
Michigan active-duty residents can get hunting and fishing licenses for free.
Non-residents stationed in Michigan can get licenses at the resident rate.
Disabled Veteran Hunting and Fishing Licenses
Permanently and totally disabled veterans can get any resident hunting or fishing license, for which a lottery is not required, free of charge.
State Parks
100% permanently and totally disabled veterans get free entry into Michigan state parks.
Veterans' Burial Expenses
Under state law, eligible veterans and some spouses/surviving spouses who meet residency and asset limits may qualify for $300 for burial expenses paid by the County Board of Commissioners or the Board of County Auditors.
Visit the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency website for more information on any of these programs.
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