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Michigan Veteran benefits

26 benefits from Michigan for Veterans and their families, on top of what VA gives. Many need no disability rating.

Each one says who qualifies, how to apply, the official link, and the date we last checked it. Rules change, so the official page has the final word.

Free help in Michigan

Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency is the state Veterans agency. They can tell you what you qualify for and help you apply.

Call 800-642-4838 State agency website

A Veterans service officer (VSO) helps with VA claims and state benefits for free.

Find a service officer near you Michigan's list of local offices
Your VA disability rating
Who is it for?

26 benefits

Property tax

  • 100%+

    Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemption

    Michigan fully exempts a qualifying disabled veteran's homestead, or that of an unremarried surviving spouse, from property taxes under the General Property Tax Act.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: 100% VA rating, or paid at the 100% rate through TDIU (also called IU). Must be determined permanently and totally disabled and entitled to veterans' benefits at the 100% rate, hold a specially adapted housing certificate, or be rated individually unemployable, and own/use the property as a homestead.
    How to apply
    File Form 5107 affidavit with the local city/township assessor. A disabled veteran must still file for 2024 and again for 2025; for taxes levied on or after January 1, 2025 the exemption remains in effect without reapplication until rescinded.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Disabled Veteran Homestead Property Tax Exemption for Surviving Spouse

    An unremarried surviving spouse of a disabled veteran may receive a total property tax exemption on their primary residence. The surviving spouse must apply by submitting an Affidavit for Disabled Veterans Exemption and required documentation to their local assessor.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Unremarried surviving spouse of a disabled veteran who owns and occupies their primary residence in Michigan.
    How to apply
    Submit a completed Affidavit for Disabled Veterans Exemption and required documentation to local assessor.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Veteran, Service Member, and Surviving Spouse Homestead Property Tax Credit

    Surviving spouses of veterans and service members may claim a property tax credit on their Michigan primary residence. The credit is based on household income and property taxes paid on a residence with taxable value under a state cap that is adjusted each year for inflation.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Surviving spouse of a veteran or service member with household income and property tax amounts qualifying for the credit.
    How to apply
    Apply through the Michigan Department of Treasury.
    Official page

    Last checked October 3, 2026.

Income tax, retirement pay and other taxes

  • No rating needed

    Military Pay and Retirement Pay Income Tax Exemption

    Michigan does not tax active-duty military pay or military retirement benefits paid for federal service.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Military retirement benefits paid to retirees of the armed forces of the United States for services performed while a member are exempt from Michigan individual income tax. Active duty military pay is exempt from Michigan individual income tax.
    How to apply
    Subtract the exempt amount on Schedule 1 of the Michigan MI-1040 return to the extent it is included in federal adjusted gross income.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Survivor Annuity Tax Exemption

    Survivor annuities and retirement pay paid to surviving spouses of retired service members are exempt from Michigan individual income tax. This includes benefits under the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RCSBP), and Retired Serviceman's Family Protection Plan (RSFPP).

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Surviving spouse of retired service member receiving annuities or retirement pay under SBP, RCSBP, or RSFPP.
    How to apply
    Report survivor annuities as non-taxable income on Michigan tax return.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Vehicles, driver's licenses and plates

  • No rating needed

    Commercial Driver License (CDL) Military Skills Testing Waiver

    Michigan waives certain CDL knowledge and road skills tests for service members and veterans based on qualifying military driving training and experience.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Michigan will waive Commercial Driver License (CDL) knowledge skills test and on-road driving skills test requirements for service members and veterans based on their military training and experience.
    How to apply
    Apply at a Secretary of State office with proof of qualifying military driving experience.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • 50%+

    Disabled Veteran (DV) License Plate and Registration Fee Waiver

    Michigan issues a Disabled Veteran plate with tiered benefits: totally disabled veterans get a fee-free, non-expiring plate, while partially disabled veterans qualify for a standard plate.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: VA rating of 50% or higher. Veterans with a 50%-90% disability rating and an honorable discharge from the military are entitled to one standard Disabled Veteran plate for use on a private passenger vehicle. Totally disabled veterans must show a service-connected total or permanent total disability rating for compensation from the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs, and the application must not require a service fee.
    What you get at each level
    • Standard Disabled Veteran plate
    • Free, non-expiring Disabled Veteran plate
    How to apply
    Apply at any Michigan Secretary of State branch office with discharge and VA disability documentation.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Veteran Designation on Driver's License or State ID

    Eligible veterans can have the word "Veteran" printed in red on their Michigan driver's license or state ID card to show veteran status for business discounts.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Military veterans who served in any branch of the U.S. armed forces and have an honorable or under honorable conditions (general) discharge may have a veteran designation printed on their license or ID; qualifying services include Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, Space Force and their Reserve/Guard components.
    How to apply
    Add the designation at any Secretary of State office; if added at the time of an original license/ID application or renewal, only the normal renewal fee applies.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Gold Star Family License Plate

    A special plate honoring immediate family members of a service member who died in combat, displayed as a moving memorial on a personal vehicle.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Immediate family members of military personnel who lost their lives in combat are eligible for the Gold Star Family plate; immediate family includes the deceased veteran's spouse, father, stepfather, mother, stepmother, foster parent, brother, half brother, sister, half sister, child, or stepchild.
    How to apply
    Apply at a local Secretary of State office by submitting a completed Application for Gold Star Family License Plate.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Hunting, fishing and parks

  • 100% P&T

    Free Hunting and Fishing Licenses for Disabled Veterans

    Michigan resident veterans meeting a VA disability standard may obtain most non-lottery hunting and fishing licenses at no charge.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: 100% VA rating that is Permanent and Total (P&T), or paid at the 100% rate through TDIU (also called IU). Disabled veteran means a resident determined by the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs to be permanently and totally disabled as a result of military service and entitled to veterans' benefits at the 100% rate (other than for blindness), or rated individually unemployable. Such a veteran is eligible to obtain any resident license for which a lottery is not required free of charge.
    How to apply
    Present VA documentation of eligibility at a DNR license agent or online; carry proof while afield.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • 100%+

    Free Recreation Passport Entry for Disabled Veterans, Medal of Honor Recipients, and Ex-POWs

    Qualifying veterans with the appropriate specialty license plate do not need to pay for a Recreation Passport to enter Michigan state parks and recreation areas.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: 100% VA rating. Medal of Honor Recipients, 100 percent disabled veterans and ex-prisoners of war receive free entry into facilities requiring a Recreation Passport, and must have the specialty license plate designation in order to gain access.
    How to apply
    Display the qualifying Disabled Veteran, Medal of Honor, or Ex-POW plate; no separate Recreation Passport purchase required.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

School and tuition

  • No rating needed

    Michigan National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program (MINGSTAP)

    State-funded tuition assistance for Michigan Army and Air National Guard members (and eligible dependents) attending Michigan colleges, universities, or trade schools.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Eligible person means a member of the Michigan national guard who is not absent without leave or under charges under the Michigan code of military justice; a dependent using the benefit must use it before turning 26 years of age.
    How to apply
    Apply through the Adjutant General's office before enrolling in an eligible institution.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Operation Recognition Wartime Veteran High School Diploma

    Michigan awards an honorary high school diploma to wartime veterans who left high school before graduating in order to serve in the armed forces.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Michigan will award a high school diploma to war-time veterans who left school to serve.
    How to apply
    Contact the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency or a local school district administering Operation Recognition.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • 100% P&TFor family or survivors

    Children of Veterans Tuition Grant

    State undergraduate tuition grant for the natural or adopted children of Michigan veterans who died or became totally and permanently disabled from military service.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: 100% VA rating that is Permanent and Total (P&T). Provides undergraduate tuition assistance to students older than 16 and less than 26 years of age who are the natural or adopted child of a Michigan veteran who died or became totally and permanently disabled as a result of military service.
    How to apply
    File the FAFSA and a CVTG application through the MiSSG Student Portal; call 888-447-2687.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Jobs and hiring preference

  • No rating needed

    LARA Occupational License Exam Fee Reimbursement for Veterans

    Michigan's licensing agency helps veterans get reimbursed for required professional licensing exam fees paid out of pocket, and connects them with a veteran liaison.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Providing a reimbursement from the Federal Department of Veterans Affairs for required and paid examination fees is among the resources LARA coordinates for veterans entering a regulated profession.
    How to apply
    Contact the Department and request to speak with a LARA Veteran Liaison.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    MVAA Discharge Document Retrieval Service

    MVAA helps veterans and families obtain copies of DD-214 and other discharge documents needed to access state and federal benefits.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. MVAA's Discharge Document Retrieval Service provides veterans copies of DD-214 discharge documents.
    How to apply
    Call 1-800-MICH-VET (1-800-642-4838) or use the Michigan.gov/MVAA website for one-stop access.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    State Civil Service Veterans' Preference Program

    Veterans and eligible spouses receive hiring preference for Michigan classified state jobs, and military experience can substitute for degree requirements in some classifications.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. MCSC Rule 3-8 allows qualifying veterans or spouses to receive preference during job selection processes; preference does not guarantee appointment. Two years of active service in any branch at the rank of E-6 or above can substitute for degree requirements for 13 state classes.
    How to apply
    Register with the commission in the state's NEOGOV job portal before applying to an open position.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Unemployment Insurance Veteran Hotline

    A dedicated hotline and brochure help Michigan veterans navigate filing for unemployment insurance benefits.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency has a special hotline and brochure for veterans who have questions about filing for unemployment; veterans can call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for assistance.
    How to apply
    For help filing a claim call the dedicated number or a local Michigan Works! office.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Veterans' Preference for Public Employment (Act 205 of 1897)

    Michigan law directs that veterans be preferred for appointment and employment in every public department and public works of the state, counties, and municipalities.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. A veteran shall be preferred for appointment and employment in every public department and upon the public works of the state and of every county and municipal corporation; age, loss of limb, or other non-incapacitating physical impairment does not disqualify them. The applicant must be of good moral character and have been a resident of the state for at least 2 years.
    How to apply
    Claim preference when applying for public-sector positions covered by the Act.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Business certification and contracts

  • Any rating

    Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (SDVOB) Pricing Preference

    Businesses owned by qualified service-disabled veterans get a pricing preference when bidding on State of Michigan contracts, and the state has a spending goal for such firms.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Any VA service-connected rating, even 0%. Per Public Act 91 of 2005 businesses owned by qualified service-disabled veterans get up to a 10% pricing preference when bidding on State of Michigan projects. Qualified means a business entity that is 51 percent or more owned by one or more veterans with a service-connected disability. Public Act 133 of 2008 establishes a goal of awarding 5% of total State expenditures for goods, services, and construction to qualified SDVOBs.
    How to apply
    Indicate SDVOB status in the bid response and provide required documentation, including a DD214 or equivalent proof of service and discharge conditions.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Homes, Veterans homes and cemeteries

  • No rating needed

    County Burial Expense Assistance

    Veterans, their spouse, or surviving spouse who meet residency and asset limits may qualify for $300 in burial expense assistance. Payments are made by the County Board of Commissioners or Board of County Auditors based on individual county eligibility criteria.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veterans, their spouse, or surviving spouse meeting residency and asset limits established by the county.
    How to apply
    Contact your county's Board of Commissioners or Board of County Auditors.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Michigan Veteran Homes (State Long-Term Care)

    Three state-run long-term skilled nursing homes (Chesterfield Township, Grand Rapids, and D.J. Jacobetti in Marquette) provide nursing care to eligible veterans and dependents.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. There are three long-term, skilled nursing care facilities located in Marquette, Grand Rapids, and Chesterfield Township; admission generally requires honorable discharge and eligibility for VA health care or financial assistance for long-term nursing care.
    How to apply
    Admission can be started by contacting a home directly or by contacting a Veteran Service Officer.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids Cemetery (State-Run Cemetery)

    A state-operated cemetery on the grounds of the Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids serves as the final resting place for residents of that veterans home.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. The final resting place for residents of the Michigan Veteran Home at Grand Rapids, the State-run cemetery hosts graves of veterans who served as far back as the American Civil War.
    How to apply
    Coordinated through Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids administration.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Veterans' Burial Expenses Allowance

    Counties must pay a set amount, fixed by state law, toward the burial of an honorably discharged veteran or spouse who dies with a small estate and meets residency rules.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Applies to a veteran discharged under honorable conditions after at least 90 days of active service (or less, if due to a service-connected disability), or the spouse or surviving spouse, who dies with an estate under the state limit and meets residency rules. Since February 7, 2004, the estate limit is $40,000. Apply within 2 years after the date of death.
    How to apply
    Application is made by the executor/administrator of the estate, or the person who incurred or advanced the burial expense, to the county board of commissioners or board of county auditors, which shall pay the sum of $300.00.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Money, grants and bonuses

  • No rating needed

    Michigan Veterans Trust Fund Emergency Grant

    State-created fund pays emergency grants to veterans and dependents facing a short-term financial crisis such as utilities, rent, mortgage, or home repairs.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Generally requires 180 days of active duty with award of a qualifying medal, or less than 180 days of wartime service due to service-incurred disability; periods of duty may be combined. Peacetime-era veterans 65 and older with at least 180 days of honorable service also qualify under the 65+ Peacetime Program.
    How to apply
    Contact the local county veterans services office or call 1-800-MICH-VET (1-800-642-4838).
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Other help

  • No rating needed

    Veterans Treatment Courts

    Certified specialty courts combine drug-court and mental-health-court principles to help justice-involved veterans achieve sobriety, recovery, and stability.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. The state court administrative office maintains a statewide official list of certified veterans treatment courts, and only certified courts may perform veterans treatment court functions.
    How to apply
    Referral typically occurs through the local circuit or district court handling the veteran's case.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Also check

Education only. Helping The Brave is not a government agency. Confirm details with the agency before you apply.