State file · MI
Veteran benefits in Michigan
Michigan exempts both active duty income and military retirement pay from state income tax, waives property taxes for 100% disabled veterans, and runs a substantial tuition grant for children of disabled or deceased veterans. Here is the full picture.
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Financial benefits
Income tax exemptions
Active duty income is tax-free in Michigan, and military retirement pay is also tax-free.
Property tax waiver
Veterans rated 100% disabled — including those rated 100% due to individual unemployability — may be exempt from property taxes, provided they have an other-than-dishonorable discharge and Michigan residency. Un-remarried surviving spouses are also eligible.
Disabled veteran license plate
Veterans who are 100% permanently and totally disabled may register one vehicle with a disabled veteran plate for free, with a $5 administrative fee when the plate is first issued.
Emergency financial assistance
The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency can help with temporary financial issues such as utility bills, vehicle or home repairs, and medical bills, drawing on County Soldier & Sailor Relief Funds, the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund, and the National Guard Family Program. Dependency and Indemnity Compensation for survivors is tax-free.
Sales tax picture
Statewide sales tax is 6.0% and counties cannot levy additional sales tax. Prescription medicines and unprepared foods are exempt, and residential heating fuel and electricity are taxed at a reduced 4%.
Recreation
Hunting & fishing licenses
Active duty Michigan service members can get hunting and fishing licenses for free, and veterans who are 100% permanently and totally disabled can get any resident hunting or fishing license that does not require a lottery at no charge.
State park entry
Veterans who are 100% permanently and totally disabled are eligible for free entry into Michigan state parks.
Education programs
Children of Veterans Tuition Grant
Eligible children of deceased or disabled Armed Forces members may receive up to $11,200 in total assistance over four academic years, with full-time students receiving up to $2,800 per year. Applicants must be ages 16 to 26, Michigan residents for the prior 12 months, and natural or adopted children of the veteran.
National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program (MINGSTAP)
Established by Public Act 259 of 2014, MINGSTAP provides tuition assistance to Michigan National Guard members attending any public or private college, university, vocational school, technical school, or trade school in Michigan.
Guard university & college tuition grants
Guard members can also receive tuition grants through selected Michigan universities and colleges, which can be combined with the Montgomery GI Bill and other assistance for potentially no-cost attendance.
Veteran housing
Michigan State Veterans Homes
State veterans homes at Grand Rapids and Marquette serve honorably discharged veterans with at least 24 continuous months of active duty. Michigan residency is not required, spouses may be eligible depending on availability, and fees are based on income.
Employment & job training
State hiring preference
Veterans' preference is given to veterans and certain veteran spouses for initial employment with the state.
Reemployment rights
Federal USERRA protections cover civilian job rights and benefits for veterans and reservists, and Michigan state law adds further reemployment protections for Michigan National Guard members.
Occupational licensing benefits
The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs offers renewal fee and continuing education exemptions for mobilized military personnel, temporary licenses for active-duty spouses, and initial license and application fee waivers for certain veterans.
Burials & memorials
County burial expense benefit
State law provides up to $300 toward burial expenses, administered through County Boards of Commissioners or Auditors, for eligible veterans and spouses who meet residency and asset limits.
National cemeteries in Michigan
Options include Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Fort Mackinac Post Cemetery on Mackinac Island, and the Lakeside Cemetery Soldiers' Lot in Port Huron.
VA resources in Michigan
Detroit Regional Benefits Office
The VA regional office serving Michigan for benefits claims and questions.
Official siteVA Ann Arbor Healthcare System
VA medical care for southeast Michigan, based in Ann Arbor.
Official siteOscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center
VA medical care for the Upper Peninsula, based in Iron Mountain.
Official siteBefore you apply
- First-time applicants generally need a copy of their DD-214 or discharge paperwork — keep certified copies somewhere safe.
- Most programs require a discharge under other than dishonorable conditions; a dishonorable or bad-conduct discharge may bar eligibility.
- “Active service” has a specific definition for many programs — training periods don’t always count. When in doubt, ask the agency directly.
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