Michigan Department of Veterans Affairs

Great Lakes Gratitude: Michigan's Top 10 Most Valuable Veterans Benefits

The state of Michigan offers a robust and comprehensive package of benefits to support its large veteran population, recognizing their service with significant financial, educational, and long-term care advantages. Administered by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA), these programs aim to improve the quality of life for veterans and their families. While the personal value of each benefit can differ, a clear top tier emerges based on monetary impact, broad applicability, and crucial life-altering support.

Here are the top ten, most valuable veterans benefits offered through the Michigan Department of Veterans Affairs:

1. Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption: A cornerstone of Michigan's veteran support, this benefit provides a 100% waiver of property taxes on the primary residence for veterans who are 100% disabled or rated as individually unemployable by the VA. This exemption can save eligible homeowners thousands of dollars annually, offering profound and lasting financial security.
2. Michigan Veterans Homes: With locations in Grand Rapids, Chesterfield Township, and Marquette, the Michigan Veterans Homes provide high-quality, affordable long-term care. These facilities offer skilled nursing, memory care, and domiciliary living, ensuring veterans have access to dedicated, veteran-centric care in their later years.
3. Michigan Veterans Trust Fund (MVTF): A unique and critical safety net, the MVTF provides temporary emergency financial assistance to veterans and their families facing unforeseen hardship. These grants can help cover essential needs like housing payments, utility bills, and medical expenses, providing stability during a crisis.
4. Full Exemption of Military Retirement Pay from State Income Tax: In a major financial advantage for career veterans, Michigan completely exempts military retirement pay from state income taxes. This policy allows retired service members to keep 100% of their hard-earned pension, boosting their annual income.
5. Children of Veterans Tuition Grant Program: This invaluable program provides undergraduate tuition assistance for the children of Michigan veterans who are 100% disabled, deceased due to service-connected causes, or were listed as MIA. The grant can be used at a Michigan community college, public university, or independent, non-profit university, offering a vital educational opportunity to families who have sacrificed.
6. State Employment Preference: Honorably discharged veterans receive a preference when applying for state civil service jobs. Depending on the type of exam, veterans receive either preference in hiring over non-veterans or have points added to their initial examination scores, giving them a significant edge in securing stable state employment.
7. "VETERAN" Designation on Driver's License/ID Card: For a nominal fee, veterans can have a "VETERAN" designation placed on their Michigan driver's license or ID card. This simple but important benefit serves as official proof of veteran status, ensuring easy access to the numerous retail, service, and public-sector discounts offered as a gesture of appreciation.
8. Emergency Services for Homeless Veterans: Through a network of providers, the MVAA helps connect homeless veterans with emergency housing, food, and other vital services. The goal is to provide immediate relief and create a pathway to stable housing and self-sufficiency.
9. Free or Discounted Hunting and Fishing Licenses: Michigan honors its resident veterans with free and discounted licenses for outdoor recreation. Veterans who are 100% disabled or rated as individually unemployable are eligible for free hunting and fishing licenses, encouraging participation in the state's rich outdoor traditions.
10. Burial in a Michigan Veterans Cemetery: The state of Michigan operates two veterans' cemeteries in Grand Rapids and Grayling. These facilities provide a dignified and honorable final resting place for veterans, their spouses, and eligible dependents at no cost to the family for the plot and interment.

These premier benefits showcase Michigan's strong commitment to its veteran community. For detailed eligibility requirements and to connect with a benefits counselor for assistance, veterans are encouraged to visit the official website of the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency.

Michigan Department of Veterans Affairs

Contact Information:

Address: 
Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
3411 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Lansing, MI 48906

Phone: 1-800-MICH-VET (1-800-642-4838)

Return to the WeSalute State Veterans Benefits Directory