Michigan veteran benefits
Veteran Compass lists 42 Michigan programs for veterans and their families. Each one links to the official government page, because rules, amounts and deadlines change. This is a guide to what is worth looking into, not a decision about whether you qualify. Federal VA benefits, such as health care, disability compensation and the GI Bill, also apply in Michigan; see the full directory or use the Benefit Finder.
Burial
County Burial Expense Benefit for Veterans
Michigan counties may pay a burial expense benefit for eligible veterans and their spouses or surviving spouses. The state benefits page lists it among Michigan burial benefits.
Who it may help: The state page says veterans and their spouses or surviving spouses who meet residency and asset limits may qualify, with payment made by the county board of commissioners or the board of county auditors. The page does not define the limits. Confirm details with your county veterans office. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
MVAA Burial Benefits Guide and Unclaimed Veteran Help
MVAA explains how to arrange national cemetery burial, gather discharge paperwork, work with a veterans service officer on burial reimbursement, notify agencies after a death, and handle unclaimed veteran remains.
Who it may help: National cemetery burial is described for service members and veterans with required active duty who were not dishonorably discharged. Spouses and dependents may also be buried with the veteran. Other benefits mentioned need a VSO review. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Education
Children of Veterans Tuition Grant
Undergraduate tuition assistance for children of certain Michigan veterans who died, became permanently disabled from a service-connected condition, or are missing in action. Awards are limited by academic year and funding availability.
Who it may help: Biological or adopted child of a qualifying Michigan veteran, over 16 and under 26, enrolled at least half-time as an undergraduate at a participating Michigan school, with Michigan residency, a high school diploma or equivalent, a minimum GPA, and a FAFSA on file each year. Apply through the MiSSG Student Portal with supporting documents. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Michigan National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program (MINGSTAP)
State tuition help for Michigan National Guard members attending eligible Michigan colleges, universities, and vocational, technical, or trade schools. The page also says eligible spouses and dependent children may be able to use the member's assistance. Application periods on the page may have passed, so confirm the current one with the program office.
Who it may help: Applicant must be an active Michigan National Guard member in good standing who meets additional criteria set by the Adjutant General. Family use is limited to a married spouse or a dependent child who meets the page's age and schooling conditions. Applications run through the program's online portal. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
High School Diplomas for Wartime Veterans
Michigan school districts may award high school diplomas to World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam-era veterans under a 2001 state law mentioned on the Michigan LEO page.
Who it may help: The page names World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam-era veterans. It does not list the full requirements; contact your local school district or MVAA at 800-642-4838. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Employment
Veterans' Employment Services (Michigan Works!)
A state labor department program staffed by veterans that offers one-on-one career advisors, job search help, apprenticeship information and employer outreach through the Michigan Works! network. Veterans and eligible spouses get priority of service for certain employment and training programs.
Who it may help: Veterans with at least one day of active military service and eligible spouses receive priority of service for Department of Labor funded programs. Get started at a local Michigan Works! One-Stop Service Center or by calling the number on the page. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Veterans Preference in State of Michigan Hiring
Qualifying veterans, and some spouses and surviving spouses, receive preference in state civil service hiring under Civil Service Rule 3-8, once they meet the job's minimum qualifications.
Who it may help: Veteran with at least 90 days of active duty who received an honorable discharge (or a service member expected to separate within six months with proof of a likely honorable discharge), or certain spouses and surviving spouses of such veterans. Must meet job qualifications and register with the Michigan Civil Service Commission. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
LARA Military and Veteran Licensing Resources
The state licensing department provides profession-specific resource pages for military and veteran personnel who want a career in a licensed health, occupational or skilled trades profession, along with partner resources.
Who it may help: Aimed at military and veteran personnel interested in a LARA-regulated profession. The page does not list specific fee waivers, training credit or application steps; confirm details with LARA. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Michigan Incarcerated Veterans' In-Reach Program (MIVIP)
A program of the Veterans' Employment Services team, the Michigan Department of Corrections, and Michigan Works! offering pre-release education, employment help, career guidance, and post-release support to incarcerated veterans.
Who it may help: The page describes service at seven named Michigan correctional facilities and lists no formal eligibility criteria or enrollment steps. Questions go to the Veterans' Employment Services team at the email on the page. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Preference in State Bidding
A business owned by a qualifying service-disabled veteran may receive a pricing preference when bidding on State of Michigan projects. The state has a spending goal for these businesses, and there is no separate state certification; the business claims the preference in its bid.
Who it may help: The business must be at least 51 percent owned by one or more veterans with a service-connected disability. Bids include documents such as a DD214 or VA rating decision letter and ownership papers. A third-party NVBDC certification may serve as verification under certain conditions. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
MVAA Veteran Entrepreneurship Resources
An MVAA page listing business-startup help for veterans, including an entrepreneurship bootcamp for disabled post-9/11 veterans, SBA veteran business resources, SCORE counseling, and a pointer to state fee waivers for veterans starting a business.
Who it may help: Eligibility varies by resource. The page lists the bootcamp for disabled post-9/11 veterans and says SCORE is not veteran-specific. Review each linked resource for its own rules. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Unemployment Compensation for Former Military Personnel
Michigan unemployment benefits for former service members who meet the discharge and service rules. VA disability compensation is not deducted, but military retirement pay is.
Who it may help: Generally requires discharge under honorable conditions after a full first term, or an accepted separation reason on the DD Form 214, plus a legible DD214 copy (Member 2, 4, or 6). Reserve service must meet the page's active duty length. File through the state unemployment system. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Military CDL Testing Waiver (Even Exchange)
Michigan may waive the commercial driver license knowledge and on-road skills tests for service members and veterans trained on military vehicles equivalent to commercial vehicles.
Who it may help: The page says the person must have been trained to operate an equivalent military vehicle and employed in that role within the past year. Apply at any Secretary of State office with the Military Waiver Even Exchange form. The page does not list required documents or fees. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Educator Certification Fee Reimbursement for Military-Connected Applicants
The Michigan Department of Education reimburses educator license, certificate, or endorsement application fees for eligible military-connected applicants.
Who it may help: The page lists honorably discharged veterans, active members of any U.S. branch, active National Guard or Reserve members, and spouses of active members. For a credential already issued, the request must come within six months of issuance. Military members show an LES or military ID, and spouses add the member's document and a marriage license; the page lists no documents for veterans, so confirm with MDE. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Future Proud Michigan Educator Military Veterans Grant
MDE grant that lets school districts fund a paid mentorship and student-teaching salary for veterans seeking educator certification, with possible salary support after hiring and certification exam costs. The page says grant funding is being phased out by September 2027, so confirm availability with the Michigan Department of Education.
Who it may help: Veterans cannot apply directly; districts apply. Veterans need a bachelor's degree, enrollment in student teaching at an approved Michigan program, and must meet the state veteran definition. The page lists an upcoming FY27 application window for districts. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Military Service Credit for Michigan Educator Certificate Renewal
Educators called to active duty can request professional learning hours credit toward renewing a Michigan educator certificate, plus a possible application fee refund.
Who it may help: The page lists members of a reserve component or National Guard called to active duty who held a valid Michigan educator certificate at deployment and were honorably released. Request by email to MDE with official service documentation. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Military to Education Career Transition (Teaching Certification Help)
MDE's guide for service members moving into teaching, covering certification paths, career and technical education credentials, Troops to Teachers, testing vouchers, fee reimbursement, and the veteran grant.
Who it may help: Requirements depend on the path: a bachelor's degree and an approved preparation program for PK-12 teaching, and specified education and work experience for career and technical teaching. Some stipends need an honorable discharge and other conditions on the page. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Veteran-Friendly Employers List
MVAA recognizes employers at Gold, Silver, and Bronze levels for commitment to recruiting, training, and retaining veterans, and the page links to separate employer-level pages.
Who it may help: The page is aimed at employers, who review the criteria and apply through a linked form; it does not describe criteria or promise any hiring outcome. Contact the MVAA strategy team for details. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Financial
Disabled Veterans Homestead Property Tax Exemption
A property tax exemption on a home that a disabled veteran owns and uses as a homestead. The veteran's unremarried surviving spouse may also qualify.
Who it may help: Disabled veteran discharged under honorable conditions, or the veteran's surviving spouse who has not remarried, who owns and occupies the property as a homestead. The page does not explain how to apply or define the disability requirement; confirm with the Michigan Department of Treasury or your local assessor. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Michigan Veterans Trust Fund Emergency Grant
Discretionary grants for veterans facing a temporary financial emergency, such as help with utility bills, home repairs or mortgage costs. Applicants must be able to show they can meet their expenses afterward.
Who it may help: Honorable or general-under-honorable-conditions discharge plus qualifying service, such as 180 days of wartime active duty or an expeditionary medal; a peacetime 65+ option exists for veterans with at least 180 days of service. Dependents may apply in some circumstances. Apply through the county committee for your county of residence with discharge papers, proof of residence, bills and income information. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Military Pension Income Tax Exemption
The state treasury page lists military pensions among the retirement income types that stay exempt from Michigan income tax, even though most other pensions are generally taxable.
Who it may help: Applies to military pension income. The page gives no further detail on filing; confirm with the Michigan Department of Treasury. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Michigan Military Family Relief Fund
A state fund that gives grants to families of certain reserve-component members called to active duty, to help with daily necessities such as housing, utilities, food, medical costs, and insurance or vehicle payments.
Who it may help: The service member must be in a reserve component and called to active duty by the President or Secretary of Defense in connection with the response to September 11, 2001, or a presidentially declared national emergency. Applicants submit an application and a hardship letter to the DMVA. The page points to its FAQ for further criteria. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Waiver of State Business Filing Fees for Veteran-Owned Entities
LARA waives certain state filing fees for qualifying veteran-owned corporations, LLCs, and nonprofits, with the covered documents depending on the entity type.
Who it may help: The ownership test depends on entity type. For corporations, a majority of shares must be held by honorably discharged veterans; for LLCs, a majority of membership interests held by veterans; for nonprofits, a majority of initial members, directors, or shareholders with honorable or general character of service. Documents showing character of discharge must be provided with each request. Nonprofit waivers cover only initial articles of incorporation. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Michigan Income Tax Treatment of Military Survivor Benefits
Michigan Treasury says it does not tax military survivor benefits that are excluded from federal adjusted gross income. Surviving spouse benefits treated as military pay or retirement can be subtracted to the extent they are in adjusted gross income.
Who it may help: Applies to recipients of military survivor benefits filing a Michigan return. Only the page's stated conditions apply, and retirement benefits must still be reported on Schedule W. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Michigan Income Tax Treatment of Military Exit Benefits and Separation Pay
Treasury says military exit benefits and separation pay that qualify as military compensation can be subtracted from Michigan taxable income, up to the amount included in federal adjusted gross income.
Who it may help: Applies to Michigan income tax filers who received qualifying military compensation. The page ties the subtraction to the amount in adjusted gross income. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Healthcare
Michigan Veteran Homes
State-run homes in Chesterfield Township, Marquette and Grand Rapids offering skilled nursing care, with a focus on long-term care, dementia and memory care, and palliative care.
Who it may help: The page does not list eligibility criteria; it points to an eligibility section covering VA benefits and cost of care. Apply through the Apply for Admission page or contact the admissions office at the home you are interested in. Additional requirements apply; confirm with Michigan Veteran Homes. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
MVAA Link2Life Suicide Prevention Program
A Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency program offering peer support, case management, individualized service plans, help navigating benefits, and help with emergency needs for veterans at risk of suicide or struggling with mental health. It does not replace the Veterans Crisis Line (988, then press 1).
Who it may help: The page says it serves veterans of any U.S. branch and family members of an enrolled veteran, and reviews other discharge statuses case by case. Contact MVAA at 1-800-MICH-VET or use the page's request-a-call form. The page does not state enrollment limits. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
MVAA Mental Health and Crisis Resources for Veterans
An MVAA page that gathers crisis and counseling resources for veterans and families, including the Veterans Crisis Line, Vet Centers, Coaching Into Care for family and friends, a women veterans call center, and state behavioral health referrals.
Who it may help: Each resource has its own audience. Vet Center counseling is described for combat veterans and their families, and Coaching Into Care is for family and friends of veterans. Review the page to see which fits your situation. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Housing
Veteran Homelessness and Housing Instability Help (MVAA)
Veterans, service members and families facing homelessness or housing instability can call the state veterans agency for help, which also points to HUD-VASH, VA supportive services, and a state grant that funds nonprofit housing projects.
Who it may help: Veterans and service members who are homeless or at risk, and their families. The state homelessness prevention grant funds Michigan nonprofits rather than paying individuals directly. A local Veteran Service Officer can check benefits eligibility. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
MSHDA HUD-VASH Housing Vouchers
Housing Choice Voucher rental assistance for homeless veterans, paired with VA case management and clinical services. MSHDA administers vouchers tied to certain Michigan VA locations.
Who it may help: The page says eligible families are homeless veterans who take part in VA case management. You cannot apply online with MSHDA; contact your local VA case manager, who refers eligible families to a housing authority. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Michigan Veteran Homelessness Prevention Grant
State grant funding for Michigan nonprofits that help service members, veterans, and families who are homeless or at risk, covering uses such as emergency shelter, housing construction or rehab, family support, and landlord incentives. Individual veterans do not apply directly.
Who it may help: Applicants are Michigan-based nonprofits. The page does not say whether the grant is currently open. Veterans needing housing help can call MVAA at 1-800-MICH-VET. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Legal
Find an Accredited Veteran Service Officer (MVAA)
The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency provides a county-based search for accredited Veteran Service Officers and VA benefits counselors who can help veterans and families with benefits.
Who it may help: Veterans and dependents can contact any listed officer for their county, regardless of affiliation, and may switch if dissatisfied. Questions can go to the agency's help line listed on the page. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Veterans Treatment Courts
Specialty courts that combine drug-court and mental-health-court approaches and may offer treatment and support instead of jail for some justice-involved veterans. The MVAA page says Michigan has 25 operational courts.
Who it may help: The page describes these courts as helping justice-involved veterans and offering treatment as an alternative to incarceration for some non-violent offenses. It says Michigan circuit and district courts can establish them and links to the Michigan courts site for more information. The page lists no further criteria. Additional requirements apply; confirm with the local court. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Veteran Legal Clinics and Legal Help Line
MVAA points veterans to law school legal clinics (it names the Wayne State University Free Legal Aid Clinic), Michigan Legal Help, expungement resources, the Counsel and Advocacy Law Line for phone intake, and a military and veterans legal services guide.
Who it may help: The page does not state eligibility criteria for the clinics or legal aid; contact the specific provider. The Counsel and Advocacy Law Line number and hours are listed on the page. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Other
Free DD-214 Request Through MVAA
MVAA will help request a veteran's DD-214 separation and discharge documents at no cost, and warns against third-party services that charge fees.
Who it may help: The veteran applies online with a valid photo ID, or an authorized person (power of attorney, or a requester named on a death certificate for a deceased veteran) can apply. National Guard members are directed to their Adjutant General contacts. Records not held by Michigan may be referred elsewhere. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Task Force 1620 Veteran Cannabis Access Programs
A Cannabis Regulatory Agency initiative where participating licensed businesses run veteran access programs offering cannabis at a 75 to 100 percent discount, with business details posted on the CRA site.
Who it may help: Participating retailers set their own program terms, including any disability percentage needed and monthly limits, so veterans should check with the retailer. Businesses must hold a state cannabis license and apply to the CRA. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
MVAA Women Veterans Resources
MVAA page for women veterans listing a statewide peer support line, conferences, a Women Veterans Coordinator contact, Vet Centers, Military Sexual Trauma coordinators at VA sites, and VA women veterans contacts. The conference date on the page has no year, so confirm it with the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency.
Who it may help: Serves women veterans in Michigan, and some resources extend to active duty, Reserve, and Guard members. Contact MVAA at 1-800-MICH-VET to be connected. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Recreation
Free Hunting and Fishing Licenses for Disabled Veterans
Michigan resident veterans who meet VA disability criteria can get hunting and fishing licenses that do not require a separate application at no cost. Full-time active-duty residents also have fees waived.
Who it may help: Michigan resident who is either permanently and totally disabled from military service and receiving benefits at the full rate, or rated individually unemployable by the VA. Carry the VA documentation when getting licenses and while hunting or fishing. Licenses obtained through a drawing are not covered, and nonresidents do not qualify. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Recreation Passport Exemption for Disabled Veteran Plates
Michigan-registered vehicles with certain plates, including disabled veteran, ex-prisoner of war and Medal of Honor plates, do not need a Recreation Passport for state park entry.
Who it may help: Vehicle must be registered in Michigan with a valid resident plate of one of the listed types. The page does not address nonresident veterans. Contact the DNR with questions. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Transportation
Military and Veteran License Plates
The Secretary of State offers many specialty plates for veterans, including branch plates, Purple Heart, Gold Star Family, Ex-Prisoner of War, and disabled veteran plates (a permanent type and a standard type that expires on the owner's birthday).
Who it may help: Each plate has its own service or relationship requirement (for example, honorable discharge from a branch, a campaign period, or immediate family of a service member). Order new plates by mail with the veteran plate application form. The page does not state plate fees or waivers. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Veteran Designation on Michigan Driver License or ID
Veterans can choose to have a Veteran designation printed on a Michigan driver license or state ID. The designation is free when added at original issue or renewal.
Who it may help: Open to veterans with an honorable or under honorable conditions (general) discharge from any U.S. branch, including Reserve components. Proof such as a DD214 is needed. Adding it at another time brings correction fees. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Support Michigan Veterans License Plate
A fundraising license plate, available at Secretary of State offices, that supports veteran outreach and services. At least a quarter of proceeds go to Michigan National Guard tuition support or the Children of Veterans Tuition Grant.
Who it may help: Michigan residents can buy it at any Secretary of State office or by mail or fax. The page notes other registration fees may apply, and does not require veteran status for this plate. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
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