Michigan Veteran Benefits (2026 Guide)
A complete guide to state-level benefits for veterans living in Michigan, including property tax exemptions, education programs, employment preference, and more. These benefits are in addition to your federal VA benefits.
Official source: Michigan veterans affairs agency — applications, forms, and current filing deadlines come from the state directly.
Benefits at a Glance
Michigan delivers strong veteran benefits anchored by full military retirement pay exemption and a property tax exemption that extends to surviving spouses. With a large veteran population and active National Guard presence, Michigan has built a support infrastructure that reaches veterans from Detroit to the Upper Peninsula.
Getting help in Michigan
Accredited claims help
Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency
Phone: (800) 642-4838
3423 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Building 32, Lansing, MI 48906
Verified September 2026. Call to confirm before you travel.
Local veterans offices
Every county in Michigan is required by law to have a veterans service office.
Find a Veteran Service Officer
Financial help: Michigan Veterans Trust Fund emergency grant
Verified September 2026.
Not sure what you qualify for yet? The briefing takes about three minutes and needs no signup.
Start the briefingProperty Tax Exemption
Full exemption for P&T veterans paid at the 100% rate, IU-rated veterans, or SAH grant recipients
Veterans who are permanently and totally disabled as a result of military service and entitled to benefits at the 100% rate, who are rated individually unemployable, or who receive or have received VA assistance for specially adapted housing are exempt from property tax on their homestead (MCL 211.7b). Apply to the local assessor between January 1 and December 31 of the year the exemption is claimed. For taxes levied on or after January 1, 2025, an approved exemption stays in effect without reapplying. The unremarried surviving spouse of a veteran who was eligible immediately before death keeps the exemption, including on a home bought after the veteran's death.
Income Tax Benefits
Military retirement pay fully exempt
Michigan fully exempts military retirement pay from state income tax. VA disability compensation is also tax-free.
Hunting & Fishing Licenses
Free non-lottery licenses for veterans rated 100% or individually unemployable
Michigan residents with a letter from the VA stating they are 100% disabled or individually unemployable can get all of their non-lottery licenses free. The VA letter must be in hand to buy the licenses and carried while hunting or fishing.
Education Benefits
Children of Veterans Tuition Grant — up to $2,800/yr
Children of Veterans Tuition Grant provides up to $2,800/year for dependent children (ages 16-26) of veterans who died or became 100% disabled due to military service. Usable at any Michigan college or university for up to 4 years.
Employment & Hiring Preference
Veterans preference in state civil service
Michigan grants veterans preference in state civil service — 5 points for veterans, 10 points for disabled veterans. Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency partners with Michigan Works! to connect veterans with employment through its Veteran Career Advisor program.
Vehicles & DMV
Free DV plates; Secretary of State fee exemptions
Free "Disabled Veteran" license plates. Secretary of State services fee exemptions for disabled veterans.
State Parks
Free annual Recreation Passport for disabled veterans
Michigan provides free annual Recreation Passport for veterans with service-connected disability, granting access to all 103 state parks and recreation areas.
Housing & Veterans Homes
Michigan Veteran Homes; Veterans Trust Fund emergency grants
The D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette provides long-term care and domiciliary care. The Michigan Veterans Trust Fund's Emergency Grant Program helps eligible veterans through a temporary financial emergency, with expenses ranging from utility bills to home repairs to mortgage assistance.
Veterans in Michigan
Michigan is home to roughly 460,000 veterans. Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Camp Grayling (the largest National Guard training facility in the country), and the Battle Creek Air National Guard Base anchor the state's military presence. The VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System and the Battle Creek VA Medical Center are major healthcare hubs. The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency connects veterans with veteran service officers across the state, and Michigan Veteran Homes runs its home at Grand Rapids, established in 1885.
Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan Veteran Benefits
Does Michigan offer property tax exemptions for veterans?
Full exemption for P&T veterans paid at the 100% rate, IU-rated veterans, or SAH grant recipients. Veterans who are permanently and totally disabled as a result of military service and entitled to benefits at the 100% rate, who are rated individually unemployable, or who receive or have received VA assistance for specially adapted housing are exempt from property tax on their homestead (MCL 211.7b). Apply to the local assessor between January 1 and December 31 of the year the exemption is claimed. For taxes levied on or after January 1, 2025, an approved exemption stays in effect without reapplying. The unremarried surviving spouse of a veteran who was eligible immediately before death keeps the exemption, including on a home bought after the veteran's death.
Are military retirement benefits taxed in Michigan?
Military retirement pay fully exempt. Michigan fully exempts military retirement pay from state income tax. VA disability compensation is also tax-free.
What education benefits does Michigan offer veterans?
Children of Veterans Tuition Grant — up to $2,800/yr. Children of Veterans Tuition Grant provides up to $2,800/year for dependent children (ages 16-26) of veterans who died or became 100% disabled due to military service. Usable at any Michigan college or university for up to 4 years.
Do veterans get free or discounted hunting and fishing licenses in Michigan?
Free non-lottery licenses for veterans rated 100% or individually unemployable. Michigan residents with a letter from the VA stating they are 100% disabled or individually unemployable can get all of their non-lottery licenses free. The VA letter must be in hand to buy the licenses and carried while hunting or fishing.
Does Michigan give veterans hiring preference for state jobs?
Veterans preference in state civil service. Michigan grants veterans preference in state civil service — 5 points for veterans, 10 points for disabled veterans. Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency partners with Michigan Works! to connect veterans with employment through its Veteran Career Advisor program.
Are there veterans homes or housing programs in Michigan?
Michigan Veteran Homes; Veterans Trust Fund emergency grants. The D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette provides long-term care and domiciliary care. The Michigan Veterans Trust Fund's Emergency Grant Program helps eligible veterans through a temporary financial emergency, with expenses ranging from utility bills to home repairs to mortgage assistance.
Do veterans get free or discounted state park access in Michigan?
Free annual Recreation Passport for disabled veterans. Michigan provides free annual Recreation Passport for veterans with service-connected disability, granting access to all 103 state parks and recreation areas.
Want the full picture?
Michigan benefits sit alongside federal compensation, healthcare, education, housing, and employment benefits. The optional briefing walks through what may apply to your specific service.
Take the 3-minute briefing →