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.
Property Tax Exemption
Full exemption for 100% P&T disabled veterans
Veterans with 100% P&T or IU rating, or those receiving SAH grants, get full property tax exemption on primary residence. File Form 5107 with local assessor. As of 2026, approved exemptions auto-renew — no annual reapplication required. Surviving unremarried spouses also eligible.
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 hunting/fishing for 100% disabled veterans
Michigan provides free all-species fishing and hunting (non-lottery) licenses for resident veterans with 100% P&T service-connected disability.
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 Veterans Home; Veterans Trust Fund emergency aid
The D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette provides skilled nursing and domiciliary care. The Michigan Veterans Trust Fund provides emergency financial assistance for veterans facing housing crises.
Veterans in Michigan
Michigan is home to over 550,000 veterans, the eighth-largest veteran population in the nation. 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. Michigan's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs operates a statewide network of veteran service officers and runs the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans, one of the state's longest-operating veterans facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan Veteran Benefits
Does Michigan offer property tax exemptions for veterans?
Full exemption for 100% P&T disabled veterans. Veterans with 100% P&T or IU rating, or those receiving SAH grants, get full property tax exemption on primary residence. File Form 5107 with local assessor. As of 2026, approved exemptions auto-renew — no annual reapplication required. Surviving unremarried spouses also eligible.
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 hunting/fishing for 100% disabled veterans. Michigan provides free all-species fishing and hunting (non-lottery) licenses for resident veterans with 100% P&T service-connected disability.
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 Veterans Home; Veterans Trust Fund emergency aid. The D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette provides skilled nursing and domiciliary care. The Michigan Veterans Trust Fund provides emergency financial assistance for veterans facing housing crises.
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.
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