Michigan Veteran Benefits

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Benefits organized by category so you can quickly compare tax relief, education support, recreation perks, and more.

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How Michigan compares

Michigan is better than most states for veterans, with strong value in Property Tax, Income Tax, Education, Employment.

Quick categories

🏠 Property Tax 💰 Income Tax 🎓 Education 💼 Employment 🎣 Recreation 🚗 Vehicle 🏥 Healthcare ⭐ Other

🏠 Property Tax

1 tracked item

Disabled Veterans Homestead Property Tax Exemption

Rating: 100%

Total property tax exemption on primary residence owned and occupied by eligible disabled veteran or unmarried surviving spouse. Beginning 2026, no annual reapplication required.

Eligibility: 100% service-connected disabled veterans or their un-remarried surviving spouse. Homestead must be primary residence. Source

💰 Income Tax

3 tracked items

Military Retirement Pay Exemption

Rating: None

Complete exemption of military retirement pay from Michigan state income tax, including all branches, reserve, and National Guard retirement.

Eligibility: All military retirees. Source

Active Duty Pay Exemption

Rating: N/A

Military pay earned while on active duty is exempt from Michigan income tax, including basic pay, special pay, bonuses, and combat zone exclusions.

Eligibility: Active-duty service members. Source

SBP/DIC Tax Exemption

Rating: N/A

Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) payments and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) are tax-free at the state level.

Eligibility: Survivors receiving SBP or DIC. Source

🎓 Education

3 tracked items

Children of Veterans Tuition Grant

Rating: 100% or KIA/MIA (parent veteran)

Undergraduate tuition assistance for children of Michigan veterans who were KIA, MIA, 100% service-connected disabled, or died from service-connected causes.

Eligibility: Natural/adopted children ages 16-26 who have been Michigan residents for 12 months prior to application. Source

Michigan National Guard State Tuition Assistance (MINGSTAP)

Rating: N/A (Guard membership)

Up to $6,000/year for certificate/master's programs, or $14,400/year for associate/bachelor's degrees at Michigan public or private institutions.

Eligibility: Michigan National Guard members. Source

In-State Tuition for Veterans

Rating: None

Veterans and active-duty members receive in-state tuition at Michigan public institutions regardless of residency or duty status.

Eligibility: Veterans and active-duty members. Source

💼 Employment

1 tracked item

Veterans' Preference in State Employment

Rating: None

Veterans and their spouses receive preference for initial appointments to Michigan Civil Service positions. Must meet minimum qualifications.

Eligibility: Eligible veterans and their spouses for first state appointment. Source

🎣 Recreation

3 tracked items

Free Hunting and Fishing Licenses

Rating: 100% P&T

Permanently and totally disabled veterans may receive any resident hunting or fishing license (non-lottery) free of charge.

Eligibility: Permanently and totally disabled veterans. Source

Free State Park Entry

Rating: 100% P&T

Veterans who are 100% permanently and totally disabled receive free entry to Michigan state parks.

Eligibility: 100% P&T disabled veterans. Source

Free Hunting/Fishing for Active Duty

Rating: N/A

Resident active-duty service members may receive hunting and fishing licenses (non-lottery) free of charge.

Eligibility: Resident active-duty service members. Source

🚗 Vehicle

2 tracked items

Free Disabled Veteran Vehicle Registration (50%+)

Rating: 50%+

Veterans with at least 50% disability may register one vehicle with a disabled veteran standard plate for free.

Eligibility: Veterans with 50%+ disability rating. Source

Free Disabled Veteran Permanent Plate (100%)

Rating: 100% P&T

Veterans with total or permanent disability may be entitled to a free disabled veteran permanent plate.

Eligibility: Veterans with total/permanent disability. Source

🏥 Healthcare

1 tracked item

Michigan Veteran Homes

Rating: None

Three state veteran homes offering skilled nursing, dementia/memory care, palliative care, and long-term care in home-like settings.

Eligibility: Michigan veterans requiring care. Source

⭐ Other

2 tracked items

Michigan Veterans Trust Fund (MVTF)

Rating: None

Emergency grant program for veterans in financial crisis. Covers mortgage/rent, emergency home/auto repairs, property taxes, utility bills. Over $130M distributed to date.

Eligibility: Eligible veterans and dependents in financial crisis. Apply through county veterans affairs offices or 1-800-642-4838. Source

State Veterans Cemeteries

Rating: None

Multiple national cemeteries in Michigan including Great Lakes (Holly), Fort Custer (Augusta), and others. No-cost burial benefits including gravesite, headstone, burial flag, and Presidential Memorial Certificate.

Eligibility: Veterans with other-than-dishonorable discharge. Source
⚠️ Verify Before You Rely: State veteran benefits change frequently. The information above is summarized for general guidance and may not reflect the most current laws, amounts, or eligibility requirements. Always verify with your state VA office or state Department of Veterans Affairs before making financial decisions. Last reviewed: April 2026.