Michigan Veteran Benefits
B+Benefits organized by category so you can quickly compare tax relief, education support, recreation perks, and more.
How Michigan compares
Michigan compares well with many states, especially if you qualify for its stronger programs in Property Tax, Income Tax, Education, Employment.
Quick categories
🏠 Property Tax
1 tracked itemDisabled 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.
💰 Income Tax
3 tracked itemsMilitary Retirement Pay Exemption
Rating: NoneComplete exemption of military retirement pay from Michigan state income tax, including all branches, reserve, and National Guard retirement.
Active Duty Pay Exemption
Rating: N/AMilitary pay earned while on active duty is exempt from Michigan income tax, including basic pay, special pay, bonuses, and combat zone exclusions.
SBP/DIC Tax Exemption
Rating: N/ASurvivor Benefit Plan (SBP) payments and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) are tax-free at the state level.
🎓 Education
3 tracked itemsChildren 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.
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.
In-State Tuition for Veterans
Rating: NoneVeterans and active-duty members receive in-state tuition at Michigan public institutions regardless of residency or duty status.
💼 Employment
1 tracked itemVeterans' Preference in State Employment
Rating: NoneVeterans and their spouses receive preference for initial appointments to Michigan Civil Service positions. Must meet minimum qualifications.
🎣 Recreation
3 tracked itemsFree Hunting and Fishing Licenses
Rating: 100% P&T or TDIUMichigan residents rated permanently and totally disabled at the 100% rate (other than for blindness) or individually unemployable can get any resident hunting or fishing license that doesn't require a lottery, free of charge.
Free State Park Entry
Rating: 100% P&TVeterans who are 100% permanently and totally disabled receive free entry to Michigan state parks.
Free Hunting/Fishing for Active Duty
Rating: N/AResident active-duty service members may receive hunting and fishing licenses (non-lottery) free of charge.
🚗 Vehicle
2 tracked itemsDisabled Veteran Plate (50%+; registration still due)
Rating: 50%+Since an Oct 2024 law (HB 5127), Michigan veterans rated 50%+ can get the Disabled Veteran plate, but partially disabled veterans still pay normal registration fees.
Free Registration with DV Plate (100% or TDIU)
Rating: 100% or TDIUMichigan veterans rated 100% service-connected or individually unemployable get the Disabled Veteran plate with no service fee and are exempt from the vehicle registration tax. The plate also gets free entry to Michigan state parks.
🏥 Healthcare
1 tracked itemMichigan Veteran Homes
Rating: NoneThree state veteran homes offering skilled nursing, dementia/memory care, palliative care, and long-term care in home-like settings.
⭐ Other
2 tracked itemsMichigan Veterans Trust Fund (MVTF)
Rating: NoneEmergency grant program for veterans in financial crisis. Covers mortgage/rent, emergency home/auto repairs, property taxes, utility bills. Over $130M distributed to date.
Veterans Cemeteries (National)
Rating: NoneMichigan's veterans cemeteries are NATIONAL cemeteries run by the VA, including Great Lakes (Holly) and Fort Custer (Augusta): free burial for eligible veterans including gravesite, headstone, burial flag and Presidential Memorial Certificate.