State Taxes
Educational Benefits
Employment Benefits
Unemployment Insurance
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Benefits
Health and Insurance Benefits
Parks and Recreation Benefits
Miscellaneous Benefits
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Facilities in Michigan
Michigan Military Resource Locator
Resources
Summary of Michigan Military and Veterans Benefits: Michigan offers special benefits for service members, Veterans and their families including property tax exemptions, Michigan National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program, Michigan National Guard state retirement pay, employment assistance, civil service preference, special vehicle license plates, as well as hunting and fishing license benefits. Eligibility for some benefits may depend on residency, military component, and Veteran disability status.
Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, Veterans Service Officers: The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency has Veterans Service Officers to assist Veterans and their families find and apply for benefits under federal, state, and local laws. All their services are provided free of charge. For more information or assistance, please call 800-MICH-VET (800-642-4838) or contact the nearest Veteran Service Officer.
Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, Service Officers Directory
Learn more about Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, Veterans Service Officers
Michigan Military and Veterans State Benefit Highlights and Eligibility
What are my Michigan Military and Veterans State Tax Benefits?
Michigan Income Taxes on Military Retired Pay: Military retired pay is exempt from Michigan individual income tax.
Thrift 
Savings Plan (TSP) does not withhold taxes for state or local income tax, but it is reported annually on IRS Form 1099-R. All TSP distributions are subject to state taxes and early distributions may incur higher taxes.
Learn more about Michigan Income Taxes on Military Retired Pay
Michigan Income Taxes on Military Pay: Active duty military pay is exempt from Michigan income tax.
Learn more about Michigan Income Taxes on Military Pay
Michigan State Taxes on U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Military Disability Retirement Pay: Military Disability Retirement Pay received as a pension, annuity or similar allowance for personal injury or sickness resulting from active service in the U.S. Armed Forces should not be included in taxable income. Some of the payments which are considered disability benefits include:
- Disability compensation and pension payments for disabilities paid either to Veterans or their families
- Grants for homes designed for wheelchair living
- Grants for motor vehicles for Veterans who lost their sight or the use of their limbs, or
- Benefits under a dependent-care assistance program
See IRS Publication 525 for more information.
Michigan State Taxes on U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Disability Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): DIC is a tax-free monetary benefit paid to eligible survivors of service members who died in the line of duty or eligible survivors of Veterans whose death resulted from a service-connected injury or disease.
Michigan State Tax Exemption for Military Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RCSBP), and 
Retired Serviceman’s Family Protection Plan (RSFPP) Annuities: Survivor annuities paid to the surviving spouse of retired service members are exempt from Michigan individual income tax.
Michigan Veteran, Service Member and Surviving Spouse Homestead Property Tax Credit: Service members, Veterans, and surviving spouses may be able to claim a property tax credit on their Michigan primary residence for up to $1,700. The credit, for most people, is based on a comparison between household income and property taxes. Homesteads can have a taxable value up to $154,400.
Who is eligible for the Michigan Veteran, Service Member and Surviving Spouse Homestead Property Tax Credit? Applicants must be the owner occupier and meet the following requirements to be eligible for the tax credit:
- Michigan resident for at least six months during the tax year, and
- Veteran who has a service-connected disability rating from the VA, or
- Surviving spouse of a deceased service member, or
- Service member serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces (adjusted gross income must be less than $7,500), or
- Veteran who receives military retired pay or their surviving spouse (adjusted gross income must be less than $7,500), or
- Surviving spouse of a Veteran who was not disabled or receiving military retired pay and served in World War I, World War II, or the Korean War (adjusted gross income is less than $7,500)
Veterans who rent their home may also be eligible for a tax credit up to $1,700, for more information applicants should contact their local assessor.
Michigan Assessor Directory
To apply eligible homeowners must file a Michigan Homestead Property Tax Credit Claim and a Michigan Homestead Property Tax Credit Claim for Veterans and Blind People.
Michigan Homestead Property Tax Credit Information and Forms
Michigan Disabled Veteran Homestead Property Tax Exemption: Michigan offers a total property tax exemption of the primary residence that is owned and occupied by an eligible disabled Veterans or their surviving spouse.
Who is eligible for the Michigan Disabled Veteran Homestead Property Tax Credit? To be eligible for the exemption the Veteran must be a Michigan resident, received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces and meet one of the following requirements:
- Permanent and total service-connected disability rating from the VA
- Received financial assistance from the VA for specially adapted housing
- Rated by the VA as individually unemployable
An unremarried, resident surviving spouse of a disabled Veteran is also eligible for this exemption.
To apply applicants must submit a completed Affidavit for Disabled Veterans Exemption to their local assessor.
Michigan Assessor Directory
Michigan Department of Treasury, Disabled Veterans Exemption Information and Forms
Learn more about Michigan Disabled Veteran Homestead Property Tax Exemption
Michigan Social Security Benefits Tax Exemption: Michigan does not tax Social Security benefits.
Learn more about the Michigan Social Security Benefits Tax Exemption
What are my Michigan Military and Veterans Education Benefits?
Michigan Children of Veteran's Tuition Grant (CVTG): CVTG provides undergraduate tuition assistance to the children of certain service members and Veterans. CVTG may be used at any Michigan community college, public university or independent, degree-granting college or university.
The amount of the award is determined by the student’s enrollment status.
- Full-time students can receive up to $2,800
- Three-quarter time students can receive up to $2,100
- Half-time students can receive up to $1,400
Undergraduate students may receive scholarship assistance for up to four academic years and a total of $11,200 (whichever occurs first).
Who is eligible for the Michigan CVTG? The service member or Veteran must be a Michigan resident and meet one of the following requirements for their child to be eligible:
- Killed in action or died from another cause while serving in a war or during war conditions, or
- Died or became totally and permanently disabled due to a service-connected illness or injury as determined by the VA, or
- Declared missing in action
For a child to be eligible they must meet the following requirements:
- Michigan resident for at least one year prior to application
- Enrolled at least half-time
- Between 16 and 26 years old
- U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or approved refugee
- Never convicted of a felony involving an assault, physical injury, or death
- Not in default on a federal student loan
To apply students must first file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid then submit an online application at the Michigan Student Aid, Student Scholarships and Grants webpage. To continue to be eligible to receive funding, students must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.25 and meet the institution’s Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy.
Contact information:
Email: mistudentaid@michigan.gov
Phone: 888-447-2687
Fax: 517-241-5835
CVTG Fact Sheet
Learn more about the Michigan Children of Veteran's Tuition Grant
Michigan National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program (MINGSTAP): MINGSTAP provides tuition assistance to service members serving in the Michigan National Guard who are attending any public or private college, university, vocational school, 
technical school, or trade school located in Michigan.
Funding available is based on the type of program the service member enrolls in:
- Training programs - up to $6000
- Certificate programs - up to $6000
- Associate degree - up to $14,400
- Bachelor’s degree - up to $14,400
- Master's degree - beginning in the Fall semester 2023, new master’s degrees will not be eligible for tuition assistance, students already enrolled in a master’s program will be allowed to finish their degree
Who is eligible for the Michigan National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program? To be eligible for MINGSTAP service members must meet the following requirements:
- Service member serving in the Michigan National Guard, including traditional service of one weekend per month and two weeks per year
- Not absent without leave
- Not under Michigan Code of Military Justice or Uniform Code of Military Justice charges
- Meet Michigan National Guard recruiting and retention requirements
Recent legislation has expanded eligibility for tuition assistance to include the spouses and dependents of eligible service members. This legislation authorizes one or more of the following family members to use MINGSTAP funds:
- Spouse
- Dependent child, stepchild, or legally adopted child who has graduated high school (or earned an equivalent certificate), or who is 18 years old but not yet 26 years old
MINGSTAP Online Application
MINGSTAP Policy
MINGSTAP, Frequently Asked Questions
Point of Contact:
Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
State Operations – Office of Financial Services
3423 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard
Lansing, MI 48906
Phone: 517-481-7640
Fax: 517-481-7644
Email: MINGSTAP@michigan.gov
Learn more about the Michigan National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program
Michigan National Guard, University and College Tuition Grants: The Michigan National Guard has coordinated with several Michigan universities and colleges to offer tuition grants. These grants, used in conjunction with other available tuition assistance programs and the G.I. Bill, can enable Guard members to attend selected colleges and universities at no cost. Additionally, several other organizations offer scholarships to Michigan National Guard members.For more information, please call 517-481-7640, or email MINGSTAP@michigan.gov.
Learn more about Michigan National Guard, University and College Tuition Grants
Michigan Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (MIC3): The purpose of this compact is to remove barriers to educational success imposed on children of military families because of frequent moves and deployment of their 
parents by:
- Facilitating the timely enrollment of children of military families and ensuring that they are not placed at a disadvantage due to difficulty in the transfer of educational records from the previous school district or variations in entrance or age requirements.
- Facilitating the student placement process through which children of military families are not disadvantaged by variations in attendance requirements, scheduling, sequencing, grading, course content or assessment.
- Facilitating the qualification and eligibility for enrollment, educational programs, and participation in extracurricular academic, athletic and social activities.
- Facilitating the on-time graduation of children of military families.
- Providing for the promulgation and enforcement of administrative rules implementing the provisions of this compact.
- Providing for the uniform collection and sharing of information between and among member states, schools and military families under this compact.
- Promoting coordination between this compact and other compacts affecting military children
- Promoting flexibility and cooperation between the educational system, parents, and the student in order to achieve educational success for the student
Points of Contact
Phone: 517-481-8092 / 517-335-0543
Learn more about the Michigan Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children
Michigan High School Diplomas for Wartime Veterans: Michigan will award a high school diploma to Veterans who left high school before receiving their diploma to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Who is eligible for Michigan High School Diplomas for Wartime Veterans? Veterans must have left a Michigan high school before they received their diploma to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces and received an honorable discharge for service during one of the following time periods:
- World War II – December 16, 1940, through December 31, 1946
- Korea – June 27, 1950, through January 31, 1955
- Vietnam - February 28, 1961, through May 7, 1975
Veterans or their next of kin can apply by submitting a copy of the Veteran’s discharge paperwork and an Application for High School Diploma for Michigan World War II, Korean and Vietnam Era Veterans to the Veteran’s school district. Applications and documentation can also be emailed to MVAAResourceCenter@michigan.gov.
Learn more about Michigan High School Diplomas for WWII, Korean and Vietnam Veterans
What are my Michigan Military and Veterans Employment Benefits?
Michigan State Employment Veterans' Hiring Preference:Michigan offers eligible Veterans and their spouse Veterans’ preference when hiring for Michigan civil service positions. Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications for the job and any 
position-specific selection criteria.
Civil Service Preference Points: If the selection process is based on a numerical score or a written civil service examination, the following points are added to their final passing score:
- 5 points - added to the score of a Veteran or surviving spouse
- 10 points - added to the score of the following applicants:
- Disabled Veteran
- Spouse of a disabled Veteran with a 50% or greater service-connected disability rating
- Surviving spouse who has a child under 18 years of age
- Surviving spouse with continuing parental care of a disabled child
Agency Preference Points: If an examination score is not used, the following points are added to the applicant’s screening score:
- 5% of the highest possible score is added to a Veteran or their surviving spouse’s score
- 10% of the highest possible score is added to the score of the following applicants:
- Disabled Veteran
- Spouse of a disabled Veteran with a 50% or greater service-connected disability rating
- Surviving spouse who has a child under 18 years of age
- Surviving spouse with continuing parental care of a disabled child
Preferential Consideration: If a mechanical or random screening process is used to reduce the number of applicants, the applicants eligible for preference must be retained and placed in the final candidate pool. All applicants will then be considered using the same merit appraisal system.
Who is eligible for the Michigan State Employment Veterans' Hiring Preference? To be eligible Veterans must have served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for 90 or more days, received an honorable discharge and are not eligible for military retired pay. To qualify as a disabled Veteran, Veterans must have service-connected disability rating from the VA or their branch of service and are eligible for compensation.
To receive Veterans’ preference, applicants must register on the Michigan Civil Service Commission, Veterans Preference Registration webpage. For more information or questions please email mcsc-appassessmentteam1@michigan.gov.
Michigan State Employment Veterans' Hiring Preference Fact Sheet
Learn more about the Michigan State Employment Veterans' Hiring Preference
Michigan State Employment Rights for Service Members: In addition to the federal rights provided by the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (see section below), active and reserve component service members have several protections under Michigan Compiled Laws, Act 133 of 1955.
This act prohibits discrimination against service members for their membership and obligations in the U.S. Armed Forces. Provides for leaves of absence during required military duty and the return to employment after service. There are also provisions for differential pay, to offset all or part of the difference between the service member’s military pay, and the state government pay.
Learn more about Michigan State Employment Rights for Service Members
Michigan Veterans’ Employment Services (VES): Michigan VES at Michigan Works! Service Centers provides individualized career and training-related services through Veterans’ Career Advisors and Local Veterans’ Employment Representatives, to Veterans, and their spouses. VES also helps employers fill their workforce with job-seeking Veterans.
The VCAs works directly with Veterans and their spouses who face significant barriers to employment.
Some of the services provided are:
- Assessment interviews
- Career guidance services
- Individual employment plans
- Staff-assisted job searches
- Labor market information
- Basic staff-assisted career services
Veterans who served at least one day on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and eligible spouses can receive priority of service. Priority of service means those eligible have the right to take precedence over those not eligible for all employment and training services that are funded, in whole or part, through the U.S. Department of Labor.
Department of Labor, Priority of Service Guidance Letter
For more information, please contact Michigan Works! At 800-285-WORKS (800-285-9675) or visit a local Michigan Works! Service Center.
Michigan Veterans' Employment Services Fact Sheet
Michigan Works! Service Center Directory
Learn more about Michigan Veterans’ Employment Services
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) Service Members, Veterans and Spouses Benefits: LARA offers the following benefits for active duty service members, Veterans, and their spouses:
- Use military experience towards licensing requirements
- Exemption for renewal fees and continuing education requirements while serving on active duty
- Temporary licenses for active duty service member’s spouse
- Waiver for the initial license or initial registration fee for Veterans
- Waiver for the initial application processing fee for Veterans
- Reimbursement from the VA for examination fees
Those interested should contact the regulating agency for their profession to determine which benefits they are eligible for.
Michigan LARA, Listing of Professional Licenses
Federal Employment Veteran’s Hiring Preferences: By Federal law, Veterans who are disabled or who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces during certain specified time periods or in military campaigns are entitled to preference over non-Veterans in hiring into the Federal civil service and in retention during reduction in force. Veterans may be entitled to 5 or 10 points included in any scoring process for examination or interviews.
5-point Hiring Preference: Five points are added to the examination score or rating of a Veteran who served:
- During a war, or
- During the period April 28, 1952, through July 1, 1955, or
- For more than 180 consecutive days, other than for training, any part of which occurred after January 31, 1955, and before October 15, 1976, or
- During the Gulf War from August 2, 1990, through January 2, 1992, or
- For more than 180 consecutive days, other than for training, any part of which occurred during the period beginning September 11, 2001, and ending on August 31, 2010, the last day of Operation Iraqi Freedom, or
- In a campaign or expedition for which a campaign medal has been authorized. Any Armed Forces Expeditionary medal or campaign badge, including El Salvador, Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, Southwest Asia, Somalia, and Haiti, qualifies for preference
10-point Compensable Disability (CP) Preference: Ten points are added to the examination score or rating of a Veteran who served at any time and who has a compensable service-connected disability rating of at least 10% but less than 30%.
10-Point 30% Compensable Disability Preference (CPS): Ten points are added to the passing examination score or rating of a Veteran who served at any time and who has a compensable service-connected disability rating of 30% or more.
10-Point Disability Preference (XP): Ten points are added to the passing examination score or rating of:
- A Veteran who served at any time and has a present service-connected disability or is receiving compensation, disability retirement benefits, or pension from the military or the VA but does not qualify as a CP or CPS, or
- A Veteran who received a Purple Heart
10-Point Derived Preference (XP): Ten points are added to the passing examination score or rating of spouses, surviving spouses, or mothers of Veterans. Both a mother and a spouse (including surviving spouse) may be entitled to preference based on the same Veteran's service if they both meet the requirements. However, neither may receive preference if the Veteran is living and is qualified for Federal employment.
Ten points are added to the passing examination score or rating of the spouse of a disabled Veteran who is disqualified for a federal position along the general lines of their usual occupation because of a service-connected disability. Such a disqualification may be presumed when the Veteran is unemployed and:
- Is rated by appropriate military or VA authorities to be 100% disabled and/or unemployable, or
- Has retired, been separated, or resigned from a civil service position because of a disability that is service-connected in origin, or
- Has attempted to obtain a civil service position or other position along the lines of their usual occupation and has failed to qualify because of a service-connected disability
Preference may be allowed in other circumstances but anything less than the above warrants a more careful analysis.
A campaign medal holder or Gulf War Veteran who originally enlisted after September 7, 1980, (or began active duty on or after October 14, 1982, and has not previously completed 24 months of continuous active duty) must have served continuously for 24 months or the full period called or ordered to active duty. The 24-month service requirement does not apply to 10-point preference eligible Veterans separated for disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty, or to Veterans separated for hardship or other reasons under Title 10 U.S.C. 1171 or 1173.
Learn more about Federal Employment Veterans’ Hiring Preferences
Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA): USERRA protects civilian job rights and benefits for Veterans and members of reserve components. USERRA also protects service member rights and benefits by clarifying the law, improving 
enforcement mechanisms, and adding Federal Government employees to those employees already eligible to receive Department of Labor assistance in processing claims.
Absence from Work for Military Duty: USERRA establishes the cumulative length of time that an individual may be absent from work for military duty and retain reemployment rights to five years. Exceptions to the five-year limit, include initial enlistments lasting more than five years, periodic National Guard and U.S. Armed Forces Reserve training duty, and involuntary active duty extensions and recalls, especially during a time of national emergency. USERRA establishes that reemployment protection does not depend on the timing, frequency, duration, or nature of an individual's service if the basic eligibility criteria are met.
Disability Accommodation: USERRA provides protection for disabled Veterans, requiring employers to make reasonable efforts to accommodate the disability. Service members recovering from injuries received during service or training may have up to two years from the date of completion of service to return to their jobs or apply for reemployment.
Return to Work without Loss of Seniority: USERRA provides that returning service members are reemployed in the job that they would have attained had they not been absent for military service, with the same seniority, status and pay, as well as other rights and benefits determined by seniority. USERRA also requires that reasonable efforts (such as training or retraining) be made to enable returning service members to refresh or upgrade their skills to help them qualify for reemployment. USERRA also provides that while an individual is performing military service, they are deemed to be on a furlough or leave of absence and are entitled to the non-seniority rights accorded other individuals on non-military leaves of absence.
Extension of Health and Pension Plans: Health and pension plan coverage for service members is provided for by USERRA. Individuals performing military duty of more than 30 days may elect to continue employer sponsored health care for up to 24 months; however, they may be required to pay up to102% of the full premium. For military service of less than 31 days, health care coverage is provided as if the service member had remained employed. USERRA clarifies pension plan coverage by making explicit that all pension plans are protected.
Who is eligible for USERRA Benefits? Veterans, U.S. Armed Forces Reserve or National Guard service members who leave a position for training or active military service are eligible.
The Department of Labor, through the Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS) helps all who have claims under USERRA, including Federal and Postal Service employees.
employees.
VETS Regional Office Locations
Learn more about Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act
What are my Michigan Military and Veterans Unemployment Insurance Benefits?
Michigan Unemployment Insurance (UI): The Michigan UI program provides temporary financial assistance for workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own. UI is a partial, short-term replacement of lost wages while workers are seeking other work and is not intended to be a permanent source of income. Benefits are not based on financial need. Employers pay all costs of the UI program. UI benefits begin the week a claim is filed and should be filed during the first week the unemployment.
Applicants will need the following information to file a claim:
- Driver’s license or state ID card
- Social Security number
- Bank account and routing number for direct deposit
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) number and the expiration date for non-citizens
- Employment information for all employers the past 18 months, including:
- Employer name and address
- Employer tax ID number
- First and last day worked
- Pay rate and frequency
- Reason for separation
Applicants can file a claim online at the Michigan Web Account Manager (MiWAM) webpage or by phone at 866-500-0017 (Monday through Friday 8 a.m. -5 p.m.).
Michigan Handbook for Unemployed Workers
Steps to Apply for Michigan UI
Michigan UI, Unemployment Compensation for Ex-Service Personnel Brochure
Learn more about Michigan Unemployment Insurance
What are my Michigan Military and Veterans Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Benefits?
“Michigan “Veteran” Designation for Driver's Licenses and ID Cards: Eligible Veterans can have a “Veteran” designation on their
Michigan driver’s license or ID card. This designation is provided free of charge when applying for a new or renewed driver’s license or ID card.
Who is eligible for the Michigan “Veteran” Designation for Driver's Licenses and ID Cards? The designation is offered to Veterans who served in an active or reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces and received an Honorable Discharge or a General Discharge, Under Honorable Conditions. Applicants must provide one of the following documents as proof of eligibility:
- DD214 or DD215 (any copy except Copy 1)
- NGB FM 22 or 23
- WD AGO 53-55
- GSA 6594
- NAVPERS 553
- VA Veteran Health ID
Veterans can apply at any Michigan Secretary of State Branch Office (must schedule an appointment online), or by mailing their application and required documentation to:
Michigan Department of State
Renewal by Mail Unit
Lansing, MI 48918
For more information, please call 888-SOS-MICH (888-767-6424).
Michigan Veteran Designation Application
Michigan Secretary of State Offices Information
Learn more about the Michigan “Veteran” Designation for Driver's Licenses and ID Cards
Michigan Military and Veteran License Plates: Michigan offers 30 license plate designs to honor the service and sacrifice of eligible service members, Veterans, retired service members and family members. Veteran plates can only be used on passenger cars, pickup trucks, vans and motor homes. Trailers and vehicles used commercially are not eligible.
To apply for a military or Veteran license plate applicants must submit a completed Michigan Application for Veteran License Plates (except for the Gold Star Family licenses plate, see below) and official documentation as proof of eligibility at any Michigan Secretary of State Branch Office (must schedule an appointment online), or by mail to:
Michigan Department of State
Internal Services Section
Lansing, MI 48918
A short description of some of these plates can be found below.
Michigan Secretary of State Offices Information
Michigan Air Force Veteran License Plate: Honorably discharged Veterans are eligible for the Michigan Air Force Veteran license plate. This license plate is also available for motorcycles.
Michigan Combat Wounded Veteran (Purple Heart) License Plate: Recipients of the Purple Heart are eligible for the Michigan Combat Wounded Veteran license plate.
Michigan Disabled Veteran License Plate: The Michigan Disabled Veteran license plate is available for honorably discharged Veterans who have a 100% disability rating from the VA or have an individually unemployable rating and are paid at 100% rate. For disability parking privileges Veterans must also submit a completed Michigan Disability Parking Placard Application.
Michigan Medal of Honor License Plate:Medal of Honor recipients are eligible for the Michigan Medal of Honor license plate. To apply for this license plate applicants must contact the Michigan Department of State.
Michigan Gold Star Family License Plate: Immediate family members of a service member who died in combat are eligible for the Michigan Gold Star Family license plate.
Family members eligible for the Gold Star Family license plate are:
- Surviving spouse
- Biological parents, stepparents, and foster parents
- Siblings and half siblings
- Child and stepchild
Michigan Application for Gold Star Family License Plates
Learn more about Michigan Military and Veteran License Plates
Michigan Commercial Driver License (CDL) Military Testing Waivers: Michigan offers a waiver of the CDL knowledge skills test and on-road driving skills test requirements for service members and former service members based on their military training and experience.
Michigan will waive testing requirements for service members who are trained and employed in the past year in a position where they were authorized to operate a military vehicle equivalent to the commercial vehicle class they are applying for. Applicants must have two years driving experience to be eligible.
Applicants must also meet the following requirements:
- Not had more than one license (except for a military license) in the past two years
- Not had any license suspended, revoked, or cancelled in the past two years
- Not had any convictions for any type of motor vehicle for the disqualifying offenses (listed on the application)
- Not had more than one conviction for any type of motor vehicle for serious traffic violations (listed on the application)
- Have not had had any conviction for a violation of military, state or local laws relating to motor vehicle traffic control (other than a parking violation) as a result of a traffic accident and has no record of an accident in which they were at fault
Applicants must submit their completed application (including certification by their commanding officer) at any Michigan Secretary of State Branch Office (must schedule an appointment online).
Michigan Application for Military Waiver Even Exchange
Michigan Secretary of State Offices Information
Learn more about Michigan Commercial Driver License Military Testing Waivers
What are my Michigan Military and Veterans Health and Insurance Benefits?
Michigan National Guard State Sponsored Life Insurance (SSLI): SSLI offered through the National Guard Association of Michigan is made up of several voluntary group life policies that are designed to help meet the needs of Michigan National Guard 
service members and their families. Every member of the Michigan National Guard is covered by a $10,000 Life Insurance policy free for the first year of enlistment.
The Basic program provides financial protection in the event of the death of the service member and can provide coverage for spouse and children, at an affordable monthly cost. The Enhanced program provides additional affordable group term life insurance for members and their spouse.
Who is eligible for Michigan National Guard SSLI?Michigan National Guard service members and their families are eligible for coverage.
For more information please visit the Armed Forces Benefit Association webpage, or call customer service at 800-462-7441.
National Guard Association of Michigan Insurance Information
Armed Forces Benefit Association Online Contact Webpage
Learn more about the Michigan National Guard State Sponsored Life Insurance
TRICARE Reserve Select Health Insurance: TRICARE Reserve Select is a premium-based plan, available worldwide for Selected Reserve, (U.S. Armed Forces Reserve and National Guard service members) and their families who meet the following qualifications:
- Not on active duty orders
- Not covered under the Transitional Assistance Management Program
- Not eligible for or enrolled in the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program or currently covered under FEHB, either under their own eligibility or through a family member
This plan provides comprehensive health care coverage when a service member is not activated and covered by active duty TRICARE benefits.
Learn more about TRICARE Reserve Select Health Insurance
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Life Insurance: The VA provides valuable life insurance benefits to Veterans, active and reserve component service members and their families to provide financial security given the extraordinary risks involved in military Service. The VA provides the following life insurance benefit programs:
- Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI)
- Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI)
- Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (FSGLI)
- Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance Traumatic Injury Protection Program (TSGLI)
- Service-Disabled Veterans’ Life Insurance (S-DVI)
- Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI)
Learn more about U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Life Insurance
What are my Michigan Military and Veterans Parks and Recreation Benefits?
Michigan Hunting and Fishing Privileges for Service Members: Michigan residents serving on federal active duty in the U.S. Armed 
Forces are eligible for free hunting and fishing licenses not obtained through a lottery.
Nonresident service members serving on federal active duty who are stationed in Michigan are eligible to receive resident pricing on hunting and fishing licenses.
Licenses are available at all Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) license retailers or online. Service members must carry documentation of their active duty status and their DNR license whenever hunting or fishing.
Michigan DNR, Retail License Locations
Michigan DNR, Online License Webpage
Learn more about Michigan Hunting and Fishing Privileges for Service Members
Michigan Hunting and Fishing Licenses Free for Resident Disabled Veterans: Michigan resident disabled Veterans who have a 100% disability rating, or who are rated as individually unemployable are eligible to receive all non-lottery licenses for free.
Licenses are available at all Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) license retailers or online.
Michigan DNR, Retail License Locations
Michigan DNR, Online License Webpage
Learn more about the Michigan Resident Veterans with Disabilities Hunting and Fishing Privileges
Free Michigan State Park and Recreation Area Entry for Certain Resident Veterans: Medal of Honor Recipients, 100% disabled 
Veterans and former prisoners of war are eligible for a free Michigan Recreation Passport. A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into Michigan state parks, recreation areas, state forest campgrounds, and most boating access sites and state trailheads.
Who is eligible for the Free Michigan State Park and Recreation Area Entry for Certain Resident Veterans? To be eligible resident Veterans must have a valid Michigan Ex-Prisoner of War, Medal of Honor, or Disabled Veteran license plate.
For more information, please email DNR-ParksAndRecreation@Michigan.gov or call 517-284-7275.
Michigan State Parks
Learn more about Free Michigan State Park and Recreation Area Entry for Certain Resident Veterans
What are my Michigan Military and Veterans Miscellaneous Benefits?
Michigan National Guard State Retirement Pay: Michigan provides a state retirement benefit for former members of the Michigan 
National Guard who served a minimum of 19 years, 6 months and 1 day of active service.
Retired service members are paid $600 annually ($50 per month) beginning at age 55, or the effective date of application, whichever is later. Active members of the Michigan National Guard may not receive the benefit until they retire.
The retirement benefit is not automatic. Individuals must submit a written application using Michigan Office of Retirement Service, Retirement Application for Michigan National Guard State Military Retirement. The application may be submitted up to three months before separation or up to three months before turning age 55.
The state retirement benefit is not retroactive. Retirement pay for service members discharged after age 55 is effective the first of the month following discharge. If the retired service member files after age 55, it will go into effect the first of the month after their completed application is received.
State retirement pay is in addition to any retirement pay received from the federal government and is not subject to state income tax, but it is subject to federal income tax.
Surviving spouses of Michigan National Guard service members who qualified for state retirement pay are eligible for a monthly payment of $41.67 per month until their death. Surviving spouses should apply with the Michigan Office of Retirement Services, Retirement Application for Spousal Benefits. Survivors must provide a copy of the death certificate, their birth certificate, and marriage license.
Who is eligible for Michigan National Guard State Retirement Pay? Retired Michigan National Guard service members, age 55 or older, who served a minimum of 19 years, 6 months and 1 day and their surviving spouses are eligible for state retirement pay.
Learn more about the Michigan National Guard State Retirement Pay
Michigan Veteran Homes: The Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs has three Veteran homes that provide a variety of skilled nursing care for Veterans and their eligible family members.
Michigan Veteran Homes Locations:
Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids - 128 bed facility 
2950 Monroe Avenue NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49505-3397
Email: DMVA-GRHV-Admissions@michigan.gov
Main Phone Line: 616-345-6107
Admissions: 616-345-6110
Michigan Veteran Homes, D.J. Jacobetti – 126 bed facility
425 Fisher Street
Marquette, MI 49855
Email: DMVA-DJJHV-Admissions@michigan.gov
Main Line: 906-226-3576
Admissions: 906-225-6889
Michigan Veteran Homes at Chesterfield Township – 128 bed facility 
47901 Sugarbush Road
Chesterfield Township, MI 48047
Email: DMVA-MVHCT-Admissions@michigan.gov
Main Line: 586-210-7102
Admissions: 586-210-7103
Each of the Michigan Veteran Homes provides the following services:
- Long-Term Skilled Nursing Care –For residents requiring regular medical attention
- Short-Term Skilled Nursing Care –For residents who require short-term skilled nursing care on a temporary basis after an illness, injury, or hospitalization
- Rehabilitation and Therapy -Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
- Dementia and Memory Care – 24-hour support and supervision, as well as specialized activities
- Palliative Care – Comfort and quality of life care
Who is eligible for Care at the Michigan Veteran Homes? Michigan residency is not a requirement. Applicants must meet the following requirements to be eligible for admission:
- Honorably discharged Veteran
- Eligible for VA health care or financial assistance for long-term nursing care
- Dependent of a Veteran who is eligible for admission or was eligible at the time of the Veteran's death:
- Spouse
- Surviving spouse
- Former spouse
- Gold Star Parent
To apply for admission applicants should contact the Michigan Veteran Homes of their choice to verify eligibility.
Michigan Veteran Homes, Apply for Admission Webpage
Michigan Veteran Homes, Online Admission Inquiry Form
Michigan Veteran Homes Services Information
Michigan Veteran Homes Eligibility Information
Learn more about the Michigan Veteran Homes
Michigan Veterans' Burial Expenses:Veterans, their spouse or surviving spouse who meet residency and asset limits, may qualify for a $300 burial expense paid by the County Board of Commissioners, or the Board of County Auditors. For more information please call 800-MICH-VET (800-642-4838), or contact the nearest County Veteran Service Officer.
Michigan Compiled Laws 35.801
Learn more about the Michigan Veterans' Burial Expenses
Michigan Veterans Trust Fund (MVTF), Emergency Grant Program: The MVTF provides emergency grants to honorably discharged Veterans to help them through short-term financial crisis.
Grants are intended to help Veterans overcome an unforeseen situation causing a temporary, short term financial emergency or hardship. Grants are only authorized when the expense can be resolved, and the Veteran can demonstrate they can meet future expenses.
Who is eligible for an MTVF Emergency Grant? To be eligible for a grant the Veteran must be a Michigan resident, or was a Michigan resident immediately prior to entry into the U.S. Armed Forces and meet the following requirements:
- Received an honorable discharge from service in the U.S. Armed Forces, and
- Served 180 days on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces during a period of war, or
- Served less than 180 days of wartime service due to discharge for a service-connected disability, or
- Served 180 days on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces not during a period of war and is 65 years old or older
Michigan Compiled Laws 35.601 - 610
To apply for a grant Veterans can submit a Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, Emergency Assistance online form. For more information, please call 800-MICH-VET (800-642-4838), or contact the nearest Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, Service Officer.
Learn more about the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund, Emergency Grant Program
Michigan National Guard Family Programs Office: The Michigan National Guard Family Programs Office helps National Guard families by providing information, education, programs, and resources.
Responsibilities and services include:
- Family readiness
- Resource management
- Mobilization and reintegration coordination
- Crisis intervention and referral
- Outreach
- Volunteer recruitment
- Training and management
- Guard family team building
- Information, referral, and follow-up
- Child and youth programs
For more information contact:
Michigan National Guard Family Programs
3423 N. Martin Luther King Boulevard
Lansing, MI 48906
Phone: 517-481-9893
Learn more about the Michigan National Guard Family Programs Office
Michigan Veterans Treatment Court: Michigan’s Veterans Treatment Courts assist Veterans who are involved in the Michigan court system. Veterans Treatment Courts use a hybrid integration of drug court and mental health court principles that promotes sobriety, recovery, and stability.
The courts provide a coordinated response that involves collaboration with the traditional partners found in drug and mental health courts, as well as VA health care networks, the VA, the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, volunteer mentors, and organizations that support Veterans and Veterans’ families.
Michigan Veterans Treatment Courts Contact Information
Michigan Courts, Problem Solving Court Resources
Learn more about the Michigan Veterans Treatment Courts
Michigan Incarcerated Veterans' In-Reach Program (MIVIP): MIVIP provides pre-release education, employment assistance and career guidance to incarcerated Veterans at seven correctional facilities in Michigan.
MIVIP was designed to complement established programs at correctional facilities which include basic adult education, GED certificate, violence prevention, substance abuse and counseling to address underlying mental health issues. MIVIP builds on those services to provide intensive employment-readiness training. Veterans also receive post-release follow up services to help ensure the Veteran’s success and reduce recidivism.
Correctional facilities where MIVIP is provided are:
- Carson City
- Cooper Street (Jackson)
- G. Robert Cotton (Jackson)
- Women’s Huron Valley (Pittsfield Township)
- Parnall (Jackson)
- Saginaw
- St. Louis
Learn more about the Michigan Incarcerated Veterans' In-Reach Program
Michigan Military Family Relief Fund: The Michigan Military Family Relief Fund Act authorizes financial assistance grants to qualifying families of service members serving in the Michigan National Guard or U.S. Armed Forces Reserves who are called to active duty. These grants can be used for clothing, food, housing, utilities, medical services or prescriptions, insurance payments, vehicle payments or other related necessities of daily living.
To apply families must submit the Michigan Military Family Relief Fund Application, include a letter outlining the hardship and any required documentation (listed on the application) to:
Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
Office of Financial Services
Reserve Forces Service Center
3423 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard
Lansing, MI 48906
Fax: 517-481-7644
Email: dmva-mfrf@michigan.gov
Michigan Military Family Relief Fund Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about Michigan Military Family Relief Fund
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Facilities in Michigan
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Facilities in Michigan: The VA has numerous resources available for Veterans and family members. Please see the local location listing for your nearest facility.
Learn more about U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Facilities in Michigan
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Cemeteries in Michigan: The VA National Cemetery Administration maintains four national cemeteries in Michigan. Please see the local location listing for the nearest cemetery.
Learn more about U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Cemeteries in Michigan
Military Installations in Michigan
Please see the Michigan Military Resource Locator for additional information.
Active Duty
Army
U.S. Army Detroit Arsenal
U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM)
National Guard
Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
Michigan Air National Guard
127thWing
110 th Wing
U.S. Army Reserve (USAR)
88 th Readiness Division
Michigan National Guard Handbook for Retirees
Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Michigan Facility Directory
Veterans Benefits and Services for Michigan Military Veterans Handbook
Michigan Department of State, Military and Veteran License Plates
U.S. Department of Labor, Veteran's Employment and Career Transition Advisor
Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission, Michigan
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Service Organization Directory