We are privately owned and not affiliated or endorsed by any government agency.
We are privately owned and not affiliated or endorsed by any government agency.
Michigan Veterans Trust Fund, Cars for Veterans, Michigan State Park Pass and more
The members of the US Armed Forces are a select and appreciated group of men and women, dedicated to service in the defense of the country on an entirely voluntary basis. As a show of gratitude for their determination and sacrifice, the nation and individual states operate programs aimed at easing the various burdens many Servicemembers face, especially with healthcare, finances, and education. The state of Michigan certainly appreciates its Veterans, and Michigan Vets have access to several Michigan Veteran benefits on top of the federal benefits offered by the Veterans Administration (VA). Some of these include the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund, the Michigan Veterans Home System, Michigan Disabled Veteran Benefits, and the Cars for Veterans Michigan program. These are only just a few of such programs for Michigan Vets.
Servicemembers quite often find themselves facing many financial burdens during their time of service, as well as afterwards, regarding housing, taxes, and relocation expenses associated with deployment. In addition to federal financial benefits, the Michigan Veterans Benefits program offers some of the following services.
Michigan offers a property tax exemption for certain disabled Veterans and their surviving spouses who are not remarried. Surviving spouses receive the benefit so long as they remain unmarried. The Michigan property tax exemptions for Veterans are available for Veterans who have an honorable discharge, are Michigan residents, own and use the property as a homestead, and meet certain disability criteria as determined by the VA.
Michigan offers several income tax exemptions for Veterans and their families. Military retirement benefits received from the U.S. Armed Forces, as well as National Guard pensions, are exempt from Michigan individual income tax. Military disability retirement pay received for personal injury or sickness resulting from active service, as well as active duty pay, are exempt as well.
There are several Michigan disabled Veteran benefits available to disabled Veterans, which include access to a special license plate issued by the state. Partially disabled Veterans with a service-connected disability of 50% or more are eligible, with a cost of only a $5 administration fee. The plate allows for free entrance into state parks and does not expire. Michigan Disabled Veteran license plate benefits also include spouse vehicles under some circumstances.
“Michigan Cars for Veterans” refers to several initiatives in Michigan that help Veterans by providing or assisting with transportation. These programs can include car donation programs, assistance with vehicle purchase, and specialized vehicle programs for disabled Veterans. The Cars for Veterans Michigan program helps Veterans obtain transportation at prices they can afford, especially vehicles for Veterans with special needs due to disabilities.
The Michigan Veterans Trust Fund (MVTF) provides emergency grants to Michigan Vets and their dependents facing temporary financial hardship. This program, managed by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, offers assistance with expenses like utilities, rent, and mortgage payments. The West Michigan Veteran’s Assistance Program is a non-profit organization that provides assistance to Veterans and their families in West Michigan. Specifically, the West Michigan Veterans Assistance Program offers various resources, including a food pantry and limited financial assistance for transportation, medical co-pays, and other emergent needs. The program aims to address the needs of Veterans who may not be able to access other available resources.
The VA offers several education benefits through the GI Bill, but the state of Michigan also offers programs that supplement these federal programs as part of the Michigan Veterans Benefits Program. Many of these programs also work in tandem with the VA benefits Michigan Veterans Programs.
The Michigan Children of Veterans Tuition Grant provides undergraduate tuition assistance to the children of Michigan Vets who are either deceased, totally and permanently disabled, or missing in action (MIA). It helps cover tuition costs for students who meet specific eligibility requirements, including being between 16 and 26 years old and a Michigan resident.
The Michigan National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program provides financial aid to members of the Michigan National Guard and their dependents for tuition costs at eligible Michigan schools. It’s a state-funded program that aims to help recruit and retain talented guardsmen while also supporting their education and career advancement.
Several programs within the Michigan Veteran benefits system are aimed at assisting Servicemembers with employment and job-seeking. Many specific jobs for Veterans in Michigan take advantage of any military training a Veteran might have, such as mechanics, electrical engineering, and many other possible job skills.
Many jobs for Veterans in Michigan give preference to former Servicemembers during the hiring process. This preference extends to state, county, and municipal positions. To qualify, Veterans must be of good moral character, residents of Michigan for at least two years, and meet other qualifications. Additionally, certain Veterans and their spouses receive added preference during the job selection process.
Access to the Veterans Administration healthcare system is a primary reason many individuals choose to join the military. For military residents in Michigan, as part of the Michigan Veteran benefits system, Servicemembers may access several healthcare facilities and clinics, as well as partner pharmacies. The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency operates these facilities, with the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare Center being the largest in the state.
Michigan’s Veteran healthcare system includes both Department of Veterans Affairs facilities and state-run Veteran homes. The VA provides care at various locations, including the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center in Detroit, community-based outpatient clinics in Pontiac, Yale, and Trenton, and the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare Center. There are several clinics, as well as partner facilities in the civilian system that work with VA healthcare.
Michigan Veteran Homes offer long-term, short-term, and specialized care for eligible Veterans and their families, including skilled nursing, rehabilitation, dementia care, and palliative care, as part of the Michigan Veteran Benefits system.
Within the state of Michigan, there are three residential facilities for Veterans and their spouses. These are located at Chesterfield, Grand Rapids, and Jacobetti. In addition to offering skilled nursing care, assisted living, medication management, dementia care, and various therapies, these homes also provide social opportunities, outings, and transport to medical appointments.
Recreation is essential to readjusting to life after the military, and the Michigan Veterans benefits programs look to assist in this by offering special state park passes and hunting and fishing licenses to encourage Veterans to enjoy Michigan’s many outdoor wonders.
The Michigan State Park Pass for Veterans provides free lifetime access to state parks for eligible Veterans. This benefit is offered to Michigan residents who hold a valid Ex-Prisoner of War, Medal of Honor, or Disabled Veteran license plate. Additionally, a proposal to extend free lifetime access to all Michigan Veterans, active-duty service members, and Michigan National Guard members is currently being considered by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency.
Michigan offers free hunting and fishing licenses to disabled Veterans who are Michigan residents. To be eligible, a Veteran must be deemed totally and permanently disabled (100% rating) or individually unemployable by the VA. These licenses are for non-lottery licenses only. Veterans need to present documented proof of their disabled Veteran status when applying for the license and carry this proof when using the license. The Michigan fishing license for Veterans is available at all Michigan Department of Natural Resources license retailers or online.
Veteran cemeteries, also known as VA cemeteries, are dedicated burial grounds for Veterans and their eligible family members, offering a dignified final resting place and lasting memorials. These cemeteries are managed by the National Cemetery Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs and offer burial benefits such as gravesites, opening/closing of graves, headstones/markers, and perpetual care, all at no cost to the family. The Michigan Veteran Benefits system operates two of these cemeteries within the state for Veterans. The Michigan Veterans Cemetery Holly, also known as the Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly and Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, are the VA cemeteries for the state run by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency. There are also VA Grant-Funded cemeteries nationwide, which are state-run but funded by the federal government. Michigan does not currently have any of these, but the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs does plan to construct two new state cemeteries, one in Dickinson County and one in Crawford County. The Michigan Veterans Cemetery Holly location is the largest in the state.
Brave Veteran is not approved or endorsed by the U.S. Federal Government, the Department of Defense, any military branch, or any government agency. The products, services, and information offered on Brave Veteran are independent and not provided by any government entity. Brave Veteran is supported by advertising, and we may receive compensation from companies whose offers appear on this site.
© 2025 braveveteran.com All Rights Reserved
