Veteran Benefits & Resources in Michigan

Introduction

Michigan is home to more than 550,000 military veterans, many of whom served in conflicts from World War II through the Global War on Terror. The state offers a broad network of support through state veteran benefits, VA healthcare systems, county Veteran Service Officers, and nonprofit organizations dedicated to assisting veterans and their families.

This guide highlights key benefits, healthcare services, and organizations available in Michigan so veterans can easily access help with education, housing, employment, healthcare, and community support.

Key Veteran Benefits in Michigan

Michigan Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption

Michigan offers a full property tax exemption for 100% disabled veterans on their primary residence. Surviving spouses may also qualify for this exemption under certain circumstances.

Source:
https://www.michigan.gov/taxes/property/disabled-veterans-exemption

Michigan Veterans Tuition Grant

The Michigan Veterans Tuition Grant provides financial assistance to eligible veterans attending approved Michigan colleges or universities.

Source:
https://www.michigan.gov/mvaa/education/veterans-tuition-grant

Michigan National Guard Tuition Assistance Program

Members of the Michigan National Guard may receive tuition assistance when attending public colleges and universities in Michigan.

Source:
https://www.michigan.gov/mvaa/education/michigan-national-guard-tuition-assistance

Michigan Veteran Employment Preference

Veterans receive preference in Michigan civil service hiring, helping veterans compete for state government employment opportunities.

Source:
https://www.michigan.gov/mdcs/employeemployment/veterans

Veteran Designation on Michigan Driver License

Michigan veterans can add a “Veteran” designation to their driver license or state ID, allowing easier verification of veteran status for benefits and discounts.

Source:
https://www.michigan.gov/sos/license-id/veteran-designation

VA & Healthcare Resources

Michigan veterans have access to several major VA healthcare facilities across the state.

VA Medical Centers

• John D. Dingell VA Medical Center
• Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center
• Battle Creek VA Medical Center
• Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center

These facilities provide comprehensive healthcare services including primary care, specialty care, mental health services, rehabilitation, and long-term care.

Community Clinics

Michigan also has numerous VA outpatient clinics in communities such as Ann Arbor, Flint, Grand Rapids, Lansing, and Traverse City.

Vet Centers

Vet Centers provide confidential counseling and transition assistance for combat veterans and their families.

VA Facility Locator
https://www.va.gov/find-locations/

County / Local Veteran Service Offices

Michigan veterans can receive assistance from County Veteran Service Officers (CVSOs) who help veterans:

• File VA disability claims
• Access federal and state benefits
• Obtain military service records
• Connect with local veteran services

Directory of Michigan County Veteran Service Offices:

https://www.michigan.gov/mvaa/benefits/county-veterans-service-offices

Veteran Housing & Long-Term Care

Michigan Veteran Homes

Michigan operates three state veteran homes providing skilled nursing care and long-term services.

• Michigan Veteran Homes – Grand Rapids
• Michigan Veteran Homes – Chesterfield Township
• Michigan Veteran Homes – D.J. Jacobetti

Source:
https://www.michigan.gov/mvaa/health-care/michigan-veteran-homes

Housing Assistance for Veterans

Michigan veterans experiencing housing instability can access help through VA housing programs such as HUD-VASH, as well as nonprofit housing assistance programs throughout the state.

Source:
https://www.va.gov/homeless/

Veteran Charities & Nonprofit Support

Michigan Veterans Foundation

Provides housing programs, employment assistance, and support services for veterans transitioning to civilian life.

https://www.michiganveteransfoundation.org

Grand Rapids Home for Veterans

Supports Michigan veterans through healthcare services, community engagement, and residential care programs.

https://www.michigan.gov/mvaa/health-care/michigan-veteran-homes

Team RWB

A national nonprofit with a strong presence in Michigan that supports veteran health and wellness through community fitness and social programs.

https://www.teamrwb.org

Veteran-Owned Businesses & Entrepreneurship

Michigan offers several programs supporting veteran entrepreneurs.

Michigan Small Business Development Center

Provides counseling, training, and mentoring for veterans starting or growing businesses.

https://michigansbdc.org

Veterans Business Outreach Center

Offers training, mentorship, and business development resources for veteran entrepreneurs.

https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/resource-partners/veterans-business-outreach-center-vboc-program

Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Certification

Veterans can pursue federal certification programs that allow veteran-owned businesses to compete for government contracting opportunities.

https://www.va.gov/osdbu/entrepreneurs/

Community Events & Veteran Engagement

Michigan hosts many events throughout the year designed to connect veterans with resources and community support.

Common events include:

• Veteran job fairs and hiring events
• Homeless Veteran Stand Down programs
• Community veteran resource fairs
• Networking events and veteran support groups

These events help veterans connect with services, employers, and fellow veterans throughout the state.

How to Get Help

Veterans in Michigan can take the following steps to access assistance:

1. Contact your County Veteran Service Officer for help filing VA claims and accessing benefits.

2. Visit your nearest VA medical center or outpatient clinic for healthcare services.

3. Explore programs offered by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency.

4. Connect with nonprofit organizations that provide housing, employment, and community support.

Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency
https://www.michigan.gov/mvaa

Support Veteran-Owned Businesses

Know a Michigan veteran-owned business or nonprofit that should be featured?

Submit a nomination or tag them on the Veterans Intel Report Facebook page.

We highlight veteran-owned businesses every month as part of our Salute & Support Sunday series.