State·2026 Benefits·Updated May 2026
Michigan Veteran Benefits
Michigan offers 9 state veteran benefits in 2026 spanning tax, education, housing, healthcare, employment, and recreation. Programs include military retirement pay tax exemption (Full retirement pay exemption), children of veterans tuition grant (Up to $2,800/year (max $11,200)), free hunting & fishing licenses (100% disabled) ($75-$150+/year). Most require state residency and an honorable (or other-than-dishonorable) discharge; specific eligibility — including VA disability rating thresholds — varies by program.
9
State benefits
7
Categories
Any
Min. rating
Statewide only
County programs
Categories
🏛️Tax Benefits(2)
Military Retirement Pay Tax Exemption
Any VeteranFull exemption of military retirement pay from Michigan individual income tax.
Full retirement pay exemption
Read full guide →Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemption
100%+Complete exemption from property taxes on homestead for 100% permanently and totally disabled veterans.
100% property tax exemption
Read full guide →🎓Education & Training(1)
🌲Recreation & Parks(2)
Free Hunting & Fishing Licenses (100% Disabled)
100%+All non-lottery hunting and fishing licenses issued free of charge for 100% disabled veterans.
$75-$150+/year
Read full guide →Free Recreation Passport (State Parks)
100%+Free motorized vehicle entry to all 103 Michigan state parks for 100% disabled veterans with DV plates.
$17-$37/year
Read full guide →2026 VA Disability Compensation Rates
Monthly payment amounts effective December 1, 2025. These federal rates apply to all Michigan veterans.
| Rating | Veteran alone | With spouse |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 | $180.42 |
| 20% | $356.66 | $356.66 |
| 30% | $552.47 | $617.47 |
| 40% | $795.84 | $882.84 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 | $1,241.90 |
| 60% | $1,435.02 | $1,566.02 |
| 70% | $1,808.45 | $1,961.45 |
| 80% | $2,102.15 | $2,277.15 |
| 90% | $2,362.30 | $2,559.30 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 | $4,158.17 |
Rates for 10-20% are the same regardless of dependents. Dependent additions apply at 30%+. View complete rate tables →
Frequently Asked Questions — Michigan Veteran Benefits
What veteran benefits does Michigan offer in 2026?▾
Michigan offers 9 state-level veteran benefits in 2026, spanning 2 tax programs, 1 education program, 0 housing programs, 1 healthcare program, 2 recreation programs, and 1 employment program. 5 are available to any honorably discharged veteran regardless of rating; 3 are reserved for veterans rated 100% disabled by the VA. These stack with federal VA benefits.
What benefits are available to 100% disabled veterans in Michigan?▾
Michigan offers 3 state benefits specifically for veterans rated 100% disabled by the VA, including: Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemption, Free Hunting & Fishing Licenses (100% Disabled), Free Recreation Passport (State Parks). These typically include enhanced property tax exemptions, free hunting/fishing licenses, free state park access, and registration fee waivers. 100% disabled Michigan veterans also qualify for the 6 broader benefits available at lower rating thresholds — 9 total.
What state benefits do Michigan veterans get at a 50% or higher VA rating?▾
Veterans rated 50% or higher qualify for 6 Michigan state benefits — every benefit available to any veteran (5) plus benefits gated at 10-49% (0) plus 1 additional benefit gated at the 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% threshold. These typically include partial property tax credits, hunting/fishing license discounts, and tuition assistance. A 100% rating unlocks 3 additional benefits on top.
Does Michigan have property tax exemptions for disabled veterans?▾
Yes. Michigan offers 2 tax-related benefits for veterans. The headline program is Military Retirement Pay Tax Exemption: Full exemption of military retirement pay from Michigan individual income tax. Estimated value: Full retirement pay exemption. Whether Michigan also exempts military retirement pay and VA disability compensation from state income tax varies by program — see the Tax Benefits section above for the full list.
What education benefits are available to Michigan veterans and their dependents?▾
Michigan offers 1 state education benefit: Children of Veterans Tuition Grant. Some are tuition waivers at state public universities; others are scholarships for surviving spouses and children of veterans who died in service or were rated permanently and totally disabled. These supplement (and in many cases stack with) the federal Post-9/11 GI Bill.
Does Michigan offer free disabled veteran license plates?▾
Michigan's veteran license plate / registration benefit: Disabled Veteran License Plates. Disabled veteran license plates for veterans rated 50%+; 100% disabled veterans receive free registration. Estimated value: DV plates + reduced/free registration (free for 100% disabled only). Apply through your local DMV / county tax assessor with your VA disability rating letter and DD-214.
Does Michigan have free state park, hunting, or fishing access for veterans?▾
Yes — Michigan offers 2 recreation-related veteran benefits, including: Free Hunting & Fishing Licenses (100% Disabled); Free Recreation Passport (State Parks). Most state park, hunting, and fishing license discounts are tied to a minimum VA disability rating (typically 50% or 100%) and require Michigan residency.
How do I apply for Michigan veteran benefits?▾
Each Michigan state benefit has its own application — there is no single application that covers them all. Most require: (1) DD-214 or equivalent discharge document, (2) proof of Michigan residency, and (3) VA disability rating letter if the benefit is rating-gated. Use the application URL listed on each benefit's detail page on this site. For complex cases (claims appeals, dependent benefits), contact your county Veterans Service Officer (VSO) for free assistance.
Do Michigan veteran benefits stack with federal VA benefits?▾
Yes. Michigan state benefits are administered separately from federal VA benefits and the two are designed to stack. A Michigan veteran can simultaneously receive federal VA disability compensation, VA healthcare, GI Bill education benefits, AND any Michigan state programs they qualify for. Some specific overlaps (e.g., state tuition assistance) may require exhausting federal GI Bill benefits first; check each benefit's eligibility notes.
Does Michigan have a state veterans cemetery?▾
Yes. Michigan Veteran Burial Benefits. Federal burial facilitation plus supplemental county burial allowances for eligible veterans. Eligibility generally requires honorable discharge and Michigan residency; some sites accept any veteran meeting federal VA national cemetery criteria. This is in addition to (not a substitute for) burial at a federal VA National Cemetery.
What VA disability rating do I need for Michigan veteran benefits?▾
Michigan benefits unlock at every VA rating tier. 5 benefits require no disability rating (available to any honorably discharged veteran). 0 are gated at 10-40%. 1 are gated at 50-90%. 3 require a 100% rating. Veterans rated 100% qualify for ALL 9 Michigan state benefits.
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