Michigan State Benefits for 100% Disabled Veterans

Michigan State Benefits for 100% Disabled Veterans

100% State Benefits – Michigan

Note: Information for this document was gathered from various sources including: https://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-state-benefits/michigan-state-veterans-benefits.html

Visit the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency Website for more detailed information: https://www.michiganveterans.com/

Veterans Homes

For more information, visit: https://www.nasvh.org/state-homes/statedir.cfm

Your eligibility for State Veterans Homes is based on clinical need and setting availability.

Each State establishes eligibility and admission criteria for its homes.

Talk with a VA social worker about the eligibility requirements of State Veterans Homes near you and to figure out a plan for paying for State Veterans Home care services.

Veterans Homes Locations:

State Veterans’ Cemeteries

For more detailed information visit: https://www.cem.va.gov/cems/state.asp?STATE=MI

National Veterans Cemeteries:

Fort Custer National Cemetery
15501 Dickman Rd.
Augusta, MI 49012
Burial Space: Open		 Phone:
269-731-4164
Fax:
269-731-2428
Great Lakes National Cemetery
4200 Belford Road
Holly, MI 48442
Burial Space: Open		 Phone:
248-328-0386
Fax:
248-328-0612

State Veterans Cemeteries:

Grand Rapids Home for Veterans Cemetery
3000 Monroe, NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49505
VA Grant Funded: No		 Phone:
616-364-5322
Fax:
616-365-3826

Many states have established state veterans cemeteries. Eligibility is like Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) national cemeteries but may include residency requirements. Even though they may have been established or improved with Government funds through VA’s Veterans Cemetery Grants Program, state veterans cemeteries are run solely by the states.

Financial Benefits

STATE TAX EXEPMTION (100%, P&T or IU)

100% disabled veterans (and those rated 100% due to individual unemployability) may be exempt from paying taxes on their home. The veteran must have an other-than-dishonorable discharge and be a Michigan resident.

  • Unmarried surviving spouses are also eligible.
  • Only one property at a time can use the exemption
  • You should file as soon as you receive your proof of evaluation (Summary of Benefits Letter)
  • MUST BE FILED ANNUALLY TYPICALLY BETWEEN JANUARY AND MARCH.
  • Ask local Tax Assessor when the cut off is.

Documents needed:

    • Proof of 100% Evaluation: Summary of Benefits Letter (also called Tax Abatement letter)
    • Exemption Affidavit

Steps to take:

  • Visit local Assessing department/ Taxing authority with your paperwork.
  • The document will need to be notarized, there is often an individual at the tax office that can do this.
  • Ask for a copy of confirmation letter that the Affidavit and Summary of Benefits letter were received.
  • If your monthly home loan payment includes property tax, contact your lender to update them of the change. They may need to see documentation.

Consult the local assessor’s office for detailed requirements regarding these exemptions.

Annual refiling is required.

Find your local tax assessor at this link: https://www.publicrecords.onlinesearches.com/Assessor-and-Property-Tax-Records.htm

LICENSE PLATE (P&T or IU)

Resource Link: http://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,4670,7-127-1585_1595_1598-158202–,00.html

Receive a Disabled Veteran designation license plate that has no renewal fee.

  • There is an additional application for handicapped parking

Documents Needed:

The National Guard Association of Michigan’s (NGAM) Veteran Service Grant (VSG)

Resource Link: https://www.ngam.org/veteran-support-grant/

Michigan service men and women and their families can apply for this grant of financial aid in an emergency situation.

Who qualifies:

  • Veterans that reside in Michigan
  • Families that support (directly or indirectly) Veterans of Michigan
  • Current serving military members residing in Michigan (all branches of service)
  • Current members of NGAM
  • Organizations that support (directly or indirectly) Veterans of Michigan

Michigan Veterans Trust Fund

Resource Link: michiganveterans.com/a/Michigan-Veterans-Trust-Fund

The intent of the Emergency Grant Program is to assist veterans in a financial emergency. When short-term financial hardships occur, the grant can provide the needed funds. Applicants are expected to make the necessary steps to meet their future financial needs.

How to Apply:

  • Veterans should contact the MVTF county committee serving the county where you reside. Available at the following link: https://www.michiganveterans.com/find-benefits-counselor

OR

The Governor appointed Michigan Veterans Trust Fund Board of Trustees will determine what applicants will receive assistance at their monthly meeting.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE REQUEST

If you are having temporary financial issues and require assistance with utility bills, vehicle or home repairs, medical bills or other debts, please contact MVAA at 800-MICH-VET (800-642-4838) or fill out and submit an Emergency Assistance Form. Be sure to specify the amount requested, the reason you are applying for assistance and how quickly it is needed.

Application Link: https://www.michigan.gov/mvaa/0,9878,7-414-104927-550847–,00.html

Please note that information submitted on this form will be used to connect you with available resources, including the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund. However, the Emergency Assistance Form is not a Michigan Veterans Trust Fund application.

An MVAA resource center representative will be in contact within 48 hours once the form has been submitted to help connect you with available resources. Additional information may be required.

SOLIDER AND SAILOR RELIEF FUNDS

County Soldier and Sailor Relief Funds may be available to assist with emergency expenses and burial costs. Contact your county veteran services office for eligibility information.

Educational Benefits

Michigan offers a variety of Educational Benefits to resident veterans and their dependents.

State Educational Benefits can be used in conjunction with the National Educational Benefits (DEA)

Visit the following website for more information about educational benefits: https://www.michigan.gov/mvaa/0,9878,7-414-104929—,00.html

CHILDREN OF VETERANS TUITION GRANT

Contact: MI Student Aid, 1-888-447-2687, mistudentaid@michigan.gov

The Children of Veterans Tuition Grant provides undergraduate tuition assistance to students older than 16 and less than 26 years of age who are the natural or adopted child of a Michigan veteran.

The veteran must have pass away or became totally and permanently disabled as a result of military service.

Link for Full Eligibility and Application process: https://www.michigan.gov/mistudentaid/0,4636,7-372–481212–,00.html

Participating institutions include: Michigan community college, public university or independent, degree-granting college or university.

Award Amount

  • Awards are for an academic year with the amount determined by the student’s enrollment status.
  • Full-time students can receive up to a maximum of $2,800 per academic year.
  • Three-quarter time students up to $2,100.
  • Half-time students up to $1,400 or an amount equal to all of the student’s eligible tuition in that academic year, whichever is less.

Recreational Benefits

FREE STATE PARK ACCESS

100% permanently and totally disabled veterans get free entry into Michigan state parks.

The purchase of a Recreation Passport is not required for the following:

  • Michigan registered vehicles with a valid resident ex-prisoner of war plate.
  • Michigan registered vehicles with a valid resident disabled veteran plate.
  • Michigan registered vehicles with a valid resident medal of honor plate.
  • Michigan registered vehicles with a valid resident Congressional Medal of Honor plate.

These veterans must have the specialty license plate designation in order to gain access.

FREE HUNTING AND FISHING LICENSE (100% P&T and IU)

Disabled veterans can receive hunting and fishing licenses for free.

Eligibility: Veteran must be deemed totally and permanently disabled or individually unemployable by the VA.

How to Apply: Veteran must present documented proof of their disabled veteran status. In addition, veterans should carry such proof when using the license.

Link to Licenses and Permits: https://www.mdnr-elicense.com/

MICHIGAN FIRWORKS FREE FOURTH OF JULY

Resource link: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79133_79205_84947—,00.html

In consideration of our service members in search of a respite from the holiday celebration, the Department of Natural Resources and the MVAA are working together to offer camping option to accommodate the desire for peace and quiet. More remote camping areas are selected to participate to increase the distance from community fireworks displays. The DNR makes every effort to advise other campers in these participating campgrounds to refrain from using any type of ground fireworks such as fountain fireworks, sparklers, and ground spinners. All aerial fireworks are banned in Michigan state parks.

MICHIGAN OPERATION FREEDOM OUTDOORS

Resource Link: https://miofo.org/

Michigan Operation Freedom Outdoors goal is to provide outdoor opportunities and adventures to wounded veterans. The activities center around the Sharonville State Game Area and Camp Liberty property. The following groups have partnered to provide this service: Department of Natural Resources, Camp Liberty, Brain Injury Association, Zero-Day, the Passing Along The Heritage Foundation, the Eisenhower Center, Safari Club International Foundation, Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council, Michigan United Conservation Clubs, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion and others.

VETERANS BURIAL EXPENSES

Resource Link: https://www.michiganveterans.com/

Under state law, eligible veterans and some spouses/surviving spouses, who meet residency and asset limits, may qualify for $300 for burial expenses paid by the County Board of Commissioners or the Board of County Auditors.