Michigan Disabled Veteran Benefits

This page walks you, step by step, through the benefits Michigan offers disabled veterans and their spouses, children, and survivors. It covers property tax, state income tax, license plates, hunting and fishing, state parks, college help, emergency cash, and more. VA means the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Each step names the exact form, the office, and the official link so you can act today. When a step sends you to another website to get something, get it there, then come back to ratednowwhat.com and continue with the next step.

Property tax exemption

Michigan gives a full (100 percent) exemption from property tax on the home a qualifying disabled veteran owns and lives in. There is no income limit and there is no partial tier. You qualify through any one of the pathways below, confirmed by the VA.

Pathway 1: The VA rates you permanently and totally disabled and pays you at the 100 percent rate.

• Pathway 1: The VA rates you permanently and totally disabled and pays you at the 100 percent rate.

Pathway 2: The VA gives you a certificate showing you received or are receiving help for Specially Adapted Housing (SAH). This is the pathway that usually applies to veterans with legal blindness or the loss or loss of use of limbs, because those conditions are what qualify a veteran for a VA SAH grant.

• Pathway 2: The VA gives you a certificate showing you received or are receiving help for Specially Adapted Housing (SAH). This is the pathway that usually applies to veterans with legal blindness or the loss or loss of use of limbs, because those conditions are what qualify a veteran for a VA SAH grant.

Pathway 3: The VA rates you Individually Unemployable, also called Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU), and pays you at the 100 percent rate.

• Pathway 3: The VA rates you Individually Unemployable, also called Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU), and pays you at the 100 percent rate.

Surviving spouse pathway: If the veteran qualified right before death, the unremarried surviving spouse keeps the exemption. It continues as long as the spouse does not remarry, and it covers a home the spouse buys later.

• Surviving spouse pathway: If the veteran qualified right before death, the unremarried surviving spouse keeps the exemption. It continues as long as the spouse does not remarry, and it covers a home the spouse buys later.

How to claim it:

Get your VA award or rating letter that shows one of the pathways above (100 percent permanent and total, TDIU, or the SAH certificate). Get it from the VA at VA.gov, then come back to ratednowwhat.com and continue with the next step.

• Get your VA award or rating letter that shows one of the pathways above (100 percent permanent and total, TDIU, or the SAH certificate). Get it from the VA at VA.gov, then come back to ratednowwhat.com and continue with the next step.

Get your DD214 (your military discharge paper) so you can prove an honorable discharge.

• Get your DD214 (your military discharge paper) so you can prove an honorable discharge.

Fill out Form 5107, Affidavit for Disabled Veterans Exemption. Read the rules and open the form at Michigan Treasury: Disabled Veterans Exemption.

• Fill out Form 5107, Affidavit for Disabled Veterans Exemption. Read the rules and open the form at Michigan Treasury: Disabled Veterans Exemption.

File Form 5107 with your local city or township assessor (this is the local assessing office where your home is, not the county, not the state, and not the VA). Call your city or township hall to find that office.

• File Form 5107 with your local city or township assessor (this is the local assessing office where your home is, not the county, not the state, and not the VA). Call your city or township hall to find that office.

File any time after January 1 and before December 31 of the year you want the exemption. If you miss the assessor, you can file at the local Board of Review, which meets in March, July, and December. Ask your assessor for the exact meeting dates.

• File any time after January 1 and before December 31 of the year you want the exemption. If you miss the assessor, you can file at the local Board of Review, which meets in March, July, and December. Ask your assessor for the exact meeting dates.

Bring these documents to file: Form 5107, your VA award or rating letter (or SAH certificate), and your DD214.

• Bring these documents to file: Form 5107, your VA award or rating letter (or SAH certificate), and your DD214.

Surviving spouses, also bring the veteran's death certificate and be ready to state that you have not remarried.

• Surviving spouses, also bring the veteran's death certificate and be ready to state that you have not remarried.

Good news on renewals: once the exemption is granted, Michigan keeps it in place in later years without an annual re-file (a change that took effect for 2025 and forward). Tell your assessor if you move or your status changes.

• Good news on renewals: once the exemption is granted, Michigan keeps it in place in later years without an annual re-file (a change that took effect for 2025 and forward). Tell your assessor if you move or your status changes.

The exact rule is in the state law. Read it at MCL 211.7b, Michigan Legislature.

• The exact rule is in the state law. Read it at MCL 211.7b, Michigan Legislature.

Not sure if your VA rating counts (100 percent, TDIU, or SAH)? Do not guess. Call a free Veteran Service Officer at 800-642-4838 (800-MICH-VET) first. Help with a VA claim or rating is always free.

• Not sure if your VA rating counts (100 percent, TDIU, or SAH)? Do not guess. Call a free Veteran Service Officer at 800-642-4838 (800-MICH-VET) first. Help with a VA claim or rating is always free.

State income tax on VA and military pay

Michigan does not tax VA disability compensation, and it does not tax military retirement pay. There is also a special income tax exemption for qualified disabled veterans. Here is how to handle each on your Michigan return (the MI-1040).

Leave your VA disability compensation off your income entirely. It is not taxed by the federal government or by Michigan.

• Leave your VA disability compensation off your income entirely. It is not taxed by the federal government or by Michigan.

Subtract your military retirement pay so Michigan does not tax it. Confirm the current rule at Michigan Treasury: is military retirement exempt, then come back to ratednowwhat.com and continue.

• Subtract your military retirement pay so Michigan does not tax it. Confirm the current rule at Michigan Treasury: is military retirement exempt, then come back to ratednowwhat.com and continue.

Claim the disabled veteran special exemption on the MI-1040 if you qualify. Find the current amount and the line to use in the MI-1040 instruction booklet at Michigan Individual Income Tax.

• Claim the disabled veteran special exemption on the MI-1040 if you qualify. Find the current amount and the line to use in the MI-1040 instruction booklet at Michigan Individual Income Tax.

A surviving spouse who has not remarried may still claim a veteran-related exemption. Check the same MI-1040 booklet for the current rule before you file.

• A surviving spouse who has not remarried may still claim a veteran-related exemption. Check the same MI-1040 booklet for the current rule before you file.

License plates and the Secretary of State

The Michigan Secretary of State is the state motor vehicle office (like a Department of Motor Vehicles, or DMV). It issues special veteran plates, and several of them come with no registration fee.

Disabled Veteran plate: If the VA rates you totally and permanently disabled and you have an honorable discharge, you can get one Disabled Veteran plate for a private passenger vehicle. It has no registration fee and does not expire.

• Disabled Veteran plate: If the VA rates you totally and permanently disabled and you have an honorable discharge, you can get one Disabled Veteran plate for a private passenger vehicle. It has no registration fee and does not expire.

Purple Heart (Combat Wounded) plate: Veterans wounded in combat who received the Purple Heart can get this plate, and the first one issued is free of the annual registration tax.

• Purple Heart (Combat Wounded) plate: Veterans wounded in combat who received the Purple Heart can get this plate, and the first one issued is free of the annual registration tax.

Ex-Prisoner of War plate and Medal of Honor plate are also available at no registration fee to those who qualify.

• Ex-Prisoner of War plate and Medal of Honor plate are also available at no registration fee to those who qualify.

Gather your proof: your DD214 and your VA disability rating letter (and, for the Purple Heart, Ex-POW, or Medal of Honor plate, proof of that award).

• Gather your proof: your DD214 and your VA disability rating letter (and, for the Purple Heart, Ex-POW, or Medal of Honor plate, proof of that award).

Get the current veteran and military plate application and the full list of what to bring at Michigan Secretary of State: military and veteran plates, then come back to ratednowwhat.com and continue with the next step.

• Get the current veteran and military plate application and the full list of what to bring at Michigan Secretary of State: military and veteran plates, then come back to ratednowwhat.com and continue with the next step.

Apply in person at any Secretary of State branch office, or mail your application and proof to the Michigan Department of State, Internal Services Section, 7064 Crowner Drive, Lansing, MI 48918.

• Apply in person at any Secretary of State branch office, or mail your application and proof to the Michigan Department of State, Internal Services Section, 7064 Crowner Drive, Lansing, MI 48918.

The law that makes these plates free is MCL 257.803f, Michigan Legislature if you want to read it.

• The law that makes these plates free is MCL 257.803f, Michigan Legislature if you want to read it.

Recreation: parks, hunting, and fishing

Michigan gives disabled veterans free hunting and fishing licenses and free entry to state parks. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) runs these programs.

Free hunting and fishing: If the VA rates you 100 percent permanently and totally disabled, or rates you Individually Unemployable (TDIU), you can get every resident hunting and fishing license that does not require a lottery, free of charge.

• Free hunting and fishing: If the VA rates you 100 percent permanently and totally disabled, or rates you Individually Unemployable (TDIU), you can get every resident hunting and fishing license that does not require a lottery, free of charge.

Get a letter from the VA that states you are 100 percent disabled or individually unemployable, then come back to ratednowwhat.com and continue with the next step.

• Get a letter from the VA that states you are 100 percent disabled or individually unemployable, then come back to ratednowwhat.com and continue with the next step.

Bring that VA letter to any DNR license retailer, or buy online, and carry the proof with you when you hunt or fish. Start at Michigan DNR license info.

• Bring that VA letter to any DNR license retailer, or buy online, and carry the proof with you when you hunt or fish. Start at Michigan DNR license info.

Free state park entry (Recreation Passport): A Recreation Passport lets your vehicle into state parks, recreation areas, state forest campgrounds, and most boat launches. It is free for resident veterans who hold a Michigan Disabled Veteran, Ex-Prisoner of War, or Medal of Honor license plate.

• Free state park entry (Recreation Passport): A Recreation Passport lets your vehicle into state parks, recreation areas, state forest campgrounds, and most boat launches. It is free for resident veterans who hold a Michigan Disabled Veteran, Ex-Prisoner of War, or Medal of Honor license plate.

First get the qualifying plate from the Secretary of State (see the plates section above), then claim the free Recreation Passport. Details are at Michigan Recreation Passport and MVAA recreation benefits.

• First get the qualifying plate from the Secretary of State (see the plates section above), then claim the free Recreation Passport. Details are at Michigan Recreation Passport and MVAA recreation benefits.

Education for children, spouses, and survivors

Michigan's main state education benefit is for the children of veterans who died or became totally and permanently disabled from service. It is the Children of Veterans Tuition Grant, run by MI Student Aid at the Michigan Department of Treasury.

Who qualifies: the natural or adopted child (older than 16 and younger than 26) of a Michigan veteran who died, is totally and permanently disabled from a service-connected cause, or is listed as Missing in Action.

• Who qualifies: the natural or adopted child (older than 16 and younger than 26) of a Michigan veteran who died, is totally and permanently disabled from a service-connected cause, or is listed as Missing in Action.

The student must be a Michigan resident, enroll at least half time at a participating Michigan college, and file the FAFSA (the Free Application for Federal Student Aid) each year.

• The student must be a Michigan resident, enroll at least half time at a participating Michigan college, and file the FAFSA (the Free Application for Federal Student Aid) each year.

File the FAFSA first at studentaid.gov, then come back to ratednowwhat.com and continue with the next step.

• File the FAFSA first at studentaid.gov, then come back to ratednowwhat.com and continue with the next step.

Submit the one-time Children of Veterans Tuition Grant application through MI Student Aid. Find the rules, the current award amount, and the application at Children of Veterans Tuition Grant.

• Submit the one-time Children of Veterans Tuition Grant application through MI Student Aid. Find the rules, the current award amount, and the application at Children of Veterans Tuition Grant.

Check other family and survivor education options at MVAA benefits for family members.

• Check other family and survivor education options at MVAA benefits for family members.

For a veteran's own college, and for many spouse and survivor education programs, the money is usually federal (the GI Bill, and Chapter 35 Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance). We only give education here, so ask a free Veteran Service Officer to line those up. Call 800-642-4838 (800-MICH-VET).

• For a veteran's own college, and for many spouse and survivor education programs, the money is usually federal (the GI Bill, and Chapter 35 Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance). We only give education here, so ask a free Veteran Service Officer to line those up. Call 800-642-4838 (800-MICH-VET).

Emergency help, veterans homes, jobs, and a free claims helper

Michigan has a safety net for tough times, long-term care homes, a hiring preference, and free help filing VA claims through a county Veteran Service Officer (VSO).

Emergency cash (Michigan Veteran Trust Fund, MVTF): a one-time grant to get past a short-term emergency (for example, rent, utilities, or car repairs). A veteran or spouse may qualify with at least 180 days of active service and an honorable discharge (wartime era), and there is a separate program for peacetime veterans age 65 and older.

• Emergency cash (Michigan Veteran Trust Fund, MVTF): a one-time grant to get past a short-term emergency (for example, rent, utilities, or car repairs). A veteran or spouse may qualify with at least 180 days of active service and an honorable discharge (wartime era), and there is a separate program for peacetime veterans age 65 and older.

Apply for MVTF help through your county Veteran Service Officer, or call 800-642-4838 (800-MICH-VET). Start at MVAA emergency assistance.

• Apply for MVTF help through your county Veteran Service Officer, or call 800-642-4838 (800-MICH-VET). Start at MVAA emergency assistance.

State veterans homes: Michigan runs the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans and the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette for skilled nursing and long-term care. Honorably discharged veterans (and spouses and surviving spouses) may apply, and cost is based on ability to pay.

• State veterans homes: Michigan runs the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans and the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette for skilled nursing and long-term care. Honorably discharged veterans (and spouses and surviving spouses) may apply, and cost is based on ability to pay.

Apply by submitting the admission application with a copy of the discharge (DD214). See Michigan Veteran Homes: apply for admission.

• Apply by submitting the admission application with a copy of the discharge (DD214). See Michigan Veteran Homes: apply for admission.

Jobs (veterans' preference): Michigan gives veterans a hiring preference in public and civil service jobs, with added points for disabled veterans. Register with the Michigan Civil Service Commission and attach your DD214 and your VA disability documentation. Details are at Michigan veterans' preference guidance.

• Jobs (veterans' preference): Michigan gives veterans a hiring preference in public and civil service jobs, with added points for disabled veterans. Register with the Michigan Civil Service Commission and attach your DD214 and your VA disability documentation. Details are at Michigan veterans' preference guidance.

Find your free county Veteran Service Officer for any VA claim, rating, appeal, or unemployability question. Use the Find a Veteran Service Officer tool or call 800-642-4838 (800-MICH-VET). These VSOs never charge you.

• Find your free county Veteran Service Officer for any VA claim, rating, appeal, or unemployability question. Use the Find a Veteran Service Officer tool or call 800-642-4838 (800-MICH-VET). These VSOs never charge you.

Purple Heart, Ex-POW, and Medal of Honor perks

Michigan gives extra recognition to Purple Heart recipients, former prisoners of war, and Medal of Honor recipients.

Free special license plate: the Purple Heart (Combat Wounded) plate, the Ex-Prisoner of War plate, and the Medal of Honor plate come with no registration fee. Apply at a Secretary of State branch with your DD214 and proof of the award. See Michigan military and veteran plates.

• Free special license plate: the Purple Heart (Combat Wounded) plate, the Ex-Prisoner of War plate, and the Medal of Honor plate come with no registration fee. Apply at a Secretary of State branch with your DD214 and proof of the award. See Michigan military and veteran plates.

Free state park entry: holding a Medal of Honor, Ex-Prisoner of War, or Disabled Veteran plate qualifies you for a free Recreation Passport. See Michigan Recreation Passport.

• Free state park entry: holding a Medal of Honor, Ex-Prisoner of War, or Disabled Veteran plate qualifies you for a free Recreation Passport. See Michigan Recreation Passport.

Property tax: these veterans usually also meet one of the property tax exemption pathways above. Ask a free Veteran Service Officer if you are unsure.

• Property tax: these veterans usually also meet one of the property tax exemption pathways above. Ask a free Veteran Service Officer if you are unsure.

Print-and-take checklist

☐ Property tax: get your VA award or rating letter (100 percent permanent and total, TDIU, or the SAH certificate) and your DD214, then file Form 5107 with your local city or township assessor before December 31.

☐ Surviving spouses: bring the veteran's death certificate and be ready to state you have not remarried when you file Form 5107 to keep the exemption.

☐ Not sure your VA rating qualifies? Call a free Veteran Service Officer at 800-642-4838 (800-MICH-VET) before you file anything.

☐ Income tax: leave VA disability compensation off your Michigan return, subtract military retirement pay, and check the MI-1040 booklet for the disabled veteran special exemption.

☐ Vehicle: gather your DD214 and VA disability rating letter, then apply for a free Disabled Veteran plate at a Secretary of State branch office.

☐ Purple Heart, Ex-POW, or Medal of Honor plate: apply with your DD214 and award proof at a Secretary of State branch, or mail to the Internal Services Section, 7064 Crowner Drive, Lansing, MI 48918.

☐ Hunting and fishing: bring a VA letter (100 percent or individually unemployable) to a DNR license retailer to get free non-lottery licenses.

☐ State parks: once you hold a Disabled Veteran, Ex-POW, or Medal of Honor plate, claim your free Recreation Passport.

☐ Education (children): file the FAFSA, then submit the one-time Children of Veterans Tuition Grant application through MI Student Aid.

☐ Education (veteran and spouse): ask a free Veteran Service Officer about the GI Bill and Chapter 35 survivor education.

☐ Emergency cash: contact your county Veteran Service Officer or call 800-642-4838 (800-MICH-VET) to apply for a Michigan Veteran Trust Fund grant.

☐ Long-term care: apply to the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans or the D.J. Jacobetti Home with your DD214 if you or a spouse need it.

☐ Jobs: register for veterans' preference with the Michigan Civil Service Commission and attach your DD214 and VA disability documentation.

☐ Find your local free Veteran Service Officer at Michigan.gov/VSO or 800-642-4838 for any VA claim, rating, appeal, or unemployability question at no cost.

☐ Keep copies of your DD214, VA rating letter, and any award (Purple Heart, POW, Medal of Honor) together in one folder so every application is fast.

Education only. Not the VA, not a government agency, and not financial, tax, or legal advice. Help with a VA claim or rating is always free through a VA-accredited Veteran Service Officer. Rules and amounts change; verify with the official source before you act.

🖨 Print this checklist

↑ Back to the list

← All states