Michigan

Print-and-take checklist. Tick each box as you go, and keep it with your paperwork.

• 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.

Full step-by-step guide: ratednowwhat.com/benefits-by-state#h2_5741a204

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.