MICHIGAN 

Michigan Veteran Financial Benefits:

Michigan State Veterans Homes

There are three Michigan Veteran Homes. The homes are in Chesterfield Township, Grand Rapids and

Marquette.

Veterans eligible for U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care or financial assistance for long-term care may be admitted. The veteran must have been discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable. Veterans who enlisted after Sept. 7, 1980, or who entered active duty after Oct. 16, 1981, must have served 24 continuous months or the full period for which they were called to active duty in order to be eligible. Michigan residency is not required, and spouses or surviving spouses may be admitted if space is available. Fees are income-based.

Income Tax

Active-duty pay, retired pay, and Survivor Benefit Plan payments are tax-free. 

Property Tax Waiver

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. Unremarried surviving spouses are also eligible. 

Vehicle Registration

100% permanently and totally disabled veterans may be eligible to register one vehicle with a disabled veteran plate for free.

Emergency Assistance

The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency offers emergency assistance to those having temporary financial issues who require assistance with utility bills, vehicle or home repairs, medical bills or other debts. There are many resources available including county Soldier and Sailor Relief Funds, the Michigan Veteran Trust Fund, and the National Guard Family Programs.

Michigan State Employment Veterans Preference

Preference will be given to veterans and certain veteran spouses for initial employment with the state.

Michigan Children of Veterans Tuition Grant

The grant provides undergraduate tuition assistance for natural or adopted children of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled or died as a result of military service. Children must apply and receive benefits prior to age 26.

Veterans’ Burial Expenses

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. 

Michigan Veteran Recreation Benefits

Hunting and Fishing

Michigan active-duty residents can get hunting and fishing licenses for free.  Non-residents stationed in Michigan can get licenses at the resident rate.

Permanently and totally disabled veterans can get any resident hunting or fishing license, for which a lottery is not required, free of charge.

State Parks

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

Visit the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency website for more information on any of these programs.

OHIO

Ohio Veteran Financial Benefits:

Ohio Veterans Homes

Ohio has veterans homes in Georgetown and Sandusky.  Honorably discharged Ohio resident wartime veterans who are disabled and unable to earn a living are eligible for admission. Costs are based on income. The Domiciliary at the Ohio Veterans Home Sandusky is for veterans who need some medical care or supervision but can live independently. 

Ohio Veterans Bonus Program

Generally, anyone who served honorably for more than 90 days on or after Oct. 7, 2001, is eligible. Applicants must have been Ohio residents at the time of entry onto active duty and be current Ohio residents. The bonus pays $100 per month for service in Afghanistan and $50 per month for service elsewhere, up to a maximum of $1,500.

Income Tax

Active-duty pay is tax-free if stationed out-of-state.  Retirement pay and Survivor Benefit Plan payments are tax-free.

Homestead Exemption

Veterans rated by the VA as 100% disabled due to a service-connected disability and surviving spouses who occupy the same home are eligible for an expanded homestead exemption. The rate varies by location.

Military Injury Relief Fund 

The fund grants a one-time, tax-exempt payment to service members injured on active duty after Oct. 7, 2001, and to individuals diagnosed with post-traumatic stress while serving after Oct. 7, 2001.

Ohio Home Loan Program

The Ohio Housing Finance Agency offers first-time home buyers home loans at an interest rate approximately a quarter of a percentage point lower than the going interest rate.

Financial Assistance

Each of Ohio’s 88 counties operates a County Veterans Service Office that provides direct financial assistance to needy veterans upon receipt of a completed application. Contact your county office for details.

Ohio Veteran Employment Benefits

State Employment

Veterans are entitled to 20% added credit on an Ohio civil service exam. Current Reserve and National Guard members who successfully complete initial entry-level training get a 15% added credit.

Employment Assistance

Veterans can receive free individual job search assistance from a state employment specialist. In addition, veterans and their spouses can receive assistance from their local employment center in resume writing, interview success techniques and more.

Ohio Educator License Fee Elimination

The Ohio Department of Education has eliminated fees for educator licenses for any initial, or a renewal of an, Ohio educator license, permit or certificate for veterans or current active-duty members free of charge. Spouses of active-duty service members also may receive a license free of charge.

Ohio Veteran Education Benefits

Ohio National Guard Scholarship Program

Eligible Ohio National Guard members can get up to 96 educational credits (12 full-time quarters or 8 full-time semesters) of tuition assistance toward an undergraduate degree at a participating Ohio institution during their enlistment. Members with a bachelor’s degree aren’t eligible; however, possessing prior college credits or possession of an associate degree does not affect eligibility. 

Ohio War Orphan & Severely Disabled Veterans’ Children Scholarship

The scholarship is available to children of deceased or severely disabled Ohio wartime veterans. The student must be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree at an eligible Ohio college or university. Ohio residency is required. Applicants must be under the age of 25 and maintain a 2.0 grade-point average.

The scholarship covers a portion of tuition and fees at two- and four-year public institutions and at eligible private colleges and universities. The amount changes every year.

Ohio Veteran Recreation Benefits:

Active-Duty Hunting and Fishing Licenses

Ohio active-duty residents don’t have to buy a hunting license, fishing license, Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp, or fur taker permit while on leave. Non-resident active-duty members stationed in Ohio can buy a hunting license, fishing license, Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp, or fur taker permit for the resident rate. 

Free Hunting & Fishing Licenses

Ohio resident permanently and totally disabled veterans and former POWs may receive free hunting and fishing licenses.

Camping at Ohio State Parks

Active military and veterans are entitled to a 10% discount that may be used for one campsite, getaway rental unit, cottage, or lodge room per visit. Military ID or veteran identification must be presented to receive the discount.

Ohio resident former prisoners of war (POWs) or permanent and totally disabled veterans camp for free at state parks.

Watercraft Registration

Permanently and totally disabled Ohio resident veterans, Congressional Medal of Honor recipients, and former POWs receive free registration for personal watercraft. 

Veterans Cemetery

The Ohio Veterans Home Cemetery is located in Sandusky. 

Veterans residing in the Ohio Veterans Home can request burial in the cemetery.

Visit the Ohio Department of Veterans Services website for more information on any of these programs.

THANKS TO MILITARY.COM FOR THESE RESOURCES.