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VETERANSBENEFITS & SERVICES
For Michigan Veterans who Served in the Military
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To better assist you, the veterans information listed in this booklet has been organized into 3 levels of
available Veterans programs FEDERAL, STATE, and LOCAL. State benefits are shaded gray in each
specific category for clarity.
Much of the information contained in this booklet comes from the Federal Benefits for Veteransand Dependents, 2011 edition. Visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs web site atwww.va.gov.For more state and local information, visitwww.michigan.gov.
This booklet also provides valuable federal, state and local veteran contact information.
Prepared by the Michigan Legislature
This information is provided free to Michigan citizens and is not for reproduction
for resale or profit. This information was accurate at the time of printing.
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Dear Veteran 3Thank You for Your Service 3
Education and Training 4
Education and Training Federal Programs 4Other Federal Education Programs 5Education and Training State of Michigan Programs 6Educational Benefits for Children of Disabled or Deceased Veterans 6
Employment 7Employment Federal Programs 7Other Training Benefits 8Apprenticeship Programs for Discharged Veterans 9Employment State of Michigan Programs 10
Health Care 13Health Care and Hospital Benefits Federal Programs 13
VA Disability Compensation 15Health Care and Hospital Benefits State of Michigan 16Women Veterans Health Care 17Homeless Veterans 19Michigan VA Medical Facilities and Outpatient Clinics 21
Home Loans and Tax Credits 22Federal Benefits Home Loan Guaranties 22State of Michigan Benefits 24
Life Insurance 25
Dependent and Survivor Benefits 27
Burial Benefits 27Survivor Benefits for Spouse and Children Federal Benefits 28
Financial Emergencies and Veterans Resources 30Programs State of Michigan 30Michigan Veterans Trust Fund Representatives 33Michigan Department of Human Services 34Michigan Association of County Veterans Counselors 35Veterans Service Organizations 36Federal Agencies 37State Agencies 37Additional Resources 39
Of Interest to Veterans 41Veteran Holidays 41Flag Etiquette 41Flag Disposal 43Michigan Congressional Delegation 112th Congress 44Michigan Governor and Lieutenant Governor 45Michigan State Senate 45Michigan House of Representatives 46
(Rev. 11/2011)
TableofConTenTs
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3
DearVeTeran
Thank You for Your Service . . .
It is indeed a pleasure to serve veterans who gave so much of themselves to preservethe freedoms we enjoy today. Your sacrifices have given us the security of peace in our
homeland and abroad, as well as preserved and protected our constitutional right of self-
government, for which we are very grateful.
This booklet has been compiled through federal, state, and local agencies especially forYou, Our Veterans and Your Families, to:
Provideinformationaboutbenefitsandservices
Providelinkstodirectsourcescomputer-basedandprofessionalforanswersto
specific questions Assistincommunicatingmoreeffectivelywithyourelectedrepresentatives
Educatestate,nonprofit,andcommunityprovidersaboutbenefitsandservicesavailable through other agencies or service providers
EligibilityformostVeteransAffairs(V.A.)benefitsisbasedupondischargefromactivemilitaryserviceunderotherthandishonorableconditions.Activeservicemeansfull-timeserviceasamemberoftheArmy,Navy,AirForce,MarineCorps,orCoastGuard,orasacommissionedofficerofthePublicHealthService,theEnvironmentalServicesAdministration,ortheNationalOceanicandAtmosphericAdministration.CurrentandformermembersoftheSelectedReservemaybeeligibleforbenefits.
AnyMichiganVeteran,ordependentofaVeteran,canrequesttheassistanceofaVeteransServiceOfficeroraCountyCounselor.Seepage35fortheCountyVeteransCounselorsinMichiganandpage36forthelistingofourVeteransServiceOrganizations.
TheStateofMichigansVeteransHotlineis1-800-455-5228 or visit the web site atwww.michigan.gov/veterans.TheFederalRegionalV.A.MichiganOfficeHotlineis1-800-827-1000.
This booklet is intended as an introduction to the many programs and services available.Pleasecontactthesourcescitedtoassistyouandyourfamilytoobtainbenefitsyouhaveearned.
To Veterans and Your Families, thank you for your service.
InformatIononelIgIbIlItyformIlItary
servIcebenefItsIsavaIlablefromthe
U.s. Departmentof veterans affaIrs,mIchIgan Departmentof mIlItary affaIrs
oryoUr coUnty veterans servIce offIce.
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Education and Training U.S. Federal Programs
Post-9/11 GI Bill
Eligibility:ThePost-9/11GIBillisaneweducation benefit program for servicemembers and veterans who served on activedutyonorafterSeptember11,2001.Benefitsare payable for training pursued on or afterAugust1,2009.Nopaymentscanbemade
under this program for training pursued beforethat date.
To be eligible, the service member orveteranmustserveatleast90aggregatedaysonactivedutyafterSeptember10,2001,andremain on active duty or be honorably:
Dischargedfromactivedutystatus;
Releasedfromactivedutyandplacedonthe retired list or temporary disabilityretiredlist,theFleetReserveorFleetMarineCorpsReserve,orinareserve
componentoftheArmedForces.
Veterans may also be eligible if they werehonorably discharged from active duty for aservice-connected disability after serving30continuousdaysafterSeptember10,2001.
Generally,servicemembersorveteransmayreceiveupto36monthsofentitlementunderthePost-9/11GIBill.Eligibilityforbenefitslastsfor15yearsfromthepointofeligibility.
If,onAugust1,2009,theservicememberor
veteraniseligiblefortheMontgomeryGIBill;theMontgomeryGIBillSelectedReserve;ortheReserveEducationalAssistanceProgram,andqualifiesforthePost-9/11GIBill,anirrevocable election must be made to receivebenefitsunderthePost-9/11GIBill.
In most instances, once the election toreceivebenefitsunderthePost-9/11GIBillismade, the individual will no longer be eligible
to receive benefits under the relinquishedprogram.
Basedonthelengthofactivedutyservice,eligible participants may be entitled to receivea percentage of the following:
(1)Costoftuitionandfees,nottoexceedthemostexpensivein-stateundergraduate tuition at a publicinstitutionofhighereducation(paiddirectlytotheschool);
(2)Monthlyhousingallowanceequaltothebasic allowance for housing payable to amilitaryE-5withdependents,inthesamezipcodeastheprimaryschool(paiddirectlytotheservicememberorveteran);
(3)Yearlybooksandsuppliesstipendofupto$1,000peryear(paiddirectlytotheservicememberorveteran);and
(4)Aone-timepaymentof$500paidtocertain individuals relocating fromhighly rural areas.
Benefitsmaybeusedforanyapprovedprogram offered by a school in theUnitedStatesthatisauthorizedtograntanassociate(orhigher)degree.
Phone1-888-GI-BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551) orwww.gibill.va.govfor information aboutattending school in a foreign country.
TheDepartmentofDefensemayoffermembersoftheArmedForcesonorafter
August1,2009,theopportunitytotransferbenefits to a spouse or dependent children.DODandthemilitaryservicesmustapproveallrequestsforthisbenefit.MembersoftheArmedForcesapprovedfortheTransferofEntitlement(TOE)mayonlytransferanyunusedportionoftheirPost-9/11GIBillbenefitswhileamemberoftheArmedForces,subject to their period of eligibility.
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Legacy Educational Benefits
TheMontgomeryGIBill(MGIB)providesaprogram of educational benefits to honorably
discharged veterans. The participant generallymust have a high school diploma or an
equivalency certificate before beginning training.Completingaminimumof12credithourstowardacollegedegreemeetsthisrequirement.Creditsgrantedbycollegesforlifeexperiencesmaybeused to meet this requirement.
Basiceligibilityappliestoveteranswhoentered active duty for the first time afterJune30,1985.Activedutyincludescertainfull-timeReserveandNationalGuarddutyperformedafterJune30,1985.ToparticipateintheMGIB,servicemembershavetheirmilitarypayreducedby$100amonthforthefirst12monthsofactiveduty.Thismoneyisnotrefundable.
Individuals who had remaining entitlementundertheVietnamEraGIBillwhenthatprogramendedonDecember31,1989,musthaveservedon active duty for any number of days during theperiodOctober19,1984,toJune30,1985;or
served on active duty for at least three continuousyearsbeginningonJuly1,1985;orservedatleasttwoyearsactivedutybeginningafterJune30,1985,followedbyaminimumoffouryearsintheSelectedReserve.ThosewhowerenotonactivedutyonOctober19,1984,iftheyservedthreecontinuous years on active duty at any timebeginningonorafterJuly1,1985,ortwocontinuous years of active duty at any timefollowedbyfourcontinuousyearsintheSelectedReserve,mayalsobeeligibleforMGIBbenefits.
Individuals who were participants under thePost-VietnamEraVeteransEducationalAssistanceProgram(VEAP)maybeeligibleiftheyservedonactivedutyonOctober9,1996,participatedinVEAPandcontributedmoneytoaVEAPaccount,andelectedMGIBbyOctober9,1997,andpaid$1,200.VeteranswhoparticipatedinVEAPonorbeforeOctober9,1996,mayalsobeeligibleeven
iftheydidnotdepositmoneyinaVEAPaccountiftheyservedonactivedutyfromOctober9,1996throughApril1,2000,electedMGIBbyOctober31,2001,andcontributed$2,700toMGIB.CertainNationalGuardservicemembersmay also qualify if they served on full-time activedutyintheNationalGuardbetweenJune30,1985andNovember29,1989,electedtohaveNationalGuardservicecounttowardestablishingeligibilityforMGIBduringthenine-monthwindowendingonJuly9,1997,andpaid$1,200.
ContactyourcountyveteransserviceofficeorcalltheU.S.DepartmentofVeteransAffairs(V.A.)at 1-888-442-4551 for further information,
particularlyoneligibility.Additionalinformationfor school officials, veterans, and dependents canbefoundontheV.A.sEducationServices
web site atwww.gibill.va.gov.
Other FederalEducation ProgramsV.A. Work-Study Program
TheV.A.Work-StudyProgramallowsveterans
to earn additional income while attending school(usuallyintheformofapart-timejobwithaveteran-relatedorganization).Talktoyourlocalveterans affairs representative at any university or
community college or call 1-888-GI-BILL-1 formoreinformation.YoucanalsovisittheV.A.website atwww.gibill.va.gov.
Federal Pell Grant Program
The federal government is a source foreducationgrants.Applicantsmustbe
undergraduate students who have not earned abachelorsdegree.Eachapplicantmustbea U.S.citizenoraneligiblenoncitizenandneedstohaveahighschooldiplomaoraGEDordemonstrate the ability to benefit from the
program.
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Pell Grant Eligibility
TheU.S.DepartmentofEducationusesastandardformulaestablishedbyCongressto
evaluate the information a student supplies whenapplyingforaPellGrant.ThisformulaproducesanEFC(expectedfamilycontribution)number,
which will determine if the student is eligible forthegrant.Theformulareliesheavilyonfamiliesfederaltaxreturns.
Award Amount
TheamountofthePellGrantdependsonthestudentsEFCandseveralotherfactors,includingprogram funding. For more information, visit
www.studentaid.ed.gov.
How and When to Apply
StudentsapplynotonlyforPellGrantsbutforall federal, state, and institutional financial aidprograms(exceptscholarships)bycompletingthe Free Application for Federal Student Aid(FAFSA).TheFAFSAformisavailablefromhighschool guidance offices, or the application can becompleted online atwww.fafsa.ed.gov.Beaware of the application deadlines for submission
and corrections.
Education and Training State of Michigan Programs
The Michigan Commission onDisability Concerns, which includesthe Division on Deaf andHard of Hearing
TheMichiganCommissiononDisability
ConcernsrespondstoandadvocatesonbehalfofMichigans1.9millionpeoplewithdisabilities.This is done through information and technicalassistance, disability rights training, working withtheMichiganBusinessLeadersNetworkonemployment for people with disabilities,coordinatingtheMichiganYouthLeadershipForum, and conducting disability awareness andsensitivitytraining.TheDivisiononDeafand
HardofHearingdealswithissuesinvolvingMichigancitizenswhoaredeaforhardofhearing. The mission of the commission is toprovide statewide leadership to empower andintegrate people with disabilities into all aspectsof society.
For more information, contact:
Michigan Commission on DisabilityConcerns/Division on Deaf and
Hard of Hearing201N.WashingtonSquare,Suite150Lansing,MI48913Phone:517-335-6004 T/VToll-Free: 1-877-499-6232 T/V
Fax:517-335-7773
CommissiononDisabilityConcerns [email protected]
DivisiononDeafandHardofHearing [email protected]
Educational Benefits forChildren of Disabled orDeceased Veterans
Tuition Grant Program
AprogramadministeredbytheMichiganHigherEducationAssistanceAuthorityintheMichiganDepartmentofTreasuryprovidespayment for the education of the children of a
veteran who is totally disabled from service-incurred causes, was killed in the line of duty, hasdied subsequently from a service-related disability,
was totally disabled before death from a service-connected illness or injury, or who is listed by the
federal government as missing in action in aforeigncountry.Astudentmaybeeligibleforatuitionwaiverofupto$2,800annuallyforundergraduatestudy.Recipientsmustmeetcertain eligibility requirements. Information oneligibility and application forms are available at:
www.michigan.gov/osgToll-Free: 1-888-447-2687.
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Employment U.S. Federal ProgramsTransition Assistance Program (TAP)
TheTransitionAssistanceProgram(TAP)isavailabletoservicemembers(andtheirspouses)whoarescheduledforseparationfrom active duty. The program provides
employment and training information toservicememberswithin12monthsoftheir
separationor24monthsofretirementfromthe military. Three-day workshops to help
begin the transition from military to civilianemployment are conducted at militaryinstallations.TAPoffersinformationonhow to write resumes and prepare for
job interviews, as well as information onV.A.benefits.
For additional information visit:
www.dol.gov/vets/programs/
The Department of Defensewww.dodtransportal.org
CareerOneStopwww.acinet.org/acinet/moc(totranslatemilitaryoccupationstociviliancounterparts)
Verification of MilitaryExperience and Training
TheVerificationofMilitaryExperienceandTraining(VMET)Document,DDForm2586,helps service members verify previousexperienceandtrainingtopotentialemployersand negotiate credits at schools, and obtaincertificatesorlicenses.VMETdocumentsareavailableonlythroughArmy,Navy,AirForce,
andMarineCorpsTransitionSupportoffices
and are intended for separating or retiring
servicememberswhohaveatleastsixmonthsofactivedutyservice.ServicemembersshouldobtainVMETdocumentsfromtheirTransitionSupportofficewithin12monthsofseparationor24monthsofretirement.
Federal Jobs for Veterans Office
of Personnel Management (OPM)
Certainveterans,principallythosewhoaredisabled or who served on active duty during
specified times, are entitled to preference for
federal civil service jobs filled by open,
competitiveexams.Thispreferenceincludes
five or ten points added to passing scores on
examinations.
Preferenceisalsoprovidedforcertainwidows and widowers of deceased veterans
who do not remarry, and for mothers of
militarypersonnelwhodiedinservice;spouses of service-connected disabled veteranswho are no longer able to work in their usual
occupations;andmothersofveteranswho
have permanent and total service-connected
disabilities.
Individuals interested in federal information
should contact the personnel offices of the
federal agencies in which they wish to be
employed. Or, contact anyOffice ofPersonnel Management (OPM) Service
Center. The centers are listed in telephonebooksunderU.S.Government,oryoucanvisit
the web site atwww.opm.gov.
Federal job opportunities can be found at
www.usajobs.opm.gov.
employmenT
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Other Training BenefitsV.A. Vocational Rehabilitation
and Employment
VocationalRehabilitationandEmploymentisan employment-oriented program that assists
veterans with service-connected disabilities byoffering them services and assistance to helpthem prepare for, find, and keep suitableemployment.Suitableemploymentisworkthatiswithintheveteransphysical,mental,andemotional capabilities and matches their skills,abilities, and interests.
For veterans whose disabilities make
employmentunlikely,V.A.helpsthemattainasmuch daily living independence as possible.
For more information, visitwww.vetsuccess.gov.
Eligibility for theV.A. Vocational Rehabilitation
and Employment ProgramAveteranmusthaveaV.A.-establishedservice-
connecteddisabilityofatleast10percent
with a serious employment handicap, or at least20percentwithanemploymenthandicap;andbe discharged or released from military serviceunder other than dishonorable conditions.Aservicememberpendingmedicalseparationfrom active duty may apply, but the disabilityratingmustbeatleast20percent.
Information and application forms areavailable from yourCounty V.A. Office:1-888-442-4551 orwww.va.gov.
Time Period for a V.A. Rehabilitationand Employment Program
Generally,veteransmustcompletea
vocational rehabilitation program within12yearsfromtheirseparationfrommilitaryserviceorwithin12yearsfromthedateV.A.notifies them that they have a compensableservice-connecteddisability.Dependingonthelength of program needed, veterans may beprovidedupto48monthsoffull-timeservicesortheir part-time equivalent. These limitations maybeextendedincertaincircumstances.
TheMGIBandtheV.A.VocationalRehabilitationandEmploymentProgramhave
several combinations of eligibility depending onthe time, dates of service, and contributionsmade while in the military service.
ContactyourCounty Veterans Service OfficeortheV.A.at1-888-442-4551 for furtherinformation, particularly on eligibility.
Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Michigan Works! Agencies (MWAs)
The25localMichiganWorks!Agencies(MWAs)
operate adult programs on a year-round basis.ThefundsallocatedtotheMWAsforadultprograms must be used to provide core, intensive,andtrainingservicestoadults.Coreservicesinclude, but are not limited to, outreach, intake,and orientation to other services, and initialassessments, job search, and placement assistance.Intensive services include comprehensive andspecializedassessment,groupcounseling,andshort-term pre-vocational services. Training servicesinclude on-the-job training, skill upgrading, and
occupational skills training.
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Workforce Investment Act (WIA)Dislocated Worker ProgramAnindividualmustbe18yearsofageorolder
toreceivecoreservicesintheDislocatedWorkerProgram.Aneligibledislocatedworkerisanindividual who:
Hasbeenterminatedorlaidoff,orhasreceivedanoticeofterminationorlayoff;or
Iseligiblefor,orhasexhaustedentitlementto,unemploymentcompensation;or
Hasbeenemployedforadurationsufficientto demonstrate attachment to the
workforce, but is not eligible forunemployment compensation, and is
unlikely to return to a previous industryoroccupation;or
Hasbeenterminatedorlaidoff,orhasreceived a notice of termination or layofffrom employment as a result of anypermanent closure of a plant, facility, orenterprise;or
Isemployedatafacilitywheretheemployerhas made a general announcement that thefacilitywillclosewithin180days;or
Wasself-employedbutisunemployedasaresultofgeneraleconomicconditions;or
Isadisplacedhomemaker.
IntensiveservicesundertheDislocatedWorkerProgramareavailabletodislocatedworkers who are unemployed or employed, havereceived at least one core service,and are unable to obtainemployment or retain employmentthat leads to self-sufficiency.
Training services may be made
available to employed andunemployed dislocated workers whohave met the eligibility criteria underintensive services, have received atleast one intensive service, and havebeen determined to be unable toobtain or retain employment throughsuch services.
For more information, contact your local
Michigan Works! Agency
1-800-285-WORK
www.michiganworks.org
Apprenticeship Programs forDischarged VeteransU.S. Department of Labor
Office of ApprenticeshipThe web site lists sponsored apprenticeship
programs.Apprenticeshipprogramsaresponsored and operated on a voluntary basis by
individual employers, employer associations, orpartnerships between employers and laborunions. The data is updated on a monthly basis.It is presented by state and county, withoccupations in alphabetical order, followed bythe employers who have a registered programfor that occupation.
Visitwww.doleta.gov/oa.
Helmets to HardhatsHelmetstoHardhatsisafreeprogramthat
helps transitioning military, guardsmen, andreservists find great careers. The program, whichispartiallyfundedbyCongress,workswithbuilding and construction trade unions andqualified employers to list construction careersand all other types of careers in the construction
industry.Hereyoucanlistyourskillsonline to be viewed by potentialemployers and view employmentand training opportunitiesthroughouttheU.S.Visit
www.helmetstohardhats.org.
employmenT
contactyoUrlocalemployment servIce
agencyorthe
veteranshotlIneat
1-800-455-5228toreachaveterans
representatIveforassIstanceInjob-hUntIng.
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employmenT
TheMichiganWorks!systemisopentoeveryone for information gathering, local andstate labor market information, and self-serve
career information, including necessary skilllevelsforgoodjobs.Specialattentionisgiventomeeting the needs of veterans and people with
disabilities. Each Michigan Works! ServiceCenter has a Veterans EmploymentRepresentative or Disabled VeteransOutreach Worker responsible for assisting
veterans with their employment needs.
Thelabormarketexchangecomponent is called the Michigan Talent Bank.TheTalentBankcanbeaccessedby
calling 1-800-285-WORK (9675), online atwww.michworks.org,oratanyoftheMichiganWorks!ServiceCentersthroughoutMichigan.
Opportunities forVeterans Employment
TheVeteransServicesDivisionoftheMichiganDepartmentofCareerDevelopmentpromotesalaborexchangesystemfocusedonidentifyingandservingveteransseparatingtoMichiganforemployment opportunities that match their
qualifications and career interests, whilesimultaneously meeting the staffing needs of the
business community in our state. The division
provides returning veterans with detailed
information about rights, benefits, and privilegesto which veterans are entitled in the state andfederalgovernment.VeteranServiceSpecialistsare available to assist with employment,education, and training needs and to help with
licensing and credentialing.
Toll-free: 1-800-455-5228www.michigan.gov/veteranjobs
Unemployment Compensation
Veterans who do not begin civilianemployment immediately after leaving military
service may receive weekly unemployment
compensation for a limited time.
How to File Your Claim
By Internet: To file your new unemployment
claim or to reopen an established claim through
the Internet, visitwww.michigan.gov/uiafrom7:00a.m.Mondayto7:00p.m.Saturday(EasternTime).
By Phone: To file your new claim or to
reopen a claim through a toll-free telephonenumber, call 1-866-500-0017 using a touch-tonetelephone. TTY callers may use 1-866-366-0004.
Usethecall-inschedule(seebelow)whenfiling by telephone. The schedule is based on thelasttwodigitsofyourSocialSecuritynumber.Forexample,ifyourSocialSecuritynumberendsin50,youwouldphoneinyourapplicationonTuesday afternoon.
Time M T W Th & F
8:00am- 12:30pm 00-15 34-48 67-81 OPEN
12:30pm- CALL-IN 4:30pm 16-33 49-66 82-99
You can also sign up for unemployment
benefitsbyvisitinganyoftheMichiganWorks!offices and using one of the computer stations.MichiganWorks!EmployeesorVeteransEmploymentRepresentativesareavailabletogive
you additional help if you need it.
In many cases, once you have signed up for
unemployment benefits, you will also need toregisterintheMichiganTalentBank.Here,you
will create a resume that is searchable by
employers who are registered to use the
MichiganTalentBank.
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Information Needed to File a Claim: Tofileaclaim,youwillneedyourSocialSecuritynumber,yourdriverslicensenumberorstateidentificationnumberoryourMARVINPIN(ifyouhaveone),acopyofyourDD-214,andthenames and addresses of employers you haveworkedforinthepast18months,alongwithyour quarterly gross earnings and the last date ofemployment with each employer. If you are not aU.S.citizenornational,youwillneedyourAlienRegistrationNumberandtheexpirationdateofyourworkauthorization.
If you have general questions aboutunemployment benefits, or if you have a
questionaboutyourClaimsbyMailapplication,call the Telephone File Claim at 1-866-500-0017weekdaysfrom7:00a.m.to7:00p.m.
Rights to Employment Services
Aspecialphonenumberforveteranshasbeenestablished to voice your concerns related toemploymentandtraining.Call1-800-455-5228if you need more information or feel you are notreceiving the employment or training services
you are entitled to. Veterans employment
specialists are also available throughout the stateat Michigan Works! Service Centers or visit
www.michigan.gov/veteranjobs.
Re-Employment Rights for Veterans
In2002,theMichiganLegislatureenactedalawtostrengthentheMichiganlawregardingre-employment of employees after militaryservice.Theactprioritizedtheemploymentpositions in which a person would bere-employed following active service. The actspecifies that the person is entitled to theseniority and the seniority-based rights andbenefits he or she would have otherwise beenentitled to, as well as other rights provided toemployees on a leave of absence. Under certaincircumstances, a person may not be entitledtore-employmentunderthelaw.Statere-employment rights, when superior or in
addition to federal rights, are not superseded ordiminished by federal law.
For more information and to speak to a
Veterans Employment Representative, call1-877-808-VETS.
Veterans Preference for State Jobs
The Michigan Civil Service Commissionhasinformationonstatejobs.TheCivilServiceCommissionprovidesforaveteranshiringpreference through rules adopted by thecommission.(Rule3-8providesforapreferenceforaneligibleveteranorspouseofaveteran.)
Aqualifyingveteran,includingretirees,and/or
spousemustregisterwiththeDepartmentofCivilServiceusingformCS-1791,andincludetherequired documentation.
Michigan Rehabilitation Services
Veterans with disabilities should also look intotheStateofMichiganRehabilitationServicesprogramadministeredbytheMichiganDepartmentofLicensingandRegulatoryAffairs.ServicesmaybeavailabletosupplementUSDVAallowances for vocational rehabilitation in cases of
special need or for vocational rehabilitation,guidance,andcounseling.Employmentservicesmay also be available to veterans whose disabilitiesare not service-related.
For more information:Toll-Free: 1-800-605-6722TTY: 1-888-605-6722
www.michigan.gov/mrs
Service-Disabled VeteranBusiness Owners
Service-disabledveteranbusinessownersmaybeeligiblefora10%pricingpreferencewhenbiddingforcertainStateGovernmentPurchase ContractsunderMCL18.1261and forcertainStateconstruction contracts underMCL18.1241.
For more information, contact 517-335-4770 or517-373-8530.
employmenT
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HealTH Care
Health Care and HospitalBenefits Federal ProgramsFormostveterans,entryintotheV.A.health
care system begins by applying for enrollment.
To apply,completeV.A.Form10-10EZ,ApplicationforHealthBenefits,whichmaybeobtainedfromanyV.A.healthcarefacilityorregional benefits office, and online at:
www.1010ez.med.va.gov/sec/vha/1010ez/
or by calling 1-877-222-VETS (8387). Onceenrolled, veterans can receive health care atV.A.healthcarefacilitiesanywhereinthecountry.
If you have questions about your health careeligibility, call your nearest health care facilityor the Health Benefits Service Centerat 1-877-222-8387 to obtain the latestinformation.
Financial AssessmentVeterans who want to enroll in a priority
group based on their inability to defray thecostoftheircaremustprovidetheV.A.withinformation on their annual income and net
worth to determine whether they are belowthe annually adjusted means test financialthreshold.Aveteranshouseholdincome and net worth, such as the market valueof certain realproperty,stocks, bonds,notes, individual
retirementaccounts, bankdeposits, savingsaccounts, andcash, areconsidered
when makingthis financialassessment.
Services Requiring Co-Payments
Someveteransmustmakeco-paymentstoreceiveV.A.healthcare.Theseinclude:
Inpatientcareforveteransmayrequireco-pays depending on their income andservice-connected disability status.
Extended-careservicemayrequireco-paysbasedoneachveteransfinancialsituation.
Medicationusuallyrequiresan$8or$9co-payforeach30-daysupplyorlessofmedicationprovidedbyV.A.foracondition that is not service-connected.
Outpatientcareusesathree-tieredco-paysystem.Theco-payis$15foraprimarycarevisitand$50forsomespecializedcare.Certainservicesdonotrequire a co-pay.
Overseas Benefits
V.A.willpayformedicalservicesforthe
treatment of service-connected disabilitiesand related conditions for veterans living ortravelingoutsidetheUnitedStates.Beforeusing the program, veterans living in thePhilippinesshouldregisterwiththeV.A.officeinPasayCity,phone011-632-838-4566 ore-mail at [email protected] veterans living or planning to traveloutsidetheU.S.shouldregisterwiththe
Denver Foreign Medical Program OfficeP.O.Box469061,Denver,CO80246-9061,USA
Phone:303-331-7590
Nursing Home Care
NursingcareinV.A.,state,orcommunitynursing homes may be provided for veterans
who are not acutely ill and not in need ofhospital care. Veterans generally must bemedically stable, have a condition that requiresinpatient nursing home care, and be assessed
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to be in need of nursing home care by an
appropriate medical provider. They also must
meet the eligibility requirements for the home towhichtheyareapplying.ForV.A.nursinghomes,theymayhavetopayaco-payment.V.A.socialworkersatlocalV.A.medicalcenterscanhelpinterpret eligibility and co-payment requirements.
Aid and Attendance for
Housebound Benefits
AveteranwhoisdeterminedbyV.A.tobeinneed of the regular aid and attendance of
another person, or a veteran who is permanently
housebound, may be entitled to additional
disabilitycompensationorpensionpayments.Aveteranevaluatedat30percentormoredisabledis entitled to receive an additional payment for a
spouse who is in need of the aid and attendance
of another person.
For more information on applying for this
assistance, visitwww.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Pension/vetpen.htm or call 1-800-827-1000.
Mental Health Residential
Rehabilitation Treatment Program
Mental Health Residential RehabilitationTreatment Programs (MH RRTP)(includingDomiciliaryRRTPs)providesresidentialrehabilitative and clinical care to eligible veterans
who have a wide range of problems, illnesses, or
rehabilitative care needs which can be medical,
psychiatric, substance use, homelessness,
vocational, educational, or social.
TheMHRRTPprovidesa24-hourtherapeuticsettingutilizingamilieuofpeerandprofessional
support. The programs provide a strong emphasison psychosocial rehabilitation and recovery
services that instill personal responsibility to
achieve optimal levels of independence upon
discharge to independent or supportivecommunityliving.MHRRTPalsoprovidesrehabilitative care for veterans who are homeless.Callyournearestbenefitsofficeorhealthcarefacility to obtain the latest information.
Medication
Non-service-connectedveteransinPriorityGroups7and8arecharged$9foreach30-dayor
lesssupplyofmedicationprovidedbyV.A.fortreatment of non-service-connected conditions.VeteransenrolledinPriorityGroups2through6arecharged$8foreach30-dayorlesssupplyofmedication;themaximumco-payformedicationsthatwillbechargedincalendaryear2010is$960for non-service-connected medications. Thefollowing groups of veterans are not chargedmedication co-pays: veterans with a service-connecteddisabilityof50percentormore;
veterans receiving medication for service-connectedconditions;veteranswhoseannualincomedoesnotexceedthemaximumannualrateoftheV.A.pension;veteranswhoaredeterminedtobeCatastrophicallyDisabled;veteransenrolledinPriorityGroup6whoreceivemedicationundertheirspecialauthority;
veterans receiving medication for conditionsrelatedtosexualtraumarelatedtoserviceonactiveduty;certainveteransreceivingmedicationfortreatmentofcanceroftheheadorneck;veteransreceivingmedicationforaVA-approvedresearchproject;andformerPOWs.
Outpatient Dental Treatment
OutpatientdentaltreatmentprovidedbyV.A.includesexaminationsandthefullspectrumofdiagnostic, surgical, restorative, and preventiveprocedures. The following veterans may receivecare:
haveaservice-connectedcompensabledentaldisabilityorcondition;
areaformerprisonerofwar;
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haveservice-connecteddisabilitiesrated100%disablingorareunemployableduetoservice-connectedconditions;
areparticipatinginaV.A.vocationalrehabilitationprogram;
haveaservice-connectedand/ornoncompensable dental condition ordisabilitythatexistedatthetimeofdischarge or release from a period of activedutyof90daysormoreduringthePersianGulfWarera;
haveaservice-connectednoncompensabledental condition or disability resulting fromcombatwoundsorservicetrauma;
haveadentalconditionclinicallydeterminedbyV.A.tobecurrentlyaggravatingaservice-connectedmedicalcondition;
arereceivingoutpatientcareorarescheduled for inpatient care and requiredental care for a condition complicating amedical condition currently undertreatment;and
certainveteransenrolledinV.A.HomelessProgramfor60consecutivedaysormore.
For more information, call theV.A. Health
Centertoll-free at 1-877-222-8387.
V.A. Disability CompensationV.A.disabilitycompensationisamonetary
benefit paid to veterans who are disabled byinjury or disease incurred or aggravated duringactive military service. The service of the veteranmust have been terminated through separationor discharge under conditions that were otherthandishonorable.Disabilitycompensation
varies with the degree of disability and thenumber of dependents, and is paid monthly.
Veterans with disability ratings between30percentand100percentareeligibleforallowances for a spouse and for each minor child,child18-23yearsofageattendingschool,childifdisabledbefore18yearsofage,anddependentparent. The amount depends on the disabilityrating.
V.A. Disability Compensation 2011
V.A.offersthreemethodsforreceivingdisabilitybenefitpayments.Mostveteransreceive
their disability benefit payments by direct deposit
to a bank, savings and loan or credit union
account. Other veterans may still be receiving
benefits by paper check. Veterans also have the
option of receiving their benefits via a prepaid
debit card, even if they do not have a bank
account. There is no credit check, no minimumbalance required, and basic services are free.
To sign up for the Debit Card Program, call1-888-544-6347.
Pensions
Veterans with low incomes who are
permanentlyandtotallydisabled,orareage65
and older, may be eligible for monetary support
iftheyhave90daysormoreofactivemilitary
service, at least one day of which was during aperiodofwar.(VeteranswhoenteredactivedutyonorafterSeptember8,1980,orofficerswhoenteredactivedutyonorafterOctober16,1981,
may have to meet a longer minimum period of
activeduty.)Theveteransdischargemusthave
been under conditions other than dishonorable
and their disability must be for reasons other
thantheirownwillfulmisconduct.Paymentsare
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Disability Percentage Monthly Payment
10percent $0.123 20percent 243
30percent 376
40percent 541
50percent 770
60percent 974
70percent 1,228
80percent 1,427
90percent 1,604
100percent 2,673Figures may be adjusted annually for inflation.
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madetobringtheveteranstotalincome,includingotherretirementorSocialSecurityincome,toalevelsetbyCongress.UnreimbursedmedicalexpensesmayreducecountableincomeforV.A.purposes.
Social Security Benefits forMilitary Personnel
Monthlyretirement,disabilityandsurvivorbenefitsunderSocialSecurityarepayableto
veterans and dependents if the veteran has
earned enough work credits under the program.
Upontheveteransdeath,aone-timepaymentof$255alsomaybemadetotheveteransspouse
or child. In addition, a veteran may qualify at age65forMedicareshospitalinsuranceandmedicalinsurance.MedicareprotectionisavailabletopeoplewhohavereceivedSocialSecuritydisabilitybenefitsfor24months,andtoinsuredpeople and their dependents who need dialysis
or kidney transplants, or who have amyotrophic
lateralsclerosis(morecommonlyknownasLouGehrigsdisease).
Those65orolderandthosewhoareblindor
otherwise disabled may be eligible for monthlySupplementalSecurityIncome(SSI)paymentsiftheyhavelittleornoincomeorresources.States
may supplement the federal payments to eligible
persons and may disregard additional income.
For more information, call 1-800-772-1213or visitwww.socialsecurity.gov.
Veterans with disabilities may wish to contact
Disability Network/Michigan for advice onindependent living issues.
517-339-0539 orwww.dnmichigan.org.
Gulf War, Depleted Uranium,Agent Orange, and Ionizing RadiationRegistry Programs
V.A.hasdevelopeddatabasescalledregistriestohelpanalyzethetypeofhealthconditionsbeing reported by veterans who served in the
GulfWarandOperationIraqiFreedom;wereexposedtodepleteduranium;claimexposuretoAgentOrangeduringtheVietnamWar(between1962and1975),whileservinginKoreabetweenApril1968andAugust31,1971,orotherexposurewhiletesting,transporting,orsprayingherbicides;claimexposuretoatomicradiation;orweretreatedwithnasopharyngeal(NP)radium during military service. Veterans wishingtoparticipateshouldcontactthenearestV.A.healthcarefacilityforanexamination.
Home Improvements andStructural Alterations Program
TheHomeImprovementsandStructuralAlterationsProgramprovidesfundingforeligibleveterans to make home improvements necessary
for the continuation of treatment or for disability
access to the home and essential lavatory and
sanitaryfacilities.Homeimprovementbenefitsupto$4,100forservice-connectedreasonsandupto$1,200fornonservice-connectedreasonsmay be provided. For application information,
contact the prosthetic representative at the
nearestV.A.medicalcenteroroutpatientclinic
(seepage21).
Health Care and HospitalBenefits State of Michigan
Michigan Veterans Homes
AunitoftheMichiganDepartmentofMilitaryandVeteransAffairs,theGrand Rapids Homefor Veteransprovidesphysiciancare;skillednursingcareservices;socialworkcare;nutritionalcare;physical,occupational,speech,andrehabilitationtherapyprograms;andprogramsforAlzheimersandspecialneedscarefor qualified disabled veterans.
Asecondveteranshome,theD.J. JacobettiHome for Veterans,islocatedinMarquette.ThisUpperPeninsulahomeprovidesphysiciancoverage for a variety of services as well as
additional services on a fee-for-service basis.
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The home has a domiciliary unit, skilled nursingcare, basic nursing care, and a special needs unitfor qualified disabled veterans. For moreinformation, you may wish to contact theGrand Rapids Home for Veterans directly at1-800-642-4838 or the D.J. Jacobetti Homefor Veterans at 1-800-433-6760.
You may also contact theVeterans AffairsDirectorate of the Michigan Department ofMilitary and Veterans Affairs or visit
www.michigan.gov/veterans.
Women Veterans Health Care
AteachV.A.MedicalCenternationwide,aWomenVeteransProgramManagerisdesignatedtoadviseandadvocateforwomenveterans.Shecan help coordinate all the services you mayneed,fromprimarycaretospecializedcareforchronic conditions or reproductive health.
WomanveteranswhoareinterestedinreceivingcareatV.A.shouldcontactthenearestV.A.MedicalCenterandaskfortheWomenVeteransProgramManager.
V.A.healthcareforwomenveteransincludes
PrimaryCareincludinggeneralhealthcare,suchas disease prevention, smoking cessation,substance abuse, and gender-specific primarycare;mentalhealthcare;andmilitarysexualtrauma counseling.
Specialtycareincludesscreeningforchronicconditions, reproductive health care, andrehabilitation, homebound and long-term care.
For more information:www.womenshealth.va.gov/.
Counseling
Veterans may need help after they returnhome from war. Friends and family who have notsharedsimilarexperiencesmaybeunabletounderstand how they can help. There areresources that veterans have available to helpcope with the impact of war once back home.Families who have lost loved ones in the military
mayalsoexperiencegriefbeyondtheirabilitytocopewithalone.Helpisavailableforthesefamilymembers as well.
TheDepartmentofVeteransAffairsprovidesreadjustment counseling services throughcommunity-basedVetCenters.Thiscounselingisdesigned to help combat veterans readjust tocivilianlife.Programsareavailableaddressingmilitarysexualtrauma,post-traumaticstressdisorder, or help with any other military-related
issue that affects functioning within the family,
work, school, or other areas of everyday life,
among other programs.
If you are a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom
(OIF)orOperationEnduringFreedom(OEF),youmaywishtocontacttheOIF/OEFProgramTeamatanearbyV.A.MedicalCentertoassistyouinnavigatingthetransitiontoV.A.care.
Veterans who served on active duty in a combattheaterduringWorldWarII,theKoreanWar,theVietnamWar,thePersianGulfWar,orotherspecific campaigns including current campaignsinIraq,AfghanistanandtheGlobalWaronTerrormay be eligible.
Veterans may wish to contact the nearestVetCenteror visitwww.vetcenter.va.gov.
VeteranseligibleforV.A.medicalcaremayapplyforsubstanceabusetreatment.ContactthenearestV.A.medicalfacilitytoapply(seepage21).
Veteransexperiencinganemotionalcrisisorwhoneed to talk to a trained mental health professional
may call the National Suicide toll-free HOTLINEnumber, 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The hotline isavailable24hoursaday,sevendaysaweek.Callers
are immediately connected with a qualified andcaring provider who can help.
Bereavement Counseling is available to allfamily members including spouses, children,
parents, and siblings of service members who
died while on active duty. Information is available
by calling (202) 461-6530.
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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
AccordingtotheNationalCenterforPost-TraumaticStressDisorder,theconditionknown
asPost-TraumaticStressDisorder,orPTSD,isananxietydisorderthatcanoccurfollowingtheexperienceorwitnessingoflife-threateningevents such as military combat, natural disasters,
terrorist incidents, serious accidents, or violent
personalassaultslikerape.Mostsurvivorsoftrauma return to normal given a little time.
However,somepeoplewillhavestressreactionsthat do not go away on their own, or may even
get worse over time. These individuals may
developPTSD.PeoplewhosufferfromPTSD
oftenrelivetheexperiencethroughnightmaresand flashbacks, have difficulty sleeping, and feel
detached or estranged, and these symptoms can
be severe enough and last long enough to
significantlyimpairthepersonsdailylife.
PTSDismarkedbyclearbiologicalchangesaswellaspsychologicalsymptoms.PTSDis
complicated by the fact that it frequently occurs
in conjunction with related disorders such as
depression, substance abuse, problems of
memory and cognition, and other problems ofphysical and mental health. The disorder is alsoassociatedwithimpairmentofthepersonsability to function in social or family life,
including occupational instability, marital
problems and divorces, family discord, and
difficulties in parenting.
About30percentofthemenandwomenwhohavespenttimeinwarzonesexperiencePTSD.Anadditional20to25percenthavehadpartialPTSDatsomepointintheirlives.Morethanhalfof all male Vietnam veterans and almost half of all
femaleVietnamveteranshaveexperiencedclinically serious stress reaction symptoms.
PTSDhasalsobeendetectedamongveteransoftheGulfWar,withsomeestimatesrunningashighas8percent.
The National Center for Post-TraumaticStress Disorderweb site iswww.ptsd.va.gov.
If you are a veteran or a spouse of a veteran who
wantstolearnmoreaboutPost-TraumaticStress,youmaycallyournearestV.A.medicalfacility(seepage21)orcontactoneoftheMichigan
Vet Centers listed below:
Dearborn Vet Center2881MonroeStreet,Suite100Dearborn,MI48124
313-277-1428
Detroit Vet Center4161CassAvenueDetroit,MI48201
313-831-6509
Escanaba Vet Center3500LudingtonStreet,Suite110 Escanaba,MI49829
906-233-0244
Grand Rapids Vet Center2050BretonRoad,SE,Suite100 GrandRapids,MI49546
616-285-5795
Pontiac Vet Center44200WoodwardAvenue
Pontiac,MI48341248-874-1015
Saginaw Vet Center4048BayRoadSaginaw,MI48603989-321-4650
Traumatic Brain Injury
TraumaticBrainInjury(TBI)isawound
caused by direct or indirect involvement with an
improvisedexplosivedevice(IED),attacksbymortars, grenades, bullets, car accidents, or falls.It is sometimes called the invisible wound
because the injury can be sustained withoutvisibleexternalwounds.TheextentofdamagefromTBImightnotberealizeduntilafterthesoldier,Marine,airman,orsailorisbackhome.Further,thesymptomsmaynotberecognizedasTBIandmayevenbeconfusedwithPTSD.
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The Brain Injury Association of Michigan(BIAMI) works to improve the lives of thoseaffected by brain injury through education,advocacy, research, and local support groups.In2007,BIAMIcreatedaVeteransProgramtospecifically help veterans returning from IraqandAfghanistanwithTBI.Contact1-800-772-4323 orwww.biami.org.
TheMichiganTBIwebsiteis www.michigan.gov/tbi
Homeless VeteransV.A.providescomprehensivemedical,
psychological and rehabilitation treatment foreligible homeless veterans and conducts
homeless outreach such as community-basedstand downs to help homeless veterans.
The V.A. Health Care for HomelessVeterans (HCHV) Program provides a gatewaytoV.A.andcommunitysupportiveservicesforeligible veterans.
The National Call Center for HomelessVeterans(NCCHV)assistshomelessveterans,at-risk veterans, their families and other
interested parties with linkages to appropriateV.A.andcommunity-basedresources.ThecallcenterprovidestrainedV.A.staffmembers24hoursaday,sevendaysaweekthatassessacallersneedsandconnectthemtoappropriateresources. The call center can be accessed by
dialing 1-877-4AID VET (1-877-424-3838).
The Housing and Urban Development -Veterans Affairs Supported Housing(HUD-VASH) Program provides permanent housingand ongoing case management for eligiblehomeless veterans who would not be able to live
independently without the support of casemanagement.
Through the Supportive Services forLow-Income Veterans Program,V.A.aimstoimproveverylow-incomeveteranfamilieshousing stability by providing supportive servicesto very low-income veteran families in or
transitioningtopermanenthousing.V.A.fundscommunity-basedorganizationstoprovideeligible veteran families with outreach, case
managementandassistanceinobtainingV.A.andother benefits.
InV.A.s Compensated Work Therapy/Transitional Residence (CWT/TR) Program,disadvantaged, at-risk, and homeless veterans live
inCWT/TRcommunity-basedsupervisedgrouphomeswhileworkingforpayinV.A.sCWTProgram,tolearnnewjobskills,relearnsuccessful work habits, and regain a sense of self-
esteem and self-worth.
The Healthcare for Re-Entry Veterans(HCRV) Program offers outreach, referrals andshort-term case management assistance for
incarcerated veterans who may be at risk for
homelessness upon their release. For assistance,
contactthenearestV.A.medicalfacility,call1-800-827-1000, or visitwww.va.gov/homelesstofindcontactinformationonV.A.homeless
veteran coordinators in each state.
If you are in immediate need of shelter, please
call the Department of Human Services
Hotline at 1-800-A-SHELTER (1-800-274-3583).They will arrange for a temporary emergency
shelter or motel stay.
Veterans Housing Program Volunteers of America
VolunteersofAmericaMichiganisthelargestcontract provider of veterans services in the
Lansingregion.VolunteersofAmericaMichiganoperates three programs for homeless veterans:
theVeteransDormitoryProgram(VDP),theVeteransHousingProgram(VHP),andtheVeteransReintegrationProgram(VRP).Nearlyone in three homeless men are armed services
veterans. These programs provide needed, life-
changing opportunities for homeless veterans.
Eighty-threepercentoftheveteransthat
complete the programs return to independent
living.
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TheVeterans Housing Program (VHP) isan18-monthprogramthatoffershousingandcomplete clinical services including casemanagement;individualandgroupcounseling;substanceabusetreatment;medicalcare;budgetingassistance;jobinterviewingandplacement;angermanagement;andrecreationalopportunities in a therapeutic community settingfor40homelessveterans.
For more information about theVeteransHousing Program, please contact:
Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness15851S.OldUS-27Building30,Suite315
Lansing,MI48906Phone:517-485-6536Fax:517-485-6682E-mail:[email protected]
www.mihomeless.org
Lansing Shelter SystemProgramCoordinator430N.LarchStreet
Lansing,MI48912Phone:517-484-4414Toll-Free: 1-877-509-8387
Michigan Volunteers of AmericaHousing Department21415CivicCenterDrive,Suite210Southfield,MI48076Phone:248-945-0101
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Alpena180N.StateAvenue497071-800-649-4812
Ann Arbor2215FullerRoad481051-800-361-8387
Battle Creek5500ArmstrongRoad49037
1-888-214-1247
Benton Harbor115MainStreet49022269-934-9123
Clare11775N.IsabellaRoad486171-800-649-4812
Detroit4646JohnRStreet482011-800-511-8056
FlintG-2360S.LindenRoad48532810-720-2913
Gaylord806SouthOtsego497351-800-649-4812
Grand Rapids3019CoitStreet,N.E.49505616-365-9575
Hancock
787MarketStreet
QuincyCenter,
Suite949930-1495
906-482-7762
Iron Mountain
325EastHStreet49801
1-800-215-8262
Ironwood
629W.CloverlandDrive
Suite149938
906-932-0032
Lansing
2025S.Washington48910
517-267-3925
Manistique
813E.LakeshoreDrive49854
906-341-3420
Marquette
1414W.FairAvenue
Suite28549855
906-226-4618
Menominee
110110thAvenue
Suite10149858
906-863-1286
Michigan Center (Jackson)4328PageAvenue49254517-764-3609
Muskegon165E.AppleAvenueSuite20149442231-725-4105
Oscoda
5671SkeelAvenueSuite4487501-800-649-4812
Pontiac44200WoodwardAvenueSuite20848341248-332-4540
Saginaw1500WeissStreet486021-800-406-5143
Sault Ste. Marie
509OsbornBoulevardSuite30649783906-253-9383
Traverse City3271RacquetClubDrive496841-800-649-4812
Yale7470BrockwayDrive48097810-387-3211
Michigan V.A. Medical Facilities and Outpatient ClinicsVariousU.S.DepartmentofVeteransAffairsmedicalfacilitiesoperateinMichigan.
They are listed below by the city in which they are located.
Grand Rapids Home for Veterans3000MonroeAvenue,N.W.GrandRapids,MI49505616-364-5300 1-800-642-4838
D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans425FisherMarquette,MI49855906-226-3576 1-800-433-6760
The State of Michigan operates two veterans homes at the following locations:
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Home loans
anD Tax CreDiTs
Federal Benefits Home Loan GuarantiesVeteransAffairsloanguarantiesmaybe
made to eligible service members, veterans,
reservists, and unmarried surviving spouses for
the purchase of homes, condominiums, and
manufactured homes and for refinancingloans.Applicantsmusthaveagoodcreditrating,
have an income sufficient to support mortgagepayments, and agree to live in the property.
A V.A. loan guarantycan be used to:
Buyorbuildahome;
Buyaresidentialcondominium;
Buyaresidentialcooperativehousingunit;
Repair,alter,orimproveahome;
Refinanceanexistinghomeloan;
Buyamanufacturedhomewithorwithoutalot;
Installasolarheatingorcoolingsystemor other energy-efficient improvements.
Service Eligibility
Applicationsinvolvingotherthanhonorabledischarges will usually require furtherdevelopmentbyV.A.
Service during:
WWII 09/16/40to07/25/47
PostWWII 07/26/47to06/26/50
Korean 06/27/50to01/31/55
PostKorean 02/01/55to08/04/64Vietnam 08/05/64to05/07/75;or beginning
02/28/61forveteranswhoservedinRepublicofVietnam
PostVietnam 05/8/75to08/1/90
PersianGulfEra 08/02/90todatetobe determined
IfservicewasbetweenSeptember8,1980 (October16,1981,forofficers)andAugust1,
1990,veteransmustgenerallycomplete 24monthsofcontinuousactivedutyserviceorthefullperiod(atleast181days)forwhichthey were called or ordered to active duty, and
be discharged under conditions other thandishonorable(24-monthrule).
Veteranswhoservedfewerthan181daysmaybe eligible if discharged for a service-connecteddisability.
VeteransoftheGulfWareramustgenerallycomplete24monthsofcontinuousactiveduty
orthefullperiod(atleast90days)forwhichthey were called to active duty, and be
discharged under conditions other thandishonorable.
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Home loansanD Tax CreDiTs
Exceptionsareallowediftheveterancompletedatleast90daysofactivedutybutwasdischargedearlierthan24monthsfor:
hardship; theconvenienceofthegovernment;
reduction-in-force;
certainmedicalconditions;or
service-connected disability.
ReservistsandNationalGuardmembersare eligibleiftheywereactivatedafterAugust1,1990,servedatleast90days,andreceivedanhonorable discharge.
UntiltheGulfWareraisended,personson
activedutyareeligibleafterserving90continuousdays.
AfundingfeemustbepaidtoV.A.unlesstheveteranisexemptfromsuchafeebecauseheorshereceivesV.A.disabilitycompensation.Thefeemay be paid in cash or included in the loan.ClosingcostssuchasV.A.appraisal,creditreport,loan processing fee, title search, title insurance,recordingfees,transfertaxes,surveycharges,orhazardinsurancemaynotbeincludedintheloan.
V.A. Assistance to Veterans in Default:V.A.urgesallveteranswhoareencounteringproblems making their mortgage payments tospeak with their servicers as soon as possible toexploreoptionstoavoidforeclosure.Contrarytopopular opinion, servicers do not want toforeclose because foreclosure costs a lot ofmoney.Dependingonaveteransspecific situation, servicers may offerany of the following options to avoidforeclosure:
RepaymentPlan
SpecialForbearance
LoanModification
ShortSale
Deed-in-LieuofForeclosure
Iftheloanservicerisunabletohelp,theV.A.hasloantechniciansineightRegionalLoanCentersandtwospecialservicingcenterswhotakeanactiveroleexploringalloptionstoavoidforeclosure. Veterans withV.A.-guaranteedhome loans can call 1-877-827-3702 to reachthenearestV.A.officewhereloanspecialistsareprepared to discuss potential ways to help save
theloan.Veteranswithnon-V.A.-guaranteedloansmayalsocallthisnumber.However,V.A.doesnothave the legal authority to intervene on a non-V.A.-guaranteedborrowersbehalf.
Veteran borrrowers may also be able torequestreliefpursuanttotheServicemembers
CivilReliefAct(SCRA).
Specially Adapted Homes
Certainveteranswithservice-connecteddisabilitiesmaybeentitledtoagrantfromV.A.toassist in either building a new specially adapted
home, adapting a home they already own, or in
purchasinganexistinghometomodifyandremodel to meet their disability-related
requirements(a702HousingGrant).
V.A.mayapproveagrantofnotmorethan50percentofthecostofbuilding,buying,oradaptingexistinghomesorpayingtoreduceindebtedness on a previously owned home thatisbeingadapted,uptoamaximumof$63,780.Incertain instances, the full grant may be applied
toward remodeling costs.
contactthe
mIchIgan Departmentof treasUryfor
fUrtherInformatIon
onthe
homesteaD
property tax creDIt.
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life insuranCe
Veterans Group
Life Insurance (VGLI)
Activedutymembersandreservistsof
uniformed services are automatically insured
for$400,000undertheServicemembersGroup
LifeInsurance(SGLI).Alsoavailableis
traumatic injury group life insurance and family
coverage.
SGLImaybeconvertedtoVeteransGroup
LifeInsuranceincertaincases: Full-timeSGLIcoverageuponrelease
from active duty or the reserves.
Part-timeSGLIcoverageforveterans
who incur a disability or aggravate a
pre-existingdisabilityduringa
period of active duty or a period of
inactivedutyforlessthan31daysthat
renders them uninsurable at standard
premium rates.
MembersoftheIndividualReadyReserve
andInactiveNationalGuard.
IndividualsentitledtoSGLIcoveragecan
converttoVGLIbysubmittingthepremium
within120daysofseparatingfromactiveduty
orthereserves.After121days,theindividual
maybegrantedVGLIprovidedinitialpremium
and evidence of insurability are submitted
within one year after termination of the
veteransSGLIcoverage.BeginningonOctober1,2011,currentVGLI
policyholderswhoareundertheageof60and
arenotinsuredbythemaximumamountof
VGLIasprescribedbylawwillhavean
opportunitytoincreasetheirVGLIcoverageby
$25,000,onceevery5years.
ServicememberswhoaretotallydisabledatthetimeofseparationareeligibleforfreeSGLIDisabilityExtensionofuptotwoyears.TheymustapplytotheOfficeofServicemembersGroupLifeinsurance(OSGLI).
ThosecoveredundertheSGLIDisabilityExtensionareautomaticallyconvertedtoVGLIattheendoftheirextensionperiod.VGLIisconvertible at any time to a permanent plan
policy with any participating commercial
insurance company.VGLIpolicyholderswhoareterminallyill
(prognosisofninemonthsorlesstolive)havea one-time option of requesting up to50percentoftheircoverageamount(inincrementsof$5,000)paidinadvance.
SpousalanddependentcoveragecannotatpresentbecarriedoverintotheVeteransGroupLifeInsuranceprogram;however,spouses have the option of converting their
coverage to a private life insurance policy withaparticipatingcompanywithin120daysoftheservice member leaving active duty or if theservicememberdropstheprimarySGLIcoverage.
Service-Disabled VeteransInsurance (S-DVI)
Individuals with service-connected
disabilities but who are otherwise in goodhealthmayapplytoV.A.forupto$10,000inlife
insurance coverage at standard insurance rateswithin two years from the date of being notified
of an original service-connected status(increasesofpre-existingratingsalonedonotqualify).
This coverage is limited to veterans who leftserviceafterApril24,1951.
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Veterans who are totally disabled may apply for
a waiver of premiums and additionalsupplemental insurance coverage of up to$30,000.However,premiumscannotbewaivedon the additional supplemental insurance. To beeligible for this type of supplemental insurance,veteransmustbeunderage65,beeligibleforawaiver of premiums due to total disability, and
apply for additional insurance within one yearfrom the date of notification of waiver approvalontheS-DVIpolicy.
Veterans Mortgage Life Insurance(VMLI)
Themaximumamountofmortgagelifeinsurance available for those granted a speciallyadaptedhousinggrantis$150,000.ThemaximumcoveragewillincreaseonJanuary1,2012to$200,000.Protectionisautomatic,unlessthe
veteran declines.
PremiumsareautomaticallydeductedfromV.A.benefit payments or paid direct, if the veteran
does not draw compensation and will continue
until the mortgage has been liquidated, or the
home is sold.
Ifamortgageisdisposedof,VMLImaybeobtained on the mortgage of another home.
Paymentistothecurrentmortgagelender.
Assistance With GovernmentLife Insurance Programs
CalltheV.A. Insurance CenterinPhiladelphiatoll-free,1-800-669-8477 or visit
www.insurance.va.gov.Specialistsareavailablebetweenthehoursof8:30a.m.and6p.m.,
EasternTime,todiscusspremiumpayments,insurance dividends, changes of address, policyloans, naming beneficiaries and reporting thedeathoftheinsured.Afterhours,acallermayleave a recorded message, to be answered on thenextworkday.
If the policy number is unknown, send theveteransV.A.filenumber,dateofbirth,SocialSecuritynumber,militaryserialnumberormilitary service branch and dates of service to:
DepartmentofVeteransAffairsRegionalOfficeandInsuranceCenterP.O.Box42954Philadelphia,PA19101
Information can also be obtained regarding:
FamilyServicemembersGroupLifeInsurance(FSGLI)
IncreasingInsurance
ReinstatingLapsedInsurance
ConvertingTermPolicies ModifiedLifePolicy
DisabilityProvisions
BorrowingonPolicies
InsuranceDividends
Those insurance programs thatpay dividends pay on the policyanniversary date.
TheInternalRevenueServicehasannounced that the interest on
insurance dividends left ondepositwithV.A.isnottaxable.Fordetails on thisruling,contacttheIRS.
life insuranCe
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DepenDenTanD surViVor
benefiTs
Burial BenefitsHeadstones and Markers
Uponrequest,V.A.furnishesheadstonesormarkers(includingInMemoryOfmarkers)at no charge for graves in cemeteries aroundthe world for service members who die whileonactivedutyandforeligibleveterans.V.A.also provides headstones or markers forspouses and dependents buried in state or
national veterans cemeteries,but not for thoseburied in private cemeteries.
To apply and to obtain specific informationon available styles, contact the cemetery wheretheheadstoneormarkeristobeplaced.Whenburial occurs in a private cemetery, anapplication for a government-furnishedheadstoneormarkermustbemadetoV.A.Thegovernment will ship the headstone or markerfree of charge, but will not pay for itsplacement.
Toapply,mailacompletedV.A.Form40-1330,alongwithacopyoftheveteransmilitaryservice discharge document and deathcertificate to:
Memorial Programs Service (41A1)DepartmentofVeteransAffairs5109RussellRoadQuantico,VA22134-3903orfaxdocumentsto1-800-455-7143.
[Donotsendoriginaldischargedocuments,as
they will not be returned.]For more information and instructions, visit
www.cem.va.gov.
Presidential Memorial CertificatesCertificatessignedbythePresidentare
issueduponrequesttorecognizethemilitaryservice of honorably discharged deceased
veterans.Nextofkin,relatives,andfriendsmayrequestPresidentialMemorialCertificatesinpersonatanyV.A.regionalofficeorbymailingacompletedV.A.Form40-0247to:
Presidential Memorial Certificates (41A1C)DepartmentofVeteransAffairs5109RussellRoadQuantico,VA22134-3903orfaxdocumentsto1-800-455-7143.
There is no time limit for requesting thesecertificates, but requests should include a copy,nottheoriginal,ofthedeceasedveteransdischarge document and clearly indicate to
what address the certificate should be sent.
Additionalinformationcanbefoundat www.cem.va.gov.
Burial Flags
V.A.willfurnishaUnitedStatesburialflagformemorializationof:
Veteranswhoservedduringwartimeorafter1/31/55.
Veteranswhowereentitledtoretiredpayfor service in the reserves, or would havebeenentitledifoverage60.
MembersorformermembersoftheSelectedReservewhoservedtheirinitialobligation, or were discharged for adisability incurredor aggravated in theline of duty, or died
while a memberoftheSelectedReserve.
AdditionalinformationandV.A.Form21-2008can be found at
www.cem.va.gov/cem/bbene/bflags.asp.
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Military Funeral Honors
Uponrequest,theDepartmentofDefense
(DOD)willprovidemilitaryfuneralhonors
consisting of folding and presentation of theUnitedStatesflagandtheplayingofTaps.
Family members should inform their
funeral directors if they want military funeral
honors.DODmaintainsatoll-freenumber
(1-877-MIL-HONR)forusebyfuneraldirectors
only to request honors. For more information,
visitwww.militaryfuneralhonors.osd.mil.
Reimbursement of Burial Expenses
V.A.willpayaburialallowanceupto$2,000iftheveteransdeathisservice-connected.Insuch
cases,thepersonwhoboretheveteransburial
expensesmayclaimreimbursementfromV.A.In
someinstances,V.A.alsowillpaythecostof
transporting the remains of a veteran whose
death was service-connected to the national
cemetery nearest the home of the deceased that
has available gravesites. There is no time limit for
filing reimbursement claims in service-connected
death cases.
V.A.willpayaburialandfuneralexpense
allowance for veterans who, at the time of death,
were entitled to receive a pension or
compensation or would have been entitled to
compensationiftheywerentreceivingmilitary
retirementpay.Thereisa2-yeartimelimit.
V.A.willpayaplotallowancewhenaveteranis
buriedinacemeterynotunderU.S.government
jurisdiction if the veteran was discharged from
active duty because of disability incurred or
aggravatedinthelineofduty;theveteranwasreceiving compensation or pension or would
have been if the veteran was not receiving
militaryretiredpay;ortheveterandiedina V.A.facility.
For information on monetary benefits, call
1-800-827-1000.Additionalinformationabout
burial and memorial benefits may be obtained at
anyV.A. National Cemetery, regional office, oratwww.cem.va.gov. To check on the status ofan application for a headstone or marker, call
1-800-697-6947.National Cemeteries in Michigan
TheU.S.DepartmentofVeteransAffairs
currently has two national cemeteries in
Michigan:
Fort Custer National Cemetery15501DickmanRoadAugusta,MI49012Phone:269-731-4164Fax:269-731-2428
Great Lakes National Cemetery4200BelfordRoadHolly,MI48442Phone:248-328-0386 or1-866-348-8603Fax:248-328-0612
State Veterans Burial ExpensesUnderMichiganlaw,eligibleveterans(orthe
wifeorwidowofaqualifiedveteran)whomeetresidencyandassetlimitsmayqualifyfor$300forburialexpensespaidbytheCountyBoardofCommissionersortheBoardofCountyAuditors.TheSoldiersReliefCommissionofeachcounty
has the responsibility for investigating each
claim.
Survivor Benefits for Spouseand Children Federal Benefits
Death Pension
V.A.providespensionstolow-income
surviving spouses and unmarried children of
deceased veterans with wartime service.
Spousesmustnothaveremarriedandchildrenmustbeunderage18,orunder age23ifattendingaV.A.-approvedschool,orhave become permanently incapable of self-
supportbecauseofdisabilitybeforeage18.
DepenDenTanD surViVorbenefiTs
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The veteran must have been discharged under
conditions other than dishonorable and must havehad90daysormoreofactivemilitaryservice,atleast one day of which was during a period of war,
or a service-connected disability justifyingdischarge.Longerperiodsofservicemayberequired for veterans who entered active duty onorafterSeptember8,1980,orifanofficerOctober16,1981.Iftheveterandiedinservice,butnot in the line of duty, death pension may be
payable if the veteran had completed at least two
years of honorable service.
Childrenwhobecomeincapableofself-supportbecauseofadisabilitybeforeage18may
be eligible for a death pension as long as theconditionexists,unlessthechildmarriesorthechildsincomeexceedstheapplicablelimit.
Asurvivingspousemaybeentitledtoahigherincome limit if living in a nursing home, in need
of the aid and attendance of another person, oris permanently housebound.
For more information, call 1-800-827-1000 orvisitwww.va.gov.
Dependency and Indemnity
Compensation (DIC)For a survivor to be eligible forDependency
and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), theveteransdeathmusthaveresultedfromoneof the following causes:
Adiseaseorinjuryincurredoraggravatedinthe line of duty while on active duty or
active duty for training.
Aninjury,heartattack,cardiacarrest,orstroke incurred or aggravated in the line of
duty or while on inactive duty training.
Aservice-connecteddisabilityoraconditiondirectly related to a service-connecteddisability.
DICmayalsobepaidtosurvivorsofveteranswho were totally disabled from service-connected
conditions at the time of death, even thoughtheir service-connected disabilities did not cause
their deaths.
The survivor qualifies if the veteran was:
Continuouslyratedtotallydisabledforaperiodof10yearsimmediatelyprecedingdeath;
Continuouslyratedtotallydisabledfromthedate of military discharge and for at leastfiveyearsimmediatelyprecedingdeath;or
AformerPOWwhodiedafterSeptember30,
1999,andwhowascontinuouslyratedtotally disabled for a period of at least oneyear immediately preceding death.
Paymentswillbeoffsetbyanyamountreceived from judicial proceedings brought on bytheveteransdeath.Thedischargemusthavebeen under conditions other than dishonorable.
SurvivingspousesofveteranswhodiedonorafterJanuary1,1993,receiveabasicrate,plusadditional payments for dependent children, for
the aid and attendance of another person if they
are patients in a nursing home or require theregular assistance of another person, or if they
are permanently housebound.
Add$233iftheveteranwastotallydisabledforeightcontinuousyearspriortodeath.Add$250to the additional allowance for dependentchildrenunderage18fortheinitialtwoyearsofentitlementforDICawardscommencingonorafterJanuary1,2005.
Survivingspousesofveteranswhodiedprior
toJanuary1,1993,receiveanamountbasedonthedeceasedsmilitarypaygrade.
DepenDenTanD surViVorbenefiTs
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finanCial emergenCiesanD
VeTerans resourCes
Programs State of MichiganMichigan Veterans Trust FundEmergency Grant Program
Financial assistance may be available tocertainMichiganveteransservingatleast180daysofactivedutyinawartimeperiodwho
were discharged under honorable conditions.
The program assists with an unforeseen
situation that causes a temporary or short-term
financial emergency or hardship that a grant willresolve.Examplesofsuchneedsincludedelayin unemployment benefits or other income orunexpectedhospitalizationsthatcausereductions in income to meet household needs.
The grants may assist with housing, utilities, car
payments or insurance or medical assistivedevices.Coordinationismadewithotheragencies that may also assist with these types of
needs.
ContactyourCounty Veterans Affairs Office(seepage33)at517-373-3130 or visit the website atwww.michigan.gov/veterans.
Military Family Relief Fund
The Military Family Relief Fund providesfinancialassistancetoReserveComponentandNationalGuardservicepersonnelandtheirfamilieswhiledeployedfor30daysormoreinsupportofOperationEnduringFreedomorOperation Iraqi Freedom. The fund,establishedinlaw(PA363of2004),receivesdonationsfromMichigancitizenscompletingtheirstateincometaxreturn.
The assistance provides help in meeting theexpensesofdailylivingincludingfood,clothing, housing, home repairs, appliances,
utilities, medical services, prescriptions, carpayments/repairsandinsurancepayments.
Grantsaretypicallylimitedtonomorethan$2,000peryear.TheAdjutantGeneralmay
waive the limit for emergent cases.
Eligiblemilitaryfamiliesmayrequestanapplication by calling 1-866-271-4404.
Submitcompletedapplicationsto:
DepartmentofMilitaryandVeteransAffairsOfficeofFinancialServicesATTN:MilitaryFamilyReliefFund
3423N.MartinLutherKingJr.Blvd.Lansing,MI48906.
State of Michigan
Department of Human Services
TheDepartmentofHumanServices(seecountycontactsonpage34)providescashassistance to families with children andpregnant women to help them pay for livingexpensessuchasrent,heat,utilities,clothing,food,andpersonalcareitems.Assistancein
finding a job or developing needed job skills,help with transportation, child care, and otherneeds related to employment and training mayalso be provided.
Soldiers Relief Commission
In some counties, emergency relief grantsareavailabletoMichiganveteranswhodonotmeetMichiganVeteransTrustFundcriteria.Funds are limited, so the commission makesan effort to refer veterans who are eligible toothersourcesoffinancialassistance.ContactyourcountyV.A.office.
ContactaCounty Veterans Counseloratwww.macvc.netforassistance.Seepage35for phone numbers of county counselors.
You may also consult your local phonebookfor county government. Usually this is handledbytheofficeofVeteranAffairs.
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finanCial emergenCiesanD VeTerans resourCes
Michigan National Guard andMichigan-Based Active Military
Manyveteranscontinuetoserveinthe
MichiganNationalGuard.IfyouareamemberoftheNationalGuard,thereareresourcesandinformation focused on your unique needs.
You may call the National Guard FamilyProgram office at 517-481-8361 forinformation on available assistance if you are amemberoftheMichiganNationalGuard.
TheNationalGuardhasestablishedFamilyAssistanceCentersandWingCoordinatorsacrossthestatetoprovideNationalGuardmembersoractive duty military members stationed in
Michigan,andtheirfamilies,apointofcontactwhenthefamilyssoldier,sailor,MarineorAirmanisdeployed.
Sault Ste. Marie Armory FAC1170E.PortageRoad,SaultSte.Marie,MI49783Phone:906-632-7861Fax:906-632-4753
Camp Grayling Armory FACBuilding#3,Grayling,MI49739Phone:989-344-6144
Fax:989-344-6421
Grand Ledge/Flint Armory FAC10600EatonHighway,GrandLedge,MI48837Phone:517-481-8850Fax:517-481-8822
Jackson Armory FAC4850CooperRoad,Jackson,MI49201Phone:517-990-1186Fax:517-990-1108
Grand Valley Armory FAC120044thStreetSW,Wyoming,MI49509Phone:616-249-2741Fax:616-249-2671
Taylor Armory FAC12450BeechDaly,Taylor,MI48180Phone:734-946-2553Fax:734-946-2540
110th Airlift Wing3545MustangAvenue,Building6905,Room127BattleCreek,MI49015Phone:269-969-3493Fax:269-969-3554
127th Family Support Center29868GeorgeAvenue,Building168SelfridgeANGB,MI48045Phone:586-307-5583Toll-Free: 800-645-9416Fax:586-307-5786
Alpena CRTC WC5884AStreet,Alpena,MI49707
Phone:989-354-6557Michigan National Guard
www.mi.ngb.army.mil/home.asp
Family Assistance CentersToll-Free: 877-394-1042
www.michguard.com/family/fac/default.asp
EachFACorWCwillactasacallcenterformilitaryfamiliesforalargescopeofissues.Somepersonal issues may require counseling andreferraltoanareaChaplain,legalmattersmay
requirereferencetoamilitaryJudgeAdvocateGeneral,andmilitarypayproblemsrequirehelpfromthemilitarypaysectionattheStateHQ.
These call centers may also receive a variety offamily calls and questions that relate to insurance,
financial debt, or a variety of maintenance issues.
For further information and to identify theFACorWCclosesttoyou,contact:
JFHQ - Family Program Office3411N.MartinLutherKingJr.Blvd.
Lansing,MI48906Phone:(517) 481-8362Toll-Free: 1-877-394-1042Fax: (517) 481-8150
www.mi.ngb.army.mil/family/fac/default.asp
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MichiganNationalGuardFamilyFundwascreatedtoassistAirandArmyNationalGuardfamilieswhoexperiencefinancialdifficultieswithtemporary emergency financial assistance, and to
fund programs and training to maintain andimprovethequalityoflifeofourMichiganNationalGuardfamilies.Thefundprovidesagrantupto$500tosoldiersandairmenandtheirfamily members who encounter financialhardships.
Whatconstitutesaneed?Emergencylossofincomethroughactivationformilitaryduty;inability to maintain employment due to injury,suddenillness,orjobloss;unexpectedmedical
expenses;payproblems;ortheaccumulationoflegitimatebills(e.g.,rent,mortgage,electric,oil,gas,etc.).Alsoincludedistheinabilitytopayforbasic needs such as food, shelter, utilities,
clothing, medical bills, and transportation dueto unforeseen circumstances.
Anapplicationmustbesubmittedwiththenecessary documentation. For an application
form, visitwww.michguard.com.
Other Programs:Energy Assistance Programs
The Low-Income Home Energy AssistanceProgram (LIHEAP) is federal money given toeach state to assist low-income families withenergycosts.InMichigan,theLIHEAPblockgrantis used for the following programs:
HomeHeatingCredit
StateEmergencyRelief(SER)
WeatherizationAssistanceProgram(WAP)
For more information, visit theDepartment of Human Services at
www.michigan.gov/heatingassistance.
Additional Resources:
Army Emergency Reliefwww.aerhq.org
Air Force Aid Societywww.afas.org
Navy-Marine Corps Relief Societywww.nmcrs.org
Coast Guard Mutual Assistancewww.cgmahg.org
Within Local Communities:
American Red Crosswww.redcross.org
Veterans of Foreign Wars(seepage36forlist)
American Legions(seepage36forlist)
The Michigan Association of County
Veterans Counselors (MACVC) may be able toassist veterans and their families in obtainingcounty, state, and federal benefits to which theyareentitled.Seepage35forphonenumbersofCountyCounselors.VisittheMACVCwebsiteat
www.macvc.net which contains links to thecounty counselors and other information.
finanCial emergenCiesanD VeTerans resourCes
Eachorganizationhasitsownsetofprocedurestofollow.Pleasecontactthemdirectly for their requirements.
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finanCial emergenCiesanD VeTerans resourCes
Michigan Veterans Trust Fund RepresentativesContact Information by County
1 Alcona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-354-9671 2 Alger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 906-387-2837 3 Allegan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269-673-0501 4 Alpena . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-354-9671 5 Antrim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-533-8499 6 Arenac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-846-4442 7 Baraga. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 906-355-2209 8 Barry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269-948-4881 9 Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-895-418910 Benzie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-882-001111 Berrien . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269-983-7111,ext.851012 Branch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 517-279-4322
13 Calhoun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269-969-673414 Cass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269-445-4472,ext.331115 Charlevoix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-547-722016 Cheboygan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-627-8833/880317 Chippewa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 906-635-637018 Clare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-539-327319 Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 517-887-433120 Crawford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-348-564521 Delta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 906-786-722822 Dickinson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 906-774-282023 Eaton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 517-543-561624 Emmet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-348-1780
25 Genesee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 810-257-306826 Gladwin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-426-489127 Gogebic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 906-932-363028 GrandTraverse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-995-607029 Gratiot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-875-525930 Hillsdale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 517-437-363031 Houghton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 906-482-010232 Huron. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-269-891133 Ingham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 517-887-433134 Ionia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 616-527-537935 Iosco. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-362-872836 Iron. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 906-265-3819
37 Isabella . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-772-0911,ext.23538 Jackson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 517-788-442439 Kalamazoo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269-373-528440 Kalkaska . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-258-337041 Kent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 616-365-3899
42 Keweenaw. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 906-482-010243 Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-745-239744 Lapeer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 810-667-025645 Leelanau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-995-607046 Lenawee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 517-264-533547 Livingston. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 517-546-633848 Mackinac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 906-643-941149 Macomb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 586-469-531550 Manistee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-723-462051 Marquette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 906-225-843352 Mason. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-843-196653 Mecosta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-592-0124
54 Menominee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 906-863-569155 Midland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-832-684356 Missaukee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-839-475257 Monroe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 734-240-736258 Montcalm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-831-938759 Montmorency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-785-804360 Muskegon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-724-714361 Newaygo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-689-703062 Oakland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248-655-126563 Oceana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-873-869464 Ogemaw. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-345-517065 Ontonagon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 906-884-2887
66 Osceola . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-832-945867 Oscoda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-826-606068 Otsego. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-731-757669 Ottawa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 616-399-102370 PresqueIsle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-734-030271 Roscommon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-275-604772 Saginaw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-793-956073 Sanilac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 810-648-021274 Schoolcraft. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 906-341-366975 Shiawassee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-743-223176 St.Clair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 810-989-694577 St.Joseph. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269-467-5557
78 Tuscola . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-673-8114,ext.12879 VanBuren . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269-657-737680 Washtenaw. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 734-97