Michigan Veterans Benefits and Services

7/30/2019 Michigan Veterans Benefits and Services

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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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eDuCaTionanD Training

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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employmenT

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

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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.


Eachorganizationhasitsownsetofprocedurestofollow.Pleasecontactthemdirectly for their requirements.


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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

Documents

Michigan Veterans Benefits and Services