Benefits & ServicesVETERANS

for Michigan Veterans who Served in the Military

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 Veterans and Dependents, 2013 edition. Visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs web site at www.va.gov. For more state and local information, visit www.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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H H H H H H H H HH H H H H H H H HDear Veteran

Thank You for Your Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Education and Training

Education and Training – Federal Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Education and Training – State of Michigan Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Educational Benefits for Children of Disabled or Deceased Veterans . . . . 7

EmploymentEmployment – Federal Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Employment – State of Michigan Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Apprenticeship Programs for Discharged Veterans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Health CareHealth Care and Hospital Benefits – Federal Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Health Care and Hospital Benefits – State of Michigan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Homeless Veterans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Women Veterans Health Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Michigan VA Medical Facilities and Outpatient Clinics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Monetary Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Home Loans and Tax Credits

Home Loan Guaranties – Federal Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26State of Michigan Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Life Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29Dependent and Survivor Benefits

Burial Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31Survivor Benefits for Spouse and Children – Federal Benefits . . . . . . . . . . 33

Financial Emergencies and Veterans ResourcesPrograms – State of Michigan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35Michigan Veterans Trust Fund Representatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38Michigan Department of Human Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39Michigan Association of County Veterans Counselors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40Veterans Service Organizations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41Federal Agencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41State Agencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42Additional Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Of Interest to VeteransVeteran Holidays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45Flag Etiquette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45Flag Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47Michigan Congressional Delegation – 113th Congress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48Michigan Governor and Lieutenant Governor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48Michigan State Senate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48Michigan House of Representatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

(Rev. 10/2013)

Table of ConTenTs

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InformaTIon on elIgIbIlITy for mIlITary servICe benefITs Is avaIlable from The U.s. DeparTmenT of veTerans affaIrs,

mIChIgan DeparTmenT of mIlITary affaIrs or yoUr CoUnTy veTerans

servICe offICe.

Dear veTeran

Thank You for Your Service . . .

It is indeed a pleasure to serve veterans who gave so much of themselves to preserve the 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 for

You, Our Veterans and Your Families, to:• Provideinformationaboutbenefitsandservices• Providelinkstodirectsources–computer-basedandprofessional–foranswersto

specific questions• Assistincommunicatingmoreeffectivelywithyourelectedrepresentatives• Educatestate,nonprofit,andcommunityprovidersaboutbenefitsandservices

available through other agencies or service providersEligibilityformostVeteransAffairs(VA)benefitsisbasedupondischargefromactive

militaryserviceunderotherthandishonorableconditions.Activeservicemeansfull-timeserviceasamemberoftheArmy,Navy,AirForce,MarineCorps,orCoastGuard,orasacommissionedofficerofthePublicHealthService,theEnvironmentalServicesAdministration,ortheNationalOceanicandAtmosphericAdministration.CurrentandformermembersoftheSelectedReservemaybeeligibleforbenefits.

AnyMichiganVeteran,ordependentofaVeteran,canrequesttheassistanceofaVeteransServiceOfficeroraCountyCounselor.Seepage40fortheCountyVeteransCounselorsinMichiganandpage41forthelistingofourVeteransServiceOrganizations.

TheMichiganVeteransAffairsAgencycanbereachedat517-284-5298 or visit the web site at www.michigan.gov/veterans.TheFederalRegionalVAMichiganOfficeHotlineis 1-800-827-1000.

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.

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H H H H H H H H HH H H H H H H H HEducation and Training – U.S. Federal ProgramsPost-9/11 GI Bill

Eligibility:ThePost-9/11GIBill(Chapter33)isan education benefit program for service members and veterans who served on active duty onorafterSeptember11,2001.BenefitsarepayablefortrainingpursuedonorafterAugust1,2009.Nopaymentscanbemadeunderthisprogram for training pursued before that date.

To be eligible, the service member or veteran mustserveatleast90aggregatedaysonactivedutyafterSeptember10,2001,andremainonactive duty or be honorably discharged.

Veterans may also be eligible if they were honorably discharged from active duty for a service-connected disability after serving 30continuousdaysafterSeptember10,2001.

Generally,servicemembersorveteransmayreceiveupto36monthsofentitlementunderthePost-9/11GIBill.Eligibilityforbenefitslastsfor15yearsfromthepointofeligibility.

If,onAugust1,2009,theservicememberorveteraniseligiblefortheMontgomeryGIBill;theMontgomeryGIBill–SelectedReserve;ortheReserveEducationalAssistanceProgram(REAP),andqualifiesforthePost-9/11GIBill,anirrevocable election must be made to receive benefitsunderthePost-9/11GIBill.

In most instances, once the election to receive benefitsunderthePost-9/11GIBillismade,theindividual will no longer be eligible to receive benefits under the relinquished program.

Basedonthelengthofactivedutyservice,eligible participants may be entitled to receive between40-100%ofthefollowing:

(1)Costofin-statetuitionandfeesatpublicinstitutionsandupto$19,198.31towardtuition and fees at private institutions, per year(paiddirectlytotheschool);

(2)MonthlyHousingAllowance(MHA)equalto50-100%ofthebasicallowanceforhousingpayabletoamilitaryE-5withdependents,inthesamezipcodeastheprimaryschool(paiddirectlytotheservicemember,veteran,oreligibledependents);

(3)TheMonthlyHousingAllowanceforstudents enrolled exclusively in online programswhoseRateofPursuit(ROP)ismorethanhalf-time,canreceiveanMHAupto$714.50permonth;

(4)Yearlybooksandsuppliesstipendofupto$1,000peryear(paiddirectlytotheservice member, veteran, or eligible dependent);and

(5)Aone-timepaymentof$500paidtocertain individuals relocating from highly rural areas.

Transfer of EntitlementTheDepartmentofDefense(DOD)mayoffer

membersoftheArmedForcesonorafterAugust1,2009,theopportunitytotransferChapter33benefitstoaspouseordependentchildren. DOD and the military services must approveallrequestsforthisbenefit.MembersoftheArmedForcesapprovedfortheTransferofEntitlement(TOE)mayonlytransferanyunusedportionoftheirPost-9/11GIBillbenefitswhileonactive duty, subject to their period of eligibility.

The Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education Enhancement Program

TheYellowRibbonG.I.EducationEnhancementProgramwasenactedtopotentiallyassist eligible individuals with payment of their tuition and fees in instances where costs exceed the in-state tuition charges at a public institution or the national maximum payable at private and foreign institutions. To be eligible, the student mustbe:aveteranreceivingbenefitsatthe100%benefit rate payable, a transfer-of-entitlement-eligible dependent child, or a transfer-of-entitlement-eligible spouse of a veteran.

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The school of attendance must have accepted VeteranAffairs’(VA)invitationtoparticipateintheprogram, state how much student tuition will be waived(upto50%)andhowmanyparticipantswill be accepted into the program during the currentacademicyear.VAwillmatchtheschool’spercentage(upto50%)toreduceoreliminateout-of-pocket costs for eligible participants.

Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship

This scholarship entitles children of those who dieinthelineofdutyonorafterSeptember11,2001,tousePost-9/11GIBillbenefits.

Eligible children:• areentitledto36monthsofbenefitsat

the100%level;• have15yearstousethebenefitbeginning

ontheir18thbirthday;• mayusethebenefituntiltheir

33rdbirthday;• arenoteligiblefortheYellowRibbon

Program.

Survivors and Dependents Assistance (DEA)

Childrenandspousesofveteranswhodiedonactive duty, or who became one hundred percent permanently disabled due to a service-related injury may qualify for educational benefits under theSurvivorsandDependentsAssistance(DEA)program.BeginningOctober1,2013,thisbenefitmaypayupto$1,003permonthtoeligiblechildren and spouses in approved full-time degree and non-degree educational programs. Benefitsarealsoavailableforapprenticeship,on-the-job, farm cooperative, and special restorative training programs at lower rates.

Restoring GI Bill Fairness Act of 2011TheRestoringGIBillFairnessActof2011

amendedthePost-9/11GIBill.Theprovisionsofthe bill are applicable to training pursued under thePost-9/11GIBillthatbeganonorafterAugust1,2011.

ThelegislationauthorizesVAtopaymorethanthe national maximum set for private schools (currently$18,077.50ortheappropriatelyreducedamountbasedoneligibilitypercentage)intuitionandfeesunderthePost-9/11GIBillforcertain students attending private colleges and universitiesinsevenstates–Arizona,Michigan,NewHampshire,NewYork,Pennsylvania,SouthCarolinaandTexas.

Toqualifyfortheincreasedpayment(alsoreferred to as the “grandfathered” tuition and fee amount),studentsmusthavebeenenrolledinthesamecollegeoruniversitysinceJanuary4,2011,andhavebeenenrolledinaprogramforwhich the combined amount of tuition and fees forfull-timeattendanceduringthe2012-2013academicyearexceeded$18,077.50.

Legacy Educational BenefitsTheMontgomeryGIBill(MGIB)providesa

program of educational benefits to honorably discharged veterans. The participant generally must have a high school diploma or an equivalency certificate before beginning training. Completingaminimumof12credithourstowardacollegedegreemeetsthisrequirement.Creditsgranted by colleges for life experiences may be used to meet this requirement.

BasiceligibilityappliestoveteranswhoenteredactivedutyforthefirsttimeafterJune30,1985.Activedutyincludescertainfull-timeReserveandNationalGuarddutyperformedafterJune30,1985.ToparticipateintheMGIB,servicemembershavetheirmilitarypayreducedby$100amonthforthefirst12monthsofactiveduty.This money is not refundable.

Individuals who had remaining entitlement undertheVietnamEraGIBillwhenthatprogramendedonDecember31,1989,musthaveservedon active duty for any number of days during the periodOctober19,1984,toJune30,1985;orserved on active duty for at least three continuous yearsbeginningonJuly1,1985;orservedatleasttwoyearsactivedutybeginningafterJune30,1985,followedbyaminimumoffouryearsinthe

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SelectedReserve.ThosewhowerenotonactivedutyonOctober19,1984,iftheyservedthreecontinuous years on active duty at any time beginningonorafterJuly1,1985,ortwocontinuous years of active duty at any time followedbyfourcontinuousyearsintheSelectedReserve,mayalsobeeligibleforMGIBbenefits.

VeteranswhoqualifyforActiveDuty(MGIB-AD– Chapter30)benefitsunderMGIBcanreceiveupto$1,648permonthforfull-timepursuitofaneducationalprogram,effectiveOctober1,2013.This stipend may be increased if the vet participatedinthe$600“buyup”program.MGIBpayments are made directly to the vet, irrespective of the tuition and fees charged by the school. MGIBbenefitsdonotincludestipendsforhousing(MHA)orforbooksandsupplies.Benefitsarealsoavailable for flight, apprenticeship, cooperative or on-the-job training.

Individuals who were participants under the Post-VietnamEraVeteransEducationalAssistanceProgram(VEAP)maybeeligibleiftheyservedonactivedutyonOctober9,1996,participatedinVEAPandcontributedmoneytoaVEAPaccount,andelectedMGIBbyOctober9,1997,andpaid$1,200.VeteranswhoparticipatedinVEAPonorbeforeOctober9,1996,mayalsobeeligibleeveniftheydidnotdepositmoneyinaVEAPaccountiftheyservedonactivedutyfromOctober9,1996throughApril1,2000,electedMGIBbyOctober31,2001,andcontributed$2,700toMGIB.CertainNationalGuardservicemembersmay also qualify if they served on full-time active dutyintheNationalGuardbetweenJune30,1985andNovember29,1989,electedtohaveNationalGuardservicecounttowardestablishingeligibilityforMGIBduringthenine-monthwindowendingonJuly9,1997,andpaid$1,200.

ContactyourcountyveteransserviceofficeorcalltheU.S.DepartmentofVeteransAffairs(VA)at 1-888-442-4551 for further information, particularlyoneligibility.Additionalinformationfor school officials, veterans, and dependents can befoundontheVA’sEducationServices web site at www.gibill.va.gov.

Vocational RehabilitationVeterans who have received a service-

connecteddisabilityratingfromVAmayqualifyfor education and training benefits under the VocationalRehabilitationandEmployment(VR&E)Program(Chapter31).Thefocusofthisprogram is on employment preparation, placement and retention, but it can also include financial support for education and training expensesaspartofaveteran’srehabilitationplan.AnapplicationanddetailsabouttheprogramareavailableontheVR&Ewebsite:www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre.

VetSuccess on CampusThis program is designed to provide

on-campus benefits assistance and readjustment counseling to veterans completing their college educations and entering the labor market in viablecareers.Afull-time,experiencedVocationalRehabilitationCounselorandapart-timeVetCenterOutreachCoordinatorareassignedateachcampustoprovideVAbenefitsoutreach,support, and assistance to ensure their health, educational, and benefit needs are met.

CurrentMichiganlocationsincludeWesternMichiganUniversity,KalamazooValleyCommunityCollege,KelloggCommunityCollege,EasternMichiganUniversity,UniversityofMichigan-AnnArbor,andWashtenawCommunityCollege.

VA Work-Study ProgramTheVAWork-StudyProgramallowsveterans

to earn additional income while attending school (usuallyintheformofapart-timejobwithaveteran-relatedorganization).Talktoyourlocalveterans affairs representative at any university or community college. Veterans with specific questionsmaycalltheGIBillHotline:1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-442-4551) between 7:00a.m.-7:00p.m.,MondaythroughFriday.Veterans may also visit www.gibill.va.gov for guidance on benefits and on selecting a school and career.

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Education and Training

Federal Pell Grant ProgramThe federal government is a source for

educationgrants.Applicantsmustbeundergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor’sdegree.EachapplicantmustbeaU.S.citizenoraneligiblenoncitizenandneedstohaveahighschooldiplomaoraGEDordemonstratethe ability to benefit from the program.

Pell Grant EligibilityTheU.S.DepartmentofEducationusesa

standardformulaestablishedbyCongresstoevaluate the information a student supplies when applyingforaPellGrant.ThisformulaproducesanEFC(expectedfamilycontribution)number,which will determine if the student is eligible for thegrant.Theformulareliesheavilyonfamilies’federal tax returns.

Award AmountTheamountofthePellGrantdependsonthe

student’sEFCandseveralotherfactors,includingprogram funding. For more information, visit www.studentaid.ed.gov.

How and When to ApplyStudentsapplynotonlyforPellGrantsbutfor

all federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs(exceptscholarships)bycompletingthe Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).TheFAFSAformisavailablefromhighschool guidance offices, or the application can be completed online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.Beaware of the application deadlines for submission and corrections.

Education and Training – State of Michigan ProgramsDepartment of Civil Rights, Division on Deaf and Hard of Hearing

TheMichiganDepartmentofCivilRightsrespondstoandadvocatesonbehalfofMichigan’s1.9millionpeoplewithdisabilities.Thisisdonethrough information and technical assistance, disabilityrightstraining,workingwiththeMichiganBusinessLeadersNetworkonemploymentforpeoplewithdisabilities,coordinatingtheMichiganYouthLeadershipForum,andconductingdisability

awareness and sensitivity training. The Division on DeafandHardofHearingdealswithissuesinvolvingMichigancitizenswhoaredeaforhardofhearing. Their mission is to provide statewide leadership to empower and integrate people with disabilities into all aspects of society.

For more information, contact: Division on Deaf and Hard of Hearing 201N.WashingtonSquare,Suite150Lansing,MI48913Phone:517-335-6004, Toll-Free: 1-877-499-6232 VideoPhone:517-507-5223, Fax: 517-335-7773E-Mail:DoDHH@michigan.gov

Educational Benefits for Children of Disabled or Deceased VeteransTuition Grant Program

The Children of Veterans Tuition Grant (CVTG)wasestablishedunderPublicAct248of2005toprovideanundergraduatetuitionprogramfor children of certain deceased or disabled membersofthearmedforcesoftheUnitedStates.

The program is designed to provide undergraduate tuition assistance to certain childrenolderthan16andlessthan26yearsofagewhohavebeenMichiganresidentsforthe12monthspriortoapplication.Tobeeligible,astudent must be the natural or adopted child of a Michiganveteran.Stepchildrenoftheveteranarenot eligible. The veteran must have been a legal residentofMichiganimmediatelybeforeenteringmilitary service and must not have later resided outsideofMichiganformorethantwoyears;orthe veteran must have established legal residency inMichiganafterenteringmilitaryservice.

Studentsmayreceivescholarshipassistanceforup to four academic years for a total of up to $11,200.Awardsareforanacademicyearwiththeamountdeterminedbythestudent’senrollmentstatus. Full-time students can receive up to a maximumof$2,800peracademicyear.Information on eligibility and application forms are available at: www.michigan.gov/ssg, select “programs.” Toll-Free: 1-888-447-2687.

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H H H H H H H H HH H H H H H H H HEmployment – U.S. Federal ProgramsVOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011

IncludedinthislawistheveteransRetrainingAssistanceProgram(VRAP)forunemployedveterans.VAandtheDepartmentofLabor(DOL)worked together to roll out this new program on July1,2012.Theprogramwillprovideretrainingfor veterans hardest hit by current economic conditions.

VRAPoffers12monthsoftrainingassistanceto unemployed veterans. To qualify, a veteran must:

• Beatleast35,butnomorethan60yearsold;

• Beunemployed(asdeterminedbyDOL);• Haveanotherthandishonorable

discharge;• NotbeeligibleforanyotherVAeducation

benefitprogram(e.g.,thePost-9/11GIBill,MontgomeryGIBill,VocationalRehabilitationandEmploymentAssistance);

• NotbeinreceiptofVAcompensationduetounemployability;

• Notbeenrolledinafederalorstatejob-training program.

Theprogramislimitedto54,000participantsfromOctober1,2012,throughMarch31,2014.Participantsmayreceiveupto12monthsofassistance at the full-time payment rate under the MontgomeryGIBill–ActiveDutyprogram(currently$1,564permonth).ApplicationswillbesubmittedthroughDOLandbenefitspaidbyVADOLwillprovideemploymentassistancetoeveryveteran who participates upon completion of their program.

ParticipantsmustbeenrolledinaVA-approvedprogram of education offered by a community college or technical school. The program must

lead to an associate degree, non-college degree, or a certification, and train the veteran for a high-demand occupation.

Moredetailsareavailableat www.benefits.va.gov/vow/education.htm.

Transition Assistance Program (TAP)TheTransitionAssistanceProgram(TAP)is

availabletoservicemembers(andtheirspouses)who are scheduled for separation from active duty. The program provides employment and training information to service members within 18monthsoftheirseparationorretirementfromthemilitary.Briefingsfocusoneducation,benefits,VAhealthcareanddisabilitycompensation. One-on-one appointments with VArepresentativesareavailable.

Disabled Transition Assistance Program Acompanionworkshop,theDisabled

TransitionAssistanceProgram,providesinformationonVA’sVocationalRehabilitationandEmploymentProgram,aswellasotherprogramsforthedisabled.Additionalinformationaboutthese programs is available at www.dol.gov/vets/programs/tap/tap_fs.htm.

DOD Transportal To find locations and phone numbers of all

TransitionAssistanceOfficesaswellasmini-courses on conducting successful job-search campaigns, writing resumes, using the Internet to find a job, and links to job search and recruiting web sites, visit the DOD Transportal at www.Veteranprograms.com/index.html.

CareeroneStop www.acinet.org/acinet/moc (totranslatemilitaryoccupationstociviliancounterparts)

employmenT

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Verification of Military Experience and Training

TheVerificationofMilitaryExperienceandTraining(VMET)Document,DDForm2586,helps service members verify previous experience and training to potential employers, negotiate credits at schools, and obtain certificatesorlicenses.VMETdocumentsareavailableonlythroughArmy,Navy,AirForce,andMarineCorpsTransitionSupportofficesandareintended for separating or retiring service members who have at least six months of active dutyservice.ServicemembersshouldobtainVMETdocumentsfromtheirTransitionSupportofficewithin12monthsofseparationor24monthsofretirement.

Veterans Preference for Federal JobsCertainveterans,principallythosewhoare

disabled or who served on active duty during specified times, are entitled to preference for federal civil service jobs when hiring is from competitive lists of eligible candidates.

Preferenceisalsoprovidedforcertainwidowsand widowers of deceased veterans who died in service;spousesofservice-connecteddisabledveterans;andmothersofveteranswhodiedunder honorable conditions on active duty or have permanent and total service-connected disabilities. Individuals interested in federal information should visit the Office of PersonnelManagement(OPM)websiteat www.fedshirevets.gov. Federal job opportunities can be found at www.usajobs.opm.gov.

The Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Program

TheVocationalRehabilitationandEmployment(VR&E)Programprovideseducational and vocational counseling to service members, veterans, and certain dependents at no charge. These counseling services are designed

to help an individual choose a vocational direction, determine the course needed to achieve the chosen goal, and evaluate the career possibilities open to them.

Assistancemayincludeinterestandaptitudetesting, occupational exploration, setting occupational goals, locating the right type of training program, and exploring educational or trainingfacilitieswhichcanbeutilizedtoachievean occupational goal.

EligibilityEducationalandvocationalcounseling

services are available during the period the individual is on active duty with the armed forces andwithin180daysoftheestimateddateofhisor her discharge or release from active duty. The projected discharge must be under conditions other than dishonorable.

Veterans are eligible if not more than one year has elapsed since the date they were last discharged or released from active duty. For more information, visit www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre.

Re-Employment RightsApersonwholeftacivilianjobtoenteractive

duty in the armed forces may be entitled to return to the job after discharge or release from active duty.

To be re-employed, four requirements must be met:

• Thepersonmustgiveadvancenoticeofmilitaryservicetotheemployer;

• Thecumulativeabsencefromthecivilianjobshallnotexceedfiveyears(withsomeexceptions);

• Thepersonmustsubmitatimelyapplicationforre-employment;and

• Thepersonmustnothavebeenreleasedwith a dishonorable or other punitive discharge.

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The law calls for the returning veteran to be placed in the job as if the veteran had remained continuously employed. This means that the person may be entitled to benefits that are based on seniority, such as pensions, pay increases, and promotions. The law also prohibits discrimination in hiring, promotion, or other advantages of employment on the basis of military service.

Applicationsforre-employmentshouldbegiven,verballyorinwriting,toapersonauthorizedtorepresentthecompanyforhiringpurposes.Arecord should be kept of the application. If there are problems gaining re-employment, the employee should contact the Department of Labor Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS)intheemployer’sstate.Thisapplies to private sector, as well as state, local, and federal government employees, including the PostalService.Forassistance,visit www.dol.gov/vets/programs/userra/main.htm.

Employment – State of Michigan Programs Pure Michigan Talent Connect

MichiganhasrecreateditslaborexchangesystemunderPureMichiganTalentConnect.TalentConnectincludesanonlineTalentMarketplacewherejobseekerscanconnecttojob opportunities, education, and training and employers can connect to qualified talent. Talent Connectincludesspecificassistanceforveteransto make a successful transition from military to civilian employment.

WrittenandvideotutorialsareavailabletohelpjobseekersnavigateTalentConnect.Inaddition, accounts previously registered under theMichiganTalentBankhavebeentransferredtoTalentConnect.PureMichiganTalentConnect:www.mitalent.org CustomerServiceCenter:1-888-522-0103

Michigan Shifting Heroes ProgramShiftingHeroesisanaddedcomponentofthe

ShiftingGearsprogram,designedtointegratereturningveteransintotheShiftingGearsexperience, and help them re-image and re-frame the skills they acquired in the service for jobs in theprivatesector.ShiftingHeroeswillprovideadditional career development support to veterans, and will include one-to-one mentoring byaMichiganveteran,aswellasprovideopportunities to make direct connections with employers that are specifically interested in hiring veterans and are committed to creating a supportive professional environment for their veteranemployees.WhenveteranssignupforShiftingGears,theywillbepairedwithanemployed veteran volunteer who will help our Michiganheroessuccessfullytransitiontothenext phase of their careers.

AdditionalinformationonShiftingGearscanbe found at www.mitalent.org/veteran or by contactingtheStateofMichiganVeteransHotlineat 1-800-455-5228 or e-mail veteransservices@michigan.gov.

Occupational LicensingSeveralstatestatuteshavebeenrecently

revisedtoallowtheDepartmentofLicensingandRegulatoryAffairs(LARA)toconsiderexperiencereceived in the military to be counted toward qualifications required for certain occupational licenses such as electrician and plumber. In addition, a number of license application fees have been waived for veterans with an honorable discharge.

TheLicensingDivisioncanbefoundonthewebat www.michigan.gov/lara or reached by e-mail at bcslic@Michigan.gov.

MichiganDepartmentofLicensingandRegulatoryAffairsCorporations,SecuritiesandCommercialLicensingLicensingDivisionP.O.Box30018Lansing,MI48909

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Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Dislocated Worker Program

Anindividualmustbe18yearsofageoroldertoreceivecoreservicesintheDislocatedWorkerProgram.

Intensive services under the Dislocated WorkerProgramareavailabletodislocatedworkers who are unemployed or employed, have received at least one core service, and are unable to obtain employment or retain employment that leads to self-sufficiency.

Training services may be made available to employed and unemployed dislocated workers who have met the eligibility criteria under intensive services, have received at least one intensive service, and have been determined to be unable to obtain or retain employment throughsuchservices.StateofMichiganVeteranEmploymentSpecialistsarelocatedinmanyMichiganWorks!ServiceCenters.Theseemployment services professionals are available to assist qualified veterans and eligible spouses in need of additional help in securing appropriate employment.For more information, contact your local Michigan Works! Agency1-800-285-WoRK www.michiganworks.org

Unemployment Compensation Veterans who do not begin civilian

employment immediately after leaving military service may receive weekly unemployment compensation for a limited time. Veterans attending school full-time may also be eligible for unemployment.ContactMichiganWorks!formore information.

How to File Your ClaimBy Internet: To file your new unemployment

claim or to reopen an established claim through the Internet, visit www.michigan.gov/uia from7:00a.m.Mondayto7:00p.m.Saturday(EasternTime).

By Phone: To file your new claim or to reopen a claim through a toll-free telephone number, call 1-866-500-0017 using a touch-tone telephone. TTY callers may use 1-866-366-0004.

Usethecall-inschedule(seebelow)whenfiling by telephone. The schedule is based on the lasttwodigitsofyourSocialSecuritynumber.Forexample,ifyourSocialSecuritynumberendsin50,youwouldphoneinyourapplicationonTuesday afternoon.

Time M T W Th & F 8:00am- 12:00noon 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!EmployeesorVeteransEmploymentRepresentativesareavailabletogiveyou additional help if you need it.

In many cases, once you have signed up for unemployment benefits, you will also need to registerforworkwiththeMichiganWorks!Agency.Youmayenterorupdateyourresumeonthe Internet at www.mitalent.org.

Information Needed to File a Claim: To fileaclaim,youwillneedyourSocialSecuritynumber,yourdriver’slicensenumberorstateidentificationnumberoryourMARVINPIN(ifyouhaveone),acopyofyourDD-214,andthenamesand addresses of employers you have worked for inthepast18months,yourquarterlygrossearnings, the first and last dates of employment with each employer and your date of birth. If you arenotaU.S.citizenornational,youwillneedyourAlienRegistrationNumberandtheexpirationdateofyourworkauthorization.

If you have general questions about unemployment benefits, or if you have a questionaboutyourClaimsbyMailapplication,call the Telephone File Claim at 1-866-500-0017 weekdaysfrom7:00a.m.to7:00p.m.

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Employment

Re-Employment Rights for VeteransIn2002,the

MichiganLegislaturestrengthened the Michiganlawregardingre-employment of employees after military service (MCL32.273).Theactprioritizedtheemploymentpositionsinwhichaperson would be re-employed following active service. The act specifies that the person is entitled to the seniority and the seniority-based rights and benefits he or she would have otherwise been entitled to, as well as other rights provided to employees on a leave of absence. Under certain circumstances, a person may not be entitled to re-employment under the law. Statere-employmentrights,whenenhancedorin addition to federal rights, are not superseded or diminished by federal law. For more information, please call the Veterans Hotline1-800-455-5228.

Veterans Preference for State JobsThe Michigan Civil Service Commission

hasinformationonstatejobs.TheCivilServiceCommissionprovidesforaveteranshiringpreferenceforMichiganstateclassifiedservicethrough rules adopted by the commission. (Rule3-8providesforapreferenceforaneligibleveteranorspouseofaveteran.)

Aqualifyingveteran,includingretirees,and/orspouse must register with the Department of CivilServiceusingformCS-1791,andincludetherequired documentation.For more information, call 517-335-0316 or visit www.michigan.gov/documents/mdcs/Veterans_Preference_382044_7.pdf.

Michigan Rehabilitation ServicesVeterans with disabilities should also look into

theStateofMichiganRehabilitationServices

programadministeredbytheMichiganDepartmentofHumanServices.ServicesmaybeavailabletosupplementVAallowancesforvocational rehabilitation in cases of special need or for vocational rehabilitation, guidance, and counseling.Employmentservicesmayalsobeavailable to veterans whose disabilities are not service-related. For more information: Toll-Free: 1-800-605-6722 TTY: 1-888-605-6722 www.michigan.gov/mrs

Service-Disabled Veteran Business Owners

Service-disabledveteranbusinessownersmaybeeligiblefora10%pricingpreferencewhenbiddingforcertainStateGovernment Purchase ContractsunderMCL18.1261and forcertainStateconstruction contracts under MCL18.1241.For more information, contact 517-335-6633 or 517-373-4730.

Apprenticeship Programs for Discharged VeteransU.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration

This website lists sponsored apprenticeship programs.Apprenticeshipprogramsaresponsored and operated on a voluntary basis by individual employers, employer associations, or partnerships between employers and labor unions. The data is updated on a monthly basis. It is presented by state and county, with occupations in alphabetical order, followed by the employers who have a registered program for that occupation. Visit www.doleta.gov/oa.

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Helmets to HardhatsHelmetsto

Hardhatsisanational, nonprofit program that helps transitioning military, guardsmen, and reservists find quality career opportunities in the construction industry. Mostcareeropportunitiesofferedbytheprogramare connected to federally-appproved apprenticeshiptrainingprograms.Suchtrainingisprovidedbythetradeorganizationsthemselvesatnotcosttotheveteran.Nopriorexperienceisneeded.Allparticipatingtradeorganizationsconduct three- to five-year earn-while-you-learn apprenticeshiptrainingprograms.Becausetheseapprenticeship programs are regulated and approved at both federal and state levels, veterans canutilizetheirMontgomeryG.I.Billbenefitstosupplement their income while they are learning valuable skills and on-the-job training. Visit www.helmetstohardhats.org.

Troops to TeachersTheMichigan

Troops to Teachers program provides advisory services to eligible veterans to transition to a new career as classroom teachers inK-12publicschools.TheTroopstoTeachersProgramisavailableto:

• Militaryretirees,• Membersonactivedutywhoarewithinone

year of their retirement date,• MembersoftheNationalGuardand

SelectiveReserveswithtenormoreyearsofcreditable service,

• Memberstransitioningfromactivedutywith at least six years of active duty and who commit for three years of service in theNationalGuardorSelectiveReserves,

• SeparatedduetophysicaldisabilityafterJanuary8,2002.Mustregisterwithin4yearsofseparation.

Counselingassistancerelatedtoteachercertification requirements and limited job placement assistance is provided. Financial support is also offered to certain eligible participants.

TheTroopstoTeachersProgramsarenotcertification programs nor employment agencies. Eachstatehasauthorityovercertificationrequirements and, usually, each district has authority over the selection and employment process. Therefore, each participant must complete the certification requirements for the state in which they desire to teach, and then apply for a teaching position as would any other teacher.Eachstateofficeprovidesinformationregarding certification requirements, teacher preparation programs leading to certification, and assistance in identifying teaching positions.For more information, contact the Troops to Teachers program at: Phone:517-373-9732Toll-Free: 1-866-801-0007www.michigan.gov/mde

Select“Programs and Offices” from frame on left, then select “Professional Preparation.” Finally, at lower right, under heading “Programs” select “Troops to Teachers.”

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H H H H H H H H HH H H H H H H H HHealth Care and Hospital Benefits – U.S. Federal Programs

Formostveterans,entryintotheVAhealthcare system begins by applying for enrollment.

To apply,completeVAForm1010EZ,ApplicationforHealthBenefits,whichmaybeobtainedfromanyVAhealthcarefacilityorregional benefits office, and online at www.1010ez.med.va.gov/sec/vha/1010ez/ or by calling 1-877-222-VETS (8387). Once enrolled,veteranscanreceivehealthcareatVAhealth care facilities anywhere in the country.

If you have questions about your health care eligibility, call your nearest health care facility or the Health Benefits Service Center at 1-877-222-8387 to obtain the latest information.

Financial AssessmentMostveteransnotreceivingVAdisability

compensation or pension payments must provide a financial assessment to determine whethertheyarebelowVAincomethresholds.VAiscurrentlynotenrollingnewapplicantswhodecline to provide financial information unless they have a special eligibility factor exempting themfromdisclosure.VA’sincomethresholdsarelocated at www.va.gov/healthbenefits/cost/income_thresholds.asp.

The financial assessment includes all household income and net worth, including SocialSecurity,retirementpay,unemploymentinsurance,interestanddividends,workers’compensation, black lung benefits and any other income.Alsoconsideredareassetssuchasthemarket value of property that is not the primary residence, stocks, bonds, notes, individual retirement accounts, bank deposits, savings accounts and cash.

Recently Discharged Combat VeteransVeterans, including activated reservists and

membersoftheNationalGuard,areeligiblefortheenhancedCombatVeteranbenefitsiftheyservedon active duty in a theater of combat operations afterNovember11,1998,andhavebeendischargedunder other than dishonorable conditions.

EffectiveJanuary28,2008,combatveteransdischarged from active duty on or after January28,2003,areeligibleforenhancedenrollmentplacementintoPriorityGroup6(unlesseligibleforhigherenrollmentPriorityGroupplacement)forfiveyearspostdischarge.

VeteransreceiveVAcareandmedicationatnocost for any condition that may be related to their combat service. For additional information, call 1-877-222-VETS (8387).

Joint Transition AssistanceTheDepartmentsofVeteransAffairs,Defense,

andLaborrelaunchedanewandimprovedwebsiteforwoundedwarriors–theNationalResourceDirectory(NRD).Thisdirectory (www.nrd.gov)providesaccesstothousandsofservices and resources at the national, state and local levels to support recovery, rehabilitation andcommunityreintegration.TheNRDisacomprehensive online tool available nationwide for wounded, ill and injured service members, veterans and their families.

TheNRDincludesextensiveinformationforveteransseekingresourcesonVAbenefitssuchas disability benefits, pensions for veterans and theirfamilies.VAhealthcareinsuranceandtheGIBill.TheNRD’sdesignandinterfaceissimple,easy to navigate and intended to answer the needs of a broad audience of users within the military, veteran and caregiver communities.

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Services Requiring Co-PaymentsSomeveteransmustmakeco-paymentsto

receiveVAhealthcare.Theseinclude:•Inpatientcareforveteransmayrequire

co-pays depending on their income and service-connected disability status.

•Extended-careservicemayrequireco-paysbasedoneachveteran’sfinancialsituation.

•Medicationusuallyrequiresan$8or$9co-payforeach30-daysupplyorlessofmedicationprovidedbyVAforaconditionthatisnotservice-connected.Amaximumco-payof$960willbechargedformedicationsin2013.

•Outpatientcare:WhilemanyveteransqualifyforfreehealthcareservicesbasedonaVAcompensable service-connected condition or other qualifying factor, most veterans are asked to complete an annual financial assessment, to determine if they qualify for free services. Veterans whose income exceedstheestablishedVAIncomeThresholds as well as those who choose not to complete the financial assessment must agree to pay required co-pays to become eligibleforVAhealthcareservices.PrimaryCareServices:$15SpecialtyCareServices:$50Certainoutpatientservicesdonotrequirea

co-pay.

Overseas BenefitsVAwillreimburseformedicalservicesforthe

treatment of service-connected disabilities and related conditions for veterans living or travelingoutsidetheUnitedStates.Beforeusingtheprogram,veteranslivinginthePhilippinesshouldregisterwiththeVAofficeinPasayCity,phone 011-632-838-4566 or e-mail at manlopc.inqry@vba.va.gov.Allother veterans living or planning to travel outside theU.S.shouldregisterwiththeDenver Foreign Medical Program office P.O.Box469061,Denver,CO80246-9061,USAPhone:303-331-7590

Online Health ServicesVAoffersveterans,servicemembers,their

dependents and caregivers their own personal healthrecordthroughMyHealtheVet,foundatwww.myhealth.va.gov.

MyHealtheVet’sfree,onlinePersonalHealthRecordisavailable24/7,withInternetaccess.Thosewithanupgradedaccount(obtainedbycompletingtheone-timeIn-PersonAuthenticationprocess)can:

•ParticipateinsecuremessagingwithVAhealthcareteammembers;

•ViewkeyportionsofDODmilitaryserviceinformation;

•GetVAwellnessreminders;•ViewVAappointments;•ViewVAlabresults;•ViewVAallergiesandadversereactions;•ViewtheirVAComprehensiveCareDocument.WithMyHealtheVet,veteranscanaccess

trusted health information to better manage personalhealthcareandlearnaboutotherVAbenefits and services.

Caregiver Programs and ServicesVAhaslongadvocatedforcaregiversasvital

partners in providing care worthy of the sacrificesbyAmerica’sveteransandservicememberswitheachVAmedicalcentercontaininga designated caregiver support point of contact to coordinate caregiver activities and serve as a resource expert for veterans, their families and VAproviders.Severalprogramsareavailableforall veteran caregivers including:

•In-HomeandCommunity-BasedCare;•RespiteCare;•CaregiverEducationandTrainingPrograms;•FamilySupportServices;•Travel.

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TheVAalsoprovidesdurablemedicalequipment and prosthetic and sensory aides to improve function, financial assistance with home modifications to improve access and mobility, and transportation assistance for some veterans to and from medical appointments.

OnMay5,2010,theCaregiversandVeteransOmnibusHealthServicesActof2010wassignedinto law to provide unprecedented benefits to eligible caregivers who support the veterans who havegivensomuchforthisNation.Supportprovided to this group includes a monthly stipend, travel and lodging while accompanying veterans undergoing care, mental health services and counseling, and caregiver training.

Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program

Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment 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-hourtherapeuticsettingutilizingapeerandprofessionalsupportenvironment. The programs provide a strong emphasis on psychosocial rehabilitation and recovery services that instill personal responsibility to achieve optimal levels of independence upon discharge to independent or supportivecommunityliving.MHRRTPalsoprovides rehabilitative care for veterans who are homeless.Callyournearestbenefitsofficeorhealth care facility to obtain the latest information.

MedicationAsnotedearlier,co-paysarerequiredfor

manymedications.However,thefollowinggroups of veterans are not charged medication co-pays: veterans with a service-connected

disabilityof50percentormore;veteransreceiving medication for service-connected conditions;veteranswhoseannualincomedoesnotexceedthemaximumannualrateoftheVApension;veteranswhoaredeterminedtobeCatastrophicallyDisabled;veteransreceivingmedication for conditions related to sexual traumarelatedtoserviceonactiveduty;certainveterans receiving medication for treatment of canceroftheheadorneck;veteransreceivingmedicationforaVA-approvedresearchproject;andformerPOWs.

Outpatient Dental TreatmentOutpatientdentalbenefitsareprovidedbyVA

accordingtolaw.Dentalcareiscategorizedinclasses and, in some cases, treatment may be limited. The following veterans may receive care:

• haveaservice-connectedcompensabledentaldisabilityorcondition;

• areaformerprisonerofwar;• haveservice-connecteddisabilitiesrated

100%disablingorareunemployableduetoservice-connectedconditions;

• areparticipatinginaVAvocationalrehabilitationprogram;

• thosewhoapplyfordentalcarewithin180daysofdischargeorrelease(underconditionsotherthandishonorable)fromaperiodofactivedutyof90daysormoreduringthePersianGulfWarera;

• haveaservice-connectednoncompensabledental condition or disability resulting from combatwoundsorservicetrauma;

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• haveadentalconditionclinicallydeterminedbyVAtobecurrentlyaggravatingaservice-connectedmedicalcondition;

• arereceivingoutpatientcareorarescheduled for inpatient care and require dental care for a condition complicating a medical condition currently under treatment;and

• certainveteransenrolledinVAHomelessProgramfor60consecutivedaysormore.

For more information, call the VA Health Center toll-free at 1-877-222-8387.

Nursing Home CareVAprovidesnursinghomeservicestoveterans

throughthreenationalprograms:VA-ownedand-operatedCommunityLivingCenters(CLC),StateVeterans’Homesownedandoperatedbythestates, and the community nursing home program.Eachprogramhasadmissionandeligibilitycriteriaspecifictotheprogram.Nursinghome care is available for enrolled veterans who need nursing home care for a service-connected disability,orveteranswitha70percentorgreaterservice-connected disability, and veterans with a rating of total disability based on individual unemployability.VA-providednursinghomecarefor all other veterans is based on available resources.

Readjustment CounselingVeterans may need help after they return

home from war. Friends and family who have not shared similar experiences may be unable to understand how they can help. There are resources that veterans have available to help cope with the impact of war once back home. Families who have lost loved ones in the military may also experience grief beyond their ability to copewithalone.Helpisavailableforthesefamilymembers as well.

TheDepartmentofVeteransAffairsprovidesreadjustment counseling services through community-basedVetCenters.Thiscounselingisdesigned to help combat veterans readjust to civilianlife.Programsareavailableaddressingmilitary sexual trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, 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.

Veterans are eligible for readjustment counseling if they served on active duty in a combat theater or areaofhostilityduringWorldWarII,theKoreanWar,theVietnamWar,theGulfWar,orthecampaignsinLebanon,Grenada,Panama,Somalia,Bosnia,Kosovo,Afghanistan,IraqandtheGlobalWaronTerror.Veterans,whoservedintheactivemilitary during the Vietnam-era, but not in the RepublicofVietnam,musthaverequestedservicesataVetCenterbeforeJanuary1,2004.VetCentersdonotrequireenrollmentintheVHAHealthCareSystem.ContactthenearestVet Center or visit www.vetcenter.va.gov for assistance.

Other Counseling ServicesVet Center Combat Call Center

(1-877-WAR-VETS)isanaround-the-clockconfidential call center where combat veterans and their families can call to talk about their military experience or any other issue they are facing in their readjustment to civilian life. The staff is comprised of combat veterans from several eras as well as family members of combat veterans.

Bereavement Counseling is available to all immediate family members including spouses, children, parents, and siblings of service members who died while on active duty. Information is available by calling (202) 461-6530.

Other Health ServicesVAhealthcareincludesanumberofother

servicesincludingVAprostheticappliances,equipment and services, such as home respiratory therapy, artificial limbs, orthopedic braces and

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therapeutic shoes, wheelchairs, powered mobility, crutches, canes, walkers, special aids, appliances, optical and electronic devices for visual impairment and other durable medical equipment andsupplies.Specialservicesforveterans’childrenwithSpinaBifida,vocationalrehabilitationservicesfor veterans, and work restoration programs are also available.

VeteranseligibleforVAmedicalcaremayapplyforsubstanceabusetreatment.ContactthenearestVAmedicalfacilitytoapply(seepage23).Additionalinformationisavailableat www.va.gov/health/.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder AccordingtotheNationalCenterforPost-

TraumaticStressDisorder,theconditionknownasPost-TraumaticStressDisorder,orPTSD,isananxiety disorder that can occur following the experience or witnessing of life-threatening events 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.PeoplewhosufferfromPTSDoften relive the experience through nightmares and flashbacks, have difficulty sleeping, and feel detached or estranged, and these symptoms can be severe enough and last long enough to significantlyimpairtheperson’sdailylife.

PTSDismarkedbyclearbiologicalchangesaswellaspsychologicalsymptoms.PTSDiscomplicated 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 of physical and mental health. The disorder is also associatedwithimpairmentoftheperson’sability to function in social or family life, including occupational instability, marital problems and divorces, family discord, and difficulties in parenting.

Elevento30percentofthemenandwomenwhohavespenttimeinwarzonesexperiencePTSD.Anadditional20to25percenthavehadpartialPTSDatsomepointintheirlives.Morethan half of all male Vietnam veterans and almost half of all female Vietnam veterans have experienced “clinically serious stress reaction symptoms.”PTSDhasalsobeendetectedamongveteransoftheGulfWar,withsomeestimatesrunningashighas10percent.The National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder web site is www.ptsd.va.gov.

If you are a veteran or a spouse of a veteran whowantstolearnmoreaboutPost-TraumaticStress,youmaycallyournearestVAmedicalfacility(seepage23)orcontactoneoftheMichigan Vet Centers listed below:

Dearborn Vet Center 19855OuterDrive,Suite105WDearborn,MI48124313-277-1428

Detroit Vet Center4161CassAvenue Detroit,MI48201313-831-6509

Escanaba Vet Center3500LudingtonStreet,Suite110 Escanaba,MI49829906-233-0244

Grand Rapids Vet Center2050BretonRoad,SE, Suite100 GrandRapids,MI49546616-285-5795

Pontiac Vet Center44200WoodwardAvenuePontiac,MI48341248-874-1015

Saginaw Vet Center4048BayRoadSaginaw,MI48603989-321-4650

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Traumatic Brain Injury TraumaticBrainInjury(TBI)isaninjury

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 without visible external wounds. The extent of damage fromTBImightnotberealizeduntilafterthesoldier,Marine,airman,orsailorisbackhome.Further,thesymptomsmaynotberecognizedasTBIandmayevenbeconfusedwithPTSD.

The Brain Injury Association of Michigan (BIAMI) works to improve the lives of those affected by brain injury through education, advocacy, research, and local support groups. In2007,BIAMIcreatedaVeteran’sProgramtospecifically help veterans returning from Iraq andAfghanistanwithTBI.Contact1-800-444-6443 or www.biami.org.TheMichiganTBIwebsiteis www.michigan.gov/tbi

Gulf War, Depleted Uranium, Agent Orange, and Ionizing Radiation Registry Programs

VAhasdevelopeddatabasescalledregistriestohelpanalyzethetypeofhealthconditionsbeing reported by veterans who served in the GulfWarandOperationIraqiFreedom;wereexposedtodepleteduranium;claimexposuretoAgentOrangeduringtheVietnamWar(between1962and1975),whileservinginKoreabetweenApril1968andAugust31,1971,orotherexposure while testing, transporting, or spraying herbicides;claimexposuretoatomicradiation;orweretreatedwithnasopharyngeal(NP)radium during military service. Veterans wishing toparticipateshouldcontactthenearestVAhealth care facility for an examination.

Agent Orange, Radiation, Depleted Uranium, and Gulf War Exposures

AveteranwhoservedintheRepublicofVietnambetweenJanuary9,1962,andMay7,1975,ispresumedtohavebeenexposedtoAgentOrangeandotherherbicidesusedinsupport of military operations. Fourteen illnesses arepresumedbyVAtobeservice-connectedforsuch veterans. In addition, for veterans who participated in “radiation risk activities” as definedinVAregulationswhileonactiveduty,active duty for training, or inactive duty training, certain conditions are presumed to be service-connected including all forms of leukemia (exceptforchroniclymphocyticleukemia);severalcancers;bronchiolo-alveolarcarcinoma;multiplemyeloma;lymphomas(otherthanHodgkin’sdisease),andprimarylivercancer(exceptifcirrhosisorhepatitisBisindicated).

To determine service connection for other conditions or exposures not eligible for presumptiveserviceconnection,VAconsidersfactors such as the amount of radiation exposure, duration of exposure, elapsed time between exposure and onset of the disease, gender and family history, age at time of exposure, the extent to which a non-service-related exposure could contribute to disease, and the relative sensitivity of exposed tissue.

GulfWarveteranswithchronicdisabilitiesmayreceive disability compensation for chronic disabilities resulting from undiagnosed illnesses and/ormedicallyunexplainedchronicmulti-symptom illnesses defined by a cluster of signs or symptoms.Adisabilityisconsideredchronicifithas existed for at least six months.

The undiagnosed illnesses must have appeared either during active service in the SouthwestAsiatheaterofoperationsduringtheGulfWarperiodofAugust2,1990,toJuly31,1991,ortoadegreeofatleast10percentatanytimesincethenthroughDecember31,2016.ThistheaterofoperationsincludesIraq,Kuwait,SaudiArabia,theneutralzonebetweenIraqand

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SaudiArabia,Bahrain,Qatar,theUnitedArabEmirates,Oman,theGulfofAden,theGulfofOman,thePersianGulf,theArabianSea,theRedSea,andtheairspaceabovetheselocations.

Home Improvements and Structural 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$6,800forservice-connectedreasonsandupto$2,000fornonservice-connectedreasonsmaybeprovided. For application information, contact the prostheticrepresentativeatthenearestVAmedicalcenteroroutpatientclinic(seepage23).

Health Care and Hospital Benefits – State of Michigan Michigan Veterans Homes

AunitoftheMichiganDepartmentofMilitaryandVeteransAffairs,theGrand Rapids Home for Veteransprovidesphysiciancare;skillednursingcareservices;socialworkcare;nutritionalcare;physical,occupational,speech,andrehabilitationtherapyprograms;andprogramsforAlzheimer’sandspecialneedscarefor qualified disabled veterans.

Asecondveteranshome,theD.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans,islocatedinMarquette.ThisUpperPeninsulahomeprovidesphysiciancoverage for a variety of services as well as additional services on a fee-for-service basis. The home has a domiciliary unit, skilled nursing care, basic nursing care, and a special needs unit for qualified disabled veterans. For more information, you may wish to contact the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans directly at 1-800-642-4838 or the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans at 1-800-433-6760.

You may also contact the Veterans Affairs Directorate of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs or visit www.michigan.gov/veterans.

Veterans Treatment CourtInlate2012,legislationwasenactedtocreatea

Veterans Treatment Court program that will addresstheneedtobettersupportMichiganveterans and assist them with their transition to civilian life. Veterans treatment court uses a hybrid integration of drug court and mental health court principles. The courts promote sobriety, recovery, and stability through a coordinated response that involves collaboration with the traditional partners found in drug courts and mental health courts, as well as the DepartmentofVeteransAffairshealthcarenetworks,VeteransBenefitsAdministration,stateDepartmentsofVeteransAffairs,volunteermentors,andorganizationsthatsupportveteransandveterans’families.Tobeeligibletoparticipatein veterans treatment court, a veteran cannot be chargedwithaviolentoffense.Heorshemustcomplete a confidential preadmissions screening andevaluationassessment.AsofMay2013,several district and circuit courts had established veterans treatment courts as allowed by law.

Homeless VeteransVAprovidescomprehensivemedical,

psychological and rehabilitation treatment for eligible homeless veterans and conducts homeless outreach such as community-based “stand downs” to help homeless veterans.

The VA Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) Program provides a gateway toVAandcommunitysupportiveservicesforeligible veterans.

The National Call Center for Homeless Veterans(NCCHV)assistshomelessveterans,at-risk veterans, their families and other interestedpartieswithlinkagestoappropriateVA

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and community-based resources. The call center providestrainedVAstaffmembers24hoursaday,sevendaysaweekthatassessacaller’sneeds and connect them to appropriate resources. 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 housing and ongoing case management for eligible homeless veterans who would not be able to live independently without the support of case management. These services may be accessed at VAmedicalcentersandcommunity-basedoutreach clinics.

Through the Supportive Services for Low-Income Veterans Program,VAaimstoimproveverylow-incomeveteranfamilies’housing stability by providing supportive services to very low-income veteran families in or transitioningtopermanenthousing.VAfundscommunity-basedorganizationstoprovideeligibleveteran families with outreach, case management andassistanceinobtainingVAandotherbenefits.For assistance call 1-877-4-AID-VET.

In VA’s Compensated Work Therapy/Transitional Residence (CWT/TR) Program, disadvantaged, at-risk, and homeless veterans live inCWT/TRcommunity-basedsupervisedgrouphomeswhileworkingforpayinVA’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 and short-term case management assistance for incarcerated veterans who may be at risk for homelessness upon their release. For assistance, contactthenearestVAmedicalfacility,call 1-800-827-1000, or visit www.va.gov/homeless tofindcontactinformationonVAhomelessveteran coordinators in each state.

Michigan Programs for Homeless Veterans

If you are in immediate need of shelter, please call the Homeless Shelter 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.VolunteersofAmericaMichiganoperatesa50-bedovernightemergencyshelterformenanda14-bedovernightemergencyshelterforwomenandchildrenintheLansingarea.

The shelters provide a safe place to stay and accesstoimportantservices.Allresidentsofourovernight shelter can also receive services from NewHopeDayCenter.Thecentercollaborateswith eight other agencies to provide a variety of services including employment assistance, substance abuse education, and health care.

Inaddition,VolunteersofAmericaMichiganoperates three programs for homeless veterans: theVeteransDormitoryProgramisa16-bedprogram available to male and female veterans. Residentscanstayforupto6monthsfreeofcharge if weekly progress is made on their TreatmentPlan.TheVeteransHousingProgramprovides longer-term transitional housing for 40veteransincludingthosewithsubstance-relateddisordersand/ormentalillness.TheVeteransReintegrationProgramassistshomelessveteranstogainandmaintaingainfulemployment.CurrentlocationsincludeLansing,Detroit,andFlint.For additional information, please contact:Veterans Dormitory Program – Lansing:517-489-5290Veterans Housing Program – Lansing:517-489-5285Veterans Reintegration Program – Lansing: 517-489-5283www.voami.org/Services

Health Care

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Health Care

Lansing Shelter SystemProgramCoordinator430N.LarchStreet Lansing,MI48912Phone:517-484-4414Toll-Free: 1-877-509-8387

Michigan Volunteers of America, Michigan Housing Department21415CivicCenterDrive,Suite210Southfield,MI48076Phone:248-945-0101

Additional ResourcesMichigan Coalition Against Homelessness15851S.OldUS-27,Building30,Suite315Lansing,MI48906Phone:517-485-6536Fax: 517-485-6682E-mail:mcah@mihomeless.orgwww.mihomeless.org

Women Veterans Health Care

AteachVAMedicalCenternationwide,aWomenVeteransProgramManagerisdesignatedtoadviseandadvocateforwomenveterans.Shecan help coordinate all the services you may need,fromprimarycaretospecializedcareforchronic conditions or reproductive health.

WomanveteranswhoareinterestedinreceivingcareatVAshouldcontactthenearestVAMedicalCenterandaskfortheWomenVeteransProgramManager.

VAprovidesmanagementofacuteandchronicillnesses, preventive care, contraceptive services, menopause management, and cancer screenings, including pap smear and mammograms, and gynecology.MaternitycareiscoveredintheMedicalBenefitspackage.WomenveteransreceivematernitycarefromanOB/GYN,andcarefor their newborn children is covered for seven days after birth. Infertility evaluation and limited treatments are also available.For more information: Women Veterans Call CenterToll-Free: 1-855-829-6636 or www.womenshealth.va.gov

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Alpena 180N.StateAvenue497071-800-649-4812

Ann Arbor 2215FullerRoad481051-800-361-8387

Battle Creek 5500ArmstrongRoad490371-888-214-1247

Benton Harbor115MainStreet49022269-934-9123

Cadillac 1909N.MitchellStreet496011-800-406-5143

Clare 11775N.IsabellaRoad486171-800-649-4812

Detroit 4646JohnRStreet482011-800-511-8056

Flint G-2360S.LindenRoad48532810-720-2913

Gaylord 806SouthOtsego497351-800-649-4812

Grand Rapids 3019CoitStreet,N.E.49505616-365-9575

Hancock 787MarketStreet QuincyCenter, Suite949930-1495906-482-7762

Iron Mountain 325EastHStreet498011-800-215-8262

Ironwood 629W.CloverlandDrive Suite149938906-932-0032

Lansing 2025S.Washington48910517-267-3925

Manistique 813E.LakeshoreDrive49854 906-341-3420

Marquette 1414W.FairAvenue Suite28549855906-226-4618

Menominee 111010thAvenue Suite10149858906-863-1286

Michigan Center (Jackson)4328PageAvenue49254 517-764-3609

Muskegon 165E.AppleAvenueSuite20149442231-725-4105

oscoda 5671SkeelAvenueSuite4487501-800-649-4812

Pontiac 44200WoodwardAvenueSuite20848341248-332-4540

Saginaw 1500WeissStreet486021-800-406-5143

Sault Ste. Marie 509OsbornBoulevard Suite30649783 906-253-9383

Traverse City 3271RacquetClubDrive496841-800-649-4812

Yale 7470BrockwayDrive48097810-387-3211

Michigan VA Medical Facilities and Outpatient ClinicsVariousU.S.DepartmentofVeteransAffairsmedicalfacilitiesoperateinMichigan. They are listed below by the city in which they are located.

Health Care

The State of Michigan operates two veterans homes at the following locations:

Grand Rapids Home for Veterans 3000MonroeAvenue,N.W.GrandRapids,MI49505616-364-5389  •  1-800-642-4838

D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans425FisherMarquette,MI49855906-226-3576  •  1-800-433-6760

H H H H H

24

H H H H H H H H HH H H H H H H H HeBenefits

ThrougheBenefitsveteranscanapplyforbenefits, view their disability compensation claim status, access official military personnel documents (e.g.,DDForm214,CertificateofReleaseorDischargefromActiveDuty),obtainaVA-guaranteedhomeloanCertificateofEligibility,andregisterforand update direct deposit information for certain benefits.Newfeaturesareaddedregularly.Theportal is located at https://www.ebenefits.va.gov. VeteransmustregisterforaneBenefitsaccountatoneoftwolevels:BasicorPremium.APremiumaccount allows the user to access personal data in VAandDoDsystems,aswellasapplyforbenefitsonline, check the status of claims, update address records,andmore.TheBasicaccountallowsaccesstoinformationenteredintoeBenefitsbytheveteranonly.BasicaccountscannotaccessVAorDoDsystems.

ToregisterforaneBenefitsaccount,veteransmustbelistedintheDefenseEnrollmentEligibilityReportingSystem(DEERS)andobtainaDoDSelfService(DS)Logon(usernameandpassword).Note:ForthosewithoutaDEERSrecord,VAwillfirst need to verify military service and add the informationtoDEERS.Thisismostlikelyforveteranswhoservedpriorto1982.IndividualsshouldcontactaVAregionalofficeforassistanceinbeingaddedtoDEERS.

Identityverification:Manyveteranswillbeableto verify their identity online by answering a few securityquestions.AfewmayneedtovisitaVAregionalofficeorTRICAREServiceCentertohavetheir identities verified.

Militaryretireesmayverifytheiridentity onlineusingtheirDefenseFinanceandAccountingService(DFAS)Logon.VeteransinreceiptofVAbenefits via direct deposit may have their identity verified by calling 1-800-827-1000 and selecting option7.eBenefitsuserswithPremiumaccessswithappropriateMyHealtheVetaccesscanlogin totheirMyHealtheVetaccountusingthesinglesign-on feature.

VA Disability CompensationVAdisabilitycompensationisamonetarybenefit

paid to veterans who are disabled by injury or disease incurred or aggravated during active military service. The service of the veteran must have been terminated through separation or discharge under conditions that were other than dishonorable. Disability compensation varies with the degree of disability and the number of dependents, and is paid monthly.

Veterans with disability ratings between 30percentand100percentareeligibleforadditional allowances for a spouse and for each minorchild,18-23yearsofageattendingschool,childifdisabledbefore18yearsofage,anddependent parent. The amount depends on the disability rating.

VAofferstwomethodsforreceivingdisabilitybenefitpayments.Mostveteransreceivetheirdisability benefit payments by direct deposit to a bank, savings and loan or credit union account. 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 minimum balance required, and basic services are free. To sign up for the Debit Card Program, call 1-888-213-1625.

2013 VA Disability Compensation Disability Percentage Monthly Payment 10percent $ .129 20percent 255 30percent 395 40percent 569 50percent 810 60percent 1,026 70percent 1,293 80percent 1,503 90percent 1,689 100percent 2,816

Figures may be adjusted annually for inflation.

moneTary benefITs

25

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PensionsVeterans with low incomes who are

permanentlyandtotallydisabled,orareage65andolder, may be eligible for monetary support if they have90daysormoreofactivemilitaryservice,atleast one day of which was during a period of war. (VeteranswhoenteredactivedutyonorafterSeptember8,1980,orofficerswhoenteredactivedutyonorafterOctober16,1981,mayhavetomeetalongerminimumperiodofactiveduty.)Theveteran’sdischargemusthavebeenunderconditions other than dishonorable and their disability must be for reasons other than their own willfulmisconduct.Paymentsaremadetobringtheveteran’stotalincome,includingotherretirementorSocialSecurityincome,toalevelsetbyCongress.UnreimbursedmedicalexpensesmayreducecountableincomeforVApurposes.

Social Security BenefitsMonthlyretirement,disabilityandsurvivor

benefitsunderSocialSecurityarepayabletoveterans and dependents if the veteran has earned enough work credits under the program. Upon the veteran’sdeath,aone-timepaymentof$255alsomaybemadetotheveteran’sspouseorchild.Inaddition,aveteranmayqualifyatage65forMedicare’shospitalinsuranceandmedicalinsurance.MedicareprotectionisavailabletopeoplewhohavereceivedSocialSecuritydisabilitybenefitsfor24months,andtoinsuredpeopleandtheirdependents who need dialysis or kidney transplants, orwhohaveamyotrophiclateralsclerosis(morecommonlyknownasLouGehrig’sdisease).

Those65orolderandthosewhoareblindorotherwise disabled may be eligible for monthly SupplementalSecurityIncome(SSI)paymentsiftheyhavelittleornoincomeorresources.Statesmay supplement the federal payments to eligible persons and may disregard additional income.For more information, call 1-800-772-1213 or visit www.socialsecurity.gov.

Veterans with disabilities may wish to contact Disability Network/Michigan for advice on independent living issues. 517-339-0539 or www.dnmichigan.org.

Additional Monetary Benefits for Eligible Military Retirees

Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay(CRDP)restoresretiredpayonagraduated10-yearscheduleforretireeswitha50percentto90percentVA-rateddisability.Thephase-inwillbecompletedinJanuary2014.

Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC)providestax-freemonthlypaymentstoeligible retired veterans with combat-related injuries.

Disabilities related to in-service exposure to hazards(e.g.,AgentOrange,GulfWarillnesses,radiationexposure)forwhichVAawardscompensation are considered combat-related for CRSCpurposes.For information, visit www.defense.gov, or contact directly:Army Navy/Marine Corps1-888-276-9472 1-877-685-1683www.hrc.army.mil/ www.donhq.navy. site/crsc/index.html mil/corb/CRSCB/ or e-mail at crscmainpage.htm askhrc.army@ or e-mail at DoN_ us.army.mil CRSC@navy.mil

Air Force Coast Guard1-800-525-0102 1-703-872-6631www.retirees.af.mil/ www.uscg.mil/or e-mail at adm1/crsc.asp AFPC.DPPDC.AFCRSC or e-mail at @randolph.af.mil Cassie.H.Sylvester @uscg.mil

Disability Compensation for Presumptive Conditions – Certainchronicandtropicaldiseases(forexample,multiplesclerosis,diabetesmellitus,andarthritis)maybeservice-connectedifthediseasemanifeststoacompensabledegree(i.e.,rated10percentdisablingorgreater)withintheapplicabletimelimitfollowingservice(eitheroneyear,threeyears,orsevenyears,dependingonthedisease).

AllveteranswhodevelopAmyotrophicLateralSclerosis(ALS),alsoknowasLouGehrig’sDisease,at any time after separation from service may be eligible for compensation for that disability.For more information, visit www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/health-concerns.asp.

Monetary Benefits

26

H H H H H H H H HH H H H H H H H HHome Loan Guaranties – U.S. Federal Programs

VeteransAffairsloanguarantiesmaybemadeto eligible service members, veterans, reservists,NationalGuard,andunmarriedsurviving spouses for the purchase of homes, condominiums, and manufactured homes and forrefinancingloans.Applicantsmusthaveagoodcredit rating, have an income sufficient to support mortgage payments, and agree to live in the property.

A VA loan guaranty can be used to:

• Buyorbuildahome;

• Buyaresidentialcondominium;

• Repair,alter,orimproveaveteran’shome;

• Refinanceanexistinghomeloan;

• Buyamanufacturedhomeand/oralot;

• Installasolarheatingorcoolingsystemorother energy-efficient improvements.

Service EligibilityApplicationsinvolvingotherthanhonorable

discharges will usually require further developmentbyVAService during:WWII 09/16/40to07/25/47PostWWII 07/26/47to06/26/50Korean 06/27/50to01/31/55PostKorean 02/01/55to08/04/64Vietnam 08/05/64to05/07/75;

or beginning 02/28/61forveteranswho

servedinRepublicofVietnamPostVietnam 05/8/75to08/1/90PersianGulfEra 08/02/90todatetobe

determinedIfservicewasbetweenSeptember8,1980

(October16,1981,forofficers)andAugust1,1990,veteransmustgenerallycomplete 24monthsofcontinuousactivedutyserviceorthefullperiod(atleast181days)forwhichtheywere called or ordered to active duty, and be discharged under conditions other than dishonorable(“24-monthrule”).

Veteranswhoservedfewerthan181daysmaybe eligible if discharged for a service-connected disability.

VeteransoftheGulfWareramustgenerallycomplete24monthsofcontinuousactivedutyorthefullperiod(atleast90days)forwhichtheywere called to active duty, and be discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.

home loans anD Tax CreDITs

27

H H H H H

Exceptionsareallowediftheveterancompletedatleast90daysofactivedutybutwasdischargedearlierthan24monthsfor:

• hardship;• theconvenienceofthegovernment;• reduction-in-force;• certainmedicalconditions;or• service-connected disability. ReservistsandNationalGuardmembersare

eligibleiftheywereactivatedafterAugust1,1990,servedatleast90days,andreceivedanhonorable discharge.

UntiltheGulfWareraisended,personsonactivedutyareeligibleafterserving90continuous days.

AfundingfeemustbepaidtoVAunlesstheveteran is exempt from such a fee because he or shereceivesVAdisabilitycompensation.Thefeemay be paid in cash or included in the loan. ClosingcostssuchasVAappraisal,creditreport,loan processing fee, title search, title insurance, recording fees, transfer taxes, survey charges, or hazardinsurancemaynotbeincludedintheloan.

VA Assistance to Veterans in Default: VAurgesallveteranswhoareencounteringproblems making their mortgage payments to speak with their servicers as soon as possible to exploreoptionstoavoidforeclosure.Contrarytopopular opinion, servicers do not want to foreclose because foreclosure costs a lot of money. Depending on a veteran’sspecificsituation,servicersmay offer any of the following options to avoid foreclosure:

• RepaymentPlan• SpecialForbearance• LoanModification• ShortSale• Deed-in-LieuofForeclosure• Additionaltimetoarrangea

private sale.

Iftheloanservicerisunabletohelp,theVAhasloantechniciansineightRegionalLoanCentersandtwospecialservicingcenterswhotake an active role exploring all options to avoid foreclosure. Veterans with VA-guaranteed home loans can call 1-877-827-3702 to reach thenearestVAofficewhereloanspecialistsareprepared to discuss potential ways to help save theloan.Veteranswithnon-VA-guaranteedloansmayalsocallthisnumber.However,VAdoesnothavethelegalauthoritytointerveneonanon-VA-guaranteedborrower’sbehalf.

Veteran borrrowers may also be able to requestreliefpursuanttotheServicemembersCivilReliefAct(SCRA).

Specially Adapted HomesCertainveteranswithservice-connected

disabilitiesmaybeentitledtoaSpeciallyAdaptedHousing(SAH)grantfromVAtoassistineitherbuilding a new specially adapted home, adapting a home they already own, or in purchasing an existing home to modify and remodel to meet theirdisability-relatedrequirements.Eligibleveteransmayreceiveupto3grants,thesumtotal not to exceed the maximum allowable grant of$64,960.

VAmayapproveagrantofnotmorethan 50percentofthecostofbuilding,buying,oradapting existing homes or paying to reduce indebtedness on a currently owned home that is

being adapted. In certain instances, the full grant may be applied toward remodeling costs.

ConTaCT The mIChIgan

DeparTmenT of TreasUry for

fUrTher InformaTIon

on The homesTeaD

properTy Tax CreDIT.

Home Loans & Tax Credits

28

H H H H H

State of Michigan BenefitsTax Benefits

The Home Heating Credit is designed to assist low-income families and seniors in paying theirhomeheatingcosts.Homesteadscanbearented apartment or a mobile home on a lot in a mobile home park. Veterans generally are eligible for an increased credit. The final date to file for a HomeHeatingCreditisSeptember30ofeachyear.

The Michigan Homestead Property Tax Credit is available if the homestead is located in Michigan,theownerwasaMichiganresidentatleast six months in the prior year, and the owner payspropertytaxesorrentsaMichiganhomestead.Peoplearegenerallynoteligibleforatax credit if their household income is more than$50,000orthevalueoftheirhomeisgreaterthan$135,000.Veteransgenerallyareeligibleforanincreasedcredit.HomesteadPropertyTaxCreditformsmustbefiledbythetime federal and state tax forms are due each April.Thetaxform,MI-1040CR-2orMI-1040CRcan be found online at www.michigan.gov/treasury/. For property tax matters, call 517-373-0500 or 517-373-3200.

The Disabled Veteran Homestead Exemption provides that certain honorably discharged veterans with a service-connected disability(ortheirsurvivingunremarriedspouses)whoreceivedmonetaryassistancefromthe federal government for specially adapted homes(anSAHgrant)mayapplyforanexemption for their homestead from property taxation.AqualifiedveteranmustsubmitanaffidavitandacertificatefromtheVAconfirmingthe monetary assistance for specially adapted housing.Contactyourtownshipsupervisororother assessing officer for further information and deadlines.

Principal Residence ExemptionPrincipalresidencesareexemptfromthe

18-millstatewidepropertytaxlevyusedforK-12educationfunding.Eachindividualormarried couple may claim only one residence in the state as their principal residence, thus they may claim only one exemption.

Annualpropertyassessmentincreasesarecappedat5percentortherateofinflation,whichever is less. These assessments are “uncapped” after the property is sold.

Home Loans & Tax Credits

Michigan Department of Treasury (Rev. 09-12), Page 1 of 3

Issued under authority of Public Act 281 of 1967.

2012 MICHIGAN Homestead Property Tax Credit Claim MI-1040CR

Print numbers like this: 0123456789 - NOT like this: 1 4

Attachment 05

1. Filer’s First Name

M.I. Last Name

2. Filer’s Social Security No. (Example: 123-45-6789)

If a Joint Return, Spouse’s First Name M.I. Last Name3. Spouse’s Social Security No. (Example: 123-45-6789)

Home Address (Number, Street, P.O. Box) If using a P.O. Box, you must complete line 46, page 3.

City or Town

State ZIP Code4. School District Code (5 digits - see p. 60)

5. Check the box for which you or your spouse qualify (excluding dependents). If you qualify for both boxes, see instructions on page 27.

a. Age 65 or older; or an unremarried spouse of a person

who was 65 or older at the time of death.

b. Deaf, hemiplegic, paraplegic, quadriplegic, or totally

and permanently disabled.

6. 2012 FILING STATUS: 7. 2012 RESIDENCY STATUS:*If you checked box “c,” enter dates of Michigan residency in 2012.

Enter dates as MM-DD-YYYY (Example: 04-15-2012).

Check one.Check all that apply.

a. Singlea. Resident

FILERSPOUSE

2012

2012

b. Married, Filing jointly b. Nonresident2012

2012

c. Married, Filing separately c. Part-Year Resident *

8. Homestead Status

Check here if the taxable value of your homestead includes unoccupied farmland classified as agricultural by your assessor.

9. Homeowners: Enter the 2012 taxable value of your homestead (see p. 27). If you did not check

box 8 above and your taxable value is greater than $135,000, STOP; you are not eligible.

Farmers: enter your taxable value including your homestead and unoccupied farmland ..................... 9.

00

10. Property Taxes levied on your home for 2012 (see p. 24) or amount from line 52, 57, or 58 ................10.

00

11. Renters: Enter rent you paid for 2012 from line 54 or 56 ...................... 11.

00

12. Multiply line 11 by 20% (0.20) .................................

..................................

..................................

........... 12.00

13. Total. Add lines 10 and 12 .................................

..................................

..................................

...............13.

00

TOTAL HOUSEHOLD RESOURCES. Include income from both spouses.

NOTE: For line by line instructions see pages 27-28.

14. Wages, salaries, tips, sick, strike

and SUB pay, etc.14.

0021. Social Security and/or

railroad retirement benefits 21.00

15. All interest and dividend income

(including nontaxable interest) 15.00

22. Child support and foster

parent payments22.

00

16. Net business income (including net

farm income). If negative enter “0” 16.00

23. Unemployment

compensation23.

00

17. Net royalty or rent income.

If negative enter “0”17.

0024. Gifts or expenses paid on

your behalf24.

00

18. Retirement pension, annuity, and

IRA benefits.18.

0025. Other nontaxable income

Describe: _______________ 25.00

19. Capital gains less capital losses.19.

0026. Workers’/veterans’ disability

compensation/pension benefits 26.00

20. Alimony and other taxable income

Describe: ___________________ 20.00

27. FIP and other DHS benefits

(Do not include food assistance) 27.00

28. SUBTOTAL. Add lines 14 through 27 .................................

..................................

.......... SUBTOTAL 28.00

Continue on pages 2 and 3. This form cannot be

processed if pages 2 and 3 are not complete and attached.

+ 0000 2012 25 01 27

3

29

H H H H H H H H HH H H H H H H H HVeterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI)

Activedutymembersandreservistsofuniformed services are automatically insured for $400,000undertheServicemembers’GroupLifeInsurance(SGLI).Alsoavailableistraumaticinjurygroup life insurance and family coverage.

Atthetimeofseparationfromservice,SGLIcanbeconvertedtoeitherVeterans’GroupLifeInsurance(VGLI)oracommercialplanthroughparticipatingcompanies.SGLIcoveragecontinuesfor120daysafterseparationatnocharge.Coverageof$10,000isalsoautomaticallyprovided for dependent children of members insuredunderSGLIwithnopremiumrequired.

SGLIcanbeconvertedtoVGLIuptotheamount of coverage the service member had when separated from service. Veterans who submit an application and the initial premium within240daysofseparationwillbecoveredregardless of their health. Veterans who apply afterthe240-dayperiodmustsubmitevidenceofinsurability.

BeginningonOctober1,2011,currentVGLIpolicyholderswhoareundertheageof60andarenotinsuredbythemaximumamountofVGLIas prescribed by law will have an opportunity to increasetheirVGLIcoverageby$25,000,onceevery5years,uptothemaximum$400,000.

ServicememberswhoaretotallydisabledatthetimeofseparationareeligibleforfreeSGLIDisabilityExtensionofuptotwoyears.TheymustapplytotheOfficeofServicemembers’GroupLifeinsurance(OSGLI).

ThosecoveredundertheSGLIDisabilityExtensionareautomaticallyconvertedtoVGLIattheendoftheirextensionperiod.VGLIisconvertible at any time to a permanent plan policy with any participating commercial insurance company.

VGLIpolicyholderswhoareterminallyill(prognosisofninemonthsorlesstolive)haveaone-timeoptionofrequestingupto50percentoftheir coverage in a lump sum accelerated payment.

SpousalanddependentcoveragecannotatpresentbecarriedoverintotheVeterans’GroupLifeInsuranceprogram;however,spouseshavethe option of converting their coverage to a private life insurance policy with a participating companywithin120daysoftheservicememberleaving active duty or if the service member drops theprimarySGLIcoverage.

Service-Disabled Veterans’ Insurance (S-DVI)

Individuals with service-connected disabilities but who are otherwise in good health may apply toVAforupto$10,000inlifeinsurancecoverage.Applicationsmustbesubmittedwithintwoyearsfrom the date of being notified of the approval of a new service-connected disability.

This coverage is limited to veterans who left serviceafterApril24,1951.

Veterans who are totally disabled may apply for a waiver of premiums and additional supplemental insurance coverage of up to $30,000.However,premiumscannotbewaivedon the additional supplemental insurance. To be eligible for this type of supplemental insurance, veteransmustbeunderage65,beeligibleforawaiver of premiums due to total disability, and apply for additional insurance within one year from the date of notification of waiver approval ontheS-DVIpolicy.

lIfe InsUranCe

30

H H H H H

Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI)

The maximum amount of mortgage life insurance available to severely disabled veterans granted a specially adapted housing grant is $200,000.Protectionisautomaticwhentheveteran submits required information and assuminghe/shedoesnotdeclinecoverage.Coverageterminateswhenthemortgageispaidoff.

Ifamortgageisdisposedof,VMLImaybeobtained on the mortgage of another home.

Paymentistothecurrentmortgagelender.

Assistance With Government Life Insurance Programs

CalltheVA Insurance Center toll-free 1-800-669-8477 or visit www.insurance.va.gov. Specialistsareavailablebetweenthehoursof8:30a.m.and6p.m.,EasternTime,todiscusspremium payments, insurance dividends, changes of address, policy loans, naming beneficiaries and reporting the death of the insured.

If the insurance policy number is unknown, sendtheveteran’sVAfilenumber,dateofbirth,SocialSecuritynumber,militaryserialnumberormilitary service branch and dates of service to:

DepartmentofVeteransAffairsRegionalOfficeandInsuranceCenterP.O.Box42954Philadelphia,PA19101

Life Insurance

31

H H H H H H H H HH H H H H H H H HBurial Benefits Headstones and Markers

VeteransandretiredReservistsandNationalGuardservicemembersareeligibleforaninscribed headstone or marker for their unmarkedgraveatanycemetery.VAwilldeliveraheadstone or marker at no cost, anywhere in the world. For eligible veterans or service members whodiedonorafterNovember1,1990andareburiedinaprivatecemetery,VAmayfurnishagovernmentheadstoneormarker(formarkedorunmarkedgraves)orfurnishamedalliontoaffixto an already existing privately-purchased headstone or marker.

Spousesanddependentchildrenareeligiblefor a government headstone or marker only if they are buried in a national or state veterans cemetery.

Beforeordering,checkwiththecemeterytoensure that the government-furnished headstone ormarkerwillbeaccepted.Allinstallationfeesatprivate cemeteries are the responsibility of the applicant.

Toapply,mailacompletedVAForm40-1330,alongwithacopyoftheveteran’smilitaryservicedischarge document and death certificate to: Memorial Programs Service (41A1) DepartmentofVeteransAffairs 5109RussellRoad Quantico,VA22134-3903 or fax documents to 1-800-455-7143. [Do not send original discharge documents, as they will not be returned.] For more information and instructions, visit www.cem.va.gov.

Presidential Memorial CertificatesCertificatessignedbythePresidentareissued

uponrequesttorecognizethemilitaryserviceofhonorablydischargeddeceasedveterans.Nextofkin, relatives, and friends may request

PresidentialMemorialCertificatesinpersonatanyVAregionalofficeorbymailingacompletedVAForm40-0247to:Presidential Memorial Certificates (41B3) NationalCemeteryAdministration 5109RussellRoad Quantico,VA22134-3903 or fax documents to 1-800-455-7143.

There is no time limit for requesting these certificates, but requests should include a copy, nottheoriginal,ofthedeceasedveteran’sdischarge document and clearly indicate to what address the certificate should be sent.Additionalinformationcanbefoundat www.cem.va.gov.

Burial FlagsGenerally,VAwillfurnishaU.S.burialflagto

memorializeveteranswhoreceivedanotherthandishonorable discharge. This includes certain personswhoservedintheorganizedmilitaryforcesoftheCommonwealthofthePhilippineswhileinserviceoftheU.S.ArmedForcesandwhodiedonorafterApril25,1951.Alsoeligiblefor a burial flag are veterans who were entitled to retiredpayforserviceintheReservesorNationalGuard,orwouldhavebeenentitledifoverage60;andmembersorformermembersoftheSelectedReservewhoservedtheirinitialobligation, or were discharged for a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty, or died whileamemberoftheSelectedReserve.AdditionalinformationandVAForm21-2008 can be found at www.cem.va.gov/cem/ bbene/bflags.asp.

Military Funeral HonorsUpon request, the Department of Defense

(DOD)willprovidemilitaryfuneralhonorsconsisting of folding and presentation of the UnitedStatesflagandtheplayingof“Taps.”

Family members should inform their funeral directors if they want military funeral honors. DOD maintains a toll-free number

DepenDenT & sUrvIvor benefITs

32

H H H H H

(1-877-MIL-HoNR)forusebyfuneraldirectorsonly to request honors. For more information, visit www.militaryfuneralhonors.osd.mil.

Reimbursement of Burial ExpensesVAwillpayaburialallowanceupto$2,000if

theveteran’sdeathisservice-connected.Insuchcases,thepersonwhoboretheveteran’sburialexpensesmayclaimreimbursementfromVAInsomeinstances,VAalsowillpaythecostoftransporting 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.

VAwillpaya$300burialandfuneralexpenseallowance for veterans who, at the time of death, were entitled to receive a pension or compensation or would have been entitled to compensationiftheyweren’treceivingmilitaryretirementpay.Thereisa2-yeartimelimit.

VAwillpayaplotallowanceofupto$722when a veteran is buried in a cemetery not under U.S.governmentjurisdictioniftheveteranwasdischarged from active duty because of disability incurredoraggravatedinthelineofduty;theveteran was receiving compensation or pension or would have been if the veteran was not receivingmilitaryretiredpay;ortheveterandiedinaVAfacility.

For information on monetary benefits, call 1-800-827-1000.Additionalinformationaboutburial and memorial benefits may be obtained at any VA National Cemetery, regional office, or at www.cem.va.gov. To check on the status of an application for a headstone or marker, call 1-800-697-6947.

Burial in VA National CemeteriesBurialinaVAnationalcemeteryisavailablefor

eligible veterans, their spouses and dependents at no cost to the family and includes the gravesite, grave-liner, opening and closing of the grave, a headstone or marker, and perpetual care

as part of a national shrine. For veterans, benefits mayalsoincludeaburialflag(withcaseforactiveduty),andmilitaryfuneralhonors.Familymembers and other loved ones of deceased veteransmayrequestPresidentialMemorialCertificates.

The funeral director or the next of kin makes interment arrangements by contacting the NationalCemeterySchedulingOfficeor,insomecases, the national cemetery in which burial is desired.VAdoesnotnormallyconductburialsonweekends.Gravesitescannotbereserved;however,VAwillhonorreservationsmadebefore1973bytheDepartmentoftheArmy.

TheU.S.DepartmentofVeteransAffairscurrently 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 or 1-866-348-8603Fax: 248-328-0612

State Veterans’ Burial ExpensesUnderMichiganlaw,eligibleveterans(orthe

wifeorwidowofaqualifiedveteran)whomeetresidencyandassetlimitsmayqualifyfor$300forburialexpensespaidbytheCountyBoardofCommissionersortheBoardofCountyAuditors.TheSoldiersReliefCommissionofeachcountyhas the responsibility for investigating each claim.

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Survivor Benefits for Spouse and Children – U.S. Federal BenefitsSurvivors Pension

VAprovidespensionbenefitstolow-incomesurviving spouses and unmarried children of deceased veterans with wartime service.

Spousesmustnothaveremarriedandchildrenmustbeunderage18,orunder age23ifattendingaVA-approvedschool,orhavebecome permanently incapable of self-support becauseofdisabilitybeforeage18.

The veteran must have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable and must have had90daysormoreofactivemilitaryservice,atleast one day of which was during a period of war, or a service-connected disability justifying discharge.Longerperiodsofservicemayberequired for veterans who entered active duty on orafterSeptember8,1980,orifanofficerOctober16,1981.Iftheveterandiedinservice,butnot in the line of duty, survivors pension may be payable if the veteran had completed at least two years of honorable service.

Childrenwhobecomeincapableofself-supportbecauseofadisabilitybeforeage18maybe eligible for a survivors pension as long as the condition exists, unless the child marries or the child’sincomeexceedstheapplicablelimit.

Survivorspensionprovidesamonthlypaymenttobringaneligibleperson’sincometoalevelestablished by law. The payment is reduced by the annualincomefromothersourcessuchasSocialSecurity.Thepaymentmaybeincreasediftherecipient has unreimbursed medical expenses that can be deducted from countable income. For more information, call 1-800-827-1000 or visit www.va.gov.

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)

For a survivor to be eligible for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), the

veteran’sdeathmusthaveresultedfromone of 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-connected disability.

DICmayalsobepaidtosurvivorsofveteranswho were totally disabled from service-connected conditions at the time of death, even though their service-connected disabilities did not cause their deaths.

The survivor qualifies if the veteran was:• Continuouslyratedtotallydisabledfora

periodof10yearsimmediatelyprecedingdeath;

• Continuouslyratedtotallydisabledfromthedate of military discharge and for at least fiveyearsimmediatelyprecedingdeath;or

• AformerPOWwhodiedafterSeptember30,1999,andwhowascontinuouslyratedtotally disabled for a period of at least one year immediately preceding death.

Paymentswillbeoffsetbyanyamountreceived from judicial proceedings brought on by theveteran’sdeath.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 the regular assistance of another person, or if they are permanently housebound.

Aid and Attendance and Housebound Benefits

SurvivingspouseswhoareeligibleforDICorsurvivorspensionmayalsobeeligibleforAidand

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AttendanceorHouseboundbenefits.Toapplyforthesebenefits,sendevidencetotheVAregionaloffice validating the need for aid and attendance or housebound care The request should include information as to whether there is disease or injury producing physical or mental impairment, loss of coordination, or conditions affecting the ability to dress and undress, to feed oneself, to attend to sanitary needs, and to keep oneself ordinarily clean and presentable.

ThebasicDICpaymentfor2013is$1,215permonth.Additionalallowancesareprovidedfordependent children, aid and attendance, and housebound individuals.

Add$258iftheveteranwastotallydisabledforeightcontinuousyearspriortodeath.Add$263to the additional allowance for dependent childrenunderage18fortheinitialtwoyearsofentitlementforDICawardscommencingonorafterJanuary1,2005.

SurvivingspousesofveteranswhodiedpriortoJanuary1,1993,receiveanamountbasedonthedeceased’smilitarypaygrade.

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H H H H H H H H HH H H H H H H H HPrograms – State of MichiganMichigan Veterans Trust Fund Emergency Grant Program

Financial assistance may be available to certain Michiganveteransservingatleast180daysofactive duty in a wartime period who 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 will resolve. Examplesofsuchneedsincludedelayinunemployment benefits or other income or unexpectedhospitalizationsthatcausereductionsin income to meet household needs. The grants may assist with housing, utilities, car payments or insurance or medical assistive devices. Coordinationismadewithotheragenciesthatmay also assist with these types of needs.

ContacttheVeterans Trust Fund at 517-284-5299oryourCountyVeteransAffairsOffice(seepage38).Informationisalsoavailableonline at www.michigan.gov/veterans.

Michigan Veterans Homeowners Assistance Program

Thisprogram,launchedin2013,providesfinancialassistancetoMichiganveteransandtheirfamilies who have struggled due to the mortgage foreclosure crisis. Veterans have special protections from foreclosure under the law, but need additional assistance to keep their homes in the event of foreclosure. The Veterans HomeownersAssistanceProgram(MiVHAP)willprovide financial grant assistance to honorably discharged veterans living or having lived in Michiganforhardshipthathasoccurredsince2006thatisrelatedtotheforeclosurecrisis.Thisprogram is broadly designed to help veterans save their homes and get back on track to secure homeownership.Grantsareavailableonafirst-come, first-served basis. Veterans interested in

applyingforMiVHAPgrantscanobtainmoreinformation by calling 517-284-5296 or by visitingMiVHAPonthewebatwww.michigan.gov/documents/dmva/MiVHAP_Program_Information_419696_7.pdf?20130820153930.

State of Michigan – Department of Human Services

TheDepartmentofHumanServices(seecountycontactsonpage39)providescashassistance to families with children and pregnant women to help them pay for living expenses such as rent, heat, utilities, clothing, food, and personalcareitems.Assistanceinfindingajobordeveloping needed job skills, help with transportation, child care, and other needs related to employment and training may also be provided.

Soldiers Relief CommissionIn some counties, emergency relief grants are

availabletoMichiganveteranswhodonotmeetMichiganVeteransTrustFundcriteria.Fundsarelimited, so the commission makes an effort to refer veterans who are eligible to other sources offinancialassistance.ContactyourcountyVAoffice.

ContactaCounty Veterans Counselor at www.macvc.netforassistance.Seepage40forphone numbers of county counselors.

You may also consult your local phonebook for county government. Usually this is handled by theofficeofVeteranAffairs.

Additional State BenefitsHunting and Fishing Licenses. Asof

March2013,feesforfishingandhuntinglicenses will be waived for disabled veterans. Only licenses that do not require a lottery can beobtainedfreeofcharge.Proofofeligibilitymust be presented at time of purchase and carried when hunting or fishing. Disabled hunters are those who have been determined

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bytheUnitedStatesDepartmentofVeteransAffairstobepermanentlyandtotallydisabledasa result of military service or is rated as individually unemployable.

State ID and Drivers Licenses. BeginninginMay2014,honorablydischargedveteransmayrequest their drivers license or state ID card to include a special veteran designation. This will allow veterans to take advantage of many discounts and services available to them that require proof of military service.

Michigan National Guard and Michigan-Based Active Military

ManyveteranscontinuetoserveintheMichiganNationalGuard.IfyouareamemberoftheNationalGuard,thereareresourcesandinformation focused on your unique needs.

You may call the National Guard Family Program office at 517-481-8362 for information on available assistance if you are a memberoftheMichiganNationalGuard.

TheNationalGuardhasestablishedFamilyAssistanceCenters(FAC)andWingCoordinators(WC)acrossthestatetoprovideNationalGuardmembers or active duty military members stationedinMichigan,andtheirfamilies,apointofcontactwhenthefamily’ssoldier,sailor,MarineorAirmanisdeployed.

Sault Ste. Marie Armory FAC1170E.PortageRoad,SaultSte.Marie,MI49783Phone:906-632-7861Fax: 906-632-4753

Camp Grayling Armory FACBuilding#3,Grayling,MI49739Phone:989-344-6144Fax: 989-344-6124

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 Wing 3545MustangAvenue,Building6905,Room127BattleCreek,MI49015Phone:269-969-3493Fax: 269-969-3556

127th Family Support Center29868GeorgeAvenue,Building168SelfridgeANGB,MI48045Phone:586-307-5583Toll-Free: 800-645-9416Fax: 586-239-5786

Alpena CRTC WC5884AStreet,Alpena,MI49707Phone:989-354-6557

Michigan National Guard www.mi.ngb.army.mil/home.asp

Family Assistance Centers Toll-Free: 877-394-1042www.michguard.com/family/fac/default.asp

EachFACorWCwillactasacallcenterformilitaryfamiliesforalargescopeofissues.Somepersonal issues may require counseling and referraltoanareaChaplain,legalmattersmayrequirereferencetoamilitaryJudgeAdvocateGeneral,andmilitarypayproblemsrequirehelpfromthemilitarypaysectionattheStateHeadquarters.

These call centers may also receive a variety of family calls and questions that relate to insurance, financial debt, or a variety of maintenance issues.

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For further information and to identify the FACorWCclosesttoyou,contact:JFHQ - Family Program office 3411N.MartinLutherKingJr.Blvd. Lansing,MI48906 Phone:517-481-8362 or 517-481-8357 Toll-Free: 1-877-394-1042 Fax: 517-481-8150 www.mi.ngb.army.mil/family/fac/default.asp

MichiganNationalGuardFamilyFundwascreatedtoassistAirandArmyNationalGuardfamilies who experience financial difficulties with temporary emergency financial assistance, and to fund programs and training to maintain and improvethequalityoflifeofourMichiganNationalGuardfamilies.Thefundprovidesagrantupto$500tosoldiersandairmenandtheirfamilymembers who encounter financial hardships.

Whatconstitutesaneed?Emergencylossofincomethroughactivationformilitaryduty;inability to maintain employment due to injury, suddenillness,orjobloss;unexpectedmedicalexpenses;payproblems;ortheaccumulationoflegitimatebills(e.g.,rent,mortgage,electric,oil,gas,etc.).Alsoincludedistheinabilitytopayforbasic needs such as food, shelter, utilities, clothing, medical bills, and transportation due to unforeseen circumstances.

Anapplicationmustbesubmittedwiththenecessary documentation. For an application form, visit www.michguard.com.

Army Strong Community CenterTheASCCsupportsallbranchesofthe

military, veterans, retirees and their families by working one-on-one through every situation until aresolutionhasbeenreached.TheASCCcanhelp veterans with benefits and entitlements, web access, employment and resume assistance, emergency assistance, and community resources. StaffatthecenterisavailableMondaythroughFridayfrom8:00a.m.to5:00p.m.

MichiganhasoneASCClocatedinWalker:Dr. Mary Edwards Walker Army Reserve Center3870ThreeMileRoadNWGrandRapids,MI49534Phone:616-735-4050,extension169or166After-HoursAssistance(FortFamilyOutreachCenter):1-866-345-8248

Energy Assistance ProgramsThe Low-Income Home Energy Assistance

Program (LIHEAP) provides federal funds to each state to assist low-income families with energycosts.InMichigan,theLIHEAPblockgrant is used for the following programs:

•HomeHeatingCredit•StateEmergencyRelief(SER)•WeatherizationAssistanceProgram(WAP)

For more information, visit the Department of Human Services at www.michigan.gov/heatingassistance.

Additional Resources•Army Emergency Relief

www.aerhq.org•Air Force Aid Society

www.afas.org •Navy-Marine Corps

Relief Society www.nmcrs.org

• Coast Guard Mutual Assistance www.cgmahq.org

Within Local Communities: • American Red Cross

www.redcross.org •Veterans of Foreign Wars

(seepage41forlist)• The American Legion

(seepage41forlist)The Michigan Association of County

Veterans Counselors (MACVC) may be able to assist veterans and their families in obtaining county, state, and federal benefits to which they areentitled.Seepage40forphonenumbersofCountyCounselors.VisittheMACVCwebsiteatwww.macvc.net which contains links to the county counselors and other information.

Financial Emergencies & Veterans Resources

Each organization has its own set of procedures to follow. Please contact them directly for their requirements.

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Michigan Veterans Trust Fund RepresentativesContact Information by County

1 Alcona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-354-9671 2 Alger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 906-387-1635 3 Allegan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269-673-0501 4 Alpena . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-354-9671 5 Antrim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-533-8499 6 Arenac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-846-4442 7 Baraga . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 906-524-5454 8 Barry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Vacant,call517-373-3130 9 Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-895-418910 Benzie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-882-001111 Berrien . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269-983-7111,ext.851012 Branch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 517-279-432213 Calhoun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269-969-673414 Cass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269-445-4472,ext.331115 Charlevoix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-547-722016 Cheboygan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-627-880317 Chippewa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 906-635-637018 Clare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-539-327319 Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 517-887-439520 Crawford . . . . . . . . . . .Vacant,call517-373-313021 Delta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 906-786-722822 Dickinson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 906-774-282023 Eaton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 517-543-561624 Emmet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-348-178025 Genesee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 810-257-306826 Gladwin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-426-489127 Gogebic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 906-667-111028 GrandTraverse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-995-607029 Gratiot . . . . . . . . . . . . .Vacant,call517-373-313030 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 906-265-381937 Isabella . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-772-0911,ext.23538 Jackson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 517-788-442439 Kalamazoo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269-373-528440 Kalkaska . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-258-337041 Kent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 616-632-5722

42 Keweenaw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 906-482-010243 Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Vacant,call517-373-313044 Lapeer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 810-989-025645 Leelanau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-998-607046 Lenawee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 517-264-533547 Livingston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 517-546-633848 Mackinac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 906-643-941149 Macomb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 586-469-531550 Manistee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-398-358751 Marquette . . . . . . . . . . . . 906-226-3576,ext.39552 Mason . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-843-196653 Mecosta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-592-012454 Menominee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 906-863-569155 Midland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-832-684356 Missaukee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-839-475257 Monroe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 734-240-735958 Montcalm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-291-968059 Montmorency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-785-804360 Muskegon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-724-714361 Newaygo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-689-703062 Oakland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248-655-126563 Oceana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-873-683664 Ogemaw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-345-517065 Ontonagon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 906-884-620466 Osceola . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-743-621767 Oscoda . . . . . . . . . . . . .Vacant,call517-373-313068 Otsego . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-731-757669 Ottawa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 616-393-838770 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269-467-555778 Tuscola . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-673-814879 VanBuren . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269-657-737680 Washtenaw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 734-973-454081 Wayne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313-224-565982 Wexford . . . . . . . . . . . .Vacant,call517-373-3130

Visit www.michigan.gov/dmva for more information.

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Michigan Department of Human ServicesContact Information by County

1 Alcona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-354-7200 2 Alger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 906-387-4440 3 Allegan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269-673-7700 4 Alpena . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-354-7200 5 Antrim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-533-8664 6 Arenac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-846-5500 7 Baraga . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 906-353-4700 8 Barry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269-948-3200 9 Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-895-210010 Benzie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-882-133011 Berrien . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269-934-200012 Branch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 517-279-420013 Calhoun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269-966-128414 Cass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269-445-020015 Charlevoix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-348-160016 Cheboygan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-627-850017 Chippewa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 906-635-410018 Clare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-539-426019 Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-224-550020 Crawford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-348-769121 Delta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 906-786-539422 Dickinson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 906-779-410023 Eaton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 517-543-086024 Emmet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-348-160025 Genesee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 810-760-220026 Gladwin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-426-330027 Gogebic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 906-663-620028 GrandTraverse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-941-390029 Gratiot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-875-518130 Hillsdale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 517-439-220031 Houghton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 906-482-050032 Huron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-269-920133 Ingham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 517-887-940034 Ionia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 616-527-520035 Iosco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-362-030036 Iron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 906-265-995837 Isabella . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-772-840038 Jackson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 517-780-740039 Kalamazoo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269-337-490040 Kalkaska . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-258-120041 Kent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 616-248-100042 Keweenaw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 906-337-3302

43 Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-745-815944 Lapeer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 810-667-080045 Leelanau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-941-390046 Lenawee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 517-264-630047 Livingston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 517-548-020048 Luce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 906-293-514449 Mackinac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 906-643-955050 Macomb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 586-412-610051 Manistee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-723-837552 Marquette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 906-228-969153 Mason . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-845-739154 Mecosta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-796-430055 Menominee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 906-863-996556 Midland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-835-704057 Missaukee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-779-450058 Monroe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 734-243-720059 Montcalm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-831-840060 Montmorency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-785-421861 Muskegon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-733-370062 Newaygo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-689-550063 Oakland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248-975-480064 Oceana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-873-725165 Ogemaw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-345-513566 Ontonagon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 906-884-495167 Osceola . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-796-430068 Oscoda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-826-400069 Otsego . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-732-170270 Ottawa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 616-394-720071 PresqueIsle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-734-210872 Roscommon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-275-510773 Saginaw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-758-110074 Sanilac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 810-648-442075 Schoolcraft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 906-341-211476 Shiawassee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-725-320077 St.Clair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 810-966-200078 St.Joseph . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269-467-120079 Tuscola . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-673-910080 VanBuren . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269-621-280081 Washtenaw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 734-481-200082 Wayne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313-456-100083 Wexford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-779-4500

Visit www.michigan.gov/dhs for more information.

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Michigan Association of County Veterans CounselorsContact Information by County

1 Alcona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-724-9510 2 Alger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 906-387-1635 3 Allegan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269-673-0501 4 Alpena . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-354-9671 5 Antrim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-533-8499 6 Baraga . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 906-524-5454 7 Barry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Vacant,call517-373-3130 8 Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-895-4190 8 Benzie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-882-0034 9 Berrien . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269-983-7111,ext.811810 Branch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 517-279-432211 Calhoun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269-969-673712 Cass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269-445-447213 Charlevoix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-547-722014 Cheboygan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-627-880315 Chippewa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 906-635-637016 Clare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-539-327317 Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 517-887-439518 Crawford . . . . . . . . . . .Vacant,call517-373-313019 Delta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 906-786-722820 Dickinson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 906-774-282021 Eaton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 517-543-374022 Emmet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-348-178023 Genesee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 810-257-306824 Gladwin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-426-489125 Gogebic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 906-667-111026 GrandTraverse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-995-607027 Gratiot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-875-525828 Hillsdale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 517-437-363029 Houghton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 906-482-010230 Huron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-269-891131 Ingham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 517-887-439532 Ionia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 616-527-536533 Iosco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-362-872834 Iron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 906-265-381935 Isabella . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-772-0911,ext.23536 Jackson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 517-788-442537 Kalamazoo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269-373-5304

38 Kalkaska . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-258-337039 Keweenaw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 906-482-010240 Kent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 616-632-572241 Lapeer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 810-989-025642 Leelanau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-998-607043 Lenawee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 517-264-533544 Livingston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 517-546-633845 Mackinac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 906-643-941146 Macomb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 586-469-531547 Manistee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-398-358748 Marquette . . . . . . . . . . . . 906-226-3576,ext.31849 Mecosta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-592-012450 Menominee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 906-863-569151 Midland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-832-684352 Missaukee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-839-475253 Monroe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 734-240-736254 Montmorency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-785-804355 Muskegon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-724-714356 Newaygo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-689-703057 Oakland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248-858-0785

or . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248-655-125058 Ogemaw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-345-517059 Ontonagon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 906-884-620460 Otsego . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-731-757561 Ottawa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 616-393-838762 PresqueIsle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-734-030263 Roscommon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-275-604764 Sanilac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 810-648-021265 Schoolcraft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 906-341-366966 Shiawassee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-743-223167 St.Clair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 810-989-694568 St.Joseph . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269-467-555769 Tuscola . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-673-814870 VanBuren . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269-657-737671 Washtenaw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 734-973-454072 Wayne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313-224-565973 Wexford . . . . . . . . . . . .Vacant,call517-373-3130

Visit www.macvc.net for more information.

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American Legion1210McNamaraBuilding477MichiganAvenueDetroit,MI48226-2584Phone:313-964-6640

AMVETS1227McNamaraBuilding477MichiganAvenueDetroit,MI48226-2584Phone:313-471-3982

Disabled AmericanVeterans 1200McNamaraBuilding477MichiganAvenueDetroit,MI48226-2584Phone:313-964-6595

Department of JusticeCivil Rights Division950PennsylvaniaAvenue,NW DisabilityRightsSection-NYA Washington,DC20530 Toll-Free: 1-800-514-0301 (voice) TTY: 1-800-514-0383

Marine Corps League 1232McNamaraBuilding477MichiganAvenueDetroit,MI48226-2584Phone:313-964-6830

Military Order of the Purple Heart1226McNamaraBuilding477MichiganAvenueDetroit,MI48226-2584Phone:313-964-6888

Non-Commissioned Officer Association of AmericaJohnD.DingellVAMedical Center4646JohnRStreetRoomA-1010Detroit,MI48201Phone:313-576-3382

U.S. Department of Labor - Veterans Employment and Training (USDOL/VET)

VictorOfficeCenter,1stFloor 201N.WashingtonSquare Lansing,MI48913 Phone:517-373-7094

Paralyzed Veterans of America1233McNamaraBuilding477MichiganAvenueDetroit,MI48226-2584Phone:313-471-3996

Veterans of Foreign Wars1210McNamaraBuilding477MichiganAvenueDetroit,MI48226-2584Phone:313-964-6510

Vietnam Veterans of America 1210McNamaraBuilding477MichiganAvenueDetroit,MI48226-2584Phone:313-961-9568

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA)

McNamaraBuilding, 12thFloor 477MichiganAvenue Detroit,MI48226 Toll-Free: 1-800-827-1000

Veterans Service Organizations

NOTE:Localveteransorganizationsmayhaveaserviceofficerwhocanhelpfilloutformsoradviseonbenefits.

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State AgenciesVisit www.michigan.gov.

Michigan Department of Civil RightsDetroit Executive office CadillacPlace, Suite3-600 3054W.GrandBoulevard Detroit,MI48202 Phone:313-456-3700 Fax: 313-456-3701

Lansing officeCapitolTowerBuilding 110WestMichiganAvenue,Suite800 Lansing,MI48933 Phone:517-241-6300 Toll-Free: 1-800-482-3604 Fax: 517-335-3882 TTY: 517-335-3881

Division on Deaf and Hard of Hearing 201N.WashingtonSquare,Suite150 Lansing,MI48913 Phone:517-335-6004 T/V Toll-Free: 1-877-499-6232 T/V Fax: 517-335-7773E-mail:dodhh@michigan.gov

Michigan Civil Service CommissionCapitolCommons 400S.PineStreet Lansing,MI48913 Phone:517-373-3030 Toll-Free: 1-800-788-1766

Michigan Department of Community Health

CapitolViewBuilding 201TownsendStreet, 7th Floor Lansing,MI48913 Phone:517-373-3740 MichiganRelayCenterat711 or 1-800-649-3777 and ask for 517-373-3740.

Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council 201TownsendStreet,Suite120 Lansing,MI48913 Phone:517-335-3158 Fax: 517-335-2751 TDD: 517-335-3171

Michigan Department of Human Services235S.GrandAvenue P.O.Box30037 Lansing,MI48909 Phone:517-373-2035 TTY: 517-373-8521

Michigan Rehabilitation Services 201N.WashingtonSquare,4thFloor P.O.Box30010 Lansing,MI48909 Toll-Free: 1-800-605-6722 TTY Toll-Free: 1-888-605-6722 E-mail:MRS-CustomerAssistance@

michigan.gov

Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs

Bureau of Services for Blind Persons 201N.WashingtonSquareVictorBuilding,2ndFloorP.O.Box30652 Lansing,MI48909 Phone:517-373-2062 Fax: 517-335-5140 Toll-Free: 1-800-292-4200

Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs

3411N.MartinLutherKingJr.Blvd. Lansing,MI48906 Phone:517-284-5298

Michigan Department of TreasuryTreasuryBuilding 430W.AlleganStreet Lansing,MI48922 Phone:517-373-3200 TTY: 517-649-3777

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Additional ResourcesFederal Benefits for Veterans and DependentsIf you would like more detailed information on veteran benefits and services, contact:United States Department of Veterans Affairs810VermontAve.,NWWashington,DC20420Phone:1-800-827-1000TDD: 1-800-829-4833 www.va.gov

TheFederalBenefitsBooklet,2013edition,isavailable online at www.va.gov/opa/publications/benefits_book.asp.eReadereditions are also available at this site.

ThebookletisalsoavailablefromtheU.S.GovernmentPrintingOffice,openMondaytoFriday,8:00a.m.to5:30p.m.(EST).Calltoll-free1-866-512-1800orintheDistrictofColumbiaarea 1-202-512-1800.TheGPOcanbereachedby e-mail at contactcenter@gpo.gov.

Helpful Phone Numbers:

BereavementCounseling . . . . . 1-202-461-6530Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-888-442-4551HeadstonesandMarkers . . . . . . 1-800-697-6947HealthCare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-877-222-8387HomelessVeterans . . . . . . . . . . 1-877-424-3838HomeLoans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-877-827-3702LifeInsurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-669-8477PensionManagementCenter . . 1-877-294-6380SpecialHealthIssues . . . . . . . . . 1-800-749-8387Telecommunication Device fortheDeaf(TDD) . . . . . . . . . 1-800-829-4833VABenefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-827-1000VeteransCrisisLine . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-273-8255 Press1WomenVeterans . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-877-222-8387

Helpful Links:VA Home Page www.va.govEducation Benefits www.gibill.va.govHealth Care Eligibility www.va.gov/healthbenefitsReturning Service Members www.oefoif.va.govHome Loan Guaranty www.homeloans.va.govRecords www.archives.gov/st-louis/military-personnelVA Benefit Payment Rates www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/ratesMental Health www.mentalhealth.va.govLife Insurance www.insurance.va.govWomen Veterans Health Care www.womenshealth.va.govMy HealtheVet www.myhealth.va.govVA Fact Sheets www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets.

asp#BM7Michigan Veterans Benefits Site www.michigan.gov/veteransTRICARE www.tricare.osd.mil

Military oneSource www.militaryonesource.comNational Resource Directory www.nrd.govDepartment of Defense www.defense.govMilitary Funeral Honors www.dmdc.osd.mil/mfhArlington National Cemetery www.arlingtoncemetery.orgBurial and Memorial Benefits www.cem.va.gov

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Forms, Documents:

VAForms www.va.gov/vaformsU.S.GovernmentForms www.usa.gov/Topics/Reference-Shelf/forms.shtml

DD-214 Lost Documents:Militaryveteransandthenextofkinof

deceasedveteranscanusetheNationalPersonnelRecordsCenter(PRC)onlinemilitarypersonnelrecords systems to request discharge documents (DDForm214).Theelectronicapplicationcanbeaccessed at http://vetrecs.archives.gov.

AveteranwhoreceivedMichigan’sWWII,Korean,orVietnambonusmayrequestbymailinga letter copy of the discharge from military service to:Veterans Affairs Directorate 3423N.MartinLutherKingJr.Blvd. Lansing,MI48906 Fax:517-335-1631

The Veterans Affairs Directorate also has theDDForm214forveteransdischargedsince1980whorequestedtheirbranchofmilitaryserviceprovidetheStateofMichiganacopyoftheirdischargerecord.Call1-517-284-5203.

Employment Assistance Web Addresses:

Veteran Employment Services www.mitalent.org/veteran

Veterans’ Preference www.fedshirevets.gov

Federal Government Job openings www.usajobs.gov

Department of Labor Employment and Training www.dol.gov/vets

Returning Service Members www.oefoif.va.gov

Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment www.vetsuccess.gov

Business Assistance:U.S.DepartmentofVeteransAffairsTheCenterforVeteransEnterprise(CVE)810VermontAvenue,NWWashington,D.C.20420Phone: (202) 303-3260 or 1-866-584-2344E-mail: vip@va.govwww.vetbiz.gov

Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center www.misbtdc.org

Small Business Administration www.sba.gov

Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilizaton www4.va.gov/OSDBU

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H H H H H H H H HH H H H H H H H HVeteran Holidays Veterans Day

Veterans Day is an opportunity to publicly commemorate the contributions of living veterans.ArmisticeDayofficiallyreceiveditsnameinAmericain1926throughacongressionalresolution.Itbecameanationalholiday12yearslater by similar congressional action.

IfWorldWarIhadindeedbeen“thewartoendallwars,”November11mightstillbecalledArmisticeDay.RealizingthatpeacewasequallypreservedbyveteransofWorldWarIIandKorea,CongressdecidedtomakethedayanoccasiontohonorallthosewhohaveservedAmerica.In1954,PresidentDwightD.EisenhowersignedabillproclaimingNovember11asVeteransDay.(Historically,thefirstVeteransDayparadewasheldin1953inEmporia,Kansas.)

Alawpassedin1968changedthenationalcommemoration of Veterans Day to the fourth MondayinOctober.Itsoonbecameapparent,however,thatNovember11wasadateofhistoricsignificancetomanyAmericans.Therefore,in1978Congressreturnedtheobservancetoitstraditional date.

Memorial DayMemorialDaywasofficiallyproclaimedon

May5,1868byGeneralJohnLogan,nationalcommanderoftheGrandArmyoftheRepublicandwasfirstobservedonMay30,1868,whenflowers were placed on the graves of Union and ConfederatesoldiersatArlingtonNationalCemetery.ThefirststatetoofficiallyrecognizetheholidaywasNewYorkin1873.

By1890itwasrecognizedbyallofthenorthernstates.TheSouthrefusedtoacknowledge the day, honoring their dead on separatedaysuntilafterWorldWarI(whentheholiday changed from honoring just those who

diedfightingintheCivilWartohonoringAmericanswhodiedfightinginanywar).Itisnow celebrated in almost every state on the last MondayinMay(passedbyCongresswiththeNationalHolidayActof1971(P.L.90-363)toensure a three-day weekend for Federal holidays),thoughseveralsouthernstateshaveanadditional separate day for honoring the Confederatewardead:January19inTexas;April26inAlabama,Florida,Georgia,andMississippi;May10inSouthCarolina;andJune3(JeffersonDavis’birthday)inLouisianaandTennessee.

Flag EtiquetteFederal law stipulates many aspects of flag

etiquette. The section of law dealing with AmericanFlagetiquetteisgenerallyreferredtoastheFlagCode.SomegeneralguidelinesfromtheFlagCodeanswermanyofthemostcommonquestions.

Flag Displayed Outdoors Over the Middle of the Street

The flag should be suspended vertically with the union or blue field to the north on an east and west street or to the east on a north and south street.

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Flown at Half-StaffThe flag should be first hoisted to the peak for

an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The flag should again be raised to the peakbeforeitisloweredfortheday.“Half-staff ”means the flag has been lowered to one-half the distance between the top and bottom of the staff. Crepestreamersmaybeaffixedtospearheadsorflagstaffs in a parade only by order of the PresidentoftheUnitedStates.

Flown on the Same Halyard With Non-National Flags

TheAmericanflagshouldalwaysbeatthepeak.Whenflagsareflownfromadjacentstaffs,theflagoftheUnitedStatesshouldbehoistedfirstandloweredlast.Noflagorpennantmay be placed above or to the right of the flag of the UnitedStates.

Suspended Over a SidewalkThe flag may be suspended from a rope

extending from a house to a pole at the edge of the sidewalk. The flag should be hoisted out, union first, from the building.

From a Staff Projecting Horizontally or at an Angle

The flag may be projected from a window sill, balcony, or front of a building, with the union of the flag placed at the peak of the staff unless the flag is at half-staff.

In a Parade With Other FlagsThe flag, when carried in a procession with

another flag, or flags, should be either on the marchingright(thatis,theflag’sownright),or,ifthere is a line of other flags, in front of the center of that line.

With Non-National FlagsTheflagoftheUnitedStatesshouldbeatthe

center and at the highest point of the group when a number of flags of states or localities or pennants of societies are grouped and displayed from staffs.

With Other National FlagsWhenflagsoftwoormorenationsare

displayed, they are to be flown from separate staffs of the same height. The flags should be of approximatelyequalsize.Internationalusageforbids the display of the flag of one nation above that of another nation in time of peace.

With Another Flag Against a Wall From Crossed Staffs

TheAmericanflagshouldbeontheright(theflag’sownrightwhichistheviewer’sleft)anditsstaffshould be in front of the staff of the other flag.

Flag Displayed Indoors From a Staff in a Church or Public Auditorium on a Podium

TheflagoftheUnitedStatesshouldholdtheposition of superior prominence, in advance of the audience, and in the position of honor at the clergyman’sorspeaker’srightashe/shefacestheaudience.Anyotherflagsodisplayedshouldbeplaced on the left of the clergyman or speaker (totherightoftheaudience).

From a Staff in a Church or Public Auditorium off the Podium

Custom–nottheFlagCode–holdsthattheflagoftheUnitedStatesshouldholdthepositionof superior prominence, as part of the audience, inthepositionofhonorattheaudience’sright.

Used to Cover a CasketTheAmericanflagshouldbesoplacedona

casket that the union is at the head and over the left shoulder of the deceased. The flag should not be lowered into the grave or allowed to touch the ground.

Other Than Being Flown From a Staff

The flag should be displayed flat, whether indoorsorout.Whendisplayedeitherhorizontallyorverticallyagainstawall,theunion

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shouldbeuppermostandtotheflag’sownright(thatis,totheobserver’sleft).Whendisplayedina window, it should be displayed in the same way (thatis,withtheuniontotheleftoftheobserverinthestreet).Whenfestoons,rosettes,ordrapings are desired, bunting of blue, white, and red should be used, but never the flag itself.

ReadamorecomprehensivesetofFlagCodeetiquetterulesfordisplayoftheAmericanFlagatthe“Americanism”linkattheAmerican Legion web site www.legion.org.

P.L.110-181amendedsection9,title4,USC,to allow veterans to render the hand salute to theUnitedStatesflag.Thesectionreads:“Duringthe ceremony of hoisting or lowering the flag or when the flag is passing in a parade or in review, all persons present in uniform should render the militarysalute.MembersoftheArmedForcesand veterans who are present but not in uniform mayrenderthemilitarysalute.Allotherpersonspresent should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart or if applicable, remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the handbeingovertheheart.Citizensofothercountriespresentshouldstandatattention.Allsuch conduct toward the flag in a moving column should be rendered at the moment the flag passes.”

State Policy for Flying American Flags at Half-Staff

StatepolicyfordisplayingtheUnitedStatesflag at half-staff as a mark of respect for the memory of military personnel who are killed inthelineofdutyisfoundinExecutiveOrderNo.2006-10.

AsrecognizedunderProclamation2003-4,theflagoftheUnitedStatesshallbedisplayedathalf-staffthroughouttheStateofMichiganonadaydesignatedbytheGovernorwhenamemberoftheMichiganNationalGuardoraMichiganresident servicing as a member of the United StatesArmedForcesiskilledinthelineofduty.

Whenanorderprovidingfortheflagtobedisplayed at half-staff on a statewide basis is issued,Michiganresidents,businesses,schools,localgovernments,andotherorganizationsalsoare urged to display the flag at half-staff.

Flag DisposalThe United States Flag Code provides:

“The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.”

Manyveteransserviceorganizationsconductceremonies for the destruction of unserviceable flagsbyburning.SuchceremoniesmaybedoneonJune14,FlagDay,tomarkthedignityandsolemnityoftheoccasion.Somelocalgovernmentsmay also conduct these ceremonies.

In practice, for individuals who wish to destroy a flag in poor condition, this should be done discreetly so the act of destruction is not perceived as a protest or desecration.

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Michigan Congressional Delegation –113th CongressUnited States Senate

Michigan,likeeverystate,hastwoSenatorsintheUnitedStatesSenate: Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow

You may obtain more contact information about ourtwoUnitedStatesSenatorsattheSenatewebsite:www.senate.gov

Select“Senators”.Select“Michigan”fromthe“ChooseaState”drop-downboxandyouwillgetthephonenumberandaddressfortheSenatoraswellasalinktocontacttheSenatorviatheweb.

MyUnitedStatesSenatorscontactinformation:

_____________________________________________ United States House of Representatives

Michigancurrentlyhas14RepresentativesintheUnitedStatesHouseofRepresentatives.Thisnumberis determined by our population and may be adjusted following each decennial census.

You may obtain contact information about our 14UnitedStatesRepresentativesattheHouseofRepresentativeswebsite: www.house.gov/writerep

Byenteringyourzipcode,andclickingthe“FindYourRepbyZip”button,youwillbeprovidedwithyourRepresentative’snameandcontactinformation.

MyUnitedStatesRepresentative:

_____________________________________________

Michigan Governor and Lieutenant GovernorContactinformationfortheGovernormaybefoundat: www.michigan.gov/gov

ContactinformationfortheLieutenantGovernormaybe found at: www.michigan.gov/ltgov

Michigan State SenateTheMichiganStateSenateiscomposedof38State

Senatorswhosedistrictsareapportionedbypopulation.

YoumayobtaincontactinformationforyourStateSenatorattheStateSenatewebsite: www.senate.michigan.gov

Clickthe“FindYourSenator”linktoobtainthephonenumber,address,ande-mailofyourStateSenator.MyStateSenator: _______________________________

Michigan House of RepresentativesTheMichiganHouseofRepresentativesis

composedof110StateRepresentativeswhosedistrictsare apportioned by population.

YoumayobtaincontactinformationforyourStateRepresentativeattheStateHouseofRepresentativesweb site: www.house.mi.gov

Byusingthe“FindaRepresentative”featureortheclickable map, you will obtain the phone number, address,ande-mailofyourStateRepresentative.

MyStateRepresentative: _________________________

Letters to any of the State Senators or State Representatives may be addressed:

TheHonorable(nameofsenator)StateSenatorStateCapitolP.O.Box30036Lansing,MI48909-7536TheHonorable(nameofrepresentative)StateRepresentativeStateCapitolP.O.Box30014Lansing,MI48909-7514

Senate or House CommitteeYoumaywishtocontactStateSenatorsorState

Representativesonthecommitteethatisdesignatedto review proposed legislation regarding veterans affairs. The name of this committee may change over time. You may find the current name of the committee and the members of the committee as follows. StateSenatecommitteepage:www.senate.michigan.gov/committee/committeeinfo.shtm

StateHouseofRepresentativescommitteepage:www.house.michigan.gov/mhrpublic/committee.aspx

Of Interest to Veterans

The information in this publication is available, upon request, in an alternative, accessible format.

For more information regarding the Michigan Legislature, scan this QR code with your smartphone.