How to apply for Michigan Veterans Trust Fund Emergency Grants

Who it's for

The Michigan Veterans Trust Fund gives one-time emergency grants to veterans facing a temporary, unexpected financial hardship — most grants go toward rent, mortgage, utility bills, and home repairs. A veteran with at least 180 days of active wartime-era service and an honorable discharge may qualify, and dependent family members, including a surviving spouse, can apply in some cases. Since December 2021, peacetime-era veterans age 65 and older, and their surviving spouses, can apply through the 65+ Peacetime Program — important for seniors who served between wars. Applications go to the MVTF committee in the county where the veteran lives, which decides each case individually. Call 1-800-MICH-VET (800-642-4838) to reach the local committee.

What you'll need

• Discharge papers, separation report, or DD-214 showing the dates of active duty and the character of discharge
• Proof of Michigan residence (driver's license, voter registration, or state ID)
• Marriage certificate and birth certificates for minor children (if dependents are part of the request)
• Death certificate of a deceased spouse or parent (if applying as a surviving family member)
• Bills or account statements for the items you are asking the grant to cover
• Documentation of any disability rating
• Proof of employment or other income
• Evidence of efforts at other agencies that could help

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Michigan Veterans Trust Fund Emergency Grants. I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need discharge papers, separation report, or DD-214 showing the dates of active duty and the character of discharge, proof of Michigan residence (driver's license, voter registration, or state ID), marriage certificate and birth certificates for minor children (if dependents are part of the request) — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Check basic eligibility before you apply. The grant is for a temporary, unexpected financial hardship that a one-time grant can resolve. Most grants help with rent, mortgage, utility bills, or home repairs. In most cases, you must have at least 180 days of active-duty service during a wartime era or a qualifying expeditionary medal, and an honorable discharge. If you are age 65 or older and served during peacetime, you may apply through the 65+ Peacetime Program. Dependent family members, including a surviving spouse, can apply in some cases.
2. Gather your service records. Get your discharge papers, separation report, or DD-214 showing your active-duty dates and character of discharge.
3. Collect the other documents that fit your situation. Gather proof of Michigan residence, bills or account statements for what you need help paying, proof of employment or other income, documentation of any disability rating, and evidence of efforts at other agencies that could help. If dependents are part of the request, gather a marriage certificate and birth certificates for minor children. If you are applying as a surviving family member, gather the death certificate of the deceased spouse or parent.
4. Apply online or call 800-642-4838 for help reaching the MVTF committee in your county. Applications go to the county where the veteran lives.
5. Complete the application with the county committee and submit all requested documents. Make sure the request clearly shows the emergency need and the bills or costs the grant would cover.

What to expect: After you apply, the MVTF committee in your county reviews the request and decides the case individually. The committee may ask for more information or documents. Processing times vary, so ask the committee for an estimate. Assistance is generally limited to once in a two-year period.