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 the veteran's spouse may also be eligible. Since December 2021, peacetime-era veterans age 65 and older 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

• DD-214 or other military discharge paperwork showing at least 180 days of active service and an honorable discharge
• Bills or notices documenting the emergency expense (rent, mortgage, utility, or repair)
• Household income and expense information for the committee's review

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 dd-214 or other military discharge paperwork showing at least 180 days of active service and an honorable discharge, bills or notices documenting the emergency expense (rent, mortgage, utility, or repair), household income and expense information for the committee's review — 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. Confirm eligibility before applying. You must be a veteran with at least 180 days of active-duty service during a wartime era — or hold a qualifying expeditionary medal — and have an honorable discharge. Peacetime-era veterans age 65 and older may qualify through the 65+ Peacetime Program. A veteran's spouse may also be eligible.
2. Gather your military discharge paperwork, such as your DD-214, showing at least 180 days of active service and an honorable discharge.
3. Collect bills or notices that document the emergency expense — such as a past-due rent or mortgage statement, utility shutoff notice, or repair estimate.
4. Pull together your household income and expense information, since the county committee will review your full financial picture.
5. Apply online or by phone. Call 1-800-642-4838 (1-800-MICH-VET) to reach your local Michigan Veterans Trust Fund county committee, or apply through the online application channel. The committee that handles your case is the one in the county where you live.
6. Follow any instructions from the county committee. Each application is decided case by case, so the committee may ask for additional information or a brief interview.

What to expect: After you submit your application, the county Michigan Veterans Trust Fund committee reviews it individually and makes its own decision — there is no single statewide approval process. Processing times vary, so ask your county committee for an estimate when you apply. If a grant is approved, it is a one-time payment meant to resolve a temporary, unexpected hardship; assistance is generally limited to once in a two-year period. Keep copies of all documents you submit in case the committee has follow-up questions.