Michigan Veterans: Healthcare Facilities, Education Benefits & Job Resources

Michigan serves approximately 552,000 veterans - about 7.1% of the state's population, making it one of the top 10 states by veteran population. Whether you're transitioning to civilian life or already living in Michigan, you need to know what healthcare facilities, education benefits, and job opportunities are available.

This guide provides actual addresses, phone numbers, and actionable information for Michigan veterans.

Bottom Line Up Front

Healthcare: Michigan has 3 VA medical centers, 14+ community-based clinics, and comprehensive mental health services

Education: Free tuition for children of disabled veterans, strong GI Bill support at University of Michigan and Michigan State, Yellow Ribbon programs

Employment: State hiring preference, major automotive industry presence (Ford, GM, Stellantis), defense contractors, and strong manufacturing sector

Veteran Population Hotspots: Wayne County (70,000+), Oakland County (60,000+), Macomb County (55,000+)

VA Healthcare Facilities in Michigan

VA Medical Centers

1. John D. Dingell VA Medical Center - Detroit

Address: 4646 John R Street, Detroit, MI 48201 Phone: (313) 576-1000 Emergency Care: 24/7 emergency department

Bed count: 238 beds (tertiary care)

Services:

• Primary care
• Mental health services
• Surgery (general, orthopedic, vascular)
• Cardiology
• Oncology
• Neurology
• Spinal cord injury unit
• Women's health
• Prosthetics and rehabilitation
• Pharmacy
• Laboratory and imaging

Specialty programs:

• PTSD residential rehabilitation
• Substance abuse treatment
• Homeless veteran services
• Polytrauma support
• Telehealth services

Parking: On-site parking available (fee required)

Serving: Southeast Michigan including Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Monroe, and Livingston counties

2. VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System

Address: 2215 Fuller Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105 Phone: (734) 769-7100 Main line: 1-800-361-8387

Bed count: 119 beds

Services:

• Primary care
• Geriatric care and research
• Mental health
• Surgery
• Cardiology
• Neurology
• Physical medicine and rehabilitation
• Pharmacy
• Laboratory and imaging
• Women's health

Specialty programs:

• Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center (GRECC)
• Mental health intensive case management
• PTSD clinic
• Substance abuse treatment
• TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) clinic

Research focus: Ann Arbor is a major VA research facility, particularly in geriatrics and mental health

Serving: South-central Michigan including Washtenaw, Jackson, Lenawee, Hillsdale counties

3. Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center - Saginaw

Address: 1500 Weiss Street, Saginaw, MI 48602 Phone: (989) 497-2500 Main line: 1-800-406-5143

Services:

• Primary care
• Mental health services
• Audiology
• Optometry
• Physical therapy
• Pharmacy
• Laboratory services
• Imaging
• Specialty clinics

Serving: Central and northern Michigan including Saginaw, Bay, Midland, Isabella, Clare counties

Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs)

Michigan has an extensive network of CBOCs providing primary care and mental health services closer to home:

Grand Rapids CBOC

Address: 3019 Fuller Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505 Phone: (616) 365-9575 Services: Primary care, mental health, telehealth

Lansing CBOC

Address: 2025 South Washington Avenue, Lansing, MI 48910 Phone: (517) 267-3925 Services: Primary care, mental health, laboratory

Flint CBOC

Address: G-3267 Beecher Road, Flint, MI 48532 Phone: (810) 720-2913 Services: Primary care, mental health

Traverse City CBOC

Address: 3271 Racquet Club Drive, Traverse City, MI 49684 Phone: (231) 932-9720 Services: Primary care, mental health

Marquette CBOC

Address: 205 Carp River Road, Marquette, MI 49855 Phone: (906) 226-4618 Services: Primary care, mental health, telehealth

Battle Creek CBOC

Address: 41 North Washington Avenue, Battle Creek, MI 49037 Phone: (269) 966-5600 Services: Primary care, mental health

Grayling CBOC

Address: 1970 Hartwick Pines Road, Grayling, MI 49738 Phone: (989) 348-0797 Services: Primary care, mental health

Iron Mountain CBOC

Address: 325 East H Street, Iron Mountain, MI 49801 Phone: (906) 774-3226 Services: Primary care, mental health

Macomb County CBOC

Address: 43700 Garfield Road, Suite 103, Clinton Township, MI 48038 Phone: (586) 412-0105 Services: Primary care, mental health

Pontiac CBOC

Address: 44200 Woodward Avenue, Suite 100, Pontiac, MI 48341 Phone: (248) 332-6326 Services: Primary care, mental health

Muskegon CBOC

Address: 165 East Apple Avenue, Muskegon, MI 49442 Phone: (231) 725-4105 Services: Primary care, mental health

Wyandotte CBOC

Address: 2955 Biddle Avenue, Wyandotte, MI 48192 Phone: (734) 324-3010 Services: Primary care, mental health

Oscoda CBOC

Address: 5671 North Skeel Avenue, Oscoda, MI 48750 Phone: (989) 747-0026 Services: Primary care, mental health

Alpena CBOC

Address: 401 Long Rapids Plaza, Alpena, MI 49707 Phone: (989) 356-0076 Services: Primary care, mental health

Vet Centers (Readjustment Counseling)

Vet Centers provide free counseling for combat veterans, military sexual trauma survivors, and bereaved family members.

Detroit Vet Center Address: 4161 Cass Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201 Phone: (313) 831-6509

Dearborn Vet Center Address: 2881 Monroe Street, Suite 100, Dearborn, MI 48124 Phone: (313) 277-1428

Grand Rapids Vet Center Address: 1940 Eastern Avenue SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507 Phone: (616) 285-5795

Escanaba Vet Center Address: 3500 Ludington Street, Suite 110, Escanaba, MI 49829 Phone: (906) 233-0244

Saginaw Vet Center Address: 4048 Bay Road, Saginaw, MI 48603 Phone: (989) 321-4650

Services: PTSD counseling, substance abuse counseling, employment counseling, family counseling, bereavement counseling, military sexual trauma counseling

Wait Times and Quality Ratings

Detroit VA Medical Center: Rated average for most services, with strong specialty care programs

Ann Arbor VA Healthcare System: Above-average ratings, particularly for research-driven care and geriatrics

Saginaw VA Medical Center: Average ratings with good primary care access

Best practice: Enroll in VA healthcare as soon as you separate from active duty, even if you don't plan to use it immediately. This locks in your eligibility and priority group.

How to Enroll in VA Healthcare

Online: va.gov/health-care/apply Phone: 1-877-222-VETS (8387) In person: Visit any VA medical center or CBOC with your DD-214

Documents needed:

• DD-214 (discharge paperwork)
• Social Security card
• Insurance information (if you have other coverage)

State Veterans Homes (Nursing Care)

Michigan operates several state veterans homes providing skilled nursing and domiciliary care:

1. Grand Rapids Home for Veterans

Location: 3000 Monroe Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505 Phone: (616) 285-5300 Beds: 242 Services: Skilled nursing, memory care, domiciliary (independent living)

2. D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans

Location: 403 Fisher Street, Marquette, MI 49855 Phone: (906) 226-3576 Beds: 188 Services: Skilled nursing, memory care

3. Michigan Veterans Homes at Chesterfield Township

Location: 28533 Hoff Street, Chesterfield, MI 48047 Phone: (586) 949-2409 Services: Skilled nursing, memory care, domiciliary

Eligibility: Veterans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces and received honorable or general discharge. Some homes also accept spouses.

Cost: Sliding scale based on income. VA aid and attendance benefits can help cover costs.

How to apply: Contact facilities directly or visit michigan.gov/mvaa

Education Benefits for Michigan Veterans

Michigan Tuition Grant for Children of Veterans

This is Michigan's primary state education benefit for veteran families.

Eligibility:

• Children (ages 16-26) of veterans who were:
  • Killed in action
  • Died from service-connected disabilities
  • Permanently and totally disabled (100% P&T rating)
  • Listed as missing in action or POW for 90+ days

Benefit amount:

• Up to $2,800 per academic year
• For undergraduate study only
• Cannot exceed tuition costs

Qualifying schools: All Michigan public and private colleges, universities, and community colleges

Duration: Up to four years or until bachelor's degree is earned

How to apply:

1. Submit application through Michigan Student Aid (michigan.gov/mistudentaid)
2. Provide VA rating documentation or death certificate
3. Provide proof of relationship to veteran
4. Apply annually for renewal

Important: This grant is in addition to federal GI Bill benefits. Students can use both.

Michigan National Guard Tuition Grant

Eligibility: Active members of Michigan Army or Air National Guard in good standing

Benefit: 100% tuition and fees at Michigan public colleges and universities

Maximum: Up to $17,000 per academic year

Duration: While actively serving in Michigan National Guard

Requirements:

• Maintain satisfactory participation in Guard activities
• Must be enrolled in undergraduate program
• Cannot be receiving VA educational benefits simultaneously

How to apply: Through Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs

This is one of the most generous National Guard education programs in the country.

Post-9/11 GI Bill - Yellow Ribbon Schools

Several Michigan schools participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, covering 100% of out-of-state tuition for qualifying veterans:

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Yellow Ribbon: Unlimited slots, unlimited contribution Result: Full out-of-state tuition covered for eligible veterans BAH rate: ~$1,800/month (varies annually) Veteran enrollment: 1,200+ student veterans

Contact: Office of Veterans Services Phone: (734) 647-3947 Website: vets.umich.edu

Programs: All undergraduate and graduate programs

Michigan State University

Yellow Ribbon: Limited slots (200 undergraduate, 100 graduate annually) Contribution: Varies by program BAH rate: ~$1,500/month Veteran enrollment: 1,800+ student veterans

Contact: Office for Veterans and Military Support Phone: (517) 353-5732 Website: veterans.msu.edu

Wayne State University

Yellow Ribbon: Unlimited slots for eligible veterans Benefit: Full out-of-state tuition coverage BAH rate: ~$1,700/month Veteran enrollment: 1,500+ student veterans

Contact: Veterans Services Office Phone: (313) 577-3940 Website: veterans.wayne.edu

Western Michigan University

Yellow Ribbon: Limited slots Benefit: Partial to full out-of-state tuition coverage BAH rate: ~$1,400/month

Contact: Office of Military and Veterans Affairs Phone: (269) 387-8170

Eastern Michigan University

Yellow Ribbon: Participation for eligible veterans Benefit: Varies by program BAH rate: ~$1,500/month

Contact: Veterans Services Phone: (734) 487-3119

In-State Tuition for Veterans

Veterans using GI Bill benefits qualify for in-state tuition at Michigan public schools under the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act (VACAA), regardless of residency status.

Eligibility:

• Using Post-9/11 GI Bill or Montgomery GI Bill
• Living in Michigan while attending school
• Enrolling within 3 years of discharge

This removes a major barrier for veterans relocating to Michigan for school.

Top GI Bill Schools in Michigan (by Veteran Enrollment)

1. Michigan State University - 1,800+ student veterans
2. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor - 1,200+
3. Wayne State University - 1,500+
4. Grand Valley State University - 900+
5. Western Michigan University - 800+
6. Central Michigan University - 700+
7. Eastern Michigan University - 600+
8. Ferris State University - 550+
9. Oakland University - 500+
10. Michigan Technological University - 400+

Employment Resources for Michigan Veterans

State Hiring Preference

Michigan law provides hiring preference to veterans for state government positions.

Who qualifies:

• Honorably discharged veterans
• Disabled veterans receive additional preference

How it works: Veterans who meet minimum qualifications receive preference points added to their application scores, moving them ahead of equally qualified non-veterans.

Where to apply: michigan.gov/mdcs (Michigan Civil Service Commission)

Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency - Employment Services

Phone: (517) 481-8000 Services:

• Job search assistance
• Resume writing workshops
• Interview preparation
• Employer connections
• Apprenticeship referrals
• SkillBridge program coordination

Major Employers Hiring Veterans

Automotive Industry (Detroit Metro)

Ford Motor Company Headquarters: Dearborn, MI Veteran programs: Ford Military Recruitment Program, SkillBridge partnerships Typical roles: Engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, IT, program management Average salary: $65,000-$110,000 depending on role Website: corporate.ford.com/careers

General Motors Headquarters: Detroit, MI Veteran programs: GM Military Program, active recruiting Typical roles: Engineering, manufacturing, software development, project management Average salary: $70,000-$120,000 Website: gm.com/careers

Stellantis (Chrysler/Jeep/Ram) Headquarters: Auburn Hills, MI Veteran programs: Veteran hiring initiatives Typical roles: Engineering, manufacturing, skilled trades Average salary: $60,000-$105,000 Website: stellantis.com/careers

Automotive Suppliers

BorgWarner - Auburn Hills Magna International - Troy Aptiv - Troy ZF Group - Northville Bosch - Farmington Hills Continental - Auburn Hills Denso - Southfield

These suppliers actively hire veterans for engineering, manufacturing, and technical roles.

Healthcare Employers

Henry Ford Health System Locations: Detroit and metro area Veteran programs: Veteran hiring initiatives, values military healthcare experience Typical roles: Nursing, medical technicians, administration Website: henryford.com/careers

Beaumont Health (Corewell Health) Locations: Throughout southeast Michigan Typical roles: Clinical and non-clinical healthcare positions

University of Michigan Health System Location: Ann Arbor One of the nation's top hospitals, actively recruits veterans

Spectrum Health Location: Grand Rapids Largest employer in west Michigan

McLaren Health Care Locations: Flint, Lansing, and other Michigan cities

Defense Contractors and Technology

General Dynamics Land Systems Location: Warren, MI Focus: Military vehicle manufacturing Veteran programs: Active veteran recruiting Typical roles: Engineering, manufacturing, program management This is a major defense contractor with strong veteran hiring

Lockheed Martin Locations: Grand Rapids, Muskegon Focus: Aerospace, defense electronics

BAE Systems Locations: Sterling Heights, Detroit Focus: Defense electronics, armored vehicles

Boeing Location: Troy Focus: Engineering, defense systems

SAIC Locations: Throughout Michigan Focus: IT, cybersecurity, engineering services

Manufacturing and Industrial

Whirlpool Corporation Headquarters: Benton Harbor, MI Veteran programs: Active recruitment Typical roles: Engineering, manufacturing, supply chain

Dow Chemical Headquarters: Midland, MI Typical roles: Chemical engineering, manufacturing, research

Kellogg Company Headquarters: Battle Creek, MI Typical roles: Manufacturing, supply chain, engineering

Consumers Energy Locations: Throughout Michigan Typical roles: Utilities, skilled trades, engineering

DTE Energy Location: Detroit Typical roles: Energy sector, skilled trades

Federal and Government Employment

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Location: Detroit Field Office Veteran preference: Strong

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Location: Detroit and Port Huron Veteran preference: Yes

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Locations: Detroit Metro Airport, other Michigan airports Veteran preference: Yes

U.S. Postal Service Locations: Throughout Michigan Veteran preference: Strong (10-point preference for disabled veterans)

Michigan Works! (Workforce Development)

Michigan Works! provides free employment services including:

• Job search assistance
• Skills assessments
• Training programs
• Resume workshops
• Interview coaching
• Connections to employers

Find your local Michigan Works! office: michiganworks.org

Veteran-specific services: Most Michigan Works! locations have dedicated veteran employment representatives.

Apprenticeship Programs

Michigan offers registered apprenticeship programs in skilled trades:

• Electrical work
• HVAC
• Plumbing
• Welding
• Industrial maintenance
• Automotive technology
• Machining
• Carpentry

GI Bill can be used for apprenticeships, providing monthly housing allowance on top of apprenticeship wages.

Contact: Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity Phone: (517) 335-5858 Website: michigan.gov/leo

Veteran Unemployment Benefits

Veterans may qualify for extended unemployment benefits in Michigan if unemployed due to service-connected disabilities.

Unemployment Compensation for Ex-Servicemembers (UCX): Available if you separated from active duty in the last 18 months.

Contact: Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency Phone: (866) 500-0017 Website: michigan.gov/uia

Support Services

Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs)

VSOs provide free assistance with VA claims, appeals, and benefits navigation.

Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency Address: 3423 North Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Lansing, MI 48906 Phone: (517) 481-8000 Toll-free: 1-800-642-5670 Website: michigan.gov/mvaa

Services: VA claims assistance, benefits counseling, state benefits information, advocacy

County Veterans Service Officers: Available in all 83 Michigan counties. Find yours at michigan.gov/mvaa

American Legion - 400+ posts throughout Michigan Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) - 350+ posts statewide Disabled American Veterans (DAV) - Chapters in all major cities Vietnam Veterans of America - Multiple chapters AMVETS - Posts throughout Michigan

Homeless Veteran Programs

VA Homeless Programs Hotline: 1-877-424-3838

Grant and Per Diem Program: Transitional housing in Detroit, Grand Rapids, and other cities

HUD-VASH: Housing vouchers paired with VA case management available through Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Saginaw VA medical centers

Stand Down Events: Annual events in Detroit, Grand Rapids, and other cities providing services, clothing, medical care

Michigan Veterans Foundation: Provides emergency financial assistance Phone: (517) 487-1711

Mental Health Resources

Veterans Crisis Line: 988, then press 1 (24/7) Text: 838255 Online chat: VeteransCrisisLine.net

Detroit VA Mental Health: (313) 576-1000 Ann Arbor VA Mental Health: (734) 769-7100 Saginaw VA Mental Health: (989) 497-2500

Vet Centers (listed earlier) provide free counseling for:

• PTSD
• Depression
• Military sexual trauma
• Readjustment issues
• Substance abuse
• Bereavement

Legal Assistance

Michigan Veteran Legal Support Project Free legal services for veterans with discharge upgrades, benefits appeals, and other legal issues Contact: State Bar of Michigan referral

Wayne State University Law School Veterans Legal Clinic Free legal assistance for veterans Phone: (313) 577-3937

County and Regional Veteran Resources

Wayne County (Detroit Metro)

• Veteran population: 70,000+
• VA Medical Center: John D. Dingell VA Medical Center (Detroit)
• Vet Centers: Detroit, Dearborn
• Major employers: Ford, GM, Stellantis, General Dynamics, Henry Ford Health

County Veterans Service Office Phone: (313) 224-7220

Oakland County

• Veteran population: 60,000+ (second-largest in state)
• VA Clinic: Pontiac CBOC
• Major employers: Automotive suppliers, technology companies
• Among the wealthiest counties in Michigan

County Veterans Service Office Phone: (248) 858-0783

Macomb County

• Veteran population: 55,000+
• VA Clinic: Macomb County CBOC (Clinton Township)
• Major employers: Manufacturing, automotive, defense (General Dynamics)

County Veterans Service Office Phone: (586) 469-5295

Kent County (Grand Rapids Metro)

• Veteran population: 40,000+
• VA Clinic: Grand Rapids CBOC
• State Veterans Home: Grand Rapids Home for Veterans
• Vet Center: Grand Rapids
• Major employers: Spectrum Health, manufacturing

County Veterans Service Office Phone: (616) 632-5722

Washtenaw County (Ann Arbor)

• Veteran population: 15,000+
• VA Medical Center: VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System
• Major employers: University of Michigan, automotive suppliers

County Veterans Service Office Phone: (734) 544-3150

Key Takeaways

1. Enroll in VA healthcare immediately - Michigan has excellent VA infrastructure with 3 medical centers and 14+ clinics
2. Use the Michigan Tuition Grant - If you're 100% disabled, your kids get up to $2,800/year for college
3. Leverage state hiring preference - Apply for state government jobs for veteran preference
4. Target automotive industry - Ford, GM, and Stellantis actively recruit veterans with competitive salaries
5. Connect with your county VSO - They'll help you claim every benefit you've earned

Michigan's veteran support infrastructure is robust, with excellent healthcare access and strong employment opportunities, particularly in the automotive and manufacturing sectors.

Additional Resources

• Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency: (517) 481-8000 | michigan.gov/mvaa
• VA Detroit Healthcare: (313) 576-1000 | va.gov/detroit-health-care
• VA Ann Arbor Healthcare: (734) 769-7100 | va.gov/ann-arbor-health-care
• Michigan Works! (Job Search): michiganworks.org
• GI Bill School Search: benefits.va.gov/gibill/comparison

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Information current as of January 2025. Contact facilities directly to verify hours, services, and eligibility requirements.