Michigan Launches Member Benefits Program to Support National Guard Service Members and Families

Governor Whitmer signs the Michigan Member Benefits Program bill in a signing ceremony at the State Capitol.

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) today announced the Michigan Member Benefits Program, a comprehensive initiative expanding financial, educational and family support for members of the Michigan National Guard. The expansion was authorized through Public Act 31 of 2025, reinforcing Michigan’s commitment to improving quality of life for service members and their families.

“Michigan’s National Guard members step up every day for Michigan communities, whether responding to emergencies at home or serving overseas,” said Governor Whitmer. “The Michigan Member Benefits Program is a promise that we will have their backs. By expanding tuition assistance, supporting childcare needs and lowering healthcare costs, we are making Michigan a national leader in supporting those who serve. Let’s keep working together to make a difference for our National Guard members.”

The program builds upon the long-standing success of the Michigan National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program (MINGSTAP), which for more than a decade has helped thousands of Guard members, and nearly 400 family members, pursue higher education. The newly established Michigan Member Benefits Program ensures the continuation and growth of tuition assistance while introducing two additional pillars of support: childcare assistance and TRICARE premium reimbursement.

To be eligible for the Childcare Assistance Program, the service member must have a dependent child 12 and under; be a single Soldier or Airman or a dual-military family and simultaneously drilling; and provide documentation that they have completed Advanced Individual or Technical Training. Title 10 or Title 32 AGR service members are not eligible for childcare assistance. This stipend will pay $60 per day, per dependent for weekend drills and annual training, up to a maximum of 39 days each year. For dual military drilling at the same drill period, only one member may submit for assistance. Service members with children enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMB) may submit an exception to the policy (ETP) waiving the age criteria.

To qualify for TRICARE Premium Reimbursement, the service member must be uninsured; the service member’s employer does not provide insurance; in traditional (non-full time) Michigan National Guard status; enrolled in and has paid for TRICARE coverage; not eligible for enrollment in employer-sponsored medical insurance through their own civilian employer; not eligible for enrollment in a spouse’s medical insurance program; not eligible to be enrolled on a parent’s health plan (for example, because they are age 26 or older on the first day of the month, or the parent’s plan does not offer dependent coverage, or the service member does not meet the plan’s dependent eligibility criteria); not enrolled in any other medical coverage that would duplicate the program’s benefits; has completed Advanced Individual or Technical Training; and are not eligible for Medicaid.

“The Michigan Member Benefits Program directly addresses the real-world challenges our service members face,” said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general and director of the DMVA. “By investing in education, childcare and healthcare affordability, we are strengthening families, improving retention and ensuring the Michigan National Guard remains ready to serve our communities, state and nation.”

The Michigan Member Benefits Program continues to grow, ensuring sustainable, long-term support for Guard members and their families across the state of Michigan. For eligibility criteria, application instructions and full program details, please visit Michigan Member Benefits Program.