Michigan Veterans Trust Fund

On Feb. 25, 1946, Gov. Harry Kelly signed Public Act 9 into law, creating the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund from $50 million in post-World War II reserve funds. Since then, the MVTF has helped veterans of every wartime era overcome unexpected expenses ranging from utility bills to home repairs to mortgage assistance and get back on their feet financially. 

The Emergency Grant Program is intended to help veterans overcome an unforeseen situation causing a temporary or short-term financial emergency or hardship that a grant will resolve and for which the applicant can demonstrate the ability to meet future expenses. 

Beginning December 2021, peacetime-era veterans 65 years and older are now eligible for emergency assistance as part of the MVTF’s 65+ Peacetime Program. The program allows veterans who served in a peacetime era, have at least 180 days of service, and were discharged under honorable conditions to apply for emergency assistance. A person is eligible to apply any time during the year in which they turn 65 years old.

To apply for emergency funds from the MVTF, veterans should contact the MVTF county committee serving the county where you reside. 

Eligibility

• Honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions
• 180 days of active duty service during a period of war or 180 days of active duty with award of Armed Forces/Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal
• A minimum of one day of wartime service with separation due to mental/physical disability incurred in the line of duty
• Dependents can apply if veteran is eligible under certain circumstances 

Michigan Veterans Trust Fund One Pager

How to Apply

Applications for assistance are reviewed and decided upon by committees appointed by the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund Board of Trustees. Appeals and reviews are sent to the board for consideration at their monthly meeting. The seven-member board is appointed by the Governor and has constitutional authority over Emergency Grant Program expenditures and policies. MVTF grants may be applied for through the MVTF county committee serving the veterans county of residence.

Emergent Need Defined

The Emergency Grant Program is a discretionary, but policy defines emergent need as "an unforeseen circumstance causing a temporary financial emergency or hardship that a grant will resolve. The key factor in determining whether or not a grant is approved is the ability of the applicant to manage the obligation for which aid is request after a grant is made."

Required Documents

• Discharge papers, separation report or DD-214 (showing the dates of active duty and the character of the release)
• Proof of residence (driver's license, voter registration, state I.D.)
• Marriage certificate and birth certificates for minor children (legal dependents)
• Death certificate of a deceased spouse or parent
• Bills or account statements regarding the items for which you are seeking an MVTF grant
• Documentation of any disability rating
• Proof of employment or other income
• Evidence of efforts at other appropriate agencies

Partners

MVTF has partnered with GreenPath Financial Wellness Inc., a nonprofit financial counseling organization, to provide financial counseling services to Michigan veterans. The service can help the many veterans who are struggling to manage their finances or overcome crippling debt. The goal is to help veterans gain financial stability.

Veterans interested in the free financial counseling can call GreenPath at 1-800-550-1961.

The holistic financial counseling consists of a one-on-one session that typically takes an hour and can be done over the phone or at a GreenPath branch office. Each veteran receives a custom budget and financial action plan.
Additional free financial counseling for veterans includes:
• Housing counseling, in which renters and homeowners learn to avoid delinquencies and explore options to avoid foreclosure and eviction.
• Credit report review to help veterans understand credit reports, credit scoring and how to manage their credit score.
• Financial wellness tools, including webinars, a digital education course, an online support community and a digital journaling tool.

MVTF Board of Trustees

• Chairperson: James Dempsey, Disabled American Veterans – Term date 2/25/2026
• Vice Chairperson: Paul McIvor, Veterans of Foreign Wars – Term date 2/25/2025
• Gregory Spight, Independent Veterans – Term date 2/25/2026
• James Wallace, American Legion – Term date 2/25/2025
• Rodney Loonsfoot, Independent – Term date 2/25/2027
• John Gardner, Independent – Term date 2/25/2027
• Vacant – Term date 2/25/2026

Michigan Veterans Trust Fund Strategic Plan

Michigan Veterans Trust Fund FY 2023 Annual Report

Michigan Veterans Trust Fund FY 2022 Annual Report

2024 MVTF Board of Trustees Meeting Dates