The Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs recently announced a new program aimed at expanding financial, educational, and family support for members of the Michigan National Guard.
The Michigan Member Benefits Program, authorized through Public Act 31 of 2025, is structured to improve the state’s quality of life for its 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 Michigan Gov. 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 on the Michigan National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program, which for more than a decade has assisted thousands of National Guard members and nearly 400 family members in pursuing higher education.
The newly established Michigan Member Benefits Program is expected to ensure the continuation and growth of tuition assistance while introducing two additional sources of support: childcare assistance and TRICARE premium reimbursement.
To be eligible for the Childcare Assistance Program, service members must have a dependent child 12 or under, be a single soldier or airman or part of a dual-military family, and 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 time, only one member may submit for assistance. Service members with children enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program may submit an exception to the policy, waiving the age criteria.
To qualify for TRICARE Premium Reimbursement, service members must be uninsured, be in traditional (non-full-time) Michigan National Guard status, enrolled in and paying for TRICARE coverage, and not eligible for enrollment in employer-sponsored medical insurance through their own employer, spouse's employer, or a parent's health plan.
Eligible members must also have completed Advanced Individual or Technical Training and not be eligible for Medicaid.
“The Michigan Member Benefits Program directly addresses the real-world challenges our service members face,” said Army Maj. Gen. Paul Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. “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.”
