Houghton County Veterans Service Office

Our Mission

The Houghton County Veteran Service Office proudly serves the veterans, survivors, and dependents of our community by connecting them with the federal, state, and local benefits they have earned through their service. Our dedicated staff and board—veterans themselves—strive every day to honor your sacrifices by ensuring you receive the support you deserve.Here you will find information regarding some of the benefits entitled to you and your family members. Information and resources for each service branch are available for service members, families, veterans and interested parties.

How Can We Help

Our office provides free, confidential assistance with:

• VA Compensation & Pension Claims
  We help veterans apply for service-connected disability compensation and non-service-connected pension benefits, as well as appeals for previously denied claims.

• Survivor & Dependent Benefits
  We assist eligible surviving spouses and dependents with VA survivor pension, dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC), and related benefits.

• VA Healthcare
  We help Veterans apply for Health Care through the Veterans Health Administration.

• VA Veterans Transportation Network
  We coordinate free transportation on our DAV Van to and from the Iron Mountain VA Medical Center. Please ensure appointments at Iron Mountain are no later than noon (Central Time) and provide as much advanced notice as possible (no less than 72 hours).

• Burial & Memorial Benefits
  Our team helps families apply for federal and county burial allowances, government headstones or markers, and arranges for U.S. flags to be placed on all veteran graves in Houghton County every year.

• Emergency Financial Assistance
  We process applications for the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund, Michigan Over-65 Fund, and our County Emergency Assistance Fund to help veterans and families in times of urgent, unforeseen, temporary, financial need.

• Community Programs & Outreach

  • Veteran Recognition Banner Program:
    Celebrate and honor our local heroes with banners displayed in towns throughout Houghton County each summer.

  • Vets Ride Free Program:
    Veterans ride free on all County Municipal Transportation.

  • VetFest:
    Join us every June for our annual “VetFest” Veteran Resource Fair — an opportunity to connect with resources, services, and other veterans.

  • Veteran Coffee Connection:
    Meet fellow veterans every Monday morning at the Copper Country Bread of Life Center in Hancock. A Veteran Service Officer is available on the third Monday of each month to answer questions and share information.

  • Grave Flags:
    The county proudly provides U.S. flags for all veteran gravesites.

Stay Connected — We're Here for You

Whether you served during wartime or peacetime—our doors are open to you. Even if you’ve been denied benefits before, we encourage you to contact us periodically as programs and eligibility often change. We are honored to help you and your family navigate the complex VA system and secure the benefits you have earned.

Visit our Facebook page for the most up to date information on benefits, local resources, and events!

Forms, Documents, & Flyers

• Vets Ride Free on Public Transit in Houghton County Flyer

• Veteran Recognition Banners Flyer

• Salvation Army & Houghton County Veteran Coffee Connection