Minnesota offers various benefits for veterans. On this page, you’ll find a concise overview of each of these benefits.
Minnesota Veterans Homes
Minnesota Veterans Homes are situated in Fergus Falls, Hastings, Luverne, Minneapolis, and Silver Bay. Additional residences in Bemidji, Montevideo, and Preston are set to open in mid-2023.
Within the Minneapolis Veterans Home, an Adult Day Center is available, offering a comprehensive range of therapeutic healthcare services administered by trained professionals.
Admission to Minnesota Veterans Homes is open to honorably discharged Minnesota resident veterans with a medical or clinical need, having served at least 181 consecutive days on active duty unless separated earlier due to a service-connected disability. Moreover, spouses of eligible veterans aged at least 55 and meeting residency requirements may also qualify.
Residents are expected to contribute to the cost of their care based on their financial means.
Minnesota Veteran Financial Benefits
Income Taxes
Military pay, retirement pay, and Survivor Benefit Plan payments are exempt from taxation.
Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemption
Veterans with a VA disability rating of 70% or higher may be eligible for a reduction in the assessed value of their home. The extent of the reduction depends on the level of disability. Certain surviving spouses may also meet the criteria for this benefit.
Short-Term Financial Assistance
The subsistence program offers temporary financial aid for housing, utilities, insurance, and other expenses. This benefit is determined based on income and assets and aims to support veterans who are temporarily unable to work due to a disability, or permanently disabled veterans awaiting federal government benefits. Surviving spouses may also qualify for this assistance within the initial 12 months following their spouse’s passing, even without a temporary disability.
Special Needs Grant
Offers a single financial aid opportunity to a veteran or surviving spouse, aimed at promoting financial stability and averting homelessness. Grants may be allocated to cover various needs such as housing expenses, repairs, medical costs, auto repairs, and more.
Dental and Vision Care
Veterans in Minnesota qualify for up to $1,000 in complimentary dental care each year, with potential increases under specific circumstances. Additionally, they are entitled to up to $400 in free vision care annually. These benefits are contingent upon income eligibility.
Minnesota Veteran Employment Benefits
Minnesota Veterans Preference Act
The Minnesota Veterans Preference Act (VPA) affords veterans a defined advantage over non-veterans in both hiring and promotion within Minnesota public employment. Furthermore, it offers safeguards against unjust dismissals and demotions. Under the VPA, veterans have the entitlement to a hearing before facing dismissal.
Minnesota Veteran Education Benefits
Minnesota GI Bill
The Minnesota GI Bill extends its benefits to:
- Minnesota veterans who have served honorably in any branch of the military at any point in time.
- Non-veterans who have served honorably for a combined total of five years or more as a member of the Minnesota National Guard or any other active or reserve component, with active service after September 11, 2001.
- Eligible spouses, surviving spouses, and children of permanently and totally disabled veterans who qualify for the federal GI Bill.
Full-time undergraduate or graduate students can receive up to $3,000 per academic year and up to $10,000 throughout their lifetime.
Individuals engaged in On-the-Job Training (OJT) or apprenticeship programs are eligible for up to $2,000 per fiscal year for either program. Approved employers may receive $1,000 placement credit upon hiring a participant under this program and another $1,000 after 12 consecutive months of employment.
Recipients must be residents of Minnesota under the age of 62 and enrolled at a Minnesota institution.
Surviving Spouse and Dependent Education Benefit
The Surviving Spouse and Dependent Education benefit is designated for spouses and dependents, encompassing adopted and stepchildren, whose veteran spouse and/or parent passed away while on active duty or as a result of a service-connected condition.
The veteran must have been a resident of Minnesota upon entering the military or must have resided in Minnesota for at least six months prior to their demise due to a service-connected disability.
Applicants must be residents of Minnesota, and the spouse must not have remarried. There are no age restrictions for eligible survivors.
Surviving spouses and dependents are entitled to pursue a bachelor’s degree without tuition fees. Additionally, they receive $750 annually to cover expenses such as fees, books, supplies, and/or room and board.
This benefit is applicable at Minnesota state or private institutions within the state.
Minnesota Veteran Recreation Benefits
Active-duty members and veterans receive ample hunting and fishing benefits; however, certain specialized licenses, including those for bear, deer, waterfowl, etc., may necessitate fees. It’s advisable to consult the latest regulations from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources before engaging in hunting or fishing activities.
Minnesota State Park Vehicle Permits
Free admission to Minnesota state parks is extended to all active-duty personnel, disabled veterans, and Purple Heart recipients. Residency in Minnesota is not a requirement to qualify for this benefit.
Active-Duty Hunting & Fishing Licenses
Nonresidents stationed in Minnesota are eligible to obtain hunting and fishing licenses at the resident rate.
Minnesota residents who are home on leave can enjoy hunting and fishing activities for free.
Resident Disabled Veterans Hunting & Fishing License
Minnesota veterans who are 100% disabled receive a complimentary lifetime fishing license and an annual hunting license at no cost.
Firearms Safety Training
Individuals who have completed military basic training may qualify for exemption from the Field Day components of the Hunter Firearms Safety course.
Minnesota State Veterans Cemeteries
Minnesota boasts three state veterans cemeteries located in Duluth, Little Falls, and Preston. A fourth cemetery is set to open in Redwood Falls in 2023. Burial services are available to all veterans with an other-than-dishonorable discharge.
Veterans receive interment services at no cost, while dependents may incur a nominal fee.
