State Taxes
Education Benefits
Employment Benefits
Unemployment Compensation
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Benefits
Health and Insurance Benefits
Parks and Recreation Benefits
Miscellaneous Benefits
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Facilities in Minnesota
Minnesota Military Resource Locator
Resources
Summary of Minnesota Military and Veterans Benefits: Minnesota offers special benefits for service members, Veterans and their families including short term financial assistance for Veterans and surviving spouses, compensation for state active duty, special license plates, education benefits for Minnesota Veterans, service members and eligible family members. Eligibility for some benefits may depend on residency, military component and Veteran disability status.
Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA), County and Tribal Veteran Service Officers: The MDVA has trained County and Tribal Veterans Service Officers (TVSO) who can assist Veterans, and their families find and apply for benefits under federal, state, and local laws. All their services are provided free of charge.
The TVSO initiative operates in partnership with the governmental and tribal agencies, the Governor's Office, Minnesota State Legislators, and the Minnesota Native American Nations. TVSOs are culturally connected representatives who work with Native American Veterans to help them receive the state and federal Veterans benefits they are entitled to. For more information, please call 507-456-5067, or email tvso.mdva@state.mn.us.
MDVA TVSO Fact Sheet
MDVA Veterans Service Officers Directory
MDVA Online Contact Form
MDVA Contact Page
Minnesota Military and Veterans State Benefit Highlights and Eligibility
What are my Minnesota Military and Veterans State Tax Benefits?
Minnesota Tax Exemption for Military Pay: Minnesota does not tax military pay received by resident service members who are serving in an active or reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Learn more about Minnesota Tax Deduction for Military Pay
Minnesota Tax Relief for Deceased Active Duty Service Members: Minnesota provides tax relief to the family of a service member who died while serving on active duty in the U.S. or United Nations Armed Forces. Taxes are forgiven under the following circumstances:
- Service member's income will not be taxed in the year of their death
- Any unpaid tax debts or penalties from prior years when the service member was on active duty will be forgiven
- Heirs may request a refund of income tax the service member paid while they were serving on active duty; refund claims must be filed within seven years of when the service member's tax return was filed, or when the tax was paid or collected
Learn more about Minnesota Tax Relief for Deceased Active Duty Service Members
Minnesota Taxes on Military Retired Pay: Minnesota does not tax military retired pay. Retired service members who claim his subtraction may not claim the nonrefundable credit for past military service.
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) does not withhold taxes for state or local income tax, but it is reported annually on IRS Form 1099-R. All TSP distributions are subject to state taxes and early distributions may incur higher taxes.
Learn more about Minnesota Taxes on Military Retired Pay
Minnesota Tax Credit for Past Military Service: Minnesota resident Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces who have a federal adjusted gross income less than $37,500 may qualify for a nonrefundable tax credit up to $750. Part-year or nonresidents may qualify for the credit based on the percentage of their income that is taxable in Minnesota. To determine the amount of the credit, complete the worksheet Minnesota Department of Revenue, Schedule M1C, Nonrefundable Credits.
Who is eligible for Minnesota Tax Credit for Past Military Service? Veterans qualify if they have a federal adjusted gross income less than $37,500 and meet one of the following requirements:
- Honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces and receiving military retired pay
- Served in the U.S. Armed Forces for at least 20 years
- Have a service-connected 100% total and permanent disability rating from the VA
Veterans may not claim this credit if they claim a subtraction for military retired pay.
Learn more about Minnesota Tax Credit for Past Military Service
Minnesota Taxes on Wages Earned by Nonresident Military Spouses: Wages earned in Minnesota by a nonresident military spouse are not taxable by Minnesota if they meet the following requirements:
- Service member spouse is in Minnesota due to military orders
- Service member and spouse have a state of residence other than Minnesota
- Military spouse is in Minnesota only to be with their service member spouse
Learn more about Minnesota Taxes on Wages Earned by Nonresident Military Spouses
Minnesota State Taxes on Military Disability Retirement Pay: Military disability retirement pay received as a pension, annuity or similar allowance for personal injury or sickness resulting from active duty service in the U.S. Armed Forces should not be included in taxable income. Some of the payments which are considered disability benefits include:
- Disability compensation and pension payments for disabilities paid to Veterans or their families
- Grants for homes designed for wheelchair living
- Grants for motor vehicles for Veterans who lost their sight or the use of limbs, or
- Benefits under a dependent-care assistance program
See IRS Publication 525 for more information.
Learn more about Minnesota State Taxes on Military Disability Retirement Pay
Minnesota State Taxes on U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Disability Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): DIC is a tax-freemonetary
benefit paid to eligible survivors of service members who died in the line of duty or eligible survivors of Veterans whose death resulted from a service-connected injury or disease.
Minnesota State Tax Exemption for Military Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RCSBP), and Retired Serviceman’s Family Protection Plan (RSFPP) Annuities: SBP, RCSBP and RSFPP annuities are not taxed in Minnesota.
Minnesota Tax Credit for Military Service in Combat Zone: Service members who served in acombat zone or qualified hazardous duty area can receive a refundable tax credit of $120 per month for each month they served in a qualifying area. Partial months will count as whole months. Service members may qualify to receive this credit even if they had no income or owed no tax.
Who is eligible for Minnesota Tax Credit for Military Service in Combat Zone? To receive this tax credit service members must meet all the following requirements:
- Minnesota resident
- Served in a combat zone or qualified hazardous duty area (listed on Form M99)
- Received combat pay, which was excluded from federal gross income
Service members can apply online using the Minnesota Department of Revenue, Credit for Military Service online application (go to Refunds Section and select Credit for Military Service) or complete the Minnesota Form M99, Credit for Military Service in a Combat Zone. Service members must file within 3½ years from the original due date of the tax return for the time they served in a qualifying area.
This credit may be claimed by a surviving spouse of a service member who dies while serving in a combat zone or hazardous duty area.
Minnesota Department of Revenue, Fact Sheet 5a, Military Personnel, Subtractions, Credits, and Extensions
Learn more about Minnesota Tax Credit for Military Service in Combat Zone
Minnesota Income Tax Filing Extensions for Service Members: Minnesota offers tax filing extension for eligible resident service members. A service member and their spouse who file jointly are both eligible for the extension.
Combat Zone: Service members serving in a combat zone have 180 days from the date they leavethe combat zone to file and pay Minnesota taxes.Service members who are hospitalized due to injuries received in a combat zone have a 180 day extension from the date of their discharge from the 
hospital.
Stationed Outside the U.S.:Service members stationed outside the U.S. but not involved in combat operations have until October 15 th of the tax year to file a tax return. Service members are required to pay 90% of any owed taxes by April 15 th to avoid penalties.
Reserve Component: Reserve component service members called to federal active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible for a six month extension to file and pay their taxes. Service members serving outside the U.S. are eligible for an extension to file and pay their taxes for the time they are abroad plus six months.
Learn more about Minnesota Income Tax Filing Extensions for Service Members
Minnesota Market Value Exclusion on Homestead Property of Disabled Veterans, Primary Family Caregivers and Surviving Spouses: Minnesota offers a market value exclusion program for Veterans, surviving spouses, or a primary family caregiver of a Veteran. This program reduces the market value of homesteads for tax purposes, which may reduce property tax. This program provides two different levels of market value exclusions:
- $150,000 exclusion for:
- Veterans with 70% to 100% service-connected disability rating (not total and permanent)
- Primary family caregiver of a Veteran with 70% to 100% service-connected disability rating (not total and permanent)
- $300,000 exclusion for:
- Veterans with a 100% total and permanent, service-connected disability rating
- Surviving spouse receiving Dependency Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
- Surviving spouse of a Veteran who had a 100% total and permanent, service-connected disability rating
- Primary family caregiver of a Veteran with a 100% total and permanent, service-connected disability rating
Who is eligible for Minnesota Market Value Exclusion on Homestead Property of Disabled Veterans, Primary Family Caregivers and Surviving Spouses?
Veteran Eligibility:
- Received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces
- Has a service-connected disability rating of 70% or higher from the VA
Surviving Spouse Eligibility:
- Veteran had a 100% total and permanent disability rating
- Veteran died after December 31, 2011, but did not receive the exclusion before dying
- Surviving spouse receiving Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
- Veteran had a service-connected death while serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces
Surviving spouses qualify for $300,000 of market value exclusion until they remarry, transfer or dispose of the property. The spouse can have a one-time sale of the property and still qualify for the exclusion.
Primary Family Caregiver Eligibility:
- Primary family caregiver approved for the VA Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers for a Veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 70% or more
- Veteran who the primary family caregiver cares for cannot also own homestead property in Minnesota
All homestead properties must be owned by December 1 st for an applicant to be eligible. Applicants must apply at their County Assessor's office by December 31 st to qualify for taxes payable in the next year. The property must have received a Minnesota Department of Revenue, Homestead Classification. Applications are available at the County Assessor's Office, at a Veteran's Service Office, or by download.
Minnesota Homestead Exclusion for a Veteran with a Disability Application
Minnesota Homestead Exclusion for a Surviving Spouse of a Veteran Who was Permanently Disabled or a Service Member Who Died While in Active Service Application
Minnesota Homestead Exclusion for a Primary Family Caregiver of a Veteran with a Disability Application
Minnesota County Government Directory
What are my Minnesota Military and Veterans Education Benefits?
Minnesota Higher Education Veterans Programs: The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, Higher Education Veterans Programs helps connect Veterans with education benefits and resources to help students succeed in college. The programs support Veterans, current service members and their families who are attending Minnesota's colleges and universities by providing on-site comprehensive information about benefits and resources as well as supporting the unique needs of these students.
Program staff at Minnesota colleges and universities help identify and remove barriers to Veterans' enrollment and access to benefits, as well as establishing and managing campus Veterans Resource Centers.
Program coordinators help schools establish "Veteran friendly" policies and procedures and can help with:
- Payment extensions while waiting for educational benefits
- Military transfer credit
- Veteran resident status
- Options for withdrawal from classes due to deployment
For more information call 800-456-8519, 800-627-3529 (TT), or +1-651-556-0596 (international).
Minnesota Higher Education Veterans Program Regional Coordinator Directory
Minnesota Higher Education Veterans Program Brochure
Learn more about Minnesota Higher Education Veterans Programs
Minnesota Veteran Education Assistance: Minnesota Veteran Education Assistance is a one-time $750 grant for tuition for Veterans to help them complete a bachelor's degree. This grant is only available to Veterans who have exhausted their GI Bill benefits. Grants are paid directly to the institution or may be reimbursed to Veterans upon verification that their tuition has been paid.
Who is eligible for Minnesota Veteran Education Assistance? To be eligible, Minnesota resident Veterans must meet the following criteria:
- Veteran who has been living in Minnesota for 30 days and intends remain in Minnesota, or
- Was a Minnesota resident immediately before entry into the U.S. Armed Forces, and
- Veteran must have completely exhausted their VA educational benefits within the eligibility period that their benefits were available; those who allowed their benefits to expire before using them do not qualify
Benefits may be used at the following Minnesota Higher Education Institutions:
- State Universities
- Community colleges
- Vocational technical colleges
- Any campus of the University of Minnesota
- Any college of higher learning which has been accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools
- Law college approved by the Supreme Court
- Theological seminary
- Nursing school approved by the Board of Nursing
- Vocational technical trade or business school approved by the State Department of Education
Veterans may apply by downloading the application below and submitting directly to the MDVA (address and required documentation are listed on the form) or through a County Veterans Service Officer.
MDVA, Application for Minnesota Veteran Education Benefit
Minnesota Office of Higher Education, College Search
Minnesota County Veteran Service Officer Directory
Learn more about Minnesota Veteran Education Assistance
Minnesota National Guard Tuition Reimbursement Program (STR): STR reimburses Minnesota National Guard Service members up to 100% of the tuition cost at an accredited educational institution. The lifetime maximum STR benefit is 144 semester credits. STR will pay for associate, bachelor’s, master’s, professional degrees as well as certificate programs.
The undergraduate reimbursement rate is up to 100% of the resident undergraduate tuition rate at the University of Minnesota with a maximum yearly benefit of $18,000 per fiscal year (1 July through 30 June).
The graduate reimbursement rate is up to 75% of the graduate rate at the University of Minnesota with a maximum yearly benefit of $28,000 per fiscal year.
Who is eligible for Minnesota STR? Minnesota National Guard Service member eligibility requirements:
- Service member serving in the Minnesota National Guard in good standing
- Must have completed basic training, they are contracted Simultaneous Membership Program cadets, or they are a special branch direct commissioned officer
- Applicants must apply for Federal Tuition Assistance before they are eligible to apply for STR
- Must serve in the Minnesota National Guard while receiving STR benefits
- Serving in pay grades E1 to O5 (including Warrant Officers)
Honorably discharged former Minnesota National Guard Service members may be eligible for an extension to use STR under the following circumstances:
- Served on federal active duty orders after September 11, 2001 are eligible for a two year extension plus the amount of time they served on active duty
- Served in the Minnesota National Guard and was separated or discharged due to a service-connected injury, disease, or disability are eligible for an eight year extension
STR for Spouses: Spouses of Minnesota National Guard Service members may be authorized to use the remaining balance of aservice member’s STR. The service member must have eight good years of service in the Minnesota National Gurd before the spouse is eligible. Spouses can use up to 12 semester credits (or 17 quarter credits) per year, up to the service member’s credit cap of 144 semester credits.
To apply for STR, service members must contact their unit full-time representative. For more information, please email ng.mn.mnarng.mbx.assets-education@army.mil.
Minnesota National Guard, Education 101 Fact Sheet
Minnesota National Guard Circular 621-5-1, State Incentive Programs
Learn more about the Minnesota National Guard Tuition Reimbursement Program
Minnesota National Guard Tuition Reimbursement Program (STR) Survivor Entitlement: Family members of a Minnesota National Guard Service member who is killed in the line of duty while serving on state active dutymay be eligible for tuition reimbursement up to 100% of the tuition cost at an accredited educational institution. The lifetime maximum STR benefit is 144 semester credits. STR will pay for associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and professional degrees as well as certificate programs.
The undergraduate reimbursement rate is up to 100% of the resident undergraduate tuition rate of the University of Minnesota with a maximum yearly benefit of $18,000 per fiscal year (1 July through 30 June).
The graduate reimbursement rate is up to 75% of the graduate rate of the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities Campus with a maximum yearly benefit of $28,000 per fiscal year.
Who is eligible for Minnesota STR Survivor Entitlement? The following family members are eligible:
- Surviving spouse (regardless of remarriage)
- Dependent children until their 24 th birthday
Surviving family members will remain eligible even if they move out of state or become a non-Minnesota resident. For more information, please email ng.mn.mnarng.mbx.assets-education@army.mil.
Minnesota National Guard Circular 621-5-1, State Incentive Programs
Learn more about the Minnesota National Guard Tuition Reimbursement Program Survivor Entitlement
Minnesota Surviving Spouse and Dependent Education Benefit: Surviving spouses and eligible dependents of deceased Veterans are offered free tuition at a Minnesota public postsecondary education institution up to completion of their bachelor's degree. In addition, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) will pay $750 per fiscal year for fees, books and supplies, and room and board.
Who is eligible for the Minnesota Surviving Spouse and Dependent Education Benefit? Free tuition is offered to unremarried surviving spouses and children (including adopted and stepchildren) whose service member spouse or parent died while serving on active duty, or as a result of a service-connected condition.
Students may apply by downloading the application below and submitting directly to the MDVA (address is on the form), or through a County Veterans Service Officer. For more information, please email MNGIBILL@state.mn.us.
MDVA, Application for Surviving Spouse/Dependent Education Benefit
MDVA, Renewal Application for Surviving Spouse/Dependent Education Benefit
Minnesota County Veteran Service Officer Directory
Learn more about the Minnesota Surviving Spouse and Dependent Education Benefit
Minnesota GI Bill: The Minnesota GI Bill program provides educational financial assistance toVeterans, service members and their dependents. The Program provides a maximum benefit of $10,000. Eligible participants can use the benefit for higher education, On-the-job training (OJT), apprenticeships, or licenses and certifications. 
Who is eligible for the Minnesota GI Bill? To be eligible all applicants must be Minnesota residents and meet the one of the following general requirements:
- Service member currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces
- Veteran who served in an active or reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces and received an honorable discharge
- Former service member who served in an active or reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces for five or more years (cumulatively) and received an honorable discharge; any part of that service must have occurred on or after September 11, 2001, or
- Surviving spouse and children of a Veteran who died while serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, or has a total and permanent service-connected disability rating
Applicants can apply online at the Minnesota GI Bill Online Application Portal, or by contacting a Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Coordinator.
Course of education eligibility and benefit specifics are extensive, those interested should carefully read the information located on the Higher Education, OJT/ Apprenticeship, and License and Certification tabs at the Learn more … link below. For more information, please call 888-LinkVet (888-546-5838), or email mngibill@state.mn.us.
Minnesota GI Bill Brochure
Learn more about the Minnesota GI Bill
Minnesota Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children: The purpose 
of this compact is to remove barriers to educational success imposed on children of military families because of frequent moves and deployment of their parents by:
- Facilitating the prompt enrollment of children of military families and ensuring that they are not placed at a disadvantage due to difficulty in the transfer of educational records from the previous school district or variations in entrance or age requirements
- Facilitating the student placement process through which children of military families are not disadvantaged by variations in attendance requirements, scheduling, sequencing, grading, course content or assessment. Facilitating the qualification and eligibility for enrollment, educational programs and participation in extracurricular academic, athletic and social activities
- Facilitating the on-time graduation of children of military families
- Providing for the enforcement of administrative rules implementing the provisions of this compact
- Providing for the uniform collection and sharing of information between and among member states, schools and military families under this compact
- Promoting coordination between this compact and other compacts affecting military children
- Promoting flexibility and cooperation between the educational system, parents and the student to achieve educational success for the student
Points of Contact
Phone: 651-582-8215 / 651-268-8207
Learn more about the Minnesota Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children
What are my Minnesota Military and Veterans Employment Benefits?
Paid Leave for Minnesota State Employees for National Guard or U.S. Armed Forces Reserve Military Service: State employees who are service members serving in a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces receive 15 days of paid military leave per calendar year for training and federal, or state active duty. In addition, they will not lose pay, seniority status, efficiency rating, vacation, sick leave, or other benefits while on military leave.
Who is eligible for Paid Leave for Minnesota State Employees for National Guard or U.S. Armed Forces Reserve Military Service? National Guard or U.S. Armed Forces Reserve Service members who are state employees are eligible for paid military leave.
Minnesota State Employee Veterans Hiring Preference: The Minnesota Veterans Preference Act grants most Veterans a limited preference over non-Veterans in hiring and promotion for most Minnesota public employment positions.
Who is eligible for Minnesota State Employee Veterans Hiring Preference? 10 Point Veteran's credit will be added to the competitive open examination rating of a non-disabled Veteran, 15 points Veteran's credit will be added to scores of Veterans with a 50% or more permanent service-connected disability rating. Veterans must receive a passing rating on the examination without the addition of the credit points to qualify.
This preference is also available for the surviving spouse of a deceased Veteran or by the spouse of a disabled Veteran who because of their disability they are unable to qualify for the position.
Learn more about Minnesota State Employee Veterans Hiring Preference
Permissive Veterans Preference for Minnesota Veterans in Private Employment: A private, non-public employer may grant preference in hiring and promotion to a Veteran or the spouse of a disabled Veteran who has a service-connected total and permanent disability. This preference may also be offered to the surviving spouse of a deceased Veteran.
Learn more about Permissive Veterans Preference for Minnesota Veterans in Private Employment
Minnesota Veteran-Owned Small Business Procurement Program: The Minnesota Veteran-Owned Small Business Program offers a 12% preference in selling products or services, or bidding on construction projects for the state to certified Veteran-Owned businesses. In addition, they have the authority to set goals which require prime contractors to subcontract a portion of the work to certified Veteran-Owned businesses on contracts for construction or consulting services.
Who is eligible for the Minnesota Veteran-Owned Small Business Procurement Program? To be certified as a Veteran-Owned small business, the business must be at least 51% owned by a Veteran or Veteran with a service-connected disability. In addition, the business must be operated and controlled on a day-to-day as well as long-term basis by the qualifying owner. The business must be located in Minnesota to be eligible.
To apply to become a certified Veteran-Owned business please use the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, Online Application portal.
Learn more about the Minnesota Veteran-Owned Small Business Procurement Program
Federal Employment Veteran’s Hiring Preferences: By Federal law, Veterans who are disabled or who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces during certain specified time periods or in military campaigns are entitled to preference over non-Veterans in hiring into the Federal civil service and in retention during reduction in force. Veterans may be entitled to 5 or 10 points included in any scoring process for examination or interviews.
5-point Hiring Preference: Five points are added to the examination score or rating of a Veteran who served:
- During a war, or
- During the period April 28, 1952, through July 1, 1955, or
- For more than 180 consecutive days, other than for training, any part of which occurred after January 31, 1955, and before October 15, 1976, or
- During the Gulf War from August 2, 1990, through January 2, 1992, or
- For more than 180 consecutive days, other than for training, any part of which occurred during the period beginning September 11, 2001, and ending on August 31, 2010, the last day of Operation Iraqi Freedom, or
- In a campaign or expedition for which a campaign medal has been authorized. Any Armed Forces Expeditionary medal or campaign badge, including El Salvador, Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, Southwest Asia, Somalia, and Haiti, qualifies for preference
10-point Compensable Disability (CP) Preference: Ten points are added to the examination score or rating of a Veteran who served at any time and who has a compensable service-connected disability rating of at least 10% but less than 30%.
10-Point 30% Compensable Disability Preference (CPS): Ten points are added to the passing examination score or rating of a Veteran who served at any time and who has a compensable service-connected disability rating of 30% or more.
10-Point Disability Preference (XP): Ten points are added to the passing examination score or rating of:
- A Veteran who served at any time and has a present service-connected disability or is receiving compensation, disability retirement benefits, or pension from the military or the VA but does not qualify as a CP or CPS, or
- A Veteran who received a Purple Heart
10-Point Derived Preference (XP): Ten points are added to the passing examination score or rating of spouses, surviving spouses, or mothers of Veterans. Both a mother and a spouse (including surviving spouse) may be entitled to preference based on the same Veteran's service if they both meet the requirements. However, neither may receive preference if the Veteran is living and is qualified for Federal employment.
Ten points are added to the passing examination score or rating of the spouse of a disabled Veteran who is disqualified for a federal position along the general lines of their usual occupation because of a service-connected disability. Such a disqualification may be presumed when the Veteran is unemployed and:
- Is rated by appropriate military or VA authorities to be 100% disabled and/or unemployable, or
- Has retired, been separated, or resigned from a civil service position because of a disability that is service-connected in origin, or
- Has attempted to obtain a civil service position or other position along the lines of their usual occupation and has failed to qualify because of a service-connected disability
Preference may be allowed in other circumstances but anything less than the above warrants a more careful analysis.
A campaign medal holder or Gulf War Veteran who originally enlisted after September 7, 1980, (or began active duty on or after October 14, 1982, and has not previously completed 24 months of continuous active duty) must have served continuously for 24 months or the full period called or ordered to active duty. The 24-month service requirement does not apply to 10-point preference eligible Veterans separated for disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty, or to Veterans separated for hardship or other reasons under Title 10 U.S.C. 1171 or 1173.
Learn more about Federal Employment Veterans’ Hiring Preferences
Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA): USERRA protects civilian job rights and benefits for Veterans and members of reserve components. USERRA also protects service member rights and benefits by clarifying the law, improving enforcement mechanisms, and adding Federal Government employees to those employees already eligible to receive Department of Labor assistance in processing claims.
Absence from Work for Military Duty: USERRA establishes the cumulative length of time that anindividual may be absent from work for militaryduty and retain reemployment rights to five years. Exceptions to the five-year limit, include initial enlistments lasting more than five years, periodic Nati
onal Guard and U.S. Armed Forces Reserve training duty, and involuntary active duty extensions and recalls, especially during a time of national emergency. USERRA establishes that reemployment protection does not depend on the timing, frequency, duration, or nature of an individual's service if the basic eligibility criteria are met.
Disability Accommodation: USERRA provides protection for disabled Veterans, requiring employers to make reasonable efforts to accommodate the disability. Service members recovering from injuries received during service or training may have up to two years from the date of completion of service to return to their jobs or apply for reemployment.
Return to Work without Loss of Seniority: USERRA provides that returning service members are reemployed in the job that they would have attained had they not been absent for military service, with the same seniority, status and pay, as well as other rights and benefits determined by seniority. USERRA also requires that reasonable efforts (such as training or retraining) be made to enable returning service members to refresh or upgrade their skills to help them qualify for reemployment. USERRA also provides that while an individual is performing military service, they are deemed to be on a furlough or leave of absence and are entitled to the non-seniority rights accorded other individuals on non-military leaves of absence.
Extension of Health and Pension Plans: Health and pension plan coverage for service members is provided for by USERRA. Individuals performing military duty of more than 30 days may elect to continue employer sponsored health care for up to 24 months; however, they may be required to pay up to102% of the full premium. For military service of less than 31 days, health care coverage is provided as if the service member had remained employed. USERRA clarifies pension plan coverage by making explicit that all pension plans are protected.
Who is eligible for USERRA Benefits? Veterans, U.S. Armed Forces Reserve or National Guard service members who leave a position for training or active military service are eligible.
The Department of Labor, through the Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS) helps all who have claims under USERRA, including Federal and Postal Service employees.
employees.
VETS Regional Office Locations
Learn more about Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act
Compensation for Minnesota National Guard State Active Duty: Minnesota National Guard Service members serving on state active duty will receive from the state the same compensation as paid to service members of the same grade and length of service in the U.S. Armed Forces, but not less than $130 a day.
Who is eligible for Compensation for Minnesota National Guard State Active Duty? Minnesota National Guard Service members serving on state active duty are eligible for compensation.
Learn more about Compensation for Minnesota National Guard State Active Duty
Minnesota CareerForce Veteran Resources:Minnesota CareerForce assists Veterans to meet their career development needs. Veterans Employment Representatives at CareerForce locations can help with career planning, job search, find education and training opportunities, and connect Veterans with other resources. Veterans will receive priority services in all CareerForce locations across the state.
Those eligible will receive access to their online career resource to:
- Find information on transferring military skills to civilian careers
- See samples of successful resumes and cover letters
- Search listings of employment opportunities
Who is eligible for Minnesota CareerForce Veteran Resources? Service members and Veterans of the active and reserve components of the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible for CareerForce Veterans Resources. For more information, please email Veterans.CareerForce@state.mn.us.
Minnesota CareerForce Veterans Eligibility Questionnaire
Minnesota CareerForce Location Directory
Minnesota CareerForce Dedicated Veterans Employment Team Directory
Minnesota CareerForce, Veterans Resources Brochure
Learn more about Minnesota CareerForce Veteran Resources
Minnesota Hilton Honors Military Program: The Minnesota Hilton Honors Military Program helps make the career transition from service in the U.S. Armed Forces to civilian employment easier for current and former service members. The Hilton Honors Military Program will provide hotel accommodations for required travel while they are looking for a new job, training for a new job, or finding housing. Those eligible can receive up to a total of 100,000 hotel points for verifiable employment-related activities. Recipients must have a Hilton Honors account to receive the points. For more information, please email HiltonHonors@naswa.org or contact the nearest Minnesota CareerForce location.
National Association of State Workforce Agencies, Hilton Honors Military Program
Learn more about the Minnesota Hilton Honors Military Program
What are my Minnesota Military and Veterans Unemployment Insurance Benefits?
Minnesota Unemployment Insurance (UI): Minnesota UI provides temporary financial assistance for workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own. UI is a partial, short-term replacement of lost wages while workers are seeking other 
work and is not intended to be a permanent source of income.
Service members who recently separated from active duty and are unemployed may apply for UI benefits based on their active duty service. To be eligible for benefits, service members must have completed their first full term of service and were separated under honorable conditions.
Minnesota UI Information for Recently Separated Service Members
Applicants will need the following information:
- Social Security Number (SSN)
- Driver's license number or other state government identification number
- Employment history for the last 18 months, including:
- Each employer's name, address and telephone number
- Dates of employment (month and year)
- Pay rate
- Reason no longer working for each employer
- Bank account number and routing number, for direct deposit
- Served in the U.S. Armed Forces in the last 18 months, requires DD214, Member Copy 4
- Federal employee in the last 18 months, requires SF8 and SF50
- If not, a U.S. citizen requires work authorization document
- Trade union name and the local number of hiring hall, if employed through a union
Applicants can apply for UI either online using the Minnesota UI Benefit System, or by calling the Minnesota UI, Applicant Self-Service System.
Minnesota UI, Applicant Self-Service System Phone Numbers:
Twin Cities area: 651-296-3644
Greater Minnesota: 877-898-9090
TTY for the hearing impaired: 866-814-1252
Minnesota UI Handbook
Minnesota UI Application Process
Learn more about Minnesota Unemployment Insurance
What are my Minnesota Military and Veterans Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Benefits?
Minnesota Drivers’ License or ID Card, Veteran and Disabled Veteran Designation: The Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services Division offersa Veteran and Disabled Veteran designation on Minnesota drivers’ licenses or ID cards for eligible Veterans and disabled Veterans. 
Who is eligible for a Minnesota Drivers’ License or ID Card, Veteran and Disabled Veteran Designation? To be eligible for the Veteran designation, Veterans must meet the requirements under the Minnesota definition of a Veteran.
To be eligible for a disabled Veterans designation, Veterans must meet the requirements under the Minnesota definition of a Veteran and have a 100% total and permanent disability rating from the VA.
Veterans can apply for these designations at any Minnesota Driver’s License Service Centers, applicants are required to provide a certified copy of their discharge document as proof of honorable service (DD214 or equivalent) and a VA Benefit Summary Letter (if applicable).
Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services Division, New Drivers’ License and ID Card Designs
Learn more about Minnesota Drivers’ License or ID Card, Veteran and Disabled Veteran Designation
Minnesota Special Military and Veteran Vehicle License Plates: Minnesota offers 24 distinctive license plate designs to honor the service and sacrifice of service members, Veterans, retired service members and eligible family members.
Applicants can apply for Special Military and Veteran plates at any Minnesota Deputy Registrar office or by mailing a Special Plate Application form, required documentation and appropriate fees to:
Driver and Vehicle Services
445 Minnesota Street, Suite 164
St. Paul, MN 55101
Additional information for all Special Military and Veteran License plates:
- May be displayed on any passenger class vehicles, one-ton pickups, or self-propelled recreational vehicle, owned or jointly owned by a Veteran
- Plates may be ordered with a disability symbol if the applicant qualifies for a disability license plate
- Veterans must provide a certified copy of their separation papers (DD214) indicating they received a discharge under honorable conditions
- Current service members must submit a copy of their military ID and official documentation verifying eligibility for a specific license plate
- The Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Application for Special Plates is used for all Special Military and Veteran license plates (except the Gold Star Family License Plate)
For questions or more information, please contact the Driver and Vehicle Services Division at 651-297-3166.
Minnesota Disability License Plate Information
Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services Directory
Minnesota Specialty License Plates Brochure
Minnesota Medal of Honor License Plates: Recipients of the Medal of Honor can request the Medal of Honor license plates. Original, duplicate or replacement plates are issued free of charge and no registration tax is due. Only one set of plates may be issued. An application may only be made at the time of vehicle registration.
Minnesota Combat Wounded (Purple Heart) License Plates: Recipients of the Purple Heart are eligible for the Combat Wounded (Purple Heart) license plate. Active duty service members must submit official documentation they were awarded the Purple Heart medal; Veterans must submit their separation papers that indicate they were awarded the Purple Heart or documentation from the VA. Motorcycle plates are also available.
Minnesota Proud to be a Veteran License Plate: Honorably discharged Veterans are eligible for the Proud to be a Veteran license plate. Veterans must submit a copy of their DD214 showing that they were honorably discharged. There are no dates-of-service or combat duty restrictions. Motorcycle plates are also available.
Minnesota Gold Star Family License Plate: Gold Star Family license plates are available for the 
surviving spouse, parents, children or siblings of a service member who died in while serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. Applicants must provide a copy of the DD1300 "Report of Casualty" or DD2064 "Certificate of Death" or receive certification of eligibility from the Minnesota Commissioner of Veteran Affairs. Motorcycle plates are also available.
Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Contact Information
Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Gold Star License Plate Application
Learn more about Minnesota Special Military and Veteran Vehicle License Plates
Minnesota Drivers’ License Expiration for Active Duty Military: Service members serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces who have a valid Minnesota driver's license, are not required to renew their license until after they are discharged, regardless of their length of service. This also applies to the spouses of these service members, if the spouse does not live in Minnesota during the active duty period. Licenses must be renewed within one year of discharge date.
To ensure that the service member’s or spouse’s driving records are maintained, drivers must notify Driver and Vehicle Services of their military status. A service member or spouse can send a written statement and a copy of their military ID card with their service entry date or a letter from their commanding officer verifying service entry date and active duty status to:
Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services
445 Minnesota Street
St. Paul, MN 55101
Learn more about Minnesota Drivers’ License Expiration for Active Duty Military
Adding Minnesota Motorcycle Endorsement for Active Duty Service Members: Resident service members serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces stationed outside of Minnesota may add a motorcycle endorsement to their Minnesota driver’s license.
Service members must submit proof of passing a comparable motorcycle knowledge and skills tests from their temporary state of residence. The service member’s driver’s license must remain current to keep the endorsement.
Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services, Military Residents Adding a Motorcycle Endorsement Fact Sheet
Learn more about Adding Minnesota Motorcycle Endorsement for Active Duty Service Members
What are my Minnesota Military and Veterans Health and Insurance Benefits?
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Life Insurance: The VA provides valuable life insurance benefits to Veterans, active and reserve component service members and their families to provide financial security given the extraordinary risks involved in military Service. The VA provides the following life insurance benefit programs:
- Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI)
- Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI)
- Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (FSGLI)
- Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance Traumatic Injury Protection Program (TSGLI)
- Service-Disabled Veterans’ Life Insurance (S-DVI)
- Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI)
Learn more about U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Life Insurance
TRICARE Reserve Select Health Insurance: TRICARE Reserve Select is a premium-based plan, available worldwide for Selected Reserve, (U.S. Armed Forces Reserve and National Guard service members) and their families who meet the following qualifications:
- Not on active duty orders
- Not covered under the Transitional Assistance Management Program
- Not eligible for or enrolled in the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program or currently covered under FEHB, either under their own eligibility or through a family member
The plan provides comprehensive health care coverage when a service member is not activated and covered by active duty TRICARE benefits.
Learn more about TRICARE Reserve Select Health Insurance
National Guard Association of Minnesota, State Sponsored Life Insurance for National Guard Service Members (SSLI): SSLI offered through the National Guard Association of Minnesota to Minnesota National Guard Service members is made up of several voluntary group life 
policies that are designed to help meet the needs of National Guard service members and their families.
Every member of the Minnesota National Guard is covered with $1,000 SSLI at no cost.
Key Benefits of the SSLI:
- Over $1,000,000 in coverage available for the Minnesota National Guard Service member through a combination of the SSLI plans
- Coverage available for spouse and children
- Rates do not go up when service members separate from the National Guard
- Coverage 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
- No war or aviation exclusion
- New Recruits are eligible for $10,000 SSLI at no cost for the first year of service in the Minnesota National Guard, (must enroll within 180 days of joining the Minnesota National Guard)
Who is eligible for Minnesota SSLI? Minnesota National Guard Service members and their dependents are eligible for SSLI coverage.
Minnesota National Guard Service Members Receive Compensation for Injury, Disease, Disability or Death during State Active Duty: Minnesota National Guard Service members who are wounded, contract an illness, or become disabled while serving on state active duty are eligible for compensation from the state. If the service member dies as a result of their active duty service their beneficiaries are eligible compensation in the same amount allowed for service members serving in a federal active duty status.
Who is eligible for Minnesota National Guard Service Members Receive Compensation for Injury, Disease, Disability or Death during State Active Duty? Minnesota National Guard Service members serving on state active duty are eligible for compensation.
Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, Optical Assistance for Veterans, and their Families: Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs helps Veterans and their dependents by providing $600 for annual eye exams and prescription eyewear. This benefit is income and asset based.
For more information or assistance, applicants should contact their local Veteran Service Officer, email FO.MDVA@state.mn.us or call 888-LinkVet (888-546-5838).
Minnesota County Veteran Service Officer Directory
Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, Dental Assistance for Veterans, and their Families: Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) helps Veterans and their dependents by providing dental benefits for routine dental exams, extractions, and denture procedures. This benefit is income and asset based.
Veterans and their dependents can receive up to $1,500 for annual routine dental care. If dentures are necessary, MDVA will issue an additional denture authorization for up to $4,000 (once per lifetime), and if needed, an additional tooth extraction authorization for up to $2,500 (once per lifetime) in preparation for the dentures.
For more information or assistance, applicants should contact their local County Veteran Service Officer, email FO.MDVA@state.mn.us, or call 888-LinkVet (888-546-5838).
Minnesota County Veteran Service Officer Directory
What are my Minnesota Military and Veterans Parks and Recreation Benefits?
Minnesota Veterans Campground on Big Marine Lake: The Veterans Campground on Big MarineLake, St Croix, is a family campground that provides facilities and opportunities for recreation, rest and recovery for all who have served, or who are still serving in 
the U.S. Armed Forces, their families and sponsored friends.
The campground has a wide variety of recreational activities for the entire family, including camping (cabins, tents and RV sites), boating, fishing, tubing, swimming, softball, volleyball, horseshoes, canteen, game room, lending library, and outdoor pavilions for parties, reunions, gatherings, and picnics.
Who is eligible to stay at the Minnesota Veterans Campground on Big Marine Lake? The 
Veterans Campground is open to all honorably discharged Veterans, active and reserve component service members, retired service members, disabled Veterans, and military families. Those making reservations must provide a DD214 or other separation papers. For more information please use the Veterans Campground on Big Marine Lake online contact page , call 651-433-2699 or email vetscampmn@live.com .
Minnesota Veterans Campground on Big Marine Lake Eligibility Information
Learn more about Minnesota Veterans Campground on Big Marine Lake
Free Minnesota State Park Passes for Service Members, Purple Heart Recipients, DisabledVeterans, and their Dependents: Service members and their dependents, Purple Heart recipients, and Disabled Veterans can request a free annual permit for Minnesota State Parks and 
Recreation Areas.
Who is eligible for Free Minnesota State Park Passes?
- Service members from any component of the U.S. Armed Forces and their dependents, must bring current military orders and military ID to the park
- Veterans with any level of service-connected disability, must bring a copy of their VA Benefit Summary Letter and a photo ID
- Purple Heart recipients must bring documentation that they received the Purple Heart (DD214, citation for award, etc.)
Applicants can apply for a permit at any staffed Minnesota State Park Office, or at the:
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources License Center
500 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, Minnesota 55155
For more information, please leave a voicemail for the Permit Fulfillment Center at 218-595-7118 (be sure to mention Military Discount).
Minnesota Free Vehicle Permit Form, Veterans with Service-Connected Disability, Active Military Personnel and Dependents, Purple Heart Recipients
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Military and Veterans Benefits: The Minnesota DNR offers several benefits for service members and Veterans. Submission instructions and documentation requirements are listed on the applications.
Minnesota DNR Military Preference Application Form
Minnesota DNR, Military Personnel and Veteran Benefits Fact Sheet
Resident Service Members Benefits:
- Resident service members serving in an active and reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces, will receive first preference in drawings for special deer hunts, antlerless deer lottery, bear and turkey lotteries
- Resident service members on leave, who are serving in the U.S. Armed Forces and stationed outside the state may:
- Hunt small game without a license, no Minnesota waterfowl stamp or pheasant stamp is needed but they must have a federal duck stamp to hunt waterfowl
- Hunt deer, bear, wild turkey and wolf without charge after obtaining the appropriate licenses and tags through the Minnesota Electronic License System, bonus permits are not included
- Fish without a license
- Use ski trails without a ski pass
Service members must have a valid Minnesota driver’s license or state ID card and leave papers with them while hunting, fishing, or using ski trails.
Residents Discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces Benefits:
- Service members discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces within 10 days of the start of, or during, the firearm deer season may purchase a firearm deer license that is immediately valid, applicants must show official discharge papers when applying
- Service members discharged from federal active duty outside the U.S., within the previous 24 months may:
- Hunt small game without a license, no state stamps are required, federal stamp is needed for waterfowl hunting if less than 65 years old
- Fish without a license, trout stamps are not required (Note: Free sturgeon tags are available only from the DNR License Center in St. Paul)
- Eligible for one free deer per year license, valid for one either-sex deer except in buck-only areas
- Use ski trails without a ski pass
- Service members discharged from an active or reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces, during the previous 24 months, will receive first preference in drawings for special deer hunts, antlerless deer lottery, bear and turkey lotteries
Resident Disabled Veterans Benefits:
- Veterans who have a 100% service-connected disability are eligible for the following:
- Free small game license, no state stamps are required, federal stamp is needed for hunting waterfowl
- One free deer license per year, free deer license is valid for one either-sex deer except in buck-only areas
- Receive first preference in drawings for special deer hunts, antlerless deer lottery, bear and turkey lotteries
- Card that serves as proof of eligibility for a free annual small game and deer licenses Minnesota DNR, 100% Disabled Veteran License Permanent Card Application
- Free permanent angling license, trout stamp is not required with this license
Minnesota DNR, 100% Service-Connected Disabled Veteran Permanent Angling License Application
- Veterans who are patients at a Minnesota Veterans Home may fish without a license with written permission from the superintendent or chief executive of the Veterans home Minnesota DNR, Authorization for Residents of State Institutions to Fish in Minnesota Application
Resident Purple Heart Recipient Benefits: Purple Heart recipients are required to purchase licenses, but they will receive first preference in drawings for special deer hunts, antlerless deer lottery, bear and turkey lotteries.
Nonresident Benefits:
- Nonresident spouse of a Minnesota resident service member serving on active duty may purchase resident hunting and fishing licenses, spouse must provide proof of their service member spouse’s residency and active duty status
- Service member serving in the U.S. Armed Forces stationed in Minnesota, training at Camp Ripley or serving in the Minnesota National Guard may purchase resident hunting and fishing licenses; applicants must provide official military documents stating they are stationed in Minnesota, training at Camp Ripley or a member of the Minnesota National Guard (does not include elk license)
Firearms Safety Training Exemptions for Military Service Members: Service members who have completed basic training and are serving in the U.S. Armed Forces may obtain a hunting license or approval authorizing hunting even if they haven’t been issued a firearms safety certificate. Eligible service members must provide proof they completed basic training (i.e., discharge papers (DD214), or current military ID) to the instructor of the course. Once discharged or no longer serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, applicants born after December 31, 1979, are required to complete a firearms safety training course.
Minnesota DNR Firearms Safety Information
Apprentice Hunter Validation: An apprentice hunter validation may be used in place of firearms safety certification. The validation can only be used in Minnesota and can only be purchased twice. Those using this exemption must hunt with a licensed hunter whose license was not obtained using an apprentice hunter validation. For more information, see the Minnesota DNR Apprentice Hunter Validation webpage on the DNR website.
Minnesota Conservation Volunteer Magazine: DNR offers a free two-year subscription to their Minnesota Conservation Volunteer Magazine to service members and Veterans. Call 844-245-7115 and ask for the service member and Veteran offer or visit the Minnesota Conservation Volunteer website.
Learn more about Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Military and Veterans Benefits
What are my Minnesota Military and Veterans Miscellaneous Benefits?
Minnesota Claims Assistance Offices: The St. Paul Claims Office and the Northwest/Fargo Claims Office represent Veterans and their dependents who live within their region who are seeking federal Veterans benefits regarding compensation, non-service-connected pension, vocational rehabilitation, or educational benefits. The offices have an established relationship with County Veterans Service Officers and the VA to ensure Veterans are properly served.
St. Paul Claims Office
Phone: 612-970-5662
Northwest / Fargo Claims Office
Phone: 701-451-4641
For more information, please contact the nearest County Veterans Service Officer, or call 888-LinkVet (888-546-5838).
Minnesota County Veteran Service Officer Directory
Learn more about Minnesota Claims Assistance Offices
Minnesota Field Operations, Veterans Outreach: The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) Field Operations works to identify and serve Veterans who are unable to seek assistance due to disability or geographical location. They serve as a liaison and personal advocate for those seeking benefits such as subsistence assistance, dental care, optical care, counseling, VA claims and VA health care. Field Operations is the mobile unit of the MDVA Claims Division with flexibility to travel to those in need.
For more information, please contact the nearest County Veterans Service Officer, or call 888-LinkVet (888-546-5838).
Minnesota County Veteran Service Officer Directory
MDVA Field Operations Division Brochure
Learn more about Minnesota Field Operations, Veterans Outreach
Minnesota Women Veterans Program: The Minnesota Women Veterans Program assists women Veterans by ensuring they receive equal access to federal and state benefits and services. They respond to the gender specific needs of women Veterans and ensure they are treated with dignity and respect. Outreach events are geared to improve the awareness of available benefits, services, and eligibility criteria for the women who served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Learn more about Minnesota Women Veterans Program
Minnesota Subsistence Assistance for Veterans and Surviving Spouses The Subsistence Assistance program provides temporary financial assistance by providing shelter associated payments (rent/mortgage), utility assistance, health insurance premiums, and cash for personal needs for eligible Veterans or their surviving spouse. This benefit is income and asset based for those who are unable to work in their normal occupation for at least 30 days due to a disabling medical condition.
Who is eligible for Minnesota Subsistence Assistance for Veterans and Surviving Spouses? Minnesota residentVeterans who meet the requirements under the Minnesota definition of a Veteran, or a resident unremarried surviving spouse of a deceased Veteran.
For more information and to apply, please contact the nearest County Veterans Service Officer, or call 888-LinkVet (888-546-5838).
Minnesota County Veteran Service Officer Directory
Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, Subsistence Assistance Fact Sheet
Learn more about Minnesota Subsistence Assistance for Veterans and Surviving Spouses
Minnesota Special Needs Grant: The Minnesota Special Needs Grant provides a once-per-lifetime financial grant to help Veterans and their dependents during a financial crisis and to promote stability and prevent homelessness. Requests are reviewed and approved on a case-by-case basis and applicants must demonstrate future sustainability beyond the requested amount of assistance. Approved amounts of assistance are paid directly to the vendors chosen by the applicant as part of their application.
To apply for a Special Needs Grant or for more information, please contact the nearest County Veterans Service Officer, or call 888-LinkVet (888-546-5838).
Minnesota County Veteran Service Officer Directory
Minnesota Special Needs Grant Factsheet
Learn more about the Minnesota Special Needs Grant
Minnesota LinkVet Veterans Service Center: LinkVet is a one-stop service center for Minnesota Veterans and their families. A team of support specialists trained through the MDVA help Veterans and their families by providing information and assistance regarding state and federal benefits. For questions and more information please call 888-LinkVet (888-546-5838), +1-651-556-8456 (international), or 800-627-3529 for the hearing impaired.
Learn more about Minnesota LinkVet Veterans Service Center
Minnesota Veterans Homes: Minnesota has five Veterans Homes located throughout the state that provide high-quality health care and a safe environment for Veterans and their spouses.
Minnesota Veterans Homes Locations:
Fergus Falls, Minnesota Veterans Home
1821 North Park Street
Fergus Falls, MN 56537
Phone: 218-736-0400, 877-VET-HMFF (877-838-4633)
Fax: 218-739-7686
Fergus Falls, Minnesota Veterans Home Brochure
Hastings, Minnesota Veterans Home
1200 18thStreet East
Hastings, MN 55033
Phone: 651-539-2400, 877-VET-3803 (877-838-3803)
Luverne, Minnesota Veterans Home 
1300 North Kniss Avenue
Luverne, MN 56156
Phone: 507-283-6200, 877-LUV-VETS (877-588-8387)
Fax: 507-283-1127
Luverne, Minnesota Veterans Home Brochure
Minneapolis, Minnesota Veterans Home
5101 Minnehaha Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55417
Phone: 612-548-5700, 877-VET MPLS (877-838-6757)
Fax: 612-548-5732
Minneapolis, Minnesota Veterans Home Brochure
Silver Bay, Minnesota Veterans Home
56 Outer Drive
Silver Bay, MN 55614
Phone: 218-353-8700, 877-SBY VETS (877-729-8387)
Fax: 218-226-6336
Silver Bay, Minnesota Veterans Home Brochure
The Hastings the Minneapolis Veterans Homes offer a Domiciliary Program for those capable of independent living. For more information, please call 651-539-2500.
Domiciliary Program at Hastings and the Minneapolis Veterans Home
Hastings and Minneapolis Domiciliary Program Brochure
An Adult Day Center is offered at the Minneapolis Veterans Home which allows Veterans to connect with other Veterans in a safe, comfortable environment and provides respite and support services for a Veterans' caregivers. For more information, please call 612-548-5963.
Minnesota Veterans Adult Day Center Brochure
Minnesota has three new Veterans homes located in Bemidji, Preston and Montevideo that are scheduled to open in 2024.
Some of the services provided at Minnesota Veterans Homes include:
- Skilled nursing care
- Specialized dementia care
- Medical services with 24-hour nursing care
- Social services
- Recreational services
- Rehabilitation services, including physical, occupational and speech therapies
- Mental and behavioral health services
- Chaplain and spiritual services
- Nutritional services
- Pharmaceutical services
Who is eligible for care at the Minnesota Veterans Homes? Applicants for admission to a Minnesota Veterans home must meet the following requirements:
- Honorably discharged Veterans who served 181 consecutive days on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, unless discharged early due to a service-connected disability they received in the line of duty
- Entered the U.S. Armed Forces from Minnesota, or they are a current resident
- Spouse of an eligible Veteran who is at least 55 years old and who meets residency requirements
- Applicant has a medical or clinical need for admission
Minnesota Veterans Homes Brochure
Minnesota Veterans Homes Application
Learn more about the Minnesota Veterans Homes
Minnesota Military Funeral Honors: The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs and the Minnesota National Guard Military Funeral Honors Coordinator are committed to ensuring Veterans receive proper Military Funeral Honors to commemorate their service to the Nation and to assist Veterans Service Organizations in their efforts to provide these honors.
Military Funeral Honors for Veterans are provided by volunteers through local Veteran Service Organizations and are arranged through the funeral home. Family members can coordinate for Military Funeral Honors with their funeral director.
Learn more about Minnesota Military Funeral Honors
Minnesota State Veterans Cemeteries: Minnesota has four Veterans Cemeteries that offer a dignified final resting place for service members, Veterans, and their eligible family members.
Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery Locations:
Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Little Falls
15550 Hwy 115
Little Falls, MN 56345
Phone: 320-616-2527
Fax: 320-616-2529
Email: info.cemlf@state.mn.us
Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Duluth 
4777 Highway 53
Saginaw, MN 55779
Phone: 218-520-0120
Fax: 218-729-1343
Email: Info.CemDU@state.mn.us
Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Preston 
715 Highway 52
Preston, MN 55965
Phone: 507-765-7320
Fax: 507-765-3793
Email: Info.CemPR@state.mn.us
Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Redwood Falls
33752 Noble Avenue
Redwood Falls, MN 56283
Phone: 507-709-4390
Email: Info.CemRF@state.mn.us
The Minnesota State Veterans Cemeteries will provide:
- Gravesite or columbarium niche
- Pre-placed grave liner (standard size)
- Headstone or niche cover
- Perpetual care
There is no cost for a Veteran’s burial. Spouse or eligible children are charged $745, which cannot be prepaid and is subject to change.
Who is eligible for Burial in a Minnesota State Veterans Cemeteries? Eligibility requirements for burial at a Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery are the same as for VA National Cemeteries. Exact eligibility requirements can viewed at the VA, National Cemetery Administration Eligibility webpage. The following are the general eligibility requirements:
- Discharged from active duty service in the U.S. Armed Forces under conditions other than dishonorable, or
- Died while serving on active duty, or
- Served at least 20 years in the National Guard or U.S. Armed Forces Reserves and is eligible for military retired pay (or would been eligible except their death occurred before age 60), or
- Reserve component service members if they were activated for federal service, (active duty for training does not qualify), and
- Spouses and dependents (burial of dependent children is limited to unmarried children under 21 years old, or 23 years old if a full-time student at an approved educational institution, or a child who develops a lifelong disability prior to age 21)
All Veterans are encouraged to complete the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery Pre-Registration Application to establish eligibility prior to need.
Minnesota State Veterans Cemeteries Brochure
Learn more about Minnesota State Veterans Cemeteries
Minnesota Bronze Star Grave Markers: The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs offers Bronze Star Grave Markers to mark the grave site of Veterans buried in the state. Bronze Star Markers must be requested through local County Veteran Service Officers, or by calling 888-LinkVet 
(888-546-5838).
Minnesota County Veteran Service Officer Directory
Learn more about Minnesota Bronze Star Grave Markers
Vital Statistics Records and Certified Copies of Minnesota Veterans’ Records: A certified copy of a birth certificate, death certificate, marriage license, divorce decree, dissolution of marriage record, or a Veteran's discharge record are provided free of charge for use in claims for benefits.
Who is eligible for Vital Statistics Records and Certified Copies of Minnesota Veterans Records? Certified copies are provided to honorably discharged Veterans, their surviving spouse, their next of kin, an authorized Veteran service officer, or to the VA.
Learn more about Vital Statistics Records and Certified Copies of Minnesota Veterans Records
Minnesota Service CORE: The Minnesota Service CORE (Case Management, Outreach, Referral, and Education) is a free program designed to bring essential, community-based services to Minnesota Veterans, service members and their families, to help them develop skills for lasting, successful family stability.
Minnesota Service CORE has partnered with Lutheran Social Service (LSS), to provide comprehensive assistance that includes:
- Individual and family counseling
- Financial counseling
- Debt management
- Addiction counseling
- Disability services
- In-home counseling
CORE Case Worker Locations:
- Twin Cities metro area
- Alexandria
- Bemidji
- Brainerd
- Detroit Lakes
- Duluth
- Fergus Falls
- Mankato
- Moorhead
- St. Cloud
- Willmar
For more information, or to request services through CORE please contact the nearest County Veterans Service Officer or call 888-LinkVet (888-546-5838).
Minnesota County Veteran Service Officer Directory
Minnesota Service CORE Brochure
Learn more about the Minnesota Service CORE
Minnesota SOAR, Homeless Veterans Assistance Program: The Minnesota Department ofVeterans Affairs (MDVA) has partnered with the Minnesota Department of 
Human Services and the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) to provide homeless and at-risk Veterans with expanded access to Social Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.
SOAR, which stands for SSI/SSDI, Outreach, Access, and Recovery, helps to increase access to SSI/SSDI for those eligible who are experiencing or at-risk of homelessness and have a mental illness, medical impairment, or substance use disorder. Eligible Veterans can work with a trained MDVA SOAR advocate who will assist them with collecting the necessary information (personal and medical records), completing necessary forms to file a comprehensive application packet to SSA, and aiding them through the determination process. All services are provided free of charge.
For more information about the MDVA SOAR or to refer someone, please email the Homeless Programs Coordinators Office or call 888-LinkVet (888-546-5838).
Minnesota SOAR Brochure
Minnesota SOAR Flyer
Learn more about the Minnesota SOAR, Homeless Veterans Assistance Program
Minnesota Homeless Veterans Registry: The Minnesota Homeless Veteran Registry connects Veterans experiencing homelessness with housing and services in their community. It also helps programs and partners serving Veterans to coordinate their efforts. Anyone who served in an active or reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces can join the Registry, regardless of the type of discharge or length of time in service. Veterans who join can receive assistance from a team of housing and service professionals to help them access housing and services that meet their needs.
For more information on the Homeless Veteran Registry, please email the Homeless Programs Coordinators Office or call 888-LinkVet (888-546-5838).
Learn more about the Minnesota Homeless Veterans Registry
Minnesota Homes for Veterans Property Management Incentive Program: In an effort to end Veteran homelessness the Minnesota Homes for Veterans Property Management Incentive Program provides financial incentives for property managers who offer housing for Veterans.
Property managers may be eligible for the following benefits:
- Vacancy Relief Fund – Offers compensation while a Veteran’s rental application is processed to offset the vacancy for up to 45 days
- Incentive Fund - Offers a onetime payment of up to $2,000 as an incentive to rent to Veterans who have complex barriers to rental approval
- Risk Mitigation Fund – Will provide up to $2,000 for property damage that is over and above the Veteran’s security deposit
- High-Barrier Landlord Incentive Program - Provides $1,000 per month for up to 12 consecutive months to landlords renting to Veterans with the highest barriers to obtaining housing
For more information, please email homelessprograms.mdva@state.mn.us.
Minnesota Homes for Veterans Housing Incentive Fund Application
Learn more about the Minnesota Homes for Veterans Property Management Incentive Program
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Facilities in Minnesota
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Facilities in Minnesota: The VA has numerous resources available for Veterans and family members. Please see the local location listing for your nearest facility.
Learn more about U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Facilities in Minnesota
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Cemeteries in Minnesota: The VA National Cemetery Administration maintains one national cemetery in Minnesota. Please see the local location listing for the nearest cemetery.
Learn more about U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Cemeteries in Minnesota
Military Installations in Minnesota
Please see the Minnesota Military Resource Locator for additional information.
Active Duty
National Guard
Minnesota National Guard
Minnesota National Guard, Joint Force Headquarters
Minnesota Air National Guard
133 rd Airlift Wing
148 th Fighter Wing
U.S. Army Reserve (USAR)
88 th Readiness Division
Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs
Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, Education
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Education and Training
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Facility Directory Minnesota
Minnesota Department of Revenue
U.S. Office of Personnel Management, Veterans' Preference
Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services
Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, Benefits and Resources
U.S. Department of Labor, Veteran's Employment and Career Transition Advisor
Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, Employment
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Service Organization Directory