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Veterans Benefits in Minnesota

13 benefit programs available in Minnesota.

Healthcare

Minnesota Veterans Homes

Skilled nursing care and independent living

Minnesota operates veterans homes in Hastings, Minneapolis, and other locations providing skilled nursing care, domiciliary (independent living), and residential support for eligible veterans and their spouses.

Agency: Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs

Note: Multiple locations including Hastings and Minneapolis. Offers both skilled nursing care and domiciliary programs for independent living. Costs based on ability to pay.

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Education

Minnesota GI Bill

Up to $15,000 in education benefits ($5,000/year)

Provides up to $15,000 in education funding (up to $5,000 per academic year) to eligible veterans attending Minnesota colleges, universities, or vocational schools after September 11, 2001.

Agency: Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA)

Note: Up to ,000/year, 5,000 lifetime max. Separate state cash benefit — NOT connected to the federal GI Bill. Can be used concurrently with Post-9/11 GI Bill. Veteran receives both: state cash + federal GI Bill BAH/tuition.

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Employment

Minnesota Veterans Employment Preference

Hiring and promotion preference for public employment

The Minnesota Veterans Preference Act grants veterans a limited preference over non-veterans in hiring and promotion for most Minnesota public employment positions, including state, county, and city government jobs.

Agency: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development

Note: Covers most Minnesota public employment positions including state, county, and city government. Applies to both hiring and promotion decisions.

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Financial

Minnesota Subsistence Assistance Program

Temporary financial assistance for rent, utilities, and personal needs

Provides temporary financial assistance for veterans or their surviving spouses who are unable to work due to a disabling medical condition for at least 30 days. Covers shelter, utilities, health insurance premiums, and personal needs.

Agency: Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs

Note: Income and asset based. For veterans unable to work for at least 30 days due to a disabling medical condition. Covers shelter, utilities, health insurance premiums, and personal needs.

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Minnesota Veterans Small Business Loan Guaranty

Loan guaranty improving capital access

Minnesota guarantees a portion of small business loans made to veteran-owned businesses, reducing lender risk and improving access to capital.

Agency: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED)

Note: DEED guarantees a portion of the loan to reduce lender risk. Veteran must own at least 51% of the business. Contact a participating lender to apply.

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Minnesota Special Needs Grant

One-time emergency financial grant

Provides a once-per-lifetime financial grant to help veterans and their dependents during a financial crisis to promote stability and prevent homelessness.

Agency: Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs

Note: Once-per-lifetime grant. Case-by-case review. For veterans and dependents in financial crisis. Intended to prevent homelessness and promote stability.

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Tax

Minnesota Disabled Veterans Homestead Market Value Exclusion

Up to $300,000 market value exclusion

Veterans with a 70% or greater service-connected disability receive a significant market value exclusion on their homestead, up to $300,000 for 100% disabled veterans.

Agency: Minnesota Department of Revenue

Note: Up to $300,000 exclusion for 100% disabled veterans; scaled amounts for 70-99%. Apply at your county assessor. Surviving spouses of qualifying veterans retain the exclusion.

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Minnesota Military Retirement Pay Income Tax Deduction

Full deduction of military retirement pay from state taxable income

Minnesota allows military retirement pay, including pensions, to be deducted from state taxable income, providing significant state tax savings for military retirees.

Agency: Minnesota Department of Revenue

Note: Military retirement pay including pensions is deducted from Minnesota state taxable income. Apply when filing state income tax return.

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Minnesota Combat Zone Tax Credit

Up to $120 per month of combat zone service

Minnesota residents who served in a qualifying combat zone or hazardous duty area on or after January 1, 2014 may qualify for a state tax credit of up to $120 per month of service.

Agency: Minnesota Department of Revenue

Note: For service in qualifying combat zones on or after January 1, 2014. Refundable credit — available even if no state tax is owed. Up to $750 total for past service.

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Transportation

Minnesota Disabled Veteran Motor Vehicle Registration Tax Exemption

Exemption from motor vehicle registration tax

Motor vehicles owned by disabled war veterans that were furnished free by the U.S. government are exempt from motor vehicle registration tax. Vehicles owned by former POWs bearing EX-POW plates are also exempt.

Agency: Minnesota Department of Public Safety - Driver and Vehicle Services

Note: For VA-furnished vehicles owned by disabled war veterans and POW-plated vehicles. Contact Driver and Vehicle Services for application.

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Recreation

Minnesota Free State Park Pass for Veterans

Free annual state park vehicle permit

Active-duty military, Purple Heart recipients, and disabled veterans receive a free annual state park vehicle permit for Minnesota State Parks and Trails.

Agency: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Note: Available to active-duty, Purple Heart recipients, and disabled veterans. No residency requirement. Covers the annual vehicle permit for all Minnesota State Parks and Trails.

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Minnesota Disabled Veteran Free Hunting and Fishing Licenses

Free hunting licenses, free permanent fishing license, and lottery preference

Minnesota veterans with a 100% service-related disability receive a free small-game license, free deer license, preference in special hunt drawings, and a free permanent angling license.

Agency: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Note: For 100% disabled veterans: free small-game license, free deer license, free permanent angling license, and preference in special hunt/lottery drawings. Recently discharged veterans (within 24 months) get first preference.

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Other

Minnesota State Veterans Cemeteries

Free burial for eligible veterans

Minnesota operates four state veterans cemeteries in Duluth, Little Falls, Preston, and Redwood Falls providing free burial to eligible veterans.

Agency: Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs

Note: Four locations: Duluth, Little Falls, Preston, and Redwood Falls. Free burial for veterans with other-than-dishonorable discharge.

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