Veterans Benefits in Minnesota

Last verified: APR 22, 2026

Minnesota veterans are eligible for 13 state and federal benefit programs, including Healthcare, Education, Employment, and more. Most state programs require state residency and a VA-issued disability rating; eligibility thresholds vary by program. This page lists every benefit with source URLs, application paths, and 2026 verification status.

What healthcare benefits does Minnesota offer to veterans?

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.

Apply →Source

Which education benefits are available to Minnesota veterans?

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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Which employment benefits does Minnesota offer to veterans?

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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Which financial benefits does Minnesota offer to veterans?

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.

Apply →Source

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.

Apply →Source

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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How does Minnesota handle veteran property tax exemptions?

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.

Apply →Source

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.

Apply →Source

Which transportation benefits does Minnesota offer to veterans?

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.

Apply →Source

Which recreation benefits does Minnesota offer to veterans?

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.

Apply →Source

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.

Apply →Source

Which additional benefits does Minnesota offer to veterans?

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.

Apply →Source
“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.”

Frequently asked questions

What benefits does Minnesota offer to disabled veterans?

Minnesota offers 13 veteran benefit programs spanning Healthcare, Education, Employment, Financial, Tax, Transportation, Recreation, Other. Eligibility requirements vary by program — most require a VA-issued disability rating and state residency.

Do I need a specific disability rating to qualify for Minnesota veteran benefits?

Many Minnesota benefit programs require a minimum VA disability rating — commonly 10%, 50%, or 100%. Some programs, such as education assistance or employment preference, have no rating requirement. Check each benefit listing on this page for the specific threshold.

Do I need to be a Minnesota resident to claim state veteran benefits?

Most Minnesota state benefits require current state residency. Some programs require continuous residency for one or more years. Federal VA benefits are available to all eligible veterans regardless of state of residence.

Can I stack Minnesota benefits with federal VA benefits?

Yes — in most cases, state and federal veteran benefits are stackable. For example, a property tax exemption from Minnesota does not reduce your federal VA disability compensation. Some federal needs-based programs may offset certain state payments; review each program's terms.

Where do I apply for Minnesota veteran benefits?

Applications for Minnesota state benefits are typically submitted through the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs or the administering state agency. Application links are listed directly on each benefit card on this page. Federal VA benefits are applied for at VA.gov.

Does Minnesota offer a property tax exemption for disabled veterans?

Yes — Minnesota has at least one property tax benefit listed for veterans. Eligibility typically requires a minimum disability rating and state residency. See the Tax section on this page for the current threshold and application link.

Does Minnesota have a veteran tuition waiver or education assistance program?

Yes — Minnesota offers education benefits for veterans. These may include tuition waivers, National Guard tuition assistance, or supplemental GI Bill top-ups. See the Education section on this page for current programs and eligibility.

Is an honorable discharge required to qualify for Minnesota veteran benefits?

Most Minnesota state benefit programs and all federal VA benefit programs require an honorable or general (under honorable conditions) discharge. Veterans with other-than-honorable discharges may still qualify for some programs; consult a VSO or accredited claims agent for individual eligibility.

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