Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs

North Star Support: Minnesota's Top 10 Most Valuable Veterans Benefits

The state of Minnesota offers an extensive and robust package of benefits to its veterans, reflecting a deep commitment to the well-being and prosperity of those who have served. Administered by the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA), these programs provide significant advantages in finances, education, housing, and long-term care. While personal value can differ, a clear top tier emerges based on monetary impact, broad applicability, and life-altering assistance.

Here are the top ten, most valuable veterans benefits offered through the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs:

  1. Homestead Market Value Exclusion for Disabled Veterans: A cornerstone of support in Minnesota, this benefit provides a significant property tax exclusion for disabled veterans. The program offers two tiers: a reduction of up to $150,000 in market value for veterans with a 70-99% disability rating, and a full market value exclusion of up to $300,000 for veterans with a 100% permanent and total disability. This can save eligible homeowners thousands of dollars each year.
  2. Minnesota Veterans Homes: A critical component of the state's long-term care solution, Minnesota operates a network of nine Veterans Homes across the state. These facilities provide high-quality, affordable skilled nursing, memory care, and domiciliary residential services in a veteran-focused environment, offering peace of mind and specialized care for aging veterans and their spouses.
  3. Subsistence and Emergency Financial Assistance: The MDVA offers several grant programs providing crucial financial aid. This includes short-term assistance for veterans in need (Subsistence Program) and one-time grants for those facing unforeseen financial crises (Minnesota Military Family Foundation grants). This direct financial support can be a lifeline for veterans and their families, helping with essentials like housing, utilities, and medical bills.
  4. Minnesota GI Bill: This powerful educational benefit provides post-secondary financial assistance to eligible Minnesota veterans, service members, and their dependents. The program can award up to $10,000 to help cover tuition, fees, and living expenses, going above and beyond the federal GI Bill to make higher education more accessible and affordable.
  5. State Income Tax Exemption for Military Pay: Minnesota provides significant tax advantages for veterans. All active-duty military pay is exempt from state income tax. Furthermore, military retirement pay is also fully or partially deductible, allowing retired veterans to keep more of their hard-earned pension.
  6. State Employment Preference: Honorably discharged veterans receive a hiring preference when applying for public employment. Ten preference points are added to the application scores of non-disabled veterans, and fifteen points are added for disabled veterans, providing a substantial advantage in securing stable government careers. Spouses of deceased or 100% disabled veterans may also be eligible.
  7. "Support Our Troops" (SOT) Grants: Funded by the sales of special license plates, these grants provide financial assistance to the families of service members and post-9/11 veterans for a variety of needs, including housing, emergency expenses, and child care, bridging financial gaps during and after service.
  8. Burial in a Minnesota Veterans Cemetery: Minnesota operates three beautiful, state-of-the-art Veterans Cemeteries in Little Falls, Preston, and Duluth. These facilities provide a dignified and honorable final resting place for veterans, their spouses, and eligible dependents at no cost to the family for the plot, vault, and interment.
  9. Free or Reduced-Fee Hunting and Fishing Licenses: Minnesota honors its disabled veterans with free or reduced-fee recreational licenses. Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability are eligible for a free permanent angling license and a free annual deer hunting license, encouraging participation in the state's renowned outdoor activities.
  10. "VETERAN" Designation on Driver's License/ID Card: For a nominal fee, veterans can have a "VETERAN" identifier placed on their Minnesota driver's license or ID card. This simple but important benefit serves as official proof of veteran status, unlocking access to countless retail and service discounts offered as a gesture of gratitude throughout the state.

These premier benefits showcase Minnesota's comprehensive commitment to its veteran community. For detailed eligibility requirements and to connect with a County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO) for assistance, veterans are encouraged to visit the official website of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs.

Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs

Contact Information:

Address: 
20 W. 12th Street Room 206
St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone: 651-296-2562

Return to the WeSalute State Veterans Benefits Directory

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