State veteran benefits

Veteran Benefits in Minnesota

Minnesota offers property tax relief for qualifying disabled veterans, a subtraction for military retirement income, and state education benefits. The state also operates veterans homes and cemeteries and provides financial assistance, counseling, and free help with benefits claims.

Checked against official state sources on October 2, 2026.

Free help in Minnesota

Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs

MDVA connects Minnesota veterans, their dependents, and survivors with state and federal care and benefits.

Agency website (opens in a new tab) · Phone: 651-296-2562

Free help with VA claims

County Veterans Service Officers and MDVA provide free assistance with VA claims and appeals. Use MDVA's Veteran Contacts page to find your CVSO or a state claims office.

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Property tax relief

Market value exclusion for disabled veterans, caregivers and surviving spouses

Who qualifies
Veterans and caregivers: Honorably discharged veterans who own and occupy a homestead and have a VA-certified service-connected disability rating of 70% or more. A VA-approved primary family caregiver's homestead can qualify if the veteran meets these disability requirements but does not own a Minnesota homestead. Surviving spouses: Surviving spouses who hold legal or beneficial title to the homestead and permanently live there may qualify if the veteran had a total 100% permanent disability. A spouse may make a first claim even if the veteran never received the exclusion, provided the veteran met the honorable-discharge requirement and VA certifies the disability or awards the spouse Dependency and Indemnity Compensation. A spouse of a servicemember who died from a service-connected cause during honorable active service may also qualify.
What you get
Veterans and caregivers: Excludes $150,000 of market value for a disability rating of 70% or more, or $300,000 for a total 100% and permanent disability. For farms, only the house, garage and immediately surrounding acre qualify. The veteran exclusion cannot be combined with the regular homestead market value exclusion or class 1b classification. Surviving spouses: Excludes $300,000 of market value until the spouse remarries or disposes of the property. A one-time move can preserve the exclusion if the spouse owns and permanently occupies the replacement home, reapplies, and its value does not exceed the original home's value at sale.
How to apply
Veterans and caregivers: Apply to your county assessor by December 31 of the first assessment year for which you want the exclusion. This generally affects taxes payable the next year. Provide military discharge papers and VA certification of the disability. Surviving spouses: Apply to the county assessor by December 31 of the first assessment year. For a spouse claiming because of a service-connected death during active service, the first application must be within two years of the servicemember's death. A spouse continuing the veteran's exclusion must apply and report changes in marital status, ownership or permanent residence.

Official page (opens in a new tab) Minn. Stat. 273.13, subd. 34; Minn. Stat. 273.13, subd. 34(c), (d), (h), (i), (k), (n)

Sources (2)

Special homestead classification for blind or disabled owners

Who qualifies
Homestead owners who are blind or permanently and totally unable to work at an income-producing occupation, including qualifying veterans. Disability applicants must receive disability payments from a qualifying agency and have the required certification. They cannot use this classification if the property qualifies for the veteran market value exclusion. A surviving spouse of a permanently and totally disabled veteran may qualify under the special rule for a home classified this way for taxes payable in 2008.
What you get
For 2026, class 1b applies a reduced 0.45% classification rate to the first $50,000 of market value. The rest receives the otherwise applicable classification.
How to apply
File a class 1b homestead declaration with the county assessor by October 1 for taxes payable the following year. Provide information showing that the owner or spouse met the qualifying conditions by June 30 of the filing year.

Official page (opens in a new tab) Minn. Stat. 273.13, subd. 22(b); 273.1315, subd. 2

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State income tax

Military retirement pay: Exempt

Military Pension Subtraction

Who qualifies
People receiving federally taxable military pensions or retirement pay covered by 10 U.S.C. 1401 to 1414, 1447 to 1455, or 12733, including qualifying Survivor Benefit Plan payments.
What you get
Subtracts the full qualifying amount included in federal adjusted gross income. The subtraction cannot be combined with the Credit for Past Military Service.
How to apply
Claim the subtraction on Schedule M1M, Income Additions and Subtractions.

Official page (opens in a new tab) Minn. Stat. 290.0132, subd. 21

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Military pay and military-spouse income relief

Who qualifies
Military pay: Minnesota residents receiving qualifying active-duty pay from the U.S. or U.N. armed forces. Minnesota National Guard and other reserve members can qualify for active-service pay, including Active Guard Reserve service and qualifying annual or weekend training. Qualifying full-time Military Department service under Minn. Stat. 190.08, subd. 3, is included. Nonresident servicemembers also receive a subtraction for military-service compensation. Military spouses: Nonresident, nonmilitary spouses who are in Minnesota only to be with their military spouse.
What you get
Military pay: Subtracts qualifying military compensation when calculating Minnesota income tax. Federally taxable training pay can qualify as well as active-duty pay. Military spouses: Qualifying personal-service income is exempt from Minnesota income tax. Income can still be taxable in the spouse's state of legal residence.
How to apply
Military pay: Complete Schedule M1M and include it with your Minnesota income tax return. Military spouses: Complete Form W-4MN with your employer to stop Minnesota withholding from qualifying wages.

Official page (opens in a new tab) Minn. Stat. 290.0132, subds. 11, 12 and 15; 190.08, subd. 3; 50 U.S.C. 4001

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Past-service and combat-zone income tax credits

Who qualifies
Past service: Former servicemembers separated from military service before the end of the tax year who served at least 20 years, have a total and permanent 100% service-connected disability, or were determined by the military to be eligible for qualifying federal military pension or retirement compensation. The credit phases out as adjusted gross income rises above $30,000. Combat-zone service: Minnesota domiciliaries serving on active duty in the armed forces, National Guard or reserves in a designated combat zone, hazardous duty area or qualifying direct-support location. Their pay must qualify for the federal combat-pay exclusion.
What you get
Past service: For 2026, a nonrefundable credit of up to $750. The credit falls by 10% of adjusted gross income above $30,000, reaching zero at $37,500. Nonresident and part-year resident credits are prorated. You cannot claim both this credit and the military pension subtraction. Combat-zone service: For 2026, a refundable credit of $120 for each full or partial month of qualifying service. A refund is available even when the credit exceeds Minnesota income tax owed. The credit may be claimed during the calendar year of service.
How to apply
Past service: Claim the credit using Schedule M1C and report the schedule's total on Form M1. Include the completed schedules with the return. Combat-zone service: File Form M99 electronically or by mail for the appropriate service year. The normal claim deadline is 3½ years after the original due date of the income tax return.

Official page (opens in a new tab) Minn. Stat. 290.0677, subds. 1a and 2; 290.0132, subd. 21; Minn. Stat. 290.0677, subds. 1, 2 and 3

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State tax exemption for Post-9/11 Veteran Service Bonus payments

Who qualifies
Recipients of Minnesota Post-9/11 Veteran Service Bonus payments who included the payment in federal adjusted gross income.
What you get
The state bonus is exempt from Minnesota taxation.
How to apply
Use Schedule M1M to subtract the bonus amount included in federal adjusted gross income.

Official page (opens in a new tab) Minn. Stat. 197.79, subd. 7

Sources (2)

Military tax filing, survivor and collection relief

Who qualifies
Filing extensions: Servicemembers qualifying for combat-zone deadline relief and National Guard or reserve members called to active duty. Spouses filing jointly also receive the state extension. Deceased servicemembers: Military members who die during active service in the U.S. or U.N. military or naval forces. Tax-debt collections: Active-duty military personnel, National Guard members, reservists and their spouses with Minnesota tax debts.
What you get
Filing extensions: Minnesota follows federal combat-zone extension rules, generally providing at least 180 days after qualifying service ends. Guard and reserve members called to active duty in the United States receive six additional months. Those serving abroad receive the initial service period plus six months. Deceased servicemembers: Minnesota does not impose income tax for the year of death. Unpaid income tax and penalties from earlier years are abated. Income tax paid for years of active service can be refunded. Tax-debt collections: Minnesota Revenue temporarily suspends tax-debt collection for eligible military households.
How to apply
Filing extensions: No separate form is required to request the extension. Follow Revenue's filing instructions for your duty status. Deceased servicemembers: File Form M1X for the deceased member and include a death certificate and Schedule M23. Under the statute, file the refund claim within seven years after the return was filed. Tax-debt collections: Request a collection suspension by calling Minnesota Revenue at 651-556-3003 or 800-657-3909.

Official page (opens in a new tab) Minn. Stat. 289A.39, subd. 1; 26 U.S.C. 7508; Minn. Stat. 289A.39, subd. 6

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Education and tuition

Minnesota GI Bill

Who qualifies
Minnesota residents who are veterans with honorable service, or nonveterans with at least five cumulative years of honorable service in the Minnesota National Guard or another active or reserve component, with some service on or after September 11, 2001. Spouses and children may qualify through a service-related death or a total and permanent service-connected disability, with eligibility for federal Chapter 33 or Chapter 35 education benefits. College applicants must attend an eligible certificate, diploma or degree program, maintain satisfactory academic progress, and meet child support requirements. College eligibility ends when the applicant qualifies for Minnesota's senior-citizen tuition program.
What you get
College assistance is capped at $5,000 per state fiscal year and $15,000 over a lifetime. The statute also authorizes up to $3,000 per fiscal year for qualifying apprenticeship or on-the-job training and up to $3,000 per state fiscal year for approved professional or educational testing and related fees. These benefits share a $15,000 lifetime limit. College awards depend on remaining costs after specified grants and federal military education benefits.
How to apply
Apply online through MDVA, and reapply every year. The fall application opens each spring. College applicants must also complete the FAFSA and apply before the end of the academic term for which assistance is requested.

Official page (opens in a new tab) Minn. Stat. 197.791, subds. 4 to 7

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Surviving Children and Spouses Education Benefit

Who qualifies
Minnesota resident students making satisfactory academic progress who are surviving spouses or natural, adopted or stepchildren of veterans who died because of military service. Remarriage does not end a surviving spouse's statutory eligibility. The 2026 law also includes spouses and qualifying children of people declared prisoners of war or missing in action by the Secretary of Defense after August 1, 1958, while serving in the U.S. armed forces. For those children, birth, adoption or legal custody must have occurred before or during the parent's POW or MIA period. Rules require an adopted child of a deceased veteran to have been adopted before age 18. A stepchild must have become a stepchild before age 18 and belonged to the veteran's household at death. Applicants must not already hold a bachelor's or equivalent degree.
What you get
Waives tuition and fees at eligible Minnesota public postsecondary institutions until a bachelor's or equivalent degree is earned. Also provides a $750 annual educational stipend, subject to available funds.
How to apply
Use the application linked on MDVA's program page. Apply before the end of the academic term for which assistance is requested.

Official page (opens in a new tab) Minn. Stat. 197.75, as amended by 2026 Minn. Laws ch. 49; Minn. R. 9055.0450

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Minnesota National Guard State Tuition Reimbursement

Who qualifies
Minnesota National Guard members serving satisfactorily, attending an eligible postsecondary institution and completing coursework satisfactorily. Honorable separation because of a service-connected injury, disease or disability can extend eligibility for eight years. Qualifying members who complete their service contract after honorable active service since September 11, 2001, can receive a two-year extension plus the length of that active service. This extension excludes service performed exclusively for basic combat, advanced individual, annual, inactive-duty or special reserve training, full-time Military Department administration, or the active guard/reserve program. Surviving spouses and dependents under age 24 may qualify when a member dies in the line of state active service or federally funded state active service. A qualifying member's spouse may use part of the member's unused benefit after the eighth year of Guard service.
What you get
Reimburses eligible tuition and textbook costs. The statutory lifetime limit is 208 quarter credits or 144 semester credits. Spousal use is limited to 12 semester credits per year or the quarter-credit equivalent and the member's remaining benefit.
How to apply
Submit supporting documents to your unit within 90 days after the course or term's last official day.

Official page (opens in a new tab) Minn. Stat. 192.501, subds. 2 and 2a

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State jobs and hiring preference

Veterans preference and disabled-veteran public hiring

Who qualifies
State employment: Veterans who meet Minnesota's statutory veteran definition and the job's minimum qualifications. Surviving spouses of deceased veterans and spouses of disabled veterans unable to qualify because of their disability may use the preference. Local public employment: Veterans under Minnesota law with a passing examination rating. Surviving spouses and spouses of disabled veterans unable to qualify because of their disability may use the preference. A compensable service-connected disability qualifies for disabled hiring preference. Promotional preference requires a permanent service-connected disability rated 50% or more. Noncompetitive state appointment: Disabled veterans who meet the vacant state classified position's minimum qualifications and have either an armed-forces permanent disability rating of at least 30% or a VA compensable service-connected disability rating of at least 30%.
What you get
State employment: Qualified disabled veterans are listed ahead of other applicants. Other qualified veterans are listed ahead of nonveterans. The top five qualified applicants meeting the statute's recently separated veteran definition must receive an interview. This definition includes honorable discharge from active service performed on or after September 11, 2001. Local public employment: Adds 10 points for nondisabled veterans or 15 points for disabled veterans to a passing competitive open examination. Eligible disabled veterans may receive five points on their first promotional examination after entering public employment. Veterans rank ahead of nonveterans with the same final score. Noncompetitive state appointment: A state agency may appoint an eligible disabled veteran without competitive selection or interviewing other applicants.
How to apply
State employment: Elect veterans preference during the state's selection process. Local public employment: Elect preference when the public employer notifies you of your passing examination rating. Noncompetitive state appointment: Give the hiring agency federal documentation certifying the disability and its extent. The certification must have been issued within the year before appointment.

Official page (opens in a new tab) Minn. Stat. 43A.11; Minn. Stat. 197.455, subds. 2 and 4 to 9; Minn. Stat. 43A.111

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Licenses, plates and parks

Veteran license and ID designations and disability fee exemption

Who qualifies
Designations: Veterans under Minnesota Statutes 197.447 and retired or honorably discharged National Guard or reserve members. The Veteran 100% T&P designation requires a VA determination of 100% total and permanent service-connected disability. Disability fee exemption: Veterans who provide satisfactory official evidence of a 100% total and permanent service-connected disability rating.
What you get
Designations: Adds Veteran or Veteran 100% T&P to a Minnesota driver's license or identification card. Disability fee exemption: Waives driver's license and endorsement fees, listed surcharges, filing fees, and state identification-card fees.
How to apply
Designations: Request the designation when applying for, renewing, or replacing the card. Provide certified discharge papers showing honorable or general discharge under honorable conditions, a military retiree ID, a veteran ID, or a veteran health ID. For Veteran 100% T&P, also provide proof of the VA disability determination. Disability fee exemption: Provide DVS satisfactory evidence of the rating issued by the VA or an armed forces retirement board.

Official page (opens in a new tab) Minn. Stat. 171.07, subd. 15; Minn. Stat. 171.06, subd. 2c; 171.01, subd. 51

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Disabled-veteran vehicle registration and sales-tax exemptions

Who qualifies
Registration and plates: Veterans with official proof of a 100% total and permanent service-connected disability. Eligible vehicles are passenger automobiles, one-ton pickup trucks, motorcycles, and recreational vehicles. Joint registration with a spouse or domestic partner qualifies. A separate registration-tax exemption covers a disabled war veteran's vehicle furnished free, wholly or partly, by the U.S. government. Vehicle sales tax: Veterans with documented 100% total and permanent service-connected disability. A separate exemption covers purchasers assisted by a federal vehicle grant under 38 U.S.C. 3902.
What you get
Registration and plates: The total-disability exemption covers up to two vehicles registered at the same time. It waives registration taxes, administrative fees, filing fees and surcharges, and plate and validation-sticker fees, including transfer fees. Personalized-plate fees and required special-plate contributions remain payable. The separate government-funded-vehicle exemption waives registration tax. Vehicles qualifying for the total-disability registration exemption also receive a waiver of the title fees imposed by Minnesota Statutes 168A.29, subdivision 1. Vehicle sales tax: Qualifying vehicle purchases are exempt from Minnesota motor vehicle sales tax.
How to apply
Registration and plates: For the total-disability exemption, provide DVS satisfactory evidence of the rating issued by the VA or an armed forces retirement board. Vehicle sales tax: Claim the exemption on Form PS2000A, Application to Title and Register a Vehicle, using the appropriate exemption code. Provide the required disability evidence for the total-disability exemption.

Official page (opens in a new tab) Minn. Stat. 168.012, subd. 13; 168.031(b); 171.01, subd. 51; Minn. Stat. 297B.03, clauses (1) and (15), as amended by Laws 2026, ch. 128, art. 11, sec. 16; 297A.67, subd. 11; 171.01, subd. 51; Minn. Stat. 168A.29, subd. 4

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Veteran, service-organization, Medal of Honor, EX-POW and Gold Star plates

Who qualifies
Veteran plates: Applicants discharged under honorable conditions after active military service in the U.S. armed forces or forces of a nation or society allied with the United States in a foreign war. The basic vehicle categories are passenger automobiles, recreational motor vehicles, and noncommercial one-ton pickup trucks. Certain designs are also available for motorcycles. Service-organization emblems: Members of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, or Disabled American Veterans who are registered owners of a passenger automobile, pickup truck, van, or self-propelled recreational vehicle. Medal of Honor and EX-POW plates: Congressional Medal of Honor recipients and former prisoners of war who are registered owners of a passenger automobile, motorcycle, or recreational motor vehicle. Medal of Honor vehicles must be for personal use rather than commercial purposes. Gold Star plates: A surviving spouse, parent or legal guardian, child, or sibling of someone who died while serving honorably in active service. Relationships may be established by birth or adoption. The applicant must own or jointly own the eligible vehicle, which must be for personal, noncommercial use. Purple Heart plates: Combat Wounded Vet plates are available to Purple Heart recipients, including members currently serving in the military.
What you get
Veteran plates: Special veteran plates recognize military service. The plate fee and registration tax generally apply. The additional veteran-plate fee is due when plates are issued, rather than in years when only stickers are issued. Service-organization emblems: Provides a special service-organization plate emblem. Registration tax, the special-plate fee, and other required fees apply. Medal of Honor and EX-POW plates: One set of qualifying plates, or one motorcycle plate, is issued free. Damaged plates are replaced without charge, and subsequent-year sticker fees are waived. A former prisoner's vehicle bearing EX-POW plates is also exempt from registration tax. Surviving spouses can continue receiving EX-POW plates and stickers without charge, but must pay registration tax. Gold Star plates: Plates and replacement of damaged plates are free. Personalized Gold Star plate fees under section 168.12, subdivision 2a, are also waived.
How to apply
Veteran plates: Provide a certified copy of discharge papers showing character of discharge when applying. Service-organization emblems: Present a valid membership card when applying for the emblem. Medal of Honor and EX-POW plates: Apply at first registration or registration renewal. Former prisoners of war must include certification from the commissioner of veterans affairs that they were captured, separated, and incarcerated by an enemy during armed conflict while serving in the U.S. military. Gold Star plates: Complete the Gold Star Family License Plate Application and provide DD1300 Report of Casualty, DD2064 Certificate of Death, or eligibility certification from the commissioner of veterans affairs.

Official page (opens in a new tab) Minn. Stat. 168.123; Minn. Stat. 168.1235, subd. 1; Minn. Stat. 168.124; 168.125; 168.031(b); Minn. Stat. 168.1253, subds. 1 to 3

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Military and disabled-veteran hunting and fishing benefits

Who qualifies
Veterans rated 100%: Minnesota resident veterans with a 100% service-connected disability as defined by the VA. Returning from overseas service: Minnesota residents discharged from active service who served outside the United States in federal active service at any time during the preceding 24 months, including qualifying National Guard, reserve, and active-duty members. Military leave: Minnesota residents in the U.S. armed forces who are stationed outside Minnesota and are in the state on leave.
What you get
Veterans rated 100%: Free permanent angling license and free small-game and deer licenses. The free deer license covers one either-sex deer except in buck-only areas. Returning from overseas service: May take small game and fish without a license and receive one free either-sex deer license. Required seals, tags, and coupons are furnished without charge. Military leave: May hunt and fish without a license, except for moose and elk. Required seals, tags, and coupons are furnished without charge.
How to apply
Veterans rated 100%: Provide satisfactory disability evidence to a license issuer. A Minnesota license or ID bearing Veteran 100% T&P is acceptable evidence. The DNR permanent-angling application can also be mailed or faxed with current documentation to its License Center. Returning from overseas service: Carry official military discharge papers when using the small-game and fishing exemption. Obtain the required seals, tags, and coupons. Military leave: Carry official military leave papers and obtain any required seals, tags, and coupons.

Official page (opens in a new tab) Minn. Stat. 97A.441, subds. 5, 6, and 6a; Minn. Stat. 97A.465, subd. 1b; Minn. Stat. 97A.465, subd. 1

Sources (4)

Military hunting and fishing lottery preference

Who qualifies
Minnesota residents currently serving or who served in active service during the past 24 months, including qualifying National Guard and reserve service; recipients of a Purple Heart shown by military records; or veterans with a VA service-connected disability rated at 100%.
What you get
May receive first preference in hunting and fishing license or permit drawings. The preference does not apply to moose, elk, or prairie chickens.
How to apply
Complete the DNR Military Preference Application and submit it to DNR before the lottery deadline.

Official page (opens in a new tab) Minn. Stat. 97A.465, subd. 5

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State park permits and disability camping discount

Who qualifies
Park vehicle permits: Veterans with any level of VA service-connected disability, active military personnel and their dependents, and Purple Heart recipients. Disability camping: People with physical disabilities who have Minnesota disability plates or a disability certificate, or Minnesota residents with a federal interagency Access Pass for permanent disabilities.
What you get
Park vehicle permits: An annual state park vehicle permit is issued without charge. The permit must be displayed on a vehicle owned and occupied by its recipient. Disability camping: The statutory campsite charge is reduced by half on Sunday through Thursday.
How to apply
Park vehicle permits: Veterans with disabilities must present a determination letter or other official VA or Department of Defense validation to a park attendant or DNR designee each year. Active military personnel, dependents, and Purple Heart recipients must present qualifying military identification or a qualifying federal military recreation pass. Disability camping: Use a Federal Access Pass or Minnesota-issued disability license plate or hang tag to document eligibility for the reduced campsite rate.

Official page (opens in a new tab) Minn. Stat. 85.053, subds. 8 and 10; Minn. Stat. 85.052, subd. 3

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Emergency financial help

State Soldiers Assistance Program: Subsistence

Who qualifies
Minnesota veterans or unremarried surviving spouses who meet the program's income, asset, medical, and work-history rules. A medical condition must prevent work in the current or most recent occupation for at least 30 days. A surviving spouse may instead apply within 12 months after the veteran's death. Minnesota residency means at least 30 days with an intent to remain.
What you get
Short-term cash, shelter, utility, and health-insurance assistance. Benefits are normally authorized in up to six 30-day periods, with additional periods requiring approval.
How to apply
Apply through your County Veterans Service Officer, an MDVA field operations claims representative, or a Tribal Veterans Service Officer using the state forms.

Official page (opens in a new tab) Minn. Stat. 197.05; Minn. R. 9055.0290 and 9055.0350 to 9055.0440

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Veteran's Relief Grant and housing-deposit assistance

Who qualifies
Veteran's Relief Grant: Minnesota veterans, unremarried surviving spouses, and reservists called to extended federal active duty under Minnesota Statutes 196.05 who face financial difficulty. A surviving spouse can receive a grant only if the veteran did not receive one while living. Assistance generally must support financial self-sufficiency, with emergency exceptions. Minnesota residency means at least 30 days with an intent to remain. Voucher Deposit Assistance: Minnesota veterans and unremarried surviving spouses approved for publicly funded subsidized housing who need a security or damage deposit. A surviving spouse qualifies only if the veteran did not receive the benefit. Minnesota residency means at least 30 days with an intent to remain.
What you get
Veteran's Relief Grant: A once-per-lifetime grant can help with rent or mortgage, utilities, home repairs, property taxes, heating or cooling equipment, and vehicle repairs. Approved payments go to the creditor or vendor. Voucher Deposit Assistance: Once-per-lifetime payment of the required security or damage deposit and required move-in charges shown on the proposed lease. There is no maximum household income or asset limit for this benefit.
How to apply
Veteran's Relief Grant: Apply through your County Veterans Service Officer, an MDVA field operations claims representative, or a Tribal Veterans Service Officer. Include a written explanation of the need, supporting documents, and a plan for financial self-sufficiency. Voucher Deposit Assistance: Apply through your County Veterans Service Officer, an MDVA field operations claims representative, or a Tribal Veterans Service Officer using the state forms.

Official page (opens in a new tab) Minn. Stat. 197.05; Minn. R. 9055.0290 and 9055.0455; Minn. Stat. 197.05; Minn. R. 9055.0290 and 9055.0330

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State Soldiers Assistance Program: Disaster Relief

Who qualifies
Minnesota veterans, unremarried surviving spouses, and qualifying reservists called to extended federal active duty who are affected by a declared emergency. The applicant must live in a county covered by the governor's authorizing order and meet the state's 30-day residency rule.
What you get
When activated, financial assistance can offset disaster-related income or asset losses, added costs, and qualifying repairs to a primary residence. The amount and covered costs depend on the emergency; no maximum household income or asset limit applies.
How to apply
Contact your County Veterans Service Officer, an MDVA field operations claims representative, or a Tribal Veterans Service Officer. Ask whether disaster relief is activated for your county and what benefit period applies.

Official page (opens in a new tab) Minn. Stat. 197.05; Minn. R. 9055.0290 and 9055.0340

Sources (5)

State veterans homes

Minnesota Veterans Home (Bemidji)

Location
Bemidji
Who qualifies
Veterans who meet Minnesota's statutory eligibility and admission requirements. Eligible spouses and surviving spouses must be at least 55 and meet Minnesota residency rules. Applicants must show medical need for admission.
What you get
Nursing care and related health and social services.
How to apply
Request the application and admission instructions from the home.

Official page (opens in a new tab) Minn. Stat. 198.01 and 198.022; Minn. R. 9050.0050 and 9050.0055

Sources (5)

Minnesota Veterans Home (Fergus Falls)

Location
Fergus Falls
Who qualifies
Veterans who meet Minnesota's statutory eligibility and admission requirements. Eligible spouses and surviving spouses must be at least 55 and meet Minnesota residency rules. Applicants must show medical need for admission.
What you get
Nursing care and related health and social services.
How to apply
Request the application and admission instructions from the home.

Official page (opens in a new tab) Minn. Stat. 198.01 and 198.022; Minn. R. 9050.0050 and 9050.0055

Sources (5)

Minnesota Veterans Home (Hastings Domiciliary)

Location
Hastings
Who qualifies
Veterans who meet Minnesota's statutory eligibility and admission requirements. Eligible spouses and surviving spouses must be at least 55 and meet Minnesota residency rules. Applicants must show medical need for admission.
What you get
Boarding care through the Domiciliary Program.
How to apply
Request the application and admission instructions from the home.

Official page (opens in a new tab) Minn. Stat. 198.01 and 198.022; Minn. R. 9050.0050 and 9050.0055

Sources (4)

Minnesota Veterans Home (Luverne)

Location
Luverne
Who qualifies
Veterans who meet Minnesota's statutory eligibility and admission requirements. Eligible spouses and surviving spouses must be at least 55 and meet Minnesota residency rules. Applicants must show medical need for admission.
What you get
Nursing care and related health and social services.
How to apply
Request the application and admission instructions from the home.

Official page (opens in a new tab) Minn. Stat. 198.01 and 198.022; Minn. R. 9050.0050 and 9050.0055

Sources (5)

Minnesota Veterans Home (Minneapolis)

Location
Minneapolis
Who qualifies
Veterans who meet Minnesota's statutory eligibility and admission requirements. Eligible spouses and surviving spouses must be at least 55 and meet Minnesota residency rules. Applicants must show medical need for admission.
What you get
Nursing care and related health and social services.
How to apply
Request the application and admission instructions from the home.

Official page (opens in a new tab) Minn. Stat. 198.01 and 198.022; Minn. R. 9050.0050 and 9050.0055

Sources (5)

Minnesota Veterans Home (Montevideo)

Location
Montevideo
Who qualifies
Veterans who meet Minnesota's statutory eligibility and admission requirements. Eligible spouses and surviving spouses must be at least 55 and meet Minnesota residency rules. Applicants must show medical need for admission.
What you get
Nursing care and related health and social services.
How to apply
Request the application and admission instructions from the home.

Official page (opens in a new tab) Minn. Stat. 198.01 and 198.022; Minn. R. 9050.0050 and 9050.0055

Sources (5)

Minnesota Veterans Home (Preston)

Location
Preston
Who qualifies
Veterans who meet Minnesota's statutory eligibility and admission requirements. Eligible spouses and surviving spouses must be at least 55 and meet Minnesota residency rules. Applicants must show medical need for admission.
What you get
Nursing care and related health and social services.
How to apply
Request the application and admission instructions from the home.

Official page (opens in a new tab) Minn. Stat. 198.01 and 198.022; Minn. R. 9050.0050 and 9050.0055

Sources (5)

Minnesota Veterans Home (Silver Bay)

Location
Silver Bay
Who qualifies
Veterans who meet Minnesota's statutory eligibility and admission requirements. Eligible spouses and surviving spouses must be at least 55 and meet Minnesota residency rules. Applicants must show medical need for admission.
What you get
Nursing care and related health and social services.
How to apply
Request the application and admission instructions from the home.

Official page (opens in a new tab) Minn. Stat. 198.01 and 198.022; Minn. R. 9050.0050 and 9050.0055

Sources (5)

State veterans cemeteries

Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery (Little Falls)

Location
Little Falls
Who qualifies
Eligible veterans and service members, and qualifying spouses, surviving spouses, minor children, and unmarried adult children under state cemetery law.
What you get
No plot or interment fees for veterans and active-duty deaths qualifying under the federal categories cited in state law. Family burial fees may be reduced or waived for an indigent eligible person.
How to apply
Have the funeral director or next of kin arrange burial.

Official page (opens in a new tab) Minn. Stat. 197.236, subds. 8 and 9, as amended by 2026 Minn. Laws ch. 96, secs. 5 and 6

Sources (2)

Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery (Preston)

Location
Preston
Who qualifies
Eligible veterans and service members, and qualifying spouses, surviving spouses, minor children, and unmarried adult children under state cemetery law.
What you get
No plot or interment fees for veterans and active-duty deaths qualifying under the federal categories cited in state law. Family burial fees may be reduced or waived for an indigent eligible person.
How to apply
Have the funeral director or next of kin arrange burial.

Official page (opens in a new tab) Minn. Stat. 197.236, subds. 8 and 9, as amended by 2026 Minn. Laws ch. 96, secs. 5 and 6

Sources (2)

Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery (Duluth)

Location
Saginaw
Who qualifies
Eligible veterans and service members, and qualifying spouses, surviving spouses, minor children, and unmarried adult children under state cemetery law.
What you get
No plot or interment fees for veterans and active-duty deaths qualifying under the federal categories cited in state law. Family burial fees may be reduced or waived for an indigent eligible person.
How to apply
Have the funeral director or next of kin arrange burial.

Official page (opens in a new tab) Minn. Stat. 197.236, subds. 8 and 9, as amended by 2026 Minn. Laws ch. 96, secs. 5 and 6

Sources (2)

Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery (Redwood Falls)

Location
Redwood Falls
Who qualifies
Eligible veterans and service members, and qualifying spouses, surviving spouses, minor children, and unmarried adult children under state cemetery law.
What you get
No plot or interment fees for veterans and active-duty deaths qualifying under the federal categories cited in state law. Family burial fees may be reduced or waived for an indigent eligible person.
How to apply
Have the funeral director or next of kin arrange burial.

Official page (opens in a new tab) Minn. Stat. 197.236, subds. 8 and 9, as amended by 2026 Minn. Laws ch. 96, secs. 5 and 6

Sources (2)

Mental health support

Counseling and suicide prevention support

Who qualifies
Minnesota Service CORE: Veterans and their families across Minnesota. Suicide prevention gun locks: People requesting a gun lock through MDVA's suicide prevention program.
What you get
Minnesota Service CORE: No-cost services include mental health assessment, trauma therapy, support groups, deployment and reintegration support, and counseling. Suicide prevention gun locks: Provides a gun lock at no cost.
How to apply
Minnesota Service CORE: Contact your County Veterans Service Officer to ask for CORE services or an appointment. Suicide prevention gun locks: Email [email protected] with your mailing address.

Official page (opens in a new tab)

Sources (4)

Other state benefits

Veteran-owned Small Business Procurement Program

Who qualifies
Minnesota-based small businesses at least 51% owned by a veteran or service-disabled veteran and operated by the qualifying owner. MDVA must verify the owner's veteran status before certification.
What you get
Certified businesses can receive up to a 12% preference on state procurement. The state may make direct awards of up to $100,000, including extension options, and may set veteran-owned subcontracting goals.
How to apply
Request veteran verification from MDVA and complete the Small Business Program Application with required documents.

Official page (opens in a new tab) Minn. Stat. 16C.16, subd. 6a

Sources (3)

State Soldiers Assistance Program dental and optical assistance

Who qualifies
Eligible veterans, dependents and surviving spouses who have not remarried and meet the program's Minnesota residency, household income and asset limits. Residency generally requires living in Minnesota for at least 30 days with the intention of remaining rather than visiting temporarily.
What you get
For 2026, routine dental assistance is up to $1,500 annually and routine optical assistance is up to $600 annually. Additional dental authorizations can provide up to $4,000 for dentures and up to $2,500 for extractions needed for dentures, subject to lifetime limits and advance approval.
How to apply
Apply through a County Veterans Service Officer, an MDVA field operations claims representative or an MDVA Tribal Veterans Service Officer. Obtain advance authorization before second-tier dental treatment.

Official page (opens in a new tab) Minn. R. 9055.0270, 9055.0290 and 9055.0320; Minn. Stat. 197.05

Sources (6)

Certified records for veterans benefits claims

Who qualifies
Veterans who are U.S. citizens or resident aliens, their surviving spouses and next of kin, and authorized veterans service officers.
What you get
Provides certified birth, death, marriage, divorce, marriage-dissolution and recorded military-discharge records without charge for veterans claims and specified veterans-service purposes.
How to apply
Request the certified copy from the officer responsible for keeping the record.

Official page (opens in a new tab) Minn. Stat. 197.63

Sources (1)

Benefits verification for Veterans of the Secret War in Laos

Who qualifies
Minnesota residents naturalized under the Hmong Veterans' Naturalization Act of 2000, or people MDVA determines served honorably with special guerrilla units or irregular forces based in Laos supporting U.S. forces between February 28, 1961, and May 14, 1975. Applicants in the second group must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.
What you get
An MDVA eligibility certificate establishes access to specified state benefits, including state employment preference, veterans grave markers and honor guards.
How to apply
First apply to the VA for a preneed burial eligibility determination, then submit the VA determination to MDVA. If the VA finds you ineligible, request special consideration from MDVA. The statutory special-consideration application deadline is December 31, 2030.

Official page (opens in a new tab) Minn. Stat. 197.448, as amended by 2026 Minn. Laws ch. 96, secs. 7 to 10

Sources (2)

Veterans treatment courts and deferred prosecution

Who qualifies
Current or former U.S. military members charged with a misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor or qualifying felony ranked at severity level 7 or lower or D7 or lower. The court must find that a qualifying condition stems from military service and caused the offense. Covered conditions include sexual trauma, traumatic brain injury, posttraumatic stress disorder, substance abuse and mental health conditions. Offenses requiring registration under section 243.166, subdivision 1b, are excluded.
What you get
Eligible defendants may receive deferred prosecution with court-ordered treatment and probation. A veterans treatment court may supervise the case where available. Dismissal requires a later court determination that statutory completion and public-safety conditions are met.
How to apply
Request a court eligibility assessment before sentencing and provide records or a professional evaluation establishing the condition and its connection to military service.

Official page (opens in a new tab) Minn. Stat. 609.1056

Sources (1)

Post-9/11 Veterans Service Bonus: closed to new applications

Who qualifies
New applications are no longer accepted.
What you get
The former bonus program is closed to new applicants.
How to apply
The application deadline was June 30, 2024. State law bars MDVA from accepting new applications after that date.

Official page (opens in a new tab) Minn. Stat. 197.79, subd. 10

Sources (1)

Changes on the way

  • Takes effect January 1, 2027: Starting January 1, 2027, state cemetery eligibility expands to National Guard and reserve members who completed at least one full term with an honorable discharge, or died in good standing without willful misconduct. It also expands to their eligible spouses and children. A general discharge under honorable conditions does not qualify for this added category.
    Sources (1)
  • Takes effect January 1, 2027: Beginning January 1, 2027, eligible veterans of the Secret War in Laos can receive an SGU Veteran designation on a Minnesota driver's license or state ID. An eligibility certificate under section 197.448 is accepted for this designation.
    Sources (1)
  • Takes effect March 1, 2027: Beginning March 1, 2027, Minnesota resident veterans with a VA service-connected disability rating of 50% to 99% qualify for reduced-fee deer, small-game, and angling licenses. The statutory license fee is $5 for each listed license in 2027. Applicants must provide satisfactory disability evidence.
    Sources (2)

Before you apply

This page summarizes state law and agency guidance as checked on October 2, 2026. It is general information, not legal or tax advice. Eligibility depends on your records, and laws change, so confirm the details on the official page linked with each benefit, or ask a free accredited representative.

Federal VA benefits apply in every state. See the Veteran Resource Directory and the Benefits Finder.