Minnesota offers a wide range of benefits for veterans, covering education, employment, health, housing, and financial support, among other areas.
Education Benefits
- Minnesota GI Bill: Offers up to $3,000 per academic year for eligible veterans, certain non-veterans, spouses, surviving spouses, and children of permanently and totally disabled veterans or of those who died due to service-connected conditions. This benefit is aimed at supporting higher education and training.
- Surviving Spouse & Dependent Education Benefit: Provides free tuition for surviving spouses and dependents of veterans who died on active duty or as a result of service-connected conditions, allowing them to attend state-supported and some private higher education institutions in Minnesota. Additionally, they receive $750 per year for fees, books, supplies, and room/board.
Employment Benefits
Minnesota supports veteran employment through various initiatives, including:
- Veterans Preference Act: Gives veterans a preference in hiring and promotion for public employment and provides protection against unfair dismissals.
- WorkForce Centers Veteran Preference: Offers priority services at Minnesota WorkForce Centers, including assistance with resumes, job search guidance, and referrals to veteran-specific services.
Health & Housing Benefits
- Veterans Homes: Minnesota operates veterans homes in Fergus Falls, Hastings, Luverne, Minneapolis, and Silver Bay, providing a range of services from skilled nursing care to rehabilitation services.
- Dental and Vision Care: Eligible veterans can receive up to $1,000 of free dental care and up to $400 of free vision care annually, based on income.
Financial Support
- Income Taxes: Military pay, retirement pay, and Survivor Benefit Plan payments are exempt from state income tax.
- Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemption: Offers a reduction in the assessed value of their home for disabled veterans with a 70% or greater VA disability.
- Short-Term Financial Assistance: Provides temporary financial aid for housing, utilities, and other expenses for veterans facing financial hardships.
Additional Benefits
- Recreational Benefits: Active-duty personnel, disabled veterans, and Purple Heart recipients enjoy free admission to Minnesota state parks. There are also special provisions for hunting and fishing licenses for veterans and active-duty military members.
- Veterans Cemeteries: Minnesota has state veterans cemeteries where eligible veterans can be interred free of charge, with dependents possibly incurring a small fee.