State Benefits

County Veteran Service Officers

• Disseminate information on veterans benefits
• Assist in the application for State and Federal benefits
• Facilitate the referral process to appropriate outside agencies
• Help obtain relevant military records
• Provide information in locating transportation to local VA Medical Centers

To contact your specific CVSO, visit the CVSO Website.

Minnesota Service C.O.R.E. (Case Management, Outreach, Referral, and Education)

The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) and Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS) have launched a nation-leading case management program to ensure essential, community-based services are provided at no cost to Veterans, military members and families across Minnesota. Minnesota Service C.O.R.E. will also provide resources to previously underserved rural areas around the state.

Eligibility for case management and subsequent serices will be determined by MDVA in collaboration with LSS. After a Servicemember is approved for assistance, an LSS case manager will contact the client and begin coordinating local resources. The case manager will work directly with the clients.

Employment Preference

The Minnesota Veterans Preference Act (VPA) was strengthened in the 2009 spring Legislative Session. New laws require state agencies to grant interviews to the top five Veterans who have been deployed since 9/11/2001, provided they are qualified for the position. For more information, contact MDVA's Veterans Preference Officer at 651-757-1568 or visit their Website. For information on state positions that may be available, visit the MN Careers Web site.

Support Our Troops license plates

These license plates feature a bald eagle in front of an American flag enable all of us to display our appreciation for our brave Service Members and their families. The plates cost $18.50 plus an annual tax-deductible contribution of $30, or applicants may choose to make a larger donation. The proceeds are split between the Department of Military Affairs for financial support of military families and the Department of Veteran Affairs for Veterans' outreach, grants to Veterans'service organizations and rehabilitation programs. Visit the Support Our Troops License Plates website for more information.

Minnesotans' Military Appreciation Fun (MMAF)

The nonprofit and nonpartisan MMAF is a statewide fundraising initiative that shows our troops respect by providing cash grants to all Servicemembers deployed in combat zones such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo and other places where they are in harm's way. To apply for the one-time grant, visit the MMAF Web site.

Minnesota Military Family Foundation

The Minnesota Military Family Foundation distributes money through grants or loans to Minnesota Military Families of deployed Servicemembers that need a little help. For more information, contact your nearest Family Assistance Center.

Disabled Veterans get free bus (and light rail) rides

Disabled Veterans can now ride the Metro Bus and light rail for free under a law that recently took effect. Veterans must have a service-connected disability and have identification saying so. The identification must be shown to the driver when they board the bus or shown to the appropriate person when on the light rail.

Department of Revenue

• Where to file income tax returns
• Which forms to file
• What refunds or credits you are entitled to
• Download Form M99, Credit for Military Service in a Combat Zone
• Market Value Exclusion on Homesteads of Disabled Veterans
• Credit for military service in a combat zone (if you served in a combat zone or hazardous duty area any time on or after September 11th, 2001, you may be elibible for a credit of $120.00 for each month you served