Benefits for Disabled Veterans in Minnesota

Tax Exemptions

Do Disabled Veterans Pay Property Taxes in Minnesota?

Minnesota offers a Market Value Exclusion that reduces the taxable value of a qualifying veteran’s homestead, plus full continuation of the benefit for surviving spouses and primary caregivers.

The exclusion is administered through the Minnesota Department of Revenue and applied at the county level. Applications must be filed with the county assessor by December 31 to take effect on taxes payable the following year.

Market Value Exclusion Amounts

Veterans with a VA-rated service-connected disability of at least 70% qualify for a $150,000 market value exclusion on their homestead. Veterans rated 100% permanent and total (P&T) qualify for a $300,000 exclusion. The veteran must have an honorable discharge and the property must already be classified as a homestead.

Surviving Spouse and Caregiver Eligibility

The unremarried surviving spouse of a veteran rated 100% P&T continues to receive the $300,000 exclusion until the spouse remarries, transfers, or disposes of the property. The spouse may sell the homestead once and carry the exclusion to a replacement homestead.

Primary family caregivers approved by the VA may claim the exclusion on their own homestead (the qualifying veteran cannot simultaneously own a homestead while the caregiver claims it).

Do Disabled Veterans Pay Sales Tax on Vehicles in Minnesota?

No, not when the veteran has a total service-connected disability. Effective July 1, 2024, the purchase of a motor vehicle by a veteran with a total service-connected disability is exempt from the Minnesota Motor Vehicle Sales Tax (MVST).

Veterans who receive a federal grant for an automobile under 38 U.S.C. § 3902 (auto adaptation grant) may also purchase any vehicle exempt from MVST.

To claim the exemption, present a current VA Benefit Summary letter and complete the Application to Title/Register a Vehicle (Form PS2000) at the Driver and Vehicle Services counter. Find out more about the MVST exemption.

Housing and Financial Assistance

Subsistence Assistance Program

Disabled veterans who are prevented from working at their usual occupation for at least 30 days (and surviving spouses within one year of a veteran’s death) may apply for the Subsistence Assistance Program. Monthly payments help cover shelter costs (rent, mortgage, property taxes, homeowner’s insurance), utilities, healthcare premiums, and a personal needs cash grant of up to $532 for a single veteran. Payments are reduced dollar-for-dollar against the applicant’s income.

Veterans Relief Grant

The Veterans Relief Grant is a once-per-lifetime grant for veterans and their dependents experiencing a financial hardship. Approved funds are paid directly to the vendor selected by the applicant (landlord, utility, repair shop, etc.). Applicants must show they can sustain themselves once the immediate need is resolved. Applications are filed through the County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO).

SOAR Program

The SOAR program partners MDVA with the Minnesota Department of Human Services and the Social Security Administration to expedite SSI and SSDI applications for homeless and at-risk veterans with disabling conditions. MDVA also operates a Voucher Deposit Assistance Program that covers the unsubsidized deposit for HUD-VASH-eligible veterans as a one-time benefit.

Homelessness Prevention

The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs runs a coordinated set of programs to prevent and end veteran homelessness, with help available 24/7 through the LinkVet line at 1-888-LinkVet (546-5838).

The Homeless Veteran Registry is a voluntary, statewide list of veterans experiencing homelessness, used to coordinate housing placements and case management. Any veteran can self-refer or be referred by calling 1-888-LinkVet regardless of discharge characterization.

Transportation Benefits

Do Disabled Veterans Get Free Vehicle Registration in Minnesota?

Yes. Effective January 1, 2024, veterans rated 100% P&T service-connected disabled, including those rated Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) receive free motor vehicle registration, license plates, and title services for up to two vehicles (passenger car, pickup, RV, or motorcycle).

The same group also receives a free Minnesota driver’s license or state ID card. Documentation of the 100% P&T rating from the VA must be provided at any Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office. Find out more about vehicle tax and registration exemptions.

Disabled Veteran License Plates in Minnesota

Minnesota DVS issues a Disabled Veteran plate to veterans who qualify for a disability license plate and provide a copy of their DD-214 showing an honorable discharge. The state also issues specialty plates for Purple Heart recipients, Ex-POW, Pearl Harbor Survivor, Gold Star Family, Vietnam-era, and other service-period commemorations.

Eligibility for the disability symbol on a veteran plate now includes any member of the Disabled American Veterans organization. Applications can be submitted at any Deputy Registrar office or by mail with the Special Plate Application form. Find out more.

Education Benefits

Do Disabled Veterans Get Tuition Assistance in Minnesota?

Yes. The Minnesota Veterans Education Assistance Program provides a one-time $750 grant to Minnesota veterans who have already exhausted their federal education benefits and have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree. Funds are paid directly to the educational institution or reimbursed to the veteran on proof of payment.

To qualify, a veteran must:

1. Be a Minnesota resident for at least 30 days with intent to remain
2. Have listed Minnesota as home of record at the time of enlistment or reenlistment
3. Have fully used all federal education benefits before the eligibility window closed
4. Not yet hold a bachelor’s degree

The grant can be used at University of Minnesota campuses, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU), accredited private colleges, nursing schools, law colleges, and theological seminaries.

Does Minnesota Offer Free College to Disabled Veterans’ Dependents?

Yes. The Dependent Education Benefits Program provides tuition assistance at Minnesota public colleges and universities for spouses and children of veterans who were killed in action, died of a service-connected disability, or are listed as missing in action or prisoners of war. Applicants should contact MDVA or their County Veterans Service Officer (1-888-LinkVet, 546-5838) for current benefit amounts and credit limits.

The Surviving Spouse Education Benefit covers tuition at any Minnesota public college or university plus up to $750 per fiscal year for fees, books, supplies, and/or room and board for the surviving spouse of a veteran who died on active duty or from a service-connected condition.

Dependent children of veterans rated permanently and totally disabled by the VA also qualify for the federal VA Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 35), which provides up to 45 months of education benefits and can be used at any approved Minnesota institution.

Employment Benefits

Minnesota State Veterans Hiring Preference

Under Minnesota Statutes §§ 197.48, 43A.11, and 197.455, honorably discharged veterans applying for positions in counties, cities, school districts, and other local government receive 10 extra points added to their passing exam score. Disabled veterans with a compensable service-connected disability receive 15 extra points.

For state-agency positions, qualified disabled veterans receive priority ranking ahead of non-disabled veterans, who in turn rank ahead of non-veteran candidates. Post-9/11 recently separated veterans must be considered for every state vacancy, with the top five candidates guaranteed an interview. Veterans who complete their initial probationary period in state or local government cannot be discharged except for documented misconduct or incompetency after a hearing.

Veteran-Owned Business Support

Minnesota recognizes Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSBs) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) for state contracting preference programs. MDVA’s Veterans as Business Owners resource hub helps veterans certify with the Department of Administration, navigate the SBA’s federal SDVOSB program, and connect with the Veterans Business Outreach Center for free counseling and training.

Occupational Services and Career Centers

MDVA’s Occupational Services team helps veterans translate military experience into civilian credentials, apply for VA Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E, Chapter 31) benefits, and use the federal Department of Labor’s DVOP and LVER specialists located at CareerForce centers statewide. The full list of state employment supports is at MDVA Employment Resources.

Recreation Benefits

Do Minnesota State Parks Offer a Free Disabled Veterans Pass?

Yes. Minnesota offers a free annual State Park Pass to veterans with any VA-rated service-connected disability (0% to 100%). The pass is a window decal valid for unlimited day-use entry at all 64 Minnesota state parks and recreation areas for one full year. Show proof of disability (VA Benefit Summary letter or DAV plate) at any park entrance or at a DNR office to receive the decal.

Do Minnesota Disabled Veterans Get a Free Fishing License?

Yes. Veterans rated 100% permanent and total service-connected disabled (and those granted TDIU) qualify for a free lifetime fishing license in Minnesota. The license is valid for the life of the holder as long as Minnesota residency continues. Additional stamps (e.g., trout) must be purchased separately at standard rates. Find out more.

What Hunting License Can Disabled Veterans Get in Minnesota?

Veterans rated 100% P&T (or with TDIU) receive priority access to the bear and deer hunting lotteries under their 100% Disabled Veteran Identification Card. The DNR also issues a free two-year subscription to Minnesota Conservation Volunteer magazine for any disabled veteran on request, alongside the state park pass.

Veterans with disabilities that prevent the use of standard archery equipment can apply for a Disabled Hunter Permit (crossbow, mobility, or shoot-from-vehicle accommodation) at no extra cost.

Health Care Benefits

Minnesota has two VA health care systems and a network of community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs) and Vet Centers. State-level health programs are administered through the MDVA Health and Disability division.

Minnesota VA Medical Centers

• Minneapolis VA Medical Center: One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55417
• St. Cloud VA Medical Center: 4801 Veterans Drive, St. Cloud, MN 56303

Minnesota VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinics

CBOCs let Minnesota veterans access routine primary care, mental health services, and telehealth visits closer to home. Minnesota CBOCs include:

• Albert Lea VA Clinic: 2115 East Main Street, Albert Lea, MN 56007
• Alexandria (Max J. Beilke) VA Clinic: 410 30th Avenue East, Alexandria, MN 56308
• Brainerd VA Clinic: 722 Northwest 7th Street, Brainerd, MN 56401
• Ely VA Clinic: 720 East Miners Drive, Ely, MN 55731
• Fort Snelling VA Clinic: 1 Federal Drive, Fort Snelling, MN 55111
• Hibbing VA Clinic: 990 West 41st Street, Suite 88, Hibbing, MN 55746
• Mankato VA Clinic: 1400 Madison Avenue, Suite 502, Mankato, MN 56001
• Maplewood VA Clinic: 3100 Kennard Street, Suite 100, Maplewood, MN 55109
• Montevideo VA Clinic: 814 North 11th Street, Montevideo, MN 56265
• Northwest Metro VA Clinic: 7545 Veterans Drive, Ramsey, MN 55303
• Rochester VA Clinic: 3551 Commercial Drive South West, Suite 400, Rochester, MN 55902
• Shakopee VA Clinic: 1555 Lusitano Street, Shakopee, MN 55379
• St. James VA Clinic: 1103 13th Avenue South, St. James, MN 56081

Minnesota is also served by the Twin Cities Vet Center in Eagan and the Duluth Vet Center, plus satellite Vet Center locations in Bemidji, Brainerd, Grand Rapids, and Hibbing. Vet Centers offer readjustment counseling, family counseling, and outreach for combat veterans and survivors in a non-medical setting.

MDVA Dental and Optical Assistance

Minnesota veterans with limited resources can apply for MDVA Dental Assistance for emergency and restorative dental care, and MDVA Optical Assistance for eyeglasses and basic vision care. Both programs are coordinated through the local CVSO and supplement VA dental and optical benefits.

Minnesota Veterans Homes

MDVA operates eight Minnesota Veterans Homes that provide skilled nursing care, memory care for veterans with Alzheimer’s or dementia, domiciliary care, rehabilitation, and recreational and work therapy. Each home operates 24/7 and admits eligible veterans and qualifying spouses.

The eight Minnesota Veterans Homes are located in:

• Bemidji | Phone: 218-364-8900
• Fergus Falls | Phone: 218-736-0400
• Hastings | Phone: 651-539-2400
• Luverne | Phone: 507-283-6200
• Minneapolis | Phone: 612-548-5700
• Montevideo | Phone: 320-435-4710
• Preston | Phone: 507-808-8910
• Silver Bay | Phone: 218-353-8700

Veterans rated 70% to 100% service-connected may receive nursing care at no out-of-pocket cost through the VA Higher Per Diem Program, which pays the daily rate at qualifying state veterans homes.

Burial and Survivor Benefits

Minnesota is served by four state veterans cemeteries, the tribally operated Leech Lake Veterans Cemetery, and Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Eligible veterans receive free burial, including the gravesite, opening and closing, government headstone or marker, and perpetual care; surviving spouses and dependent children are also eligible at the state and national cemeteries.

Minnesota State Veterans Cemeteries

The Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery system includes four cemeteries that serve veterans, their spouses, and eligible dependents. Burials at no cost include a gravesite or columbarium niche, pre-placed grave liner, headstone or niche cover, and perpetual care. Spouses and eligible dependents pay a flat $1,002 burial fee.

• Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery – Little Falls: 15550 Hwy 115, Little Falls, MN 56345 | Phone: 320-616-2527
• Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery – Duluth: 4777 Hwy 53, Saginaw, MN 55779 | Phone: 218-520-0120
• Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery – Preston: 715 Hwy 52, Preston, MN 55965 | Phone: 507-765-7320
• Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery – Redwood Falls: 33752 Noble Ave, Redwood Falls, MN 56283 | Phone: 507-709-4390 | Dedicated August 19, 2023
• Leech Lake Veterans Cemetery: 16477 69th Avenue Northwest, Cass Lake, MN 56633 | Phone: 218-335-4463 (tribally operated, eligible for VA burial benefits)

National Cemetery Resources

Minnesota veterans and eligible family members may also be buried in any open Department of Veterans Affairs national cemetery. Fort Snelling National Cemetery (7601 34th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55450 | Phone: 612-726-1127) is the largest national cemetery in the state and remains open to new burials.

Gold Star Family Program

MDVA’s Gold Star Family Program connects families who have lost a loved one in military service with state and local peer support groups, help understanding federal survivor entitlements (finances, healthcare, education, employment), and a state and national network of referrals. The program is available indefinitely; contact Gold Star Family program staff at 612-970-5662.

Survivor Benefits

The Minnesota Market Value Exclusion continues for the unremarried surviving spouse of a veteran rated 100% permanent and total until the spouse remarries, transfers, or otherwise disposes of the property. The spouse may sell the home one time and retain the exclusion on a replacement homestead.

Surviving spouses and dependents of disabled veterans may also be eligible for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation and other survivor benefits.

Federal Benefits Available to Minnesota Veterans

In addition to Minnesota’s state-specific benefits, disabled veterans also receive a wide range of federal VA disability benefits, including:

• Monthly tax-free compensation payments based on disability rating (calculate it here)
• Medical care, including mental health services and counseling
• Special compensation, Aid & Attendance and other financial benefits
• Home loans and housing benefits
• Vocational rehabilitation and employment services
• Survivor benefits
• Federal hiring preference

Eligibility for some of these benefits depends on the disability rating percentage. Use the links below to see what federal benefits disabled veterans can get with a rating of 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, etc.

• 50% VA disability benefits
• 60% VA disability benefits
• 70% VA disability benefits
• 80% VA disability benefits
• 90% VA disability benefits

100% Disabled Veteran Benefits

Minnesota veterans with a 100% disability rating receive the highest level of federal VA benefits, including:

• Full monthly VA compensation
• Full VA healthcare coverage
• Dental care
• Adaptive equipment grants

See all federal benefits for a 100% disabled Minnesota veteran →

100% Disabled Veteran Benefits for Spouse and Dependents

Spouses and family members of 100% disabled Minnesota veterans may also qualify for several benefits:

• Continued Market Value Exclusion (up to 8 years)
• CHAMPVA healthcare
• Chapter 35 education benefits
• DIC eligibility
• Access to Minnesota state resources

Benefits for Toxic Exposure

Veterans who served at military installations and later developed serious illnesses may be eligible for VA disability compensation. Several Minnesota bases have documented histories of contamination with PFAS (from firefighting foam), chlorinated solvents, heavy metals, and other environmental hazards.

Minnesota Military Bases with Known Toxins

• Camp Ripley (Little Falls, MN): Minnesota National Guard training facility under DoD investigation for PFAS groundwater contamination from AFFF firefighting foam
• Minneapolis-Saint Paul Joint Air Reserve Station (Minneapolis, MN): Air Force Reserve installation with documented PFAS contamination under DoD investigation
• Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant (Arden Hills, MN): EPA Superfund site since 1983 with documented chlorinated solvent and TCE groundwater contamination
• Duluth Air National Guard Base / Duluth International Airport (Duluth, MN): PFAS contamination documented at the 148th Fighter Wing installation
• Holman Field Army Air Reserve Support Station (St. Paul, MN): under DoD investigation for PFAS contamination

If you served at a base in a different state, you can check its history of toxic contamination and potential health effects using the Military Base Toxic Exposure Map.

How to Claim or Increase VA Disability Benefits

Free Guide to Getting VA Disability

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Legal Resources for Disabled Veterans

• Find Your Minnesota County Veteran Service Officer (CVSO)
• Request a Copy of Your DD-214

Attorneys Specialized in VA Disability Law

Our VA-accredited lawyers proudly represent Minnesota veterans who were denied or underrated by the VA, with no upfront costs. Contact us for a free evaluation – even if we don’t take your case, we’ll point you in the right direction!