Minnesota State Benefits

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 Service Member 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.

Learn more about C.O.R.E. here.

Other state resources available to assist you are listed below:

• LinkVet: 1-888-546-5838
• Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs: 651-296-2562
• Minnesota County Veterans Service Office (CVSO) - click here
• Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs - click here

County Veteran Service Officers

In each Minnesota county there is a Minnesota CVSO who is dedicated to serving Veterans. These CVSO offices advise and assist all veterans and their dependents with state and federal benefits including:

• Alcohol/drug dependency treatment, disability compensation, dental treatment, disability insurance, death and burial benefits, education and training, financial assistance, VA home loan guarantees, medical care, vocational rehab for vets with disabilities, along with others.

To contact your specific CVSO, visit the CVSO Website.

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 Web site. 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 Web site 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 Service Members 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 Service Members 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

Military personnel often have questions about their Minnesota income tax obligations. When Service Members are stationed in a place other than their state of residence, the Department of Revenue can assist with the following questions:

• Where to file income tax returns
• Which forms to file
• What refunds or credits you are entitled to
• Credit for military service in a combat zone, click here to link to the M99 form required for the combat zone credit.
• 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

Visit the Minnesota Department of Revenue Web site or contact their office at 651-556-6610 for more information.

The Department of Revenue has a landing page on their website for members of the military, which provides links to most tax-related information applicable to Service Members and Veterans.

Please note that beginning with tax year 2009, there is a new tax credit for retired or disabled Veterans.

More "Veteran Benefits" pages:
Veteran Benefits
Federal Benefits
TRICARE

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