Veteran Benefits & Resources in Minnesota

Minnesota is home to more than 300,000 veterans, supported by a strong network of state programs, nonprofits, and community organizations dedicated to helping those who served. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) oversees programs that provide housing support, financial assistance, education grants, and long-term care services for veterans and their families.

Whether you're looking for state benefits, health care resources, housing assistance, or veteran-owned businesses to support, this page provides an overview of key programs and organizations available across Minnesota.

Key Veteran Benefits in Minnesota

Minnesota offers several state-level benefits for eligible veterans and their families.

Property Tax Relief for Disabled Veterans

Minnesota provides a Disabled Veteran Market Value Exclusion, which reduces the taxable value of a veteran’s home. Veterans with a 70% disability rating or higher may qualify for a $150,000 reduction, while those with a 100% permanent disability may qualify for up to $300,000 in property value exclusion.

Learn more:
https://www.revenue.state.mn.us/market-value-exclusion-veterans-disability

Veteran Education Assistance

Minnesota offers a one-time $750 education grant for veterans who have exhausted GI Bill benefits but need assistance completing a bachelor’s degree.

Details:
https://mn.gov/mdva/resources/education/educationbenefits/veteran-education-assistance.jsp

Financial & Emergency Assistance

The state provides financial assistance programs that may help veterans cover expenses such as housing, utilities, healthcare premiums, and other essential needs.

Learn more:
https://mn.gov/mdva/resources/familyassistance/financialassistance.jsp

VA Disability Benefits by Rating in Minnesota

Understanding how your VA disability rating impacts your benefits can help you take full advantage of both federal VA programs and Minnesota-specific benefits.

100% Disabled Veterans

Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating receive the most comprehensive level of support.

In Minnesota, this includes:

• Property Tax Exclusion (Market Value Exclusion) that can significantly reduce property taxes on your primary residence
• Full federal VA compensation at the highest rate
• Comprehensive VA healthcare at no cost
• Eligibility for CHAMPVA (dependents) and commissary/exchange privileges
• Additional state benefits such as education assistance and financial support programs

Minnesota provides meaningful property tax relief, especially for qualifying homeowners.

70% Disabled Veterans

Veterans rated at 70% disability receive strong federal benefits and access to expanded support programs.

Key benefits include:

• Higher monthly VA compensation
• Priority access to VA healthcare and specialty services
• Eligibility for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU)
• Expanded access to mental health and long-term care programs

Some Minnesota programs may begin to apply depending on eligibility and disability level.

50% Disabled Veterans

At the 50% disability rating, veterans reach an important healthcare threshold.

This includes:

• No-cost VA healthcare for all conditions, not just service-connected issues
• Increased monthly compensation
• Access to a broader range of VA medical services and prescriptions

This level significantly improves access to healthcare.

Lower Ratings (10%–40%)

Veterans with disability ratings between 10% and 40% still receive meaningful benefits, including:

• Monthly tax-free VA compensation
• VA healthcare for service-connected conditions
• Eligibility for Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E) programs
• Access to state and local veteran support services

While Minnesota’s largest financial benefits are tied to higher ratings, these levels still provide important foundational support.

No matter your rating, working with a County Veteran Service Officer (VSO) in Minnesota can help ensure you’re receiving all available benefits—and assist with filing new claims or increasing your rating if your condition has worsened.

VA & Healthcare Resources

Veterans in Minnesota have access to several major VA medical facilities and clinics.

VA Medical Centers

• Minneapolis VA Health Care System

• St. Cloud VA Health Care System

VA Community Clinics

Numerous community-based clinics provide local care throughout the state.

Find a facility:
https://www.va.gov/find-locations

Vet Centers

Vet Centers offer counseling services for veterans and their families dealing with PTSD, transition challenges, or other service-related issues.

Learn more:
https://www.vetcenter.va.gov

Veteran Housing & Assistance Programs

Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV)

MACV is the state’s largest nonprofit focused on ending veteran homelessness, providing housing assistance, employment services, and legal support to veterans in crisis.

https://www.mac-v.org

Homes for Veterans Program

The MDVA operates a program that partners with property owners to increase housing opportunities for veterans while offering financial incentives and support to landlords.

Learn more:
https://mn.gov/mdva/resources/homelessnessandprevention/homes-for-veterans.jsp

Veteran Charities & Nonprofit Support

Minnesota is home to several organizations that help veterans transition successfully into civilian life.

Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans

Provides housing, employment, and legal assistance to veterans experiencing homelessness or housing instability.

https://www.mac-v.org

Minnesotans’ Military Appreciation Fund

Provides grants to deployed service members, wounded veterans, and families of fallen service members.

https://www.mmafund.org

Veteran-Owned Businesses & Entrepreneurship

Minnesota offers programs and networks that support veteran entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Veteran-Owned Business Resources

• Minnesota veteran business directories and chambers

• Federal Veteran Business Outreach Centers

• State procurement opportunities for veteran-owned businesses

These programs help veterans start and grow businesses while creating economic opportunities throughout the state.

Community Events & Veteran Engagement

Minnesota regularly hosts community programs that connect veterans with services and support networks, including:

• Veteran job fairs

• Stand Down events supporting homeless veterans

• Community veteran support programs

• Veteran networking groups

These events help veterans build connections and access the benefits available to them.

How to Get Help

If you are a veteran living in Minnesota and need assistance:

1. Contact your County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO)

2. Visit the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs

3. Reach out to organizations such as MACV for housing or employment support

Veterans can also call 1-888-LinkVet, Minnesota’s one-stop help line for veterans and their families.

Support Veteran-Owned Businesses

Know a Minnesota veteran-owned business or nonprofit that should be featured?

Submit a nomination or tag them on the Veterans Intel Report Facebook page.

We highlight veteran-owned businesses every month as part of our Salute & Support Sunday series.