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Minnesota Veteran benefits

24 benefits from Minnesota for Veterans and their families, on top of what VA gives. Many need no disability rating.

Each one says who qualifies, how to apply, the official link, and the date we last checked it. Rules change, so the official page has the final word.

Free help in Minnesota

Minnesota Department of Veteran Affairs is the state Veterans agency. They can tell you what you qualify for and help you apply.

Call 888-546-5838 State agency website

A Veterans service officer (VSO) helps with VA claims and state benefits for free.

Find a service officer near you Minnesota's list of local offices
Your VA disability rating
Who is it for?

24 benefits

Property tax

  • 70%+

    Disabled Veterans' Homestead Market Value Exclusion

    Excludes part of a home's market value from property tax for qualifying disabled veterans, certain surviving spouses, and primary family caregivers, lowering or potentially eliminating property tax owed.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: VA rating of 70% or higher. Veteran honorably discharged with a service-connected disability rating of 70 percent or more (higher exclusion for total, 100 percent, permanent disability); qualifying surviving spouses and primary family caregivers may also apply; property must be a homestead.
    What you get at each level
    • partial market value exclusion
    • larger market value exclusion (requires total, permanent disability)
    How to apply
    Apply with your county assessor's office, providing DD214 and VA certification of disability rating.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Income tax, retirement pay and other taxes

  • 100% P&T

    Credit for Past Military Service

    A nonrefundable state income tax credit for lower-income veterans who served in the military, National Guard, or Reserves, intended for those who don't claim the retirement pay subtraction.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: 100% VA rating that is Permanent and Total (P&T). Minnesota adjusted gross income under $37,500; must have separated from service and either have a service-connected disability rating of 100% total and permanent, or be honorably discharged and receiving a military pension or other retirement pay.
    How to apply
    Complete the worksheet in the Schedule M1C, Other Nonrefundable Credits instructions, and file it with your MN income tax return.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Military Pay Subtraction (Active Duty, Guard & Reserve)

    Minnesota residents can subtract certain federally taxable military pay from state taxable income, covering full-time active duty pay and National Guard/Reserve drill, annual training, and Active Guard Reserve pay.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Minnesota resident serving in the U.S. or U.N. armed forces receiving federally taxable active-duty pay, or a Guard/Reserve member receiving pay for drills, annual training, or Active Guard Reserve (Title 32) duty.
    How to apply
    Claim the subtraction on Schedule M1M, Income Additions and Subtractions, filed with your MN income tax return.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Military Retirement Pay Subtraction

    Lets veterans subtract military retirement pay, including pensions and Survivor Benefit Plan payments, from Minnesota taxable income and alternative minimum taxable income.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Applies to military retirement pay for active-duty or reserve service. Also available to a divorced spouse who gets a share of that retirement pay.
    How to apply
    Claim by completing Schedule M1M, Income Additions and Subtractions, with your Minnesota income tax return.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026. Law: 10 U.S.C. 1401-1414; 10 U.S.C. 12733.

Vehicles, driver's licenses and plates

  • No rating needed

    "Veteran" Designation on Driver's License or ID Card

    Lets veterans add a "Veteran" designation to their Minnesota driver's license or ID card so status can be shown to businesses and agencies without extra paperwork.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Applicant must be a veteran as defined in Minnesota law; must present a certified copy of discharge papers at initial application.
    How to apply
    Request the designation on your driver's license/ID application and pay the required fee, providing certified discharge papers.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026. Law: Minn. Stat. §197.447.

  • No rating needed

    Military and Veteran Specialized License Plates

    DVS issues a range of veteran and military-themed license plates (e.g., Proud to be a Veteran, Ex-POW, Congressional Medal of Honor, Gold Star) that can carry a disability parking symbol and be personalized.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Available to qualifying veterans and service members who present separation papers (DD214) or proof of the relevant status (e.g., Ex-POW certification from MDVA, National Guard membership proof).
    How to apply
    Apply with DD214/proof of eligibility at a deputy registrar office using DVS Form PS2010 (Application for Special Plates).
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • 100%+

    Motor Vehicle Sales Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans

    Exempts the purchase of a motor vehicle by a veteran with a total service-connected disability from Minnesota's motor vehicle sales tax.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: 100% VA rating. Veteran must have a "total service-connected disability" as defined in Minnesota law.
    How to apply
    Claim the exemption when titling the vehicle at a DVS deputy registrar, providing VA documentation of the disability rating.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026. Law: Minn. Stat. §171.01 subd. 51.

  • 100%+

    Vehicle Registration Tax & Fee Exemption for Disabled Veterans

    Exempts up to two vehicles (passenger auto, one-ton pickup, motorcycle, or recreational vehicle) registered by a veteran with a total service-connected disability from registration taxes, administrative fees, filing fees, and plate/validation sticker fees.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: 100% VA rating. Veteran must have a "total service-connected disability" as defined in Minnesota law; exemption applies to no more than two vehicles registered at the same time.
    How to apply
    Apply at a DVS deputy registrar office when registering the vehicle, providing VA proof of the disability rating.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026. Law: Minn. Stat. §171.01 subd. 51.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Gold Star Family License Plate

    Minnesota issues Gold Star Family license plates to close family of service members who died while honorably serving on active duty. There is no plate fee. Regular registration tax still applies.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Surviving spouse, parent, sibling, or child of a person who died while serving honorably in active service. Applicant must be owner or joint owner of motor vehicle and comply with vehicle registration laws.
    How to apply
    Apply at Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services or local deputy registrar office. Provide documentation such as DD1300 or DD2064, or receive certification of eligibility from Minnesota Commissioner of Veteran Affairs.
    Official page

    Last checked October 26, 2026.

Hunting, fishing and parks

  • 100%+

    Free Hunting and Fishing Licenses for 100% Disabled Veterans

    Minnesota residents who are veterans with a 100 percent service-connected disability can get a free permanent angling license, plus a free annual deer license and small game license.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: 100% VA rating. Must be a Minnesota resident and a veteran with a 100 percent service-connected disability as certified by the VA.
    How to apply
    Apply for the permanent angling license at the DNR License Center in St. Paul; deer/small game licenses obtained annually through a DNR license agent with VA proof of disability.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • Any rating

    Free State Park Permit for Disabled Veterans

    DNR issues a no-charge annual state park vehicle permit to any veteran with a service-connected disability, valid for unlimited entry to Minnesota state parks and recreation areas.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Any VA service-connected rating, even 0%. Veteran with any level of service-connected disability as determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; must present a determination letter or other official VA/DoD validation each year.
    How to apply
    Present your VA determination letter, VA healthcare ID, DOD privilege card, or Disabled Veteran plate to park staff to receive the free permit.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Hunting and Fishing Privileges for Active/Recently Separated Service Members

    Active-duty members of the U.S. armed forces and those recently separated can hunt small game and fish without a license, get one free deer license per year, and receive lottery preference for special hunts.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Active members of the U.S. armed forces (including National Guard/reserves) on leave, or those separated from federal active service outside the U.S. within the preceding 24 months, while carrying proof of MN residency and discharge/leave papers.
    How to apply
    Show official leave papers or discharge papers and a valid MN driver's license/state ID to a DNR license agent to obtain the no-charge tags/licenses.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

School and tuition

  • No rating needed

    Minnesota GI Bill

    State-funded tuition and training assistance for Minnesota veterans, currently serving military/Guard/Reserve members, and eligible spouses/children, usable for college, apprenticeship/on-the-job training, or licensing and certification costs.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Minnesota resident veteran of any era, or non-veteran with 5+ cumulative years in the National Guard/reserves with service on or after 9/11/2001; or an eligible surviving spouse/child of someone who died or has a total and permanent service-connected disability from military service.
    How to apply
    Apply online through MDVA; the fall semester application opens each spring, and applicants must reapply every year.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Resident Tuition Rate for Veterans

    Requires Minnesota state colleges and universities to charge veterans the in-state tuition rate for undergraduate programs, and for graduate programs if the veteran enrolls within a set window after finishing military service.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Any veteran qualifies for the undergraduate resident rate; for the graduate resident rate, the veteran must have been a Minnesota resident on entering military service and start the graduate program within two years of completing that service.
    How to apply
    Provide proof of veteran status (and, for the graduate rate, proof of MN residency at enlistment) to the college or university registrar.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Surviving Children and Spouses Education Benefit

    Provides a yearly stipend and free tuition at Minnesota public postsecondary institutions to the children and spouses of veterans who died as a result of military service, helping cover college costs until a bachelor's degree is earned.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Must be an eligible child or spouse of a 'deceased veteran' (died as a result of military service and was a Minnesota resident within six months of entering service or the six months before death); must make satisfactory academic progress.
    How to apply
    Submit an application with proof of military service and, where applicable, proof of residency to MDVA; stipend paid directly to the institution or individual.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Jobs and hiring preference

  • 30%+

    Direct Appointment of Disabled Veterans to State Jobs

    Allows Minnesota state agencies to directly appoint a qualifying disabled veteran to a state job without going through the standard competitive hiring process.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: VA rating of 30% or higher. Veteran must have a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more, under Minnesota law.
    How to apply
    Contact the hiring state agency about direct appointment eligibility under this law; MDVA can help connect veterans to state hiring resources.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026. Law: Minn. Stat. §43A.111.

  • Any rating

    Veterans Preference in Public Employment

    Gives veterans and disabled veterans extra points on civil service exams and hiring/promotion preference for state, county, and local government jobs, plus added protection from termination.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Any VA service-connected rating, even 0%. Applies to veterans as defined in Minnesota law applying for public employment; disabled veterans with a compensable service-connected disability receive a larger points credit; some provisions extend to spouses of deceased or disabled veterans.
    How to apply
    Indicate veteran/disabled veteran status when applying for a covered public position and provide required proof (e.g., DD214, VA rating letter) to the hiring authority.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Business certification and contracts

  • No rating needed

    Veteran-Owned Small Business Certification & Procurement Preference

    Certifies small businesses majority-owned and operated by veterans so they can receive a bidding preference on state contracts and, in some cases, be awarded contracts directly without a competitive process.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Business's principal place of business must be in Minnesota; owner must be verified as a veteran (or service-disabled veteran) by the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs under Public Law 109-461, or verified as a veteran by MDVA under Minnesota law and discharged under honorable conditions.
    How to apply
    Apply for certification through the Minnesota Department of Administration, providing a DD214 and, if applicable, VA disability verification.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026. Law: Minn. Stat. §197.447.

Homes, Veterans homes and cemeteries

  • No rating needed

    Military Funeral Honors

    Minnesota provides military funeral honors to commemorate veteran service at death. Veterans Service Organizations provide honors with a stipend available to Congressionally chartered organizations that meet requirements.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Eligible veterans and those receiving military funeral honors through the federal DOD program.
    How to apply
    Funeral director arranges military funeral honors. Contact Minnesota National Guard Military Funeral Honors Coordinator or local Veterans Service Organizations.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Minnesota State Veterans Cemeteries

    MDVA operates state veterans cemeteries offering gravesites, columbarium niches, headstones/niche covers, and perpetual care to eligible veterans and their families at little or no cost.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Open to veterans discharged from active military service under conditions other than dishonorable; spouses, minor children, and in certain cases unmarried adult children are also eligible; certain reserve/Guard members with 20 qualifying years or who die on active duty also qualify.
    How to apply
    Pre-register anytime through MDVA or your County Veterans Service Officer; at time of need, a funeral director or next of kin contacts the cemetery to arrange burial.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Minnesota Veterans Homes

    State-run skilled nursing homes for veterans and their spouses across Minnesota, offering nursing care and other long-term care services, with residents contributing to the cost of care according to their means.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veteran discharged under honorable conditions who served 181 consecutive days on active duty (unless discharged earlier for a line-of-duty disability) and is a current MN resident; spouse of an eligible veteran must be at least 55 years old and meet residency rules; all must need skilled nursing care.
    How to apply
    Submit an Admissions Application with DD214 and required legal documents directly to one of the Minnesota Veterans Homes; applicants are placed on a waiting list.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Money, grants and bonuses

  • No rating needed

    State Soldiers' Assistance Program – Subsistence (Emergency Financial Assistance)

    A century-old MDVA program providing emergency cash assistance for basic needs like shelter and utilities to veterans or surviving spouses who are unable to work due to disability.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veteran or surviving spouse who is disabled and prevented from working at their usual occupation for at least 30 days, or a surviving spouse within one year of the veteran's death.
    How to apply
    Apply through your County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO); if unavailable, contact MDVA's Field Operations Team by email.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Veteran's Relief Grant

    A one-time, once-per-lifetime financial grant from MDVA to help veterans and their dependents stabilize their finances during a period of hardship.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Minnesota veterans and dependents facing financial hardship; requests reviewed case-by-case and applicants must show they can sustain themselves beyond the grant amount.
    How to apply
    Apply through MDVA or your County Veterans Service Officer; the grant is limited to once per lifetime per applicant.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Other help

  • No rating needed

    MDVA Dental and Optical Assistance

    MDVA offers assistance programs that help eligible veterans pay for routine dental care, extractions, and dentures, as well as an annual allowance toward an eye exam and prescription eyewear.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Available to eligible Minnesota veterans through MDVA's benefits program; specific eligibility determined by MDVA benefit specialists.
    How to apply
    Contact an MDVA Benefits Specialist or your County Veterans Service Officer to apply for dental or optical assistance.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Also check

Education only. Helping The Brave is not a government agency. Confirm details with the agency before you apply.