State file · MN
Veteran benefits in Minnesota
Minnesota keeps military pay and retirement pay off the state tax rolls, funds its own Minnesota GI Bill, and operates five state veterans homes. Here is how the benefits stack up.
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Financial benefits
Income tax exemptions
Military pay and military retirement pay are tax-free in Minnesota, and resident service members may subtract federally taxable active-duty military pay when determining their Minnesota tax.
Disabled veterans property tax exclusion
Veterans with a VA disability rating of 70% or greater may qualify for a reduction in the assessed value of their home, and surviving spouses may also qualify.
Short-term financial assistance
The Subsistence program provides temporary help with housing, utilities, insurance, and other expenses for up to six months for veterans unable to work due to a temporary or permanent disability, and for surviving spouses within 12 months of a spouse's death. Dependency and Indemnity Compensation for survivors is tax-free.
Sales tax picture
Statewide sales tax is 6.875%, counties may add up to 2.0%, and the current average with local taxes is roughly 7.28%.
Recreation
State park admission
All active-duty personnel and disabled veterans get free admission to Minnesota state parks.
Hunting & fishing licenses
Non-residents stationed in Minnesota receive resident rates, Minnesota residents on leave can hunt and fish for free, and resident veterans who are 100% disabled receive a free lifetime fishing license and a free annual hunting license. Those who completed military basic training may also skip the Field Day portion of the Hunter Firearms Safety course.
Education programs
Minnesota GI Bill
Full-time students can receive up to $1,000 per semester and part-time students up to $500 per semester, with a maximum of $3,000 per academic year and $10,000 lifetime. On-the-job training and apprenticeship participants are eligible for up to $2,000 per fiscal year.
Surviving spouse & dependent education benefit
Survivors of members who died on active duty or from service-connected causes can complete a bachelor's degree without paying tuition, plus $750 per year for fees, books, supplies, or room and board.
Veteran housing
Minnesota State Veterans Homes
State veterans homes operate in Fergus Falls, Hastings, Luverne, Minneapolis, and Silver Bay. Applicants need at least 181 days of service, a documented medical or clinical need, and a discharge that was not dishonorable; spouses age 55 and older may also qualify.
Employment & job training
Veteran's credit on state exams
Non-disabled veterans receive 10 points on competitive examinations, and veterans with a disability rating of 50% or higher receive 15 points.
Military leave & Guard pay
Minnesota state employees receive 15 days of paid military leave per calendar year for training or active duty, and Minnesota National Guard members on state active duty are paid not less than $130 a day.
Employment representative services
Veterans receive priority services at Minnesota WorkForce Centers, with Disabled Veterans Outreach Program specialists providing intensive case management and Local Veterans Employment Representatives developing job opportunities.
Burials & memorials
Fort Snelling National Cemetery
Located in Minneapolis, burial is free of charge for veterans, and dependents may pay a small fee.
VA resources in Minnesota
St. Paul Regional Benefits Office
The VA regional office serving Minnesota for benefits claims and questions.
Official siteBefore you apply
- First-time applicants generally need a copy of their DD-214 or discharge paperwork — keep certified copies somewhere safe.
- Most programs require a discharge under other than dishonorable conditions; a dishonorable or bad-conduct discharge may bar eligibility.
- “Active service” has a specific definition for many programs — training periods don’t always count. When in doubt, ask the agency directly.
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