June has arrived as the year continues to fly by. The topic this week is not a new one. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) Post-9/11 Veteran Service Bonus is still available but quickly coming to an end. Do not delay, act now and submit or resubmit your application today.
Information about the bonus, as well as the link to the application portal and FAQs can be found here: https://mn.gov/mdva/resources/familyassistance/911-service-bonus.jsp
There are two basic eligibility requirements. You must have had federal active-duty military service between September 11, 2001, and August 30, 2021 (the qualifying period). The applicant must be a Minnesota resident. The bonus is separated into three tiers.
$600 if the Veteran or currently serving service-member served honorably in federal service during the qualifying period and was NOT awarded one of the following medals: Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Iraq Campaign Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; or Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal.
$1,200 if the Veteran or currently serving service-member served honorably in federal service during the qualifying period and was awarded one of the following medals: Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Iraq Campaign Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; or Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal.
$2,000 for the beneficiary of Veteran who served federal service during the qualifying period AND died during the eligibility period because of a service-connected injury, disease, or condition, and WAS awarded one of the following medals: Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Iraq Campaign Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; or Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal.
As of April 26, the number of applications received is 28,858. The number of applications approved is 24,215 (about an 85% approval rate). The total funds awarded is $25,477,800. Program funds remaining is $14,402,200.
Applicants who were previously denied, did not complete the application process, or are now eligible for a larger bonus may reapply. Please spread the word to anyone that served during the qualifying period. The funds have been allocated and are still available, so apply for the service bonus you have earned.
Brad Anderson and Melissa Crandall are the Lake County Veterans Service Officers and can be reached at 218.834.8326 or cvso@co.lake.mn.us
Karen Christianson is the Cook County Veterans Service Officer and can be reached at 218.387.3639 or karen.christianson@co.cook.mn.us
