I am revisiting a previous topic, as there has been a significant update. The 2023 Legislative Session resulted in several changes that expanded Minnesota Veteran eligibility for the Post-9/11 Service Bonus. First an overview of the program before I reveal the updates.
The 2022 Legislature passed and Governor Walz signed the first-ever Veterans Omnibus Bill that included funding for a service bonus payable to eligible Veterans who served from 9/11/01 to 8/30/21. MDVA is honored to facilitate this program for eligible Veterans, currently serving service members, or Veterans’ beneficiaries. 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 Au-gust 30, 2021 (qualifying period). The Veteran must be a Minnesota resident at time of the application.
There are three tiers of the bonus.
1) $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; or Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; or Iraq Campaign Medal; or Afghanistan Campaign Medal.
2) $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; or Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; or Iraq Campaign Medal; or Afghanistan Campaign Medal.
3) $2,000 for the beneficiary of Veteran who served federal service during the qualifying period AND died during the eligibility period as a result of a service-connect injury, disease, or condition, and WAS awarded one of the following medals: Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; or Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; or Iraq Campaign Medal; or Afghanistan Campaign Medal.
Newly eligible Veterans now include:
1) Veterans who did not enlist/begin their service in Minnesota, and
2) recipients of the Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal may now receive the full bonus allotment. Veterans who were previously denied the bonus or are now eligible for a larger bonus can reapply based on the changes that were made this session.
Please spread the word to anyone that served during the qualifying period. All eligible Veterans should apply even if you were previously eligible and have not yet applied. The funds have been allocated, 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
