Minnesota Veteran Benefits (2026 Guide)
A complete guide to state-level benefits for veterans living in Minnesota, including property tax exemptions, education programs, employment preference, and more. These benefits are in addition to your federal VA benefits.
Official source: Minnesota veterans affairs agency — applications, forms, and current filing deadlines come from the state directly.
Benefits at a Glance
Minnesota combines a high quality of life with solid veteran benefits, including full military retirement pay exemption and a market value exclusion on property taxes for disabled veterans. The state's approach to veteran support emphasizes access and outreach, particularly in rural areas.
Getting help in Minnesota
Accredited claims help
Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs
Phone: (888) 546-5838
Verified September 2026. Call to confirm before you travel.
Local veterans offices
Every county in Minnesota is required by law to have a veterans service office.
Find your county veterans service officer
Financial help: subsistence assistance from the state soldiers’ assistance fund — you apply through your county veterans service officer
Verified September 2026.
Not sure what you qualify for yet? The briefing takes about three minutes and needs no signup.
Start the briefingProperty Tax Exemption
$150K-$300K market value exclusion for 70%+ disabled veterans
Minnesota Statutes 273.13, subd. 34: for honorably discharged veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 70% or more, $150,000 of the homestead's market value is excluded; for a total (100%) and permanent disability, $300,000. Apply to the county assessor by December 31 of the first assessment year for which you seek the exclusion. The $300,000 exclusion continues for the surviving spouse of a 100% permanently disabled veteran, the surviving spouse of a service member who died in active service, or a spouse receiving dependency and indemnity compensation, until the spouse remarries or sells or otherwise disposes of the property.
Income Tax Benefits
Military retirement pay fully exempt
Minnesota fully exempts military retirement pay from state income tax as of 2023. VA disability compensation is also tax-free.
Hunting & Fishing Licenses
Free permanent fishing license and free yearly small game and deer licenses for 100% disabled veterans
Minnesota residents with a 100% service-connected disability rating get a permanent angling license (no trout stamp needed), a free small game license each year, and one free deer license per year (firearms, archery or muzzleloader). They do not need state waterfowl, pheasant or trout stamps, but must buy a federal duck stamp to hunt waterfowl.
Education Benefits
Minnesota GI Bill — up to $15,000 total
Minnesota GI Bill provides up to $15,000 total (up to age 62) for eligible veterans, Guard/Reserve members who served after 9/11, and certain spouses and children. Usable for tuition, fees, books, and approved training programs.
Employment & Hiring Preference
Veterans preference in state employment
Minnesota grants veterans preference in state and local government hiring — 10 points for disabled veterans, 5 points for non-disabled veterans on competitive exams. Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) operates veteran employment programs.
Vehicles & DMV
Free disabled veteran license plates
Free "Disabled Veteran" license plates for veterans with service-connected disability.
State Parks
Free vehicle permit for disabled veterans
Minnesota state parks provide free annual vehicle permits for veterans with service-connected disability. Covers all 66 state parks.
Housing & Veterans Homes
Minnesota Veterans Homes
Minnesota operates 8 State Veterans Homes (Minneapolis, Hastings, Silver Bay, Fergus Falls, Luverne, Bemidji, Montevideo, Preston) providing skilled nursing and domiciliary care for eligible veterans.
Veterans in Minnesota
Minnesota's roughly 270,000 veterans are served by the Minneapolis VA Health Care System and the St. Cloud VA Medical Center. Each of Minnesota's 87 counties appoints a county veterans service officer, and the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs runs eight state veterans homes. Camp Ripley and the Duluth Air National Guard Base maintain an active military presence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota Veteran Benefits
Does Minnesota offer property tax exemptions for veterans?
$150K-$300K market value exclusion for 70%+ disabled veterans. Minnesota Statutes 273.13, subd. 34: for honorably discharged veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 70% or more, $150,000 of the homestead's market value is excluded; for a total (100%) and permanent disability, $300,000. Apply to the county assessor by December 31 of the first assessment year for which you seek the exclusion. The $300,000 exclusion continues for the surviving spouse of a 100% permanently disabled veteran, the surviving spouse of a service member who died in active service, or a spouse receiving dependency and indemnity compensation, until the spouse remarries or sells or otherwise disposes of the property.
Are military retirement benefits taxed in Minnesota?
Military retirement pay fully exempt. Minnesota fully exempts military retirement pay from state income tax as of 2023. VA disability compensation is also tax-free.
What education benefits does Minnesota offer veterans?
Minnesota GI Bill — up to $15,000 total. Minnesota GI Bill provides up to $15,000 total (up to age 62) for eligible veterans, Guard/Reserve members who served after 9/11, and certain spouses and children. Usable for tuition, fees, books, and approved training programs.
Do veterans get free or discounted hunting and fishing licenses in Minnesota?
Free permanent fishing license and free yearly small game and deer licenses for 100% disabled veterans. Minnesota residents with a 100% service-connected disability rating get a permanent angling license (no trout stamp needed), a free small game license each year, and one free deer license per year (firearms, archery or muzzleloader). They do not need state waterfowl, pheasant or trout stamps, but must buy a federal duck stamp to hunt waterfowl.
Does Minnesota give veterans hiring preference for state jobs?
Veterans preference in state employment. Minnesota grants veterans preference in state and local government hiring — 10 points for disabled veterans, 5 points for non-disabled veterans on competitive exams. Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) operates veteran employment programs.
Are there veterans homes or housing programs in Minnesota?
Minnesota Veterans Homes. Minnesota operates 8 State Veterans Homes (Minneapolis, Hastings, Silver Bay, Fergus Falls, Luverne, Bemidji, Montevideo, Preston) providing skilled nursing and domiciliary care for eligible veterans.
Do veterans get free or discounted state park access in Minnesota?
Free vehicle permit for disabled veterans. Minnesota state parks provide free annual vehicle permits for veterans with service-connected disability. Covers all 66 state parks.
Want the full picture?
Minnesota benefits sit alongside federal compensation, healthcare, education, housing, and employment benefits. The optional briefing walks through what may apply to your specific service.
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