More than 5,300 Minnesota Veterans have applied for COVID-19 grants since the application period opened April 6. Online and radio ads combined with word of mouth from County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs) have created a high level of awareness and lots of interest. 

MDVA has been committed to processing the grant applications as quickly as possible, but the high volume during the first month was significant for the small team who typically handles these programs. It was time for a larger team to focus on this important effort. 

The grants were provided from a Minnesota State Legislature special appropriation to assist Veterans financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. MDVA received $6.2 million to fund two special COVID-19 relief programs. To automate the process, MDVA used the existing VATS system with help from Minnesota IT to allow documents to be submitted electronically. 

In the first week alone, MDVA received more than 1,000 applications. The team of nine who typically handles approximately 200 applications per month for other programs was overwhelmed.

Across the agency, staff stepped up to help. Employees from Higher Education, Field Operations, St. Paul Claims, Fargo Claims, MDVA Communications, Minneapolis Veterans Homes and more created a workforce of 60 employees. After training on the process, the team jumped in to help process the applications as soon as possible. That in turn allowed MDVA to distribute the grant funds to Minnesota Veterans more quickly. 

Benefits Division Supervisor, Eric Meline, extended his thanks to both his immediate team – Dana Bowman, Mari Pillar, Sharonda Hayslett, Greg Veazie, Anthony Lebda, Cory Westmoreland, Stephen Perry, Frank Stever and Eric Eversman – as well as the other staff who assisted. 

Now that the workload has slowed, the larger team has disbanded. Meline says: “Our entire team of MDVA staff did all of this while remaining upbeat and positive knowing they are providing much needed financial support to our Minnesota Veterans and families. I can’t thank them enough!” 

MDVA is proud to have these dedicated employees working to help better our Veterans’ lives, especially during these unprecedented times. Keep up the good work MDVA staff!

MDVA is still accepting applications for both the COVID-19 Disaster Relief and Special Needs Grants. For more information, visit our website at MinnesotaVeteran.org/COVIDRelief or call 1-888-LinkVet.