Since July, more than 20,000 Veterans who served during the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) have applied for a bonus payment to recognize their service.

During the 2022 Minnesota Legislative session, the Post-9/11 Veteran Service Bonus program was included as part of the Veterans Omnibus Bill signed by Governor Tim Walz. The law includes nearly $25 million for service bonuses to post-9/11 era Veterans and Gold Star Families.

“The State of Minnesota has a long history of awarding service bonuses to Minnesota Veterans who served in America’s wars,” said MDVA Commissioner Larry Herke. “Starting in 1919 after World War I, through World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War, and now the Global War on Terrorism. MDVA recognizes the sacrifices and courage Minnesotans took to defend our country.”

Eligible Veterans or currently serving members of the military must have served sometime between September 11, 2001, and August 30, 2021. Veterans must also demonstrate that their home of record at the time of entry into active duty in the United States armed forces, as indicated on the person's form DD-214 or other documents the commissioner may authorize, is the state of Minnesota. For someone currently serving, Minnesota must be listed as the home of record in the official military personnel file. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) will facilitate the application and bonus payment processes. To apply, Veterans or their beneficiaries should visit the website /mdva/resources/familyassistance/911-service-bonus.jspMinnesotaVeteran.org/ServiceBonus.

The Post-9/11 Veteran Service Bonus has three payment tiers:

1. $600 if the Veteran or currently serving service member provided honorable service in federal service during the qualifying period (September 11, 2001 - August 30, 2021) 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 provided honorable service in federal service during the qualifying period (September 11, 2001 - August 30, 2021) 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 a Veteran who provided honorable service in federal service during the qualifying period (September 11, 2001 - August 30, 2021) AND died during the eligibility period (September 11, 2001 - August 30, 2021) as a result of a service-connect injury, disease or condition, and WAS eligible for one of the following medals: Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; or Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; or Iraq Campaign Medal; or Afghanistan Campaign Medal.

A total # of 20,547 applications have been received as of November 17, with 17,147 applications approved with a total value of $18.39 million. Applications are being processed the same day they are received.

The application period will continue until June 30, 2024, unless the funds have been exhausted prior to then.

Applicants can monitor the status of their applications by watching their email for updates throughout the entire process. Applicants will receive an email communication when their payment is issued. Applicants can also log into the application portal and click on the “Application Status” tab.

Veterans, currently serving military members or beneficiaries are encouraged to call 1-888-LinkVet or contact their County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO) with any questions or for more information. Find a Minnesota CVSO at MACVSO.org. The application website /mdva/resources/familyassistance/911-service-bonus.jspMinnesotaVeteran.org/ServiceBonus also includes a number of frequently asked questions and answers.