The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) has a long history of awarding service bonuses to Minnesota Veterans who served in America’s wars. 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.
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.
* The application period for the Post 9/11 Service Bonus is now closed as of June 30, 2024. Applications received before the window closed will still be processed *
The 2023 Legislative Session resulted in several changes that expanded Minnesota Veteran eligibility for the Post-9/11 Service Bonus to include:
MDVA began processing payments the week of July 25, 2022. Applicants can expect their mailed check approximately 12 weeks after approval.
The application opened July 7, 2022 and ran until June 30, 2024.
If it is determined that you may be eligible for the bonus, you will be directed to the application.
If it is determined through the pre-screening questions that you may not be eligible for the Post-9/11 Veteran Service Bonus, then you will be directed to your County Veteran Service Office for additional assistance or guidance.
This retrospective study of the Minnesota experience since 9/11 will chronicle individual service members and state units deployed overseas as well as a range of home-front stories. Minnesotans were in the towers, planes and Pentagon on September 11, among the first boots on the ground in Afghanistan and some of the very last to leave in 2021.
Minnesotans also served in long and repeated deployments to Iraq and across the greater Middle East. Closer to home, communities came together in new ways to support the families of those deployed and welcomed immigrants as it has done before. Together, these stories start to stitch together a shared state history in America’s longest war.
The resulting retrospective will be published as a PDF in the summer of 2023 and be made available to the public without charge. Published copies will be provided to schools and libraries.
Share your stories & photos here.
The application period began on July 7, 2022. The last day to apply is June 30, 2024, unless the funds have been exhausted prior to June 30, 2024.
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) has a long history of awarding service bonuses to Minnesota Veterans who served in America’s wars. 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.
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.
There are three tiers of the Post 9/11 Veteran Service Bonus.
If you have questions, we recommend you contact your County Veterans Service Officer for assistance or to answer any questions. You can also call the MDVA call center, LinkVet, at 888-LinkVet (888-546-5838).
Yes, Minnesota statute 197.79 provides all legal explanations and definitions.
Veteran’s or currently serving service-members must have one (1) of the following medals that was awarded during the eligibility period (September 11, 2001 – August 30, 2021) to be eligible for the $1,200 bonus:
The Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is charged with administering the Post 9/11 Veteran Service Bonus program. MDVA is in St. Paul Minnesota.
No, eligible applicants are awarded one (1) service bonus.
The approved applicants are Veterans, currently serving service-members, Veteran’s beneficiary, or Veteran’s guardian, conservator, or legally appointed personal representatives.
Veterans in Minnesota are defined under Minnesota statute 197.447 and does not include a member of the National Guard or reserve components of the United State armed forces ordered to active duty for the sole purposes of training.
Veteran also includes a person who is providing honorable service on active duty in the United State armed forces and has not been separated or discharged.
If you are uncertain of your Veteran status reach out to your County Veteran Service Officer for assistance.
If you have questions, we recommend you contact your County Veterans Service Officer for assistance or to answer any questions. You can also call the MDVA call center, LinkVet, at 888-LinkVet (888-546-5838).
If you have questions, we recommend you contact your County Veterans Service Officer for assistance or to answer any questions. You can also call the MDVA call center, LinkVet, at 888-LinkVet (888-546-5838).
The Veteran or currently serving service-member must have honorable federal service between September 11, 2001, and August 30, 2021.
For beneficiary applicants, the Veteran must have died between September 11, 2001 and August 30, 2021.
The application period began on July 7, 2022. The last day to apply is June 30, 2024, unless the funds have been exhausted prior to June 30, 2024.
The application period opened July 7, 2022. The last day to apply is June 30, 2024, unless the funds have been exhausted prior to June 30, 2024.
The online application is located at VetServiceBonus.mdva.mn.gov. You will be required to fill out a self-reported questionnaire prior to submitting an application that will assist in your eligibility of the Veteran service bonus program.
Once you have completed the questionnaire you will be asked if you have ever applied for the Minnesota GI Bill or the Veteran owned business certification. If you have applied for either of these programs in the past, you will use your existing email address and password to log into the application portal. You will be directed to the “Login” page.
If you have never applied for either of these programs, then you will be directed to the “create an account” page. It is important that you use an email address that you continuously monitor as this is the primary means of communication with you on the status of your service bonus.
After you are in the application portal, you will click on the “Post 9/11 Veteran Service Bonus” link. You must fill out all blocks and upload all supporting documentation to ensure your claim is processed quickly and correctly. If you do not upload the correct documents, your bonus may be delayed.
Once your complete application with all supporting documentation is reviewed and approved, we will submit a payment request to the State of Minnesota accounting service. All payments will be made by check (there is not a direct deposit option) and will go to the address you entered on the signed W-9 form. Checks are then mailed via the United States Postal Service. There may be factors that are outside MDVA’s control that may extend the processing time. We do not have an expedited mail process.
If you have questions, we recommend you contact your County Veterans Service Officer for assistance or to answer any questions. You can also call the MDVA call center, LinkVet, at 888-LinkVet (888-546-5838).
Important: The CVSO and LinkVet staff do not have access to the status of your claim. You can check the application status in your application portal.
Yes, we recommend you contact your County Veterans Service Office (CVSO) to answer questions or assist you with the applicant process. You can reach your CVSO from this link.
You can also call the MDVA call center, LinkVet, at 888-LinkVet (888-546-5838).
Important: The CVSO and LinkVet staff do not have access to the status of your claim. You can check the application status in your application portal.
Resident Veteran means a Veteran who served in active duty in the United States armed forces during the eligibility period (September 11, 2001 – August 30, 2021); and whose home of record at the time of entry into active service in the United States armed forces is listed as Minnesota; and who resides in Minnesota at the time of application with the intention of residing in the state of Minnesota and not for temporary purposes.
If you have questions on Minnesota residency, we recommend you contact your County Veterans Service Officer for assistance or to answer any questions. You can also call the MDVA call center, LinkVet, at 888-LinkVet (888-546-5838).
The bonus payments provided for by this section are gifts or gratuities given as a token of appreciation to eligible Veterans and are not compensation for services rendered. The payments are exempt from state taxation. Minnesota does not tax this payment on your Minnesota Form M1, Individual Income Tax. If your bonus was included in federal adjusted gross income (FAGI), you may subtract this amount on Schedule M1M, Income Additions and Subtractions.
Consult your Tax Advisor or call the IRS at 800-829-1040 for federal tax purpose questions.
The State of Minnesota payment and accounting system requires all persons who are receiving a payment from the State of Minnesota to fill out and sign a W-9 form.
Important: The address listed on the W-9 is the address where we will mail your service bonus check. We do not have an option for direct deposit.
It is important that you monitor the e-mail address you used to establish your account and log into the application portal. Throughout the entire process you will receive e-mail communications informing you of the status, if we need further supporting documentation, or if your application is approved or denied.
You can log into the application portal and click on the “Application Status” tab.
Important: The CVSO and LinkVet staff do not have access to the status of your claim. You can check the application status in your application portal.
No, all Veteran service bonus payments will be sent via check (warrant) from the State of Minnesota. It is important that a signed W-9 form with your current address is uploaded when you apply. We will use the address provided on the signed W-9 form as your mailing address.
It is very important that you submit a complete application with all supporting documentation. You will receive email notifications on the status of your bonus to the email you used to establish your account. If we are missing documents or the application is incomplete, we will notify you of what is missing. You will upload the missing documents in the application portal. You can also check the status of your application in the portal.
After 120 days without a response from the applicant on missing information or supporting documentation we will cancel the bonus application and the applicant will need to reapply.
If you have questions on documentation or how to apply, we recommend you contact your County Veterans Service Officer for assistance or to answer any questions. You can also call the MDVA call center, LinkVet, at 888-LinkVet (888-546-5838).
Important: The CVSO and LinkVet staff do not have access to the status of your claim. You can check the application status in your application portal.
This answer has many variables. It is the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs desire to process applications as quickly and thoroughly as possible.
First, to ensure a smooth application and approval process, we must have a complete application with all required supporting documentation. You will be required to fill out the online application and upload supporting documentation. Required documentation includes military eligibility, proof of Minnesota residency, a signed W-9 form with your current address. You may be required to upload other supporting documentation based on your application type. If your application is not complete, we will request further supporting documentation which may delay your application. You will have access to your application status in the application portal.
Second, the number of applicants we anticipate may slow down the process. To speed up your wait time, ensure your application is complete and all supporting documentation is uploaded at the time of your application.
Third, once your complete application with all supporting documentation is reviewed and approved, we will submit a payment request to the State of Minnesota accounting service. All payments will be made by check (there is not a direct deposit option) and will go to the address you entered on the signed W-9 form. Checks are then mailed via the United States Postal Service. We do not have an expedited mail process.
If you have any questions on the application or need assistance filling out the application, we recommend you contact your County Veterans Service Officer for assistance or to answer any questions. You can also call the MDVA call center, LinkVet, at 888-LinkVet (888-546-5838).
Important: The CVSO and LinkVet staff do not have access to the status of your claim. You can check the application status in your application portal.
Yes, if you have previously applied for the Minnesota GI Bill or Veteran owned business certification, you will use your existing email address and password to log into the Post 9/11 Service Bonus application. You will have the ability to reset your password in the portal.
If you have never applied for the Minnesota GI Bill or Veteran owned business certification, you will be directed to create an account and set your password.
At the time of your application, you will be required to upload supporting documents. You can prove your Minnesota residency by uploading one (1) of the following documents:
You may be eligible if Minnesota is listed as your home of record at time of entry and you are a current Minnesota resident. You will need to provide supporting documents demonstrating your home of record and residency status. Go to VetServiceBonus.mdva.mn.gov to apply and upload your documents.
A waiver is initiated if the MDVA staff person determines the applicant has met the basic eligibility requirements, but they chose the incorrect bonus amount based on the supporting documentation provided by the applicant. Applicants will receive an automated email explaining that MDVA determined that the bonus amount is lower than the applicant selected. The email directs the applicant to return the application portal and check the application status tab. Applicants will see the waiver disclaimer and language explaining the waiver process. The applicant must either select “Yes I agree” or “No I do not agree” with the MDVA’s determination of the lower amount. If the applicant accepts the waiver, the MDVA staff member will approve the lower amount and an approval email will be issued. If the applicant does not accept the waiver, the MDVA staff member must deny the application. An automated denial email will be issued to the applicant. If the applicant believes they have supporting documentation to overturn MDVA’s decision, they will have the opportunity to follow the appeal process.
Applicants must meet basic eligibility requirements per Minnesota Statute 197.79 and select the bonus amount they are eligible to receive.
Applicants must provide supporting documentation to meet the following basic eligibility requirements:
Applicants must select one of the amounts they are eligible to receive.
Applicants are encouraged to be patient with the process, monitor their email, and application status in the application portal.
Applicants should not upload any documentation unless requested by an MDVA staff person.
Below are possible scenarios where applicants will receive a waiver.
Scenario 1: Applicant does not have any of the qualifying medals and applied for $1200 bonus.
The proper bonus amount is $600 in this case.
Scenario 2: Applicant does not have any of the qualifying medals but DD214 shows service in qualifying country (Iraq/Afghanistan) and applied for $1200 bonus.
The proper bonus amount is $600 in this case.
Scenario 3: Applicant was awarded GWOT Service Medal and not any of the other qualifying medals and applied for the $1200 bonus.
The proper bonus amount is $600 in this case.
Scenario 4: Applicant was awarded Inherent Resolve Medal and no other qualifying medals and applied for the $1200 bonus.
The proper bonus amount is $600 in this case.
Scenario 5: Applicant received one of the qualifying medals and applied for the $2000 bonus.
The proper bonus amount is $1200 in this case/
Scenario 6: Applicant does not have any of the qualifying medals and applied for the $2000 bonus.
The proper bonus amount is $600 in this case.
Possibly. Minnesota Statute 197.79 does not address the location where the individual served but rather medals awarded during the qualifying period. Minnesota statute requires applicants provide supporting documentation that they have been awarded one of the qualifying medals during the qualifying period.
The Qualifying period of service: September 11, 2001 - August 30, 2021.
The qualifying medals are:
If you served in an imminent danger zone AND received one of the qualifying medals, AND earned the medal during the qualifying period, you may be eligible. Applicants must also meet minimum qualification requirements.
Yes, the State of Minnesota offers warrant (check) cashing services in the Centennial Building in St. Paul.
For more information visit their website.
Applicants must provide evidence that they have been awarded one of the five qualifying medals:
MDVA will accept the following official documents as evidence that the applicant has received one of the qualifying medals.
If you do not have a traditional bank account and find yourself having issues cashing the Service Bonus state check (warrant) we can offer you a ACH payment with your online account that will accept ACH deposits. Complete this form and email to: Efthelpline.MMB@state.mn.us. If you have question on this process please contact the Vendor Helpdesk at 651-201-8106.
