The disability and pension applications are the most complex in the VA system. Our veterans services representatives can help you access the benefits you're entitled to, as quickly as possible.

Disability compensation

A tax-free benefit paid to a veteran because of an injury or illness that happened while on active or reserve duty, or made worse by military service

Pension

Supplemental benefits to help eligible low-income veterans and their families cope with financial challenges

Veterans pension

For veterans with qualifying wartime dates of service

Survivors pension

For some family members of deceased veterans with wartime dates of service:

• Surviving spouse who has not remarried
• Unmarried children

Eligible veterans and survivors who are housebound or require the aid and attendance of another person may receive additional benefits.

Market value exclusion on homestead property

Reduces property tax burden by a set amount for:

• Permanently and totally disabled veterans, as determined by the VA
• Veterans with a 70 percent disability rating or higher, as determined by the VA
• Surviving spouses of veterans who received this exclusion
• Surviving spouses of service members who die while in active service
• Primary family caregivers of qualifying veterans

Veterans services representatives can help you enroll in free or reduced-cost medical and dental care from select providers. Your representative can coordinate these benefits with your insurance and other coverage.

Medical

Preventive, medical, rehabilitative and other services and programs you may not expect

Dental

Vouchers for low-income veterans and some dependents to cover routine care, extractions and dentures

Optical

Annual vouchers for low-income veterans and some dependents to cover eye exams and prescription eye wear, including contact lenses

Women’s health

Medical services at the Women Veterans Comprehensive Health Center from primary care to specialized care for chronic conditions and reproductive health

Veterans services representatives can help with resolving emergency situations.

Housing assistance

Housing resources to support staying where you are or finding a new place to live

Homelessness

Support for veterans experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness provided in collaboration with the VA’s Community Resources and Referral Center, and other community partners

Chemical health

Referrals to assessment and treatment programs

Suicide prevention

Veterans and service members can get help from specially trained veterans for a range of issues, including mental health, transitioning back to civilian life and coping with loss.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, free, confidential support. Call 1-800-273-8255 or visit the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline's veterans page for more information.

Help is available for veterans with mental health needs. If you need assistance finding a resource, contact a veterans services representative at 612-348-3300.

Mental health crisis resources

Veterans do not need to be enrolled in the VA system to receive support during a mental health crisis.

Veterans Crisis Line

The Veterans Crisis Line provides 24/7, free, confidential support. Veterans can connect with a caring, qualified responder via phone, text or online chat.

• Phone: Dial 988 and press 1 
• Text: 838255
• Chat online with a VA responder at the Veterans Crisis Line’s website.
• TTY users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 followed by 1-800-273-8255

Emergency Hospital Care

Veterans at risk of immediate self-harm can get free emergency care at their nearest emergency department. Other costs may also be covered, including ambulance transportation and follow-up outpatient care for up to 90 days. Learn more and find out if you’re eligible.

Mental Health Crisis Mobile Team

Veterans who are experiencing a mental health crisis in Hennepin County can receive free assistance 24/7 from the Cope mobile crisis team. Responders may come to you and help manage an immediate crisis, then connect you to additional supports. Call Cope at 612-596-1223. 

For more information about Cope, visit www.hennepin.us/cope.

Veterans Administration resources

Community Resource and Referral Center

The Community Resource and Referral Center provides in-person care, counseling and rehabilitation for veterans struggling with serious mental health issues.

Veteran centers

Veterans and their families face many adjustments upon returning from combat. Veteran centers offer individual and group counseling in areas such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), alcohol and drug assessment, and suicide prevention referrals. In addition to physical locations, mobile veteran center counselors and outreach workers offer these same services where you live or work. Find a location.

Minneapolis VA Health Care System

The Minneapolis VA Health Care System offers support and treatment for veterans who are experiencing challenges with mental health and addictions. Services are available at the Minneapolis VA and community clinics.

Military sexual trauma

Veterans who are experiencing mental and physical health issues related to sexual trauma that occurred while in the military can receive free and confident treatment from trained county staff. Military sexual trauma includes sexual assault, coercion or repeated threatening sexual harassment.

Staff can assist with filing a service-connected compensation claim through the Veterans Benefits Administration, as well as with sharing available counseling and treatment options through the VA Health Care network.

Hennepin County Veterans Court

Hennepin County's Veterans Court serves veterans struggling with addiction, serious mental illness and/or co-occurring disorders.

Veterans services representatives can help you obtain burial benefits for veterans and eligible family members in federal, state or private cemeteries. The burial assistance program can assist with final expenses when families don’t have the resources to do so themselves.

National cemetery administration

State veterans cemeteries

Hennepin County burial assistance