Minnesota Moves To Give Financial Relief to Veterans

Many states are trying to figure out how to help their residents deal with the massive impact caused by COVID-19 pandemic, and the results are staggering. In so many places, the devastating economic effects this pandemic has had on everyday people has been tremendous. Millions of people, over ten million people, have filed for unemployment as of April, and it looks like that number is only going up. For people all over the country living paycheck-to-paycheck, for millions who have lost their livelihood, the shutdown of the economy has hurt so many. And Governors all over the country are trying to figure out a way to help, some through grant programs for small businesses and nonprofits, and in Minnesota, there may be an additional opportunity for veterans who have been impacted by the pandemic.

In Minnesota, Governor Tim Walz has announced that veterans who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible for financial assistance from the Minnesota Department of Veteran Affairs. The MDVA has been allocated $6.2 million as part of an emergency response program package that the Main Legislature passed to provide financial assistance to people in the state impacted by COVID-19.

Here’s how this program will work:

Veterans or surviving spouse of a veteran (as designated by MN Statute 197.447) who have been financially impacted by this crisis can apply for a one time grant of $1,000.

Requirements for this grant:

• Eligible applicants must be a veteran or the surviving spouse of a deceased veteran.
• Eligible applicants must be Minnesota residents
• Eligible applicants must have been financially negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, i.e., losing a job or source of income

Gov. Tim Walz has said that he is committed to helping veterans throughout this crisis:

“Our veterans—those who raised their hand to serve our country—deserve our support during this challenging time, I encourage all veterans who may be struggling as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic to apply for a grant.”

It is impressive to see Minnesota stepping up to help vulnerable veterans, and ensuring that people across the state can see some financial relief during this chaotic time.

Minnesota Department of Veteran Affairs Commissioner, Larry Herke, spoke on the Maine government taking the initiative to help veterans during this pandemic:

“We are grateful to Governor Walz, and the Minnesota Legislature for their support of Minnesota Veterans in the recently enacted Emergency Response package, Minnesota Veterans have served our country in many past conflicts, so it is only right that we support them now during this challenging time.”

Interested applicants can apply for this grant by either contacting their local County Veterans Service Officer, or MDVA Field Operations Representative at FO.MDVA@state.mn.us. Additional grants for Minnesota veterans are listed on GrantWatch.com