Last updated April 24, 2024
When to use:
Caller has questions about veteran's benefits.
Refer questions about veterans benefits to a local County Veteran Service Office (CVSO) or Tribal Veteran Service Office (TVSO). The Link Vet also provides Minnesota veterans and their family members with general information about VA Benefits, but typically refers to the CVSO/TVSO. 1-888-LinkVet / 1-888-546-5838
Below are some benefits a veteran or their family member might qualify for as initial talking points.
Aid and attendance or housebound:
VA Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits provide monthly payments added to the amount of a monthly VA pension for qualified veterans and survivors who need help with daily activities or are housebound.
Burial and funeral allowance:
Burial allowances (sometimes called veterans death benefits) help to cover burial, funeral and transportation costs of a veteran.
Compassionate contact corps:
The Compassionate Contact Corps is a virtual social program where trained volunteers are matched with veterans who are experiencing loneliness or are socially isolated.
Health insurance:
Veterans, their dependents and survivors (widow/er) have different options for health benefits based on many factors. Options include Veterans Health Care Program, VA Civilian Health and Medical Program (CHAMPVA), TRICARE or TRICARE For Life, and Medicare benefits.
Legal services:
Veterans may have access to free legal support through the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV).
Presumptive disability benefits:
VA presumes that certain disabilities were caused by military service. This is because of the unique circumstances of a specific veteran's military service. If a presumed condition is diagnosed in a veteran in a certain group, they can be awarded disability compensation. More information may be found at Presumptive Disability Benefits.
Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers - PCAFC:
Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) is for eligible veterans who have incurred or aggravated a serious injury in the line of duty. This program provides resources, education, support, a financial stipend and health insurance (if eligible), beneficiary travel (if eligible), to caregivers of eligible veterans.
Minnesota Department of Veteran Affairs benefits:
Minnesota Department of Veteran Affairs offers benefits unique to Minnesota veterans.
Minnesota Post-9/11 Veteran Service Bonus:
Minnesota Post-9/11 Veteran Service Bonus is funding for eligible veterans who served from 9/11/01 to 8/30/21. The application period began July 7, 2022. The last day to apply is June 30, 2024, unless the funds have been exhausted prior to June 30, 2024.
Minnesota Service CORE:
Minnesota Service CORE is a program designed to bring essential, community-based services directly to veterans and their families across Minnesota at no cost to them.
Veteran Directed Care (VDC) Program (only available in MNRAAA region):
Veteran Directed Care (VDC) Program is a collaborative partnership between the Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging (MNRAAA) and the Veterans Health Administration. The program provides services to Veterans to help them remain in their home or the home of a loved one, with the support of paid caregivers and purchased services such as:
- Help with personal care, medications and meals
- Rides, errands, housekeeping
- Memory care support
- Personal Emergency Response system
- Caregiver education, coaching and relief care
- Modifying or maintaining your home
- Good to support your independence
- Adult day services
Working with a VA Health Care System’s Community Health Nurse and a case manager with the Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging, the Veteran develops a plan to meet their care needs. The Veteran decides what goods and services are needed for them to live independently.
The program is self-directed, which allows the Veteran to manage the care services with the help of a care consultant and financial management provider. It is built on the premise that the individual receiving care has the right and ability to assess and determine how and by whom they receive care.
To learn more about the Veteran Directed Care Program, contact MNRAAA at 507-387-1256.
Veterans Directed Services | MN River Area Agency on Aging (mnraaa.org)
**Patriot Angels:
Several callers have inquired about using Patriot Angels. This program charges at least $1,000 to assist veterans and spouses.
The Minnesota County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs) in the caller's county will provide the same services for free. Encourage them to call LinkVet (1-888-546-5838) or connect directly with their CVSO.