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Minnesota has begun the process of safely reopening. As we return to work and activities we enjoy, we have a shared responsibility to look out for each other and save lives. Together, as One Minnesota, we will implement our Stay Safe Plan, make data-driven decisions and stay ahead of COVID-19. Learn more at StaySafe.mn.gov
As we respond to COVID-19, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) remains committed to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. We are following CDC, CMS and Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) guidance. Changes in our operations continue to provide a safe environment for both the Veterans and families we serve and our employees.
Minnesota State Veterans Homes
For updated information on how the Minnesota Veterans Homes are responding COVID-19 and the most up to date policies in place, please visit our COVID-19 Veterans Homes page.
Minnesota State Veterans Cemeteries
For updated information on how the Minnesota State Veterans Cemeteries are responding COVID-19 and the most up to date policies in place (including policy updates effective June 10th), please visit our COVID-19 State Veterans Cemeteries page.
General agency updates and other resources
For information on financial assistance for Veterans, GI Bill payments to Veteran students, and other COVID-19 related resources, please visit our MDVA COVID-19 Response page.
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The National Alliance on Mental Illness - Minnesota is putting out Zoom meetings for mindfulness, stress support, and some counseling.
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Are you a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one? Connect with the Veterans Crisis Line to reach caring, qualified responders with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Many of them are Veterans themselves.
You can reach the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255, press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line, or text to 838255, or chat online 24/7/365
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Attention Veterans: If you think you have been exposed to COVID‑19 and develop a fever and symptoms such as cough or difficulty breathing, or if you are feeling sick or ill with other symptoms, your first step is to CALL the VA Health Care System at:
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Minneapolis: 612-467-1100
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Fargo: 701-239-3700 extension 2319
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St. Cloud: 320-252-1670, or 800-247-1739
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Sioux Falls: 605-336-3230 or 605-336-5001
The medical staff will advise you on next steps based on your symptoms. In a medical emergency, call 911.
As we face this challenging time together, we know that some of our Veterans have experienced interruptions in employment resulting in health care coverage. We want those Veterans to know, VA is here. Please contact us at VA.gov, or call us at 1-877-222-VETS (8387). If you are a Veteran in need, or know a Veteran, please share with them.
MDVA has had a tremendous response to the COVID-19 Disaster Relief and Special Needs Grants for Minnesota Veterans. We began accepting applications on Monday, April 6 and have received over 4,700 applications to date. We are striving to complete application processing as soon as possible.
Eligible applicants must be:
- A Veteran or the surviving spouse of a deceased Veteran as defined by MN Statute 197.447;
- A Minnesota Resident, and;
- Negatively financial impacted by COVID-19.
It’s easy to apply:
- Veterans can apply for the Disaster Relief Grant on our website.
- To apply for the Special Needs Grant, Veterans should work with their County Veterans Service Officer.
Applications will continue to be accepted until the $6.2 million in funds are depleted. Veterans can apply through their County Veterans Service Officers or online at MinnesotaVeteran.org/COVIDRelief
COVID-19 Disaster Relief Grant application status
The MDVA team is working as quickly as possible to process the applications for the COVID-19 grants. Some applicants have already received their checks.
As applications are uploaded into our system, we send an email to applicants to confirm that step has been completed. If we need any additional information to support your application, we will email you. Thank you for your patience while the MDVA COVID-19 team works diligently to input and process the applications.
The current estimated processing time is approximately 21 business days.
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The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is working directly with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and U.S. Treasury Department to ensure delivery of ‘Economic Impact Payments’ to Veterans and survivors who receive Compensation and Pension (C&P) benefit payments from VA without additional paperwork or IRS filings.
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The needs of Minnesota Veterans do not diminish during this time, and MDVA needs staff to serve and care for our Veterans. We have a significant need for Certified Nursing Assistants and Resident Assistants in our Veterans Homes.
Working for the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is a rewarding career with great State of Minnesota Benefits. If you know anyone seeking a fulfilling career supporting Minnesota Veterans and their families, please encourage them to explore opportunities with MDVA.
Interested in working at MDVA? You can sign-up here to receive employment information directly from our Human Resources department.
A full listing of positions can be found at the Minnesota Careers website. Some of our current job openings include:
Fergus Falls
Hastings
Luverne
Minneapolis
Silver Bay
Across generations and across the centuries, Americans have answered the call to duty, and many paid the ultimate price. No greater sacrifice could ever be asked of an individual. The service of these Veterans has impacted the life of every single citizen of this great nation. It is for that sacrifice that we salute all our fallen comrades each Memorial Day.
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) held a virtual Memorial Day program this year in place of live events at the three State Veterans Cemeteries where past years drew thousands of visitors.
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The Warrior Writers Workshop provides a safe space for Veterans to tell their own stories, using prompts and discussion covering a variety of military issues and experiences. This workshop encourages sharing stories, opinions, and ideas for productive writing, reflecting, storytelling, and art-making. The Warrior Writers Workshop is for all Veterans, regardless of era, combat, deployment or experience with the arts.
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If you are a small business owner impacted by COVID-19, you are encouraged to apply to the federally funded Paycheck Protection Program for support. First come, first served. An additional $320 billion was authorized last week to aid small businesses. This bill also appropriates $60 billion more for the SBA Disaster Loan Program. Nearly 5,000 lenders are participating in the program, including many community banks and credit unions. Contact your lender to get started!
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The Federal VA’s National Cemetery Administration (NCA) continues to honor Veterans during these challenging times. Due to the current public health crisis, Veterans are being interred without the customary committal services and funeral honors.
While they work with families to schedule committal services once the crisis passes, they want to honor and remember these Veterans now. This new webpage page came about as a result of not being able to provide committal services due to the COVID-19 crisis. The site provides an opportunity to remember those Veterans interred during this crisis and reflects interments in Federal cemeteries starting on April 13. Each day, NCA will add the names; branch of service and location of burial for each Veteran interred in a national cemetery on the previous day.
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