CVSO Office Updates
I hope all the veterans and families are having a wonderful summer!
New legislative updates, and a 2023 summary of the 117th Congressional Session.
The 2023 Legislative Session ended on May 22 after months of work at the State Capitol. For Veterans, the biggest highlight was the House and the Senate reaffirming their commitment to keep Veterans out of political games by passing a second consecutive Veterans Omnibus Bill that included the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) budget and more.
MDVA’s budget within the Veterans Omnibus bill funded operations for:
The Minnesota GI Bill was also amended to provide more educational assistance to qualified recipients per year as part of the lifetime benefit regardless of their status as a full- or part-time student.
There were also changes to the Post-9/11 Veteran Service Bonus Program, including funding that allows all current Minnesota resident Veterans to apply for the bonus. Previously Veterans were only eligible if they began their service in Minnesota and remained a resident. The other change was allowing Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal recipients to receive the highest bonus level.
Finally, the legislature funded new Veteran Community Health Navigators office at MDVA. This will establish a statewide community-based outreach program for Veterans and their families. The goal is to connect them with needed services either through the VA or other community-based providers, especially outside the metro area. The goal is to create a healthier statewide population, reduce mortality and morbidity and play a role in reducing Veteran suicide.
The Omnibus Bill also included more opportunities for Veterans that MDVA will oversee or partner with others.
- Camp Bliss in Walker, MN will provide retreats for Veterans and their families including therapy, activities and transportation to the camp. The grant can also be used for general maintenance.
- Veterans on the Lake in Ely, MN received a similar grant but will focus on therapy activities and transportation for Veterans and their families.
- Veterans Resilience Project was given funding to provide eye movement rapid desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy with a grant. The bill also allows spouses of Veterans and service members to receive the therapy.
- Metro Meals on Wheels was given funding to provide meals to Veterans in the Twin Cities Metro area.
- Minnesota Military and Veterans Museums in Little Falls, MN was given funding for both construction and operations to provide Veterans and their family museum services.
- The Every Third Saturday grant is for emergency assistance to Veterans and provides Veterans with internships.
- Veterans Campground on Big Marine Lake funding is to construct a new wastewater system.
The Omnibus Bill also established a Veteran Domiciliary Resident Quality of Care Working Group to review and analyze the acuity of domiciliary Residents and the current care model in place at the Minnesota Veterans Home Domiciliary Program being used. The working group will provide recommendations on staffing levels, care delivery model, staff training, management structure and outcomes to determine if staffing levels and care delivery are appropriate at current standards or if adjustments are needed. The group must finish its work and report to the Legislature by January 2024.
The Legislature is scheduled to return in February 2024, unless a special session is called.
 Jennifer Shumaker
County Veteran Service Officer
Veteran Services Office Snapshot
May 2023:
Total claims submitted to VA:
- Compensation: 119
- VA Healthcare: 9
- Dependency and Indemnity Compensation : 1
- Burial: 29
- Survivor’s Pension: 0
- CHAMPVA: 1
- Records Request: 8
- Special Monthly Pension: 0
Points of contact with veterans (office visits, incoming mail,
phone calls returned, emails returned, etc.): 507
Veterans in office: 96
Outreach visits: 5
Total phone calls: 437
Average number of calls per day: 14
Average call length: 2 minutes and 23 seconds
Karen's Korner
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Minnesota lawmakers passed legislation in May to provide ongoing funding for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The legislation establishes a new telecommunication fee on phone lines to support the 988 Lifeline infrastructure in Minnesota. The telecommunication fee will not go into effect until January 1, 2024.
988 chat and text services have been expanded in Minnesota. Two Minnesota Lifeline Centers have begun answering chats and texts routed from Minnesota area codes and zip codes. This means people connecting to the 988 Lifeline from Minnesota area codes and zip codes will receive more localized resources and support.
If you or someone you know are experiencing a suicide, mental health, or substance use crisis or experience any other type of emotional distress and need someone to talk to, you can call or text 988 or chat online at 988lifeline.org.
Medical Equipment Available
Are you in need of medical equipment, such as a wheelchair (both manual and electric), walker, electric hospital bed, crutches, etc? Do you have medical equipment that you want to donate to other people in need?
The Kasson American Legion has medical equipment for use by anyone in the area (veterans, cancer patients, accident victims). The equipment is free to use and all they ask is that you return it when you are done so someone else can use it.
For more information, please call Dick Denny at (507) 259-2081 or Dale Wellik at (507) 374-2766. Equipment pick up and drop off is by appointment only.
What is eBenefits??
eBenefits is a joint VA/DoD web portal that provides resources and self-service capabilities to Veterans, Service members, and their families to research, access and manage their VA and military benefits and personal information. eBenefits uses secure credentials to allow access to personal information and gives users the ability to perform numerous self-service functions. It also provides a list of links to other sites that provide information about military and Veteran benefits. It is an essential way for
Veterans, Service members, and their families to receive access to and service from VA and DoD.
What can I do in eBenefits?
Some of the features within eBenefits allow Veterans and Service members to access official military personnel documents, view the status of their disability compensation claim, transfer entitlement of Post-9/11 GI Bill to eligible dependents (Service members only), and register for and update direct deposit information for certain benefits. For a full list of features, see below. New features are being added regularly.
How do I access eBenefits?
eBenefits is located at www.ebenefits.va.gov. Before Veterans can access and use eBenefits they must be listed in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) and obtain a DS Logon. Service members can access eBenefits with a DS Logon or Common Access Card (CAC). They can choose from two levels of registration, DS Logon Level 1 (Basic) and DS Logon Level 2 (Premium). Note: If Veterans attempt to register and are informed they have no DEERS record, VA will first need to verify their
military service and add them to DEERS. All VA Regional Offices have staff familiar with procedures for adding a Veteran to DEERS.
What is a DS Logon?
A DS Logon is a secure identity (username and password) that is used by various DoD and VA websites, including eBenefits. If you are already registered in DEERS, you are eligible for a DS Logon. Once you have a DS Logon, it’s valid for the rest of your life.
How do I register for an eBenefits account?
You can register for an eBenefits account online using the eBenefits DS Logon Account Registration Wizard. There are two types of registration, Basic and Premium. You will be walked through a series of questions to assist you in obtaining a Premium eBenefits Account, which gives you the highest level of access to eBenefits features. With a Premium Account you can view personal data about yourself in VA and DoD systems, apply for benefits online, check the status of your claims, update your address records, and more. To get a Premium eBenefits Account, you must verify your identity.
Many people will be able to verify their identity online by answering a few security questions. Service members may verify their identity online by using their CAC. Military retirees may verify their identity online using their Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) Logon. For those unable to verify their identity online, you will instantly receive a Basic Account. A Basic eBenefits Account lets you customize the site and access information you enter into eBenefits yourself; however, you cannot see your
personal information in VA or DoD systems. However, there are other options available to you. Veterans in receipt of VA benefits via direct deposit may have their identity verified by calling 1-800-827-1000. Others may need to visit a VA Regional Office to have their identities verified in person.
eBenefits Features
If you are a Veteran:
- Apply for Veterans benefits online-New claims
- Check on your compensation or pension claims status-links to VA.gov
- Upload documents to support your compensation or pension claim
- Check Post-9/11 GI Bill enrollment status
- View DoD TRICARE health insurance
- Sign up for Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI) (Time limits apply)
- Search for and select an accredited representative or organization
- Order prescription medications
- Message your physician securely
- Access your medical information via Blue Button
- Order medical equipment such as hearing aid batteries and prosthetic socks
- Check on your appeal status
- Generate a VA home loan certificate of eligibility
- Obtain official military personnel documents such as DD Form 214
- Register for and update direct deposit information for certain benefits
If you are a Service member:
- Use the eLearning Center for the online transition assistance program and more
- Transfer Post-9/11 education benefits
- View DoD TRICARE health insurance
- View DoD TRICARE reserve select
- Sign up for Service member out-of-pocket medical expenses (CCD)
- View Service members' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) elections
- Apply for Veterans benefits online
- Conduct a health benefits eligibility check
- Update Service member civilian employment information
- View Service member personnel information
- Generate a VA home loan certificate of eligibility
If you are a Family Member of a Veteran or Service member:
- Check on your compensation and pension claims status
- Use the eLearning Center to get important health information
- View Post-9/11 GI Bill enrollment status
- Check your VA payment history
For More Information visit www.ebenefits.va.gov
Empower Treatment Center Grand Re-Opening
Empower Treatment Center is hosting a grand re-opening, and they would love to you to join them!! The event will be open house style. They look forward to sharing information regarding their current programs and those on the horizon, including a new veteran specific outpatient program!
Please feel free to reach out to Ashley Laganiere if you have any questions and PLEASE share this with others.
WHEN: Friday, July 14, 2023
11 am
Where: 602 – 11th Avenue NW
Rochester, MN 55901
PRIZES FOOD FACILITY TOUR
Post-9/11 Veteran Service Bonus
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.
Application Process
Due to the large volume of applications, users may experience some issues with the application portal. Thank you for your patience.
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 will run until June 30, 2024, or until funds have been exhausted.
Who is Eligible: Veterans, currently serving service members, veteran’s beneficiaries or veteran’s guardians, conservators or legally appointed person representatives. Veterans in Minnesota are defined under Minnesota statute 197.447. Visit the website for more details
Visit the application portal, review and answer the initial pre-screening questions to assist in determining your eligibility.
If it is determined that you may be eligible for the bonus, you will be directed to the application.
- If you have previously applied for the Minnesota GI Bill or Veteran Owned Business Certification, you will login with your existing username and password.
- If you have never applied for the Minnesota GI Bill or Veteran Owned Business certification, you will be prompted to create an account.
There are three tiers of the Post-9/11 Veteran Service Bonus: $600, $1,200 and $2,000. Visit the website for more details.
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.
Please see the MDVA website for Frequently Asked Questions.
**UPDATE**
Governor Walz Signs Veterans and Military Affairs Bill into Law
On May 15, 2023, Governor Tim Walz signed into law a comprehensive veterans and military affairs bill that will move the state closer to its goal of becoming the fourth state to end veteran homelessness, expand service bonuses for veterans, fund Veteran’s Homes, and invest in the readiness of the Minnesota National Guard.
Service and Retention Bonuses
The bill includes an additional $15 million for service bonuses for post-9/11 era veterans and Gold Star Families and $3 million for reenlistment bonuses for members of the Minnesota National Guard. The bill also expands eligibility for the 9/11 bonuses to include veterans who currently live in Minnesota but were not Minnesota residents when they entered service.
Veterans COLA Increase
On June 14, 2023, the president signed into law S. 777, the Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2023, which authorizes a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for veterans receiving Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability compensation, clothing allowance, and survivors receiving dependency indemnity compensation (DIC) payments. To view Public Law 118-6, click here.
VA adjusts veterans’ monthly disability compensation amounts based on the yearly change in the cost of living as determined by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Later this year, SSA will announce the exact percentage of increase. We will inform you of the percentage when it is announced. The COLA adjustment will be effective December 2023, and will be reflected in January 2024 compensation payments.
Women Veterans Over 40 Discussion Group
This group will provide an opportunity for women veterans 40 years old and over to come together for support and community while learning creative ways to choose joy, spread joy and receive joy using evidence-based approaches to support stress relief, resilience, productivity and healthy living.
Sessions include:
* Discussion on relevant physical, emotional, spiritual health and wellness
topics
* SMART goal development and accountability
* Aromatherapy education for overall wellness and application for targeted
support
* Education and preparation of aroma stick, rollerball or spray for application
at home
Hosted by: Dr. Letticia N. Callies, DMin, MA, CCA
Where: VFW Post 1215 (back conference room)
2775 - 43rd Street NW
Rochester, MN 55901
When: Tuesdays - July 11th (due to 4th of July holiday), August 1,
September 5, October 3, November 7 and December 5
Time: 6 - 8 pm
ID Cards at the Rochester VA Clinic
VA ID Cards may be obtained at the Rochester VA Clinic by appointment only on the following dates:
July 20, 2023
September 21, 2023
November 16, 2023
Please call the VA at 1-866-414-5058 to make an appointment in Rochester.
*The Minneapolis VA Medical Center issues ID cards daily.
Click HERE for more information on veteran ID cards.
PTSD Support Group
Olmsted County Veteran Services is offering a support group for veterans that have been diagnosed with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), or those who have signs and symptoms of PTSD, and their family members. Sometimes the most painful injuries aren't physical. Whether it's PTSD, TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury), combat stress or any other mental health condition, we're here to help you get through it. The group is facilitated by Jennifer Shumaker, veteran and Olmsted County Veterans Service Officer.
Where: VFW Post 1215
2775 - 43rd Street NW
Rochester, MN 55901
When: July 27, August 31, September 28, October 26,
November 30 and December 28
Time: 6:30 to 8 pm
For more information, please contact: jennifer.shumaker@olmstedcounty.gov
State Soldiers Assistance Program
(SSAP) Providing benefits for Minnesota Veterans for 100 years!!
The State Soldiers Assistance Program (SSAP) has provided a variety of benefits for Minnesota Veterans and their families for the past 100 years.
Talk to your County Veterans Service Officer today to learn more about these benefits and others that you may be eligible for!
Dental: Provides $1,500 in annual dental assistance and $6,500 in lifetime assistance for extractions and dentures to Veterans, spouses, and dependents.
Optical: Provides $600 in annual optical assistance to Veterans, spouses, and dependents for exams, prescription eye-wear and contact lenses.
Disaster Relief Grants: Provides financial assistance, upon activation by the Governor, for individuals impacted by a natural disaster.
Veteran Relief Grants: Provides broad financial assistance to a Veteran or surviving spouse.
Subsistence: Provides a form of short-term disability to Veterans and surviving spouses who cannot work at their normal occupation for at least 30 days or to surviving spouses within a year of the passing of the Veteran. Assistance includes rent/mortgage, utilities, health care premiums, and cash assistance.
Surviving Spouse and Dependent Education: Provides a tuition waiver and an annual $750 stipend to surviving spouses or dependents of certain veterans at any University or College within the M-State or University of Minnesota systems. Benefits are available until a Bachelor’s degree is attained, regardless of age.
Housing/Voucher Deposit Assistance Program (VDAP): Covers the security deposit for any Veteran or surviving spouse who is moving into subsidized housing and in receipt of a housing choice voucher.
More details online at: MinnesotaVeteran.org/Benefits
Guiding Partners to Solutions
New outreach program connects social workers with residents in need in various community locations
Olmsted County, in partnership with Family Service Rochester, is pleased to bring its Guiding Partners to Solutions (GPS) program to residents in need at various community locations.
GPS is a team of social workers that serves county residents struggling to connect with resources or services they may need. GPS works to reduce barriers and connect individuals and families with housing, cash, food, and insurance assistance and provides help in applying for these benefits.
Guiding Partners to Solutions (GPS) social workers will be available at the following locations:
- Tuesdays, 8 – 10 am
Riverside Central Elementary School
506 - 5th Avenue SE, Rochester NOTE: This is only open to families
with children at Riverside Central. This is NOT open to the public.
- Tuesdays, 3 – 5 pm
The Hylands apartment community
2800 Charles Ct. NW, Rochester
- Thursdays, 11:30 am – 1 pm
The Salvation Army Social Services Center
115 - 1st Avenue NE, Rochester
- Thursdays, 1:30 – 5 pm
Rochester Public Library
101 - 2nd Street SE, Rochester
Saturday Meal Programs
Christ United Methodist Church
400 – 5th Avenue SW, Rochester, MN
Saturday Noon Meal Program
* 11 am: coffee, hot chocolate and light snacks
* Noon: Hot meal served
Please enter the church via the west door on 5th Avenue and join us in the lower level of the church in Wesley Hall
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Holy Cross Lutheran Church
Ruby's Pop-Up Pantry
2703 - 9th Avenue NW, Rochester, MN
Ruby’s Pantry is for ANYONE that eats! There is no income or residency requirement and Ruby’s Pantry is for anyone looking to extend their monthly grocery budget. Each guest donates a $25 donation and receives an abundance of grocery items. Please bring two totes or baskets. Drive thru distribution. Ruby’s Pantry is not government funded and is a 501 C3. Each donation is used to cover operational costs like trucking, gas, and warehouse staff. All of the food is donated by corporate food donors making it possible to reach more families each month at locations across Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Next Pop-Up Pantry is Saturday, July 8, 2023
DAYS AND HOURS: 2nd Saturday of the Month. Registration begins at 9 am. Food bundles available 9 -10:30 am
Seasons Hospice Ongoing & Special Programs
All grief group participants of Seasons Hospice must be registered 24 hours in advance. To register or for more information, click on the blue button and you will be directed to their website.
Jobs at the MN Department of Veterans Affairs
Interested in serving Veterans? Looking to make a difference in your community? Consider a career with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA)! Roles in healthcare, nursing, facilities management and program management are featured below. MDVA proudly offers competitive pay, generous benefits as a State of MN employee, welcoming and supportive teams, and most importantly, meaningful careers.
To see full job posting and apply:
1. Go to https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/ and select your applicant type:
External Applicants or Current Employees or Accessible Applicant Portal.
2. On the Careers landing page, enter the Job ID in the Search Jobs field.
Click on the posting.
3. Select “Apply for Job” button. New users will need to create an applicant
account to apply.
JOBS
Local Service Organization Meetings
For a full list of local organizations and meetings, please click on the blue button.
"To promote the interests and welfare of veterans, their dependents and survivors and to enhance their quality of life through counseling, claims assistance, education, advocacy and special projects."
2100 Campus Dr. SE, Suite 200
Rochester, MN 55904
507-328-6355
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