Veterans Resources and Links
Education resources
- Dependent and Survivor Education
- Education (GI Bill) 1.888.442.4551
- Eligibility and Application for the Dependents and Survivors Educational Assistance Program (DEAP, Chapter 35)
- Higher Education Veterans Programs Regional Coordinators
- Minnesota Army National Guard Education Office Contact Information
- Minnesota Department of Human Services Child Care Assistance Program
- Minnesota DVA War Orphans Education Assistance
- Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Higher Education Programs
- Minnesota Schools and Training Progrmas Approved for VA Education Benefits
- MDVA Surviving Spouse/Dependent Education Benefit (MN)
- Resources for Educators and Parents
- Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP, Chapter 32)
Veterans' healthcare
VA Medical Center
- Dental Insurance for Veterans Enrolled in VA Medical Center
- Veterans Affairs Affordable Care Act
- VA Health Benefits
- VA Health Care Income Thresholds
- VA Health Care
- VA Medical Center Co-pay Information
- VA Medical Center Priority Groups
- VA Public Health
Other Health Care Resources
- TRICARE Medical and dental programs for active duty service and retired members of the uniformed services, their family members and survivors who are registered in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS).
- CHAMPVA Health care benefits program for eligible spouses or widows.
- Urgent Care for Veterans with Mental Health Issues Walk-in crisis services for adults in Ramsey, Dakota and Washington Counties.
- Minnesota Veterans Homes Oversees health care in 5 facilities throughout Minnesota, keeping in mind the special needs of veterans.
- My HealtheVet VA's new online gateway to veteran health benefits and services with access to trusted health information, links to Federal and VA benefits and resources, personal health journal and online VA prescription refills.
Additional resources
Assistance
Burial and memorial
Employment
- City of Saint Paul Employment Website
- MN Vet Employment Representatives
- Ramsey County Job Opportunities
- State of MN Careers
- The Federal Government Official Job Site
- The MN Veterans Preference Act
- Veterans Employment Center
Financial
Forms
The following are commonly used VA forms:
- VA Form 10-10 EZ Application for Health Benefits
- CR-HEV, Homestead Exclusion for a Veteran with a Disability (PDF)
- Standard Form SF 180 (Order Military Records/Awards)
- VA Form 21-4138 Statement in Support of Claim
- VA Form 24-0296 Direct Deposit Enrollment/Change of Enrollment
- VA Form 20-572, Request for Change of Address/Cancellation of Direct Deposit
- VA Form 21-686c, Declaration of Status of Dependents
- VA Form 21-527, Income Net Worth and Employment Statement
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if I am a veteran?
Review the description of a veteran on the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs website.
How can I get a copy of my military discharge paper (DD 214)?
The National Personnel Records Center can provide this information upon request by submitting a signed and dated Standard Form 180. Requests can take up to 90 days. If you were a Ramsey County resident upon discharge from active military service it is possible that a copy of your discharge document is in the Ramsey County or State of Minnesota database. Contact our office and we can take a look.
How can I get a veterans ID card?
The U.S. Government does not issue a "Veteran ID Card" to all veterans. However, there are a few instances where a veteran may qualify to receive a government issued ID card that notates veteran status:
What is VA Disability Compensation?
Disability compensation is a benefit given to veterans who are disabled because of disease or injury incurred or aggravated during active duty service.
How do I sign up for care at the VA Medical Center?
The U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides many ways to apply for enrollment for VA health care.
What is Aid & Attendance (non-service connected pension)?
Those eligible for VA pension who require the aid and attendance of another person or are housebound may be eligible for additional compensation, commonly referred to as Aid & Attendance.
Can the dependents and survivors of a veteran receive benefits?
The VA offers a variety of benefits and services to spouses, children, and parents of Service members and Veterans who are deceased or totally and permanently disabled by a service-connected disability.
Can I have a "veteran" designation on my MN Driver’s License?
As of June 2015, the MN Department of Driver and Vehicle Services informed us that they are not yet able to have a VETERAN designation printed on the cards. They indicated they do not have an estimated time when that might be available.
Can I get a free fishing license if I am a disabled veteran?
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources offers several Licensing, Lottery, Safety Exemptions & Benefits to Military Personnel and veterans.
24-hour support
Connects Veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat or text.
LinkVet is staffed by a team of support specialists trained through the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) to be a one-stop service center for MN Veterans and their families 1-888-546-5838.
A confidential Department of Defense-funded program providing comprehensive information on every aspect of military life at no cost to active duty, National Guard, reserve members, and their families 1-800-342-9647.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
A 24-hour, toll-free suicide prevention service available to anyone in suicidal crisis. Call for yourself or someone you care about. Your call is free and confidential. 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and Press 1.
A voluntary, anonymous mental health and alcohol self-assessment and referral program.
Veterans Court
Ramsey County Veterans Court is a joint effort designed to recognize that veterans may be struggling as a result of their service to our country and those collateral consequences may have contributed to their contact with the criminal justice system. We collaborate to identify eligible veterans who have been charged with a crime and connect them to the services they’ve earned to address any underlying problems they may be experiencing.