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Benefits and Services for Veterans

by Mikki Morrissette
in , , ,

 

General Benefits

Anyone who has served, whether in combat or peacetime, has earned benefits such as service-connected disability compensation, home loans, employment services, veteran­–owned small business programs, burial services, life insurance, and pensions for veterans and survivors. Maternity care is offered, as well as treatment for military harassment and assault. The new PACT Act expands health care and benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. It adds to the list of health conditions the VA presumes are caused by exposure to these substances.

va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits;
00w@va.gov; 1-855-829-6636

Mental Health Concerns

An average of 100 Minnesota veterans die by suicide each year. Two-thirds of these deaths are by guns. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, a locked gun can make a difference by preventing easy access for someone in crisis. Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is partnering with the VA health care system to distribute free gun locks.

MinnesotaVeteran.org/EndVetSuicide
SuicidePrevention.MDVA@state.mn.us

The Veterans Crisis Line — 988 then press 1 — receives more than 650,000 calls annually. Users also may text 838255 or chat online to receive crisis intervention and support.

 

Transportation

The VHA Office of Rural Health supports rides for veterans in rural communities to get to health care appointments.

Contact the Veterans Transportation Mobility Manager at the local VA medical center, va.gov/healthbenefits, or davmn.org

 

Donated Goods

Every Third Saturday (ETS) offers veterans and their families a place to connect and form community, especially those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Services include offering clothing and hygiene items, providing space for groups to meet, offering an empowerment course called Warrior’s Return, and employing veterans through an internship program.

ETS and its supply store is open to veterans and their immediate family members Monday through Friday, 9am-4pm. Individuals are allowed to shop once every month, free of charge. 5402 43rd Avenue S., Minneapolis. everythirdsaturday.org/supply-store

Veteran Homelessness

The average age at which veterans first experience homelessness is 37 years, according to a 2018 Wilder Report. Over half (51 percent) of veteran women experiencing homelessness reported having left an abusive relationship. Nearly two-thirds (64 percent) of veterans experiencing homelessness reported having a serious mental health condition, such as anxiety or panic disorder (48 percent), followed by post-traumatic stress disorder (44 percent); rates for these conditions were higher among women.

The Minnesota Homeless Veteran Registry connects veterans, regardless of discharge type or length of service, with housing options.

homelessprograms.mdva@state.mn.us

1-888-LinkVet (1-888-546-5838)

mn.gov/mdva/resources/homelessnessandprevention

Community Resource & Referral Center at the Minneapolis VA Clinic

Primary Contacts

Action = Change: How Can You Serve Vets?Changemakers Alliance — Election Coverage, Domestic Violence