Walz announces $6.2M in COVID-19 grants for Minnesota veterans

Monday, Gov. Tim Walz announced Minnesota veterans who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible for financial assistance grants from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA).

The Governor's Office states the $6.2 million in total funding was included in the COVID-19 response package passed by the Legislature and signed into law by Walz on March 28.

Beginning Monday, MDVA is accepting applications from Minnesota veterans who have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization will award one-time financial relief grants in the amount of $1,000. Funding is available for both Disaster Relief Grants and Special Needs Grants, according to a news release.

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"Our veterans — those who raised their hand to serve our country — deserve our support during this challenging time," said Walz in a statement. "I encourage all veterans who may be struggling as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic to apply for a grant."

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 financially impacted by COVID-19.

"We are grateful to Governor Walz and the Minnesota Legislature for their support of Minnesota Veterans in the recently enacted Emergency Response package," said MDVA Commissioner Larry Herke. "Minnesota Veterans have served our country in many past conflicts, so it is only right that we support them now during this challenging time."

To apply for the Disaster Relief Grant:

• Contact your local County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO) or MDVA Field Operations Representative at FO.MDVA@state.mn.us OR
• Apply online.

To apply for the Special Needs Grant:

• Contact your local County Veterans Service Officer or MDVA Field Operations Representative.