Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs

Veterans · Minnesota · Free

State agency administering veterans benefits, the Minnesota Veterans Homes, education benefits, and burial services from the downtown St. Paul office on West 12th Street. Serves veterans and their families statewide. Call or visit to apply for state benefits; bring photo ID, DD-214, and any supporting claim documents. Free services for Minnesota veterans and survivors.

Contact & Details

Address: 20 W 12th St, St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone: 651-296-2562

Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

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About Veterans for Fathers

Veteran fathers have access to a parallel system of benefits and services through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Healthcare is provided through VA medical centers and community-based outpatient clinics; mental health services including PTSD, depression, and family therapy are covered. The VA Crisis Line (dial 988, press 1) is staffed 24/7 by veterans for veterans. Disability compensation, GI Bill education benefits, VA home loans, and vocational rehabilitation are administered through regional VA offices. State-level Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) — the American Legion, VFW, DAV, and state VSO offices — help veterans file benefit claims for free. For family law matters, the VA doesn't provide attorneys, but many state bar associations have veteran legal clinics. This directory includes the VA Crisis Line, regional VA centers, state VSOs, and veteran-specific legal and housing services.

Veterans in Minnesota

Minnesota district courts hear family matters across its 87 counties. The Child Support Enforcement Division operates under DHS. Minneapolis-Saint Paul anchors the state; Rochester, Duluth, and Bloomington are other major metros. Legal Aid Service of Northeastern Minnesota, Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services, and Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid cover the state through regional LSC-funded programs.

More Veterans in Minnesota

  • Minneapolis VA Medical Center — Full-service VA healthcare system including primary care, mental health, specialty services, and inpatient care on the Fort Snelling campus
  • St. Cloud VA Medical Center — Comprehensive VA healthcare for veterans in central Minnesota including primary care, mental health, long-term care, and specialty services
  • Hennepin County Veterans Services — Helps Hennepin County veterans access federal and state benefits, housing, and support services from the Government Center in Minneapolis. C
  • Ramsey County Veterans Services — Assists Ramsey County veterans with federal and state disability claims, benefits, and community resources from the Kellogg Boulevard office
  • Beyond the Yellow Ribbon — State-coordinated network connecting Minnesota service members, veterans, and military families with community resources through local Yello
  • Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans — Housing, employment, emergency financial assistance, and supportive services for homeless and at-risk veterans statewide from the North Robe

Veterans — Common Questions

What do I do in a crisis?
Dial 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line. Text 838255. Chat at veteranscrisisline.net. Staffed 24/7 by veterans. Also visit any VA emergency department — you'll be seen regardless of enrollment status.
I'm not enrolled with the VA — can I still get help?
Yes. Visit any VA medical center to enroll. Most veterans with an honorable or general discharge qualify for free or low-cost care. Combat veterans within 10 years of separation get enhanced eligibility. Bring your DD-214.
Can the VA help with custody cases?
The VA doesn't provide attorneys for family law, but many state bar associations run free Veteran Legal Clinics. The VA Caregiver Support Program and Vet Centers provide counseling, and Veteran Treatment Courts exist in many jurisdictions for justice-involved vets.
What does a VSO do?
A Veterans Service Organization (American Legion, VFW, DAV, state VSO) helps veterans file disability compensation claims, pension claims, and appeals for free. They're accredited by the VA and often get better outcomes than self-filed claims. Always use a VSO before paying for a claims agent.