Our nationally accredited staff helps service members, veterans, survivors and family members efficiently navigate the Veterans Administration benefits system. You will work with veterans who are trained to help you get the federal, state and county benefits you’ve earned.
There are multiple ways to get help from our veterans services representatives.
Email: vetservices@hennepin.us
Phone: 612-348-3300 and leave a voicemail
For the fastest response time, please include this information in your message:
Include your information if it is different from the above.
You will be assigned to a veteran service representative based on your location. Your assigned representative will call you within three business days.
Your appointed veterans services representative will guide you through the entire benefits process. If you would like to get started on your own in the meantime, you could:
To check the status of a claim or appeal, call 1-800-827-1000 or visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Help is available for veterans with mental health needs. If you need assistance finding a resource, contact a veterans services representative at 612-348-3300.
Veterans do not need to be enrolled in the VA system to receive support during a mental health crisis.
The Veterans Crisis Line provides 24/7, free, confidential support. Veterans can connect with a caring, qualified responder via phone, text or online chat.
Free emergency care at VA and non-VA health care facilities is available for veterans in suicidal crisis. Veterans are encouraged to go to the nearest emergency department for immediate attention. Other costs may also be covered, including ambulance transportation and follow-up outpatient care for up to 90 days. Learn more and find out if you’re eligible.
Veterans who are experiencing a mental health crisis in Hennepin County can receive free assistance 24/7 from the Cope mobile crisis team. Responders may come to you and help manage an immediate crisis, then connect you to additional supports. Call Cope at 612-596-1223.
The Community Resource and Referral Center provides in-person care, counseling and rehabilitation for veterans struggling with serious mental health issues.
Veterans and their families face many adjustments upon returning from combat. Veteran centers offer individual and group counseling in areas such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), alcohol and drug assessment, and suicide prevention referrals. In addition to physical locations, mobile veteran center counselors and outreach workers offer these same services where you live or work. Find a location.
The Minneapolis VA Health Care System offers support and treatment for veterans who are experiencing challenges with mental health and addictions. Services are available at the Minneapolis VA and community clinics.
Veterans who are experiencing mental and physical health issues related to sexual trauma that occurred while in the military can receive free and confident treatment from trained county staff. Military sexual trauma includes sexual assault, coercion or repeated threatening sexual harassment.
Staff can assist with filing a service-connected compensation claim through the Veterans Benefits Administration, as well as with sharing available counseling and treatment options through the VA Health Care network.
Veterans services representatives can help with resolving emergency situations.
Housing resources to support staying where you are or finding a new place to live
Support for veterans experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness provided in collaboration with the VA’s Community Resources and Referral Center, and other community partners
Referrals to assessment and treatment programs
Hennepin County's Veterans Court serves veterans struggling with addiction, serious mental illness and/or co-occurring disorders.
The disability and pension applications are the most complex in the VA system. Our veterans services representatives can help you access the benefits you're entitled to, as quickly as possible.
A tax-free benefit paid to a veteran because of an injury or illness that happened while on active or reserve duty, or made worse by military service
Supplemental benefits to help eligible low-income veterans and their families cope with financial challenges
For veterans with qualifying wartime dates of service
For some family members of deceased veterans with wartime dates of service:
Eligible veterans and survivors who are housebound or require the aid and attendance of another person may receive additional benefits.
Reduces property tax burden by a set amount for:
Homestead application and additional information for veterans
Veterans services representatives can help you enroll in free or reduced-cost medical and dental care from select providers. Your representative can coordinate these benefits with your insurance and other coverage.
Preventive, medical, rehabilitative and other services and programs you may not expect
Vouchers for low-income veterans and some dependents to cover routine care, extractions and dentures
Annual vouchers for low-income veterans and some dependents to cover eye exams and prescription eye wear, including contact lenses
Medical services from primary care to specialized care for chronic conditions and reproductive health
Veterans services representatives can help you obtain burial benefits for veterans and eligible family members in federal, state or private cemeteries. The burial assistance program can assist with final expenses when families don’t have the resources to do so themselves.