Area veterans can apply for emergency grants

Governor Tim Walz and the Minnesota Legislature recently approved $6.2 million to provide $1,000 emergency grants to Minnesota veterans financially affected by COVID-19.
     Starting Monday, April 6, veterans can apply for a Disaster Relief Grant, administered from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA). In addition to the Disaster Relief Grant, veterans who have experienced a more significant impact may also apply for an MDVA COVID-19 Special Needs Grant.
     Rock County Veterans should contact Dave Haugom at 507-283-1770 or dave.haugom@co.rock.mn.us  for eligibility requirements and assistance with the grant application process.
 
How to apply
     As one of the main points of contact for grant applications, County Veterans Service officers also have access to a specially created portal to submit required documents and expedite the grant process.
     The Special Needs Grant must be filed through County Veteran Service Officer or MDVA, but the Disaster Relief Grant may be submitted directly by the veteran or surviving spouse.
     Application materials will be made available at www.MinnesotaVeteran.org/COVIDRelief on Monday, April 6 starting at 8 a.m.
     To be eligible for the Special Needs or Disaster Relief Grants, Minnesota veterans or surviving spouses, as defined by: Minnesota Statute 197.447, must meet ONE of the following criteria:
     *Applicant or their legal dependent(s) have or had a confirmed case of COVID-19.
     *A health care provider has determined that the applicant presence in the workplace would jeopardize their own health or the health of others because of likely exposure to COVID-19.
     *A health care provider determined that the applicant’s health was jeopardized because of diagnosed underlying health condition(s) which would have put them at increased risk if exposed to COVID-19.
     *The applicant is or was under legal isolation or legal quarantine (Minn. Stat. 144.419) related to a diagnosis of COVID-19 or they are/were caring for a dependent under legal isolation or legal quarantine.
     *The applicant’s employer directs them not to report to work for COVID-19-related reasons.
     *The applicant’s workplace is closed for COVID-19-related health and safety reasons and applicant is excused from work duties and cannot be reassigned.
     *The applicant is financially impacted by a school or care provider closure due to COVID-19.
     For more information or to apply for one of these grants: MinnesotaVeteran.org/COVIDRelief or contact your County Veterans Service Officer.
     Due to the current statewide stay-at-home order, veterans and families should call or email their County Veteran Service Officer before visiting an office in person. A full directory of County Veterans Service Officers can be found at www.MACVSO.org or by calling 1-888-LinkVet (546-5838).