Veterans Services provides benefit counseling, advice and assistance for veterans or their family members filing claims for state and/or federal benefits. The County also assists veterans and their families with a variety of other programs and provides referrals to community resources.
Grants available during COVID-19
The following grant programs are available to veterans who have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Grants are offered by the Minnesota Department of Veteran Affairs.
To qualify, you must be a veteran or the surviving spouse of a veteran (who has not remarried) and a Minnesota resident. To apply, contact Dakota County Veterans Services at 651-554-5601.
Disaster Relief Grant
Up to a $1,000 grant for veterans who have lost their job or income. Grant paid directly to the veteran.
Special Needs Grant
Up to a $3,000 grant to help veterans and their surviving spouses pay bills such as mortgage or utilities. Grant paid directly to the vendor.
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Locations & Hours
Appointments are encouraged. Walk-in clients are welcome, but may not be immediately served. To make an appointment, call
651-554-5601 to schedule an appointment with a County Veterans Service Officer.
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Northern Service Center, 1 Mendota Road West #420, West St. Paul: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (Closed noon–1 p.m.)
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Western Service Center, 14955 Galaxie Ave. Second Floor, Apple Valley: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 pm. (Closed noon–1 p.m.)
- Hastings City Hall, 101 4th Street East, Hastings: Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (Closed noon–1 p.m.)
- Burnsville Workforce Center, 2800 County Road 42 West, Burnsville: Tuesday and Thursday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (Closed noon-1 p.m.)
Veteran hotlines
eBenefits
eBenefits is a one-stop shop for benefits-related online tools and information. Register to apply for, research, find, access, and in time, manage benefits and personal information.
Beyond the Yellow Ribbon
A comprehensive program that creates awareness for the purpose of connecting veterans, military members and their families with community support, training, services and resources.
Department of Veteran Affairs National Call Center — 1-800-827-1000
The Department of Veteran Affairs National Call Center answers questions on VA benefits. You can get questions answered on your specific claim, make changes to your account, and obtain general VA benefit information.
Veterans Linkage Line —
1-888-546-5838
Obtain information on veteran’s benefits, healthcare, education, and other veteran programs, trained staff are available to answer your call. Calls are answered Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–8 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.–2:30 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Veteran Crisis Line —
1-800-273-8255 and press 1
A Department of Veteran Affairs line that connects Veterans and their families and friends with qualified and caring staff. This line is not just for emergencies. It supports people in crisis through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text. Veterans and their loved ones can call
1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, chat online, or send a text message to 838255 to receive confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Military OneSource —
1-800-342-9647
A Department of Defense program that provides resources and support to Active-Duty, Reserve, and National Guard members and families anywhere in the world. The program is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at no cost to users.
VA Home Front —
1-800-424-3838
A national call center that provides at-risk and homeless veterans with access to VA housing services.
Department of Veteran Affairs GI Bill Phone Center —
1-888-442-4551
The Department of Veteran Affairs GI Bill Hotline answers your GI Bill benefit questions.
VA Women's Hotline —
1-855-VA-WOMEN (1-855-829-6636)
Veterans, their families and caregivers can have their questions answered about the many VA services and resources available to women Veterans.