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1. How are my Real Estate taxes determined?

Taxing jurisdictions such as the county, schools, cities, and townships, adopt their levy after public hearings. The levies are certified to the County Auditor who then calculates the tax rates. The taxes you pay are proportionate to your estimated market value and use the classification of your property as observed by the Assessor’s Office. Similar properties with their differing amenities and sales prices are used as a comparison with other properties that have not sold, to estimate their value.

2. Why has my value gone up?

Property values are based on the typical sales. Prices fluctuate with general market conditions such the general economy, property locations, supply and demand, demographic changes, and changes in tax laws. By Minnesota state laws, as property values change in the market place, those changes must be reflected in the assessor’s Estimated Market Values.

3. Who is my Appraiser?

Appraiser Areas as of 2020

4. What is Estimated Market Value (EMV) and how does the assessor determine it?

The Estimated Market Value is the price that would tend to prevail under typical, normal, competitive open-market conditions.

The Morrison County Assessor’s office uses a mass appraisal process for estimating market values. This system involves the comparisons between similar properties and actual market sales in a neighborhood. All sales information collected by the assessor’s office is closely analyzed. The assessor’s office adjusts market values by comparing properties that sold with properties that have not sold. This sale comparison by means of substitution provides the basis for the assessor’s Estimated Market Value.

5. Are Property Estimated Market Valuation increases limited to 15%?

No. There is not a limit on how much an Estimated Market Value of a property can increase or decrease.

6. Can my Estimated Market Value change even if the assessor has not been inside my property?

Yes. The assessor keeps records on the physical characteristics of each property in the County. Even though the assessor may have been unable to go through your property, the Estimated Market Value will still be reviewed based on the existing records and/or sales of similar property.

7. How can I judge the accuracy and fairness of my value and classification?

The assessor who estimates the value and classifies your property should be your first contact if you have questions or want more information. If you are not sure who your assessor is, call the Morrison County Land Services Office. Your assessor can review your parcel records with you, review local sales activity, and general market trends. You can also review how other properties are valued and classified to judge if your property is fairly valued and classified.

The Morrison County Land Services Office phone number is 320-632-0170 or toll free at 866-401-1111, ext. 170.  The normal office hours are Monday thru Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.  The Land Services Office is located in the central building, upper level of the Morrison County Government Center at 213 1st Ave SE, in Little Falls, MN.

8. Does the Estimated Market Value increase at the same rate on all properties?

No, it does not. There are differences between individual properties and between neighborhoods. In one area the sales may indicate a large increase in value in a given year. In another neighborhood there may be very little or no change in value. Different types of property within the same neighborhood may show different value changes. There are numerous factors to be considered in each property, which will cause value changes to differ. Some of the factors that can affect value are location, condition, size, quality of construction, the number of baths, basement finish, garages, and many others.

9. What is a Property Identification Number (PIN)?

It is a unique number assigned to each piece of real estate in Morrison County. The PIN, also known as Parcel Number or Parcel Identification Number, is printed on the Property Tax Statement, the Valuation Notice, Proposed Tax Statement, and various other documents related to real estate taxation or assessment.

10. What is a Special Assessment?

A special assessment is an improvement, which directly benefits the property. Common assessments include streets, sidewalks, streetlights, and sewers. The amount is based on how much the property benefits from the improvement and the cost of the project. The property’s market is not used to determine the amount of the special assessment.

11. Who determines my property tax?

There are three entities that have a role in determining your property tax. The State Legislature establishes property classes and class rates, the state determines levels of state aid to local units of government, sets the amount of homestead credit, sets the State Tax Rate and mandates unfunded programs to local government. Local units of government determine their tax levy amount. The county assessor assigns each property a market value estimate and property use classification as provided by state statute. The property tax is the result of actions taken by all three entities (the State Legislature, Local Governments and the County Assessor).

12. Why is the amount of taxes on my tax statement I received in March/April different than what was shown on the Notice of Proposed Taxes that I received in November?

The Notice of Proposed tax or Truth in Taxation ("TNT") is an estimate. They may differ for any of the following reasons:

• Referendums could have passed, increasing your tax
• Property owners may have filed for homestead classification if they own and occupy their homes by December 1st of an assessment year.
• Taxing jurisdictions may have lowered or increased their tax levy. 
• Although not a tax, special assessments and other charges may be billed on the tax statement. These charges do not appear on the Notice of Proposed Taxes.

13. Will my Estimated Market Value go up if I repair my property?

Good maintenance will help retain the market value of your property. Generally, your Estimated Market Value will not be increased for individual minor repairs such as those that follow. However, a combination of several of these items could result in an increase in your Estimated Market Value.

• Repairing or replacing roof
• Repairing porches or steps
• Repairing original siding
• Painting/decorating
• Replacing plumbing or electrical fixtures

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1. Am I eligible to vote?

See if you are eligible to vote at the Minnesota Secretary of State’s website.

2. How can I Register to Vote, online?

Register to vote online at the Secretary of State’s website.

3. How do I Register to Vote by paper application?

Print and fill out a Voter Registration Application (PDF).

4. Where can I find an Absentee Ballot paper application?

You can access and print an Absentee Ballot Application (PDF) from the Secretary of State website.

5. How do I request an Absentee Ballot online?

Request your absentee ballot, online.

6. I'm in the Military or Overseas, how can I apply for my Absentee Ballot?

You can apply online if you are in the Military or Overseas.

7. Does my employer have to give me time off to vote?

Yes! You have the legal right to get the time off to vote. Read the statute.

8. What's on my ballot?

Find out what is on your ballot (only available 45 days before the election).

9. Testing what is this FAQ's

Answer this question. 

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1. When will I receive my property tax statement?

Tax statements will be available and mailed to taxpayers no later than March 31. Manufactured Homes are available and mailed by July 15.

2. Where do my property tax dollars go?

They are distributed to the county, school district, municipality and other special taxing districts in which your property is located.

3. How are my property taxes calculated?

They are computed by multiplying the value of your property by the local tax rate of the district in which your property is located. Classification rates are set by the Minnesota State Legislature based on use of property. The value of your property is determined by the County Land Services Office.

4. What is a special assessment?

A special assessment is an improvement (i.e. roads) which directly benefits the property. It is shown as a separate amount on the property tax statement. The amount is based on how much the property benefits from the improvement and the cost of the project. It is not based on the value of the property.

5. What are Special Taxing Districts?

Special taxing districts in Morrison County include local economic development authorities and local Housing and Redevelopment Authorities. They may not be county wide taxing districts.

6. Are Mobile Homes taxed?

Taxability

Manufactured homes and park trailers are exempt from motor vehicle taxation and are subject to property taxation as either real or personal property. Travel trailers are subject to motor vehicle taxation and must be issued a license plate. Sectional structures must be valued and assessed as an improvement to real property if the owner of the structure owns the land on which the manufactured home is located or is a qualifying lessee of the land.

Taxation

Manufactured home personal property tax statements must be mailed by July 15. If the taxes are greater than $50, they are due in two equal installments on August 31 and November 15. If the taxes are less than or equal to $50, they are due in full on August 31. 

Taxes remaining unpaid after the due date are delinquent, a penalty of 8% must be assessed and collected as part of the unpaid taxes.

Taxes Paid Before Transfer of Title

A certificate of title is required for a manufactured home. The title to a manufactured home cannot be transferred unless the application for transfer of title is accompanied by a Mobile Home Transfer/Clearance Sheet. 

A Mobile Home Transfer/Clearance Sheet for homes located in Morrison County are issued by the County Auditor/Treasurer. The document is proof that all taxes levied on the unit in the name of the current owner have been paid. This applies even if the transfer of title is requested prior to tax statements being issued for the current year, taxes are considered to be levied as of January 1 of the payable year. 

There is no charge to obtain a Mobile Home Transfer/Clearance Sheet from the County Auditor/Treasurer.

7. How do I change the mailing address for my tax statement?

• Write your new mailing address on your tax stub when submitting payment
• Call the office 320-632-0151
• Mail or email a note with the new address

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1. Why are Child and Teen Checkups (C&TC) visits important?

• Regular checkups help keep children, teens, and young adults healthy.
• Health and dental problems can be found and treated early.
• Children can get tested for anemia, exposure to lead or tuberculosis and other diseases.
• Parents and children can get information about healthy lifestyles.
• Children can get regular checkups at the dentist.
• Teens and young adults can learn to take charge of their own health, with family support.

2. When should my child get Child and Teen Checkups?

How often a child gets a health check depends on the child’s age. Checkups are recommended at these ages:

• Between birth and 1 month
• At 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15 and 18 months
• At 2, 30 months, 3, 4, 5, and 6 years
• At 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 ,14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 years

3. Where do I get Child and Teen Checkups?

Your doctor or clinic. Call your family doctor for an appointment. Be sure to ask for a Child and Teen Checkup specifically. Children enrolled in a heath plan must get their checkups from providers in their health plan network. Medical Assistance pays for Child and Teen Checkups.

4. When should I take my child for a dental checkup?

• Dental checkups should begin at the eruption of the first tooth and no later than age 12 months
• Regular dental checkups should continue every six months or more often
• Your dentist may ask to see your child more often.

5. Where do I find local Medical & Dental Providers?

Medical and Dental Providers.pdf

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1. How can I find out who my probation officer is?

Contact us at 320-632-0304 and speak to the front desk.

2. How do I find out my fine balance?

Contact Court Administration at 320-632-0327 to find out your balance.

3. Can I change my Court date?

Court dates are handled Court Administration. Please contact them at 320-632-0327.

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1. Who is my County Commissioner?

Visit the Minnesota Secretary of State website and select your city or township and address to find your commissioner.

2. How do I contact my County Commissioner?

You can leave a message by contacting the County Administrator’s Office at 320-632-0296.  You can also contact a commissioner directly by phone, email, or mail. Contact information is available by clicking on the commissioner’s name on the County Board page.

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1. How can I obtain a user account for Beacon?

User subcription accounts are created through the Recorder’s Office.

2. How accurate are the property lines in Beacon?

It can vary from inches to many feet. There can be a variety of factors to cause inaccuracies. The parcel map is based on the legal descriptions of record on our tax rolls. It is neither a legally recorded map nor a survey and is intended to be used for reference purposes only. 

For property line issues, we often recommend landowners work with one or more of the following: 

• Registered land surveyor
• Title company
• Real estate attorney

3. What is GIS?

A Geographic Information System (GIS) is a specific piece of computer software that, like a database program, allows the user to store, maintain, analyze, and display database information. What makes a GIS different from other database systems is that the information managed has a geographic or spatial context.

Based on the common denominator of geographic location, GIS ties data from many different sources into 1 common map form. This allows the user to visualize the data and see how the different data interact, resulting in a better understanding of the information and a more informed decision process.

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1. How can I find out what I paid for registration on my vehicle last year for my income taxes?

Call the State’s Public Information Center at 651-297-2126 or visit their website and on the left side, go down to "Find Tax Paid for a Motor Vehicle" and enter the information you’re looking for.

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1. Can I fill wetlands?

The Zoning Office has no wetland authority.  To find out if wetlands can be filled one would need to contact the Morrison County Soil and Water District.

2. Can I start before I get the permit?

It is recommended that no work be started prior to receiving the permit.  If you excavate, move dirt, pour concrete, etc., you are doing so at your own risk.  Often times, work is started only to have the project halted because of environmental harm or land use issues.

3. Do I need a permit to build or replace a deck?

Yes, permits are required.

4. Do I need a permit to reshingle a house or put in new windows or new siding?

A permit is not required to do nonstructural maintenance to the building.  New siding, windows and shingles would be considered nonstructural maintenance.

5. How do I know if I have wetlands on my property?

Contact the Morrison County Soil and Water District for wetland information.  

6. How long are septic certifications valid?

Septic installations are good for five years and compliance inspections are good for three years.

7. How often can a parcel be split?

A parcel of land can be split twice, to result in three tracts/parcels of property.  The parcel to be split would had to have been a parcel of record as of July 1, 2008.  If you are unsure, then please call the Zoning Office.

8. How often should septic tanks be pumped and cleaned?

How often you have the tank pumped is dependent on how much it is used.  A good rule of thumb would to have the tank pumped at least every three years.  If there is heavy use of the system, then every other year.

9. Is my lot buildable?

Lots are considered to buildable if the proposed structures are able to meet the setback requirements of the zoning district, have two suitable sites for a standard septic system, lot is the required size for the zoning district and the proposed construction will have no impact on or to wetlands.

10. What do I need to before I can build a house?

Before applying for the necessary permits, the property must be recorded into your ownership and a septic design must be on file with the Zoning Office or a copy brought to the office.

11. What is a nonconforming structure?

A structure that is currently in place but does not meet the required setbacks of the Land Use Ordinance.

12. What permits do I need to build?

Morrison County issues land use permits in place of building permits.  Often the terms land use and building permits are interchangeable.  A permit is required for structures that will occupy ground space.

13. Who can inspect, design or install my septic system?

Anyone who is licensed by the state of Minnesota to inspect, install or design septic systems.

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1. How can I find help with transportation?

If you already work with a Case Manager, Care Coordinator, or Financial Worker, then you may contact them.

Public transportation, called MorrTrans, is offered through TriCAP.  Ride tokens may be purchased at Morrison County Social Services. For more information, call TriCAP.

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1. How do I find a therapist?

• Speak with the Intake Social Worker to inquire about local resources.
• Visit the Region 5+ Adult Mental Health Initiative webpage.
• Visit the North Central Region of the National Alliance on Mental Illness webpage
• Complete an internet search for mental health resources in your area.

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1. How do I become a licensed child care provider?

Contact Alissa Erdrich , 218-541-5101, at Sourcewell.

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1. How do I become a foster parent?

• Contact the Intake Social Worker and ask to be sent the initial packet of licensing information.  
• There will be initial contact from the Morrison County Licensor.
• Plans will be made for you to attend orientation, complete a home study and home safety check with the Licensor as well as complete a background study, have fingerprints taken and attend required training.

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1. Can my child live with someone else?

Yes.  However:

• you must stay in contact with the child and caregiver,
• assure the caregiver is safe and reliable,
• assure you are available to approve health care/school needs or assign legal authority to the caregiver,
• continue to provide financial support, and
• continue to provide health insurance.  

You must also:

• notify any agency you receive money from to support this child (example: financial unit, child support or social security office) of this arrangement.

2. At what age can my child be left alone?

The following is information from MN Statute:

• Children may not be left alone for any period of time when they are 7 years old and under. 
• At ages 8-10, they cannot be left alone for more than 3 hours. 
• At ages 11-13,  they cannot be left alone for more than 12 hours 
• At ages 14-15, they cannot be left alone for more than 24 hours 
• At ages 16-17, they may be left alone for more than 24 hours with a plan in place concerning how to respond to an emergency and having an adult accessible who can respond to an emergency. 

3. Can my child be emancipated?

Morrison County does not support emancipation of a youth under the age of 18 years for any reason.

4. At what age can my child babysit?

Minnesota State Law sets the criteria for this.  

Any child under the age of 11 should not provide child care.

Children ages 11-15 years who are placed in a child care role are subject to the same time restrictions of being left alone:

• At ages 11-13, they cannot be left alone for more than 12 hours 
• At ages 14-15, they cannot be left alone for more than 24 hours 

5. Are parenting classes available?

There are parenting resources offered through the Early Childhood Family Education Programs.

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1. How do I apply for child support services?

Applications may be picked up at Morrison County Social Services or mailed to you by calling 320-632-2951.  

There are two levels of services available. It is important to learn about the two options and decide which will best meet your needs. You can print applications from the links below.

•    Full services include help establishing parentage, getting an order for support, enforcing an existing order, collecting payments and more.

•    Income withholding-only services are generally limited to processing support payments and keeping track of what is owed.

If you are currently receiving public assistance benefits through Morrison County, a worker from your Eligibility Team will automatically refer your case to a child support worker.

2. How or where can I make a payment if I do not have an employer that is sending in payments for me?

There are a variety of ways that you can make a payment:

• Automatic withdrawal   
• Minnesota Child Support Online
• Pay Near Me
• MoneyGram at a variety of locations
• You can mail a check to:
  •  Minnesota Child Support Payment Center
  •  P.O. Box 64326 
  • St. Paul, MN 55164-0326
•  Make a payment at Morrison County Social Services

MN Department of Human Services Child Support Payment Options 

3. What is child support and who can apply for it?

Minnesota’s Child Support Program helps ensure that children receive support from both parents.  You may need help getting a child support order established, enforcing an order or even locating the other parent.  These and many other services are available at little or no cost to parents.

4. How do I find payment information?

Once a parent has applied for child support services, all payments must go through the Minnesota Child Support Payment Center.

Parents can get up-to-the minute information about payments online or by phone 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

Online: Minnesota Child Support Online, which is a secure website. Learn more about what you need to use the website and phone line to get your case information.

Phone: The Child Support Information Line is a secure, automated line.

651-431-4340 - Twin Cities metro area

800-657-3512 - Outside the metro area

TTY Users - use your preferred relay service

5. When does an order change take effect?

There are also laws that govern the effective date of a new order. This is usually included in the order. 

The most common provision the county experiences are that the change takes effect based upon the date the initiating paperwork is filed with the court. This is why counties often indicate that filing a "Pro Se" action or requesting an attorney to bring your action ends up being quicker.  Representing yourself is called pro se (pronounced ’pro-say’).

6. Who can request a modification of a child support order?

Either parent may request a review of their child support their county child support office.  If you think you qualify for a modification, you  may find it helpful to use the Child Support Guidelines Calculator to estimate the payment before requesting a review.

7. What services can the Morrison County Child Support Staff help me with?

We can help with locating parents, establishing parentage, establishing court orders for basic, medical and child care support, reviewing and asking the court to modify basic, medical and child care support orders when appropriate, adjusting support orders based on changes in the cost of living, enforcing support orders, working with other states to enforce support orders, processing payments the Child Support Payment Center receives for child support and spousal maintenance including income withholding as well as locating potential sources of income and serving an income withholding notice on the employer of the parent owing support.

8. What services are the Morrison County Child Support Staff unable to help with?

If you are in need of the following services, please contact an attorney or legal services office:  divorce assistance, parenting time or custody issues, legal advice or counsel, spousal maintenance order establishment or modification, collection of bills not related to support, property settlements or attorney’s fees (except in limited circumstances per MN Statue 518a.735).

9. What does it cost to apply for child support services?

Minnesota Law requires the parent who applied for full child support services to pay a fee, which is called a cost recovery fee.  This fee is two percent (2%) of the amount of the support.  This fee is collected monthly until the yearly maximum is reached.  The fee is not charged during the time the parent or child receives public assistance.

10. How is the amount of child support determined?

When setting a support obligation, the court uses the Minnesota child support guidelines that are in state law.  The guidelines are a formula used to calculate support obligations. They are reviewed every four years and they help determine support amounts using the income of both parents, number of children, cost of raising a child at different income levels, as well as the availability and cost of medical support.

You may estimate the amount of child support that may be ordered on a case using the Child Support Guidelines Calculator.  The estimate is informational only. The court has the authority to order child support.

11. How do I request a review of my child support order?

Call, e-mail or write to your county child support worker and state the reason(s) for the review.  

The county office will determine whether your request meets the review requirements.

If needed, you will be asked to complete further documents in support of your review change.

12. What is medical support and who must provide health care coverage?

Medical support means providing health care coverage for a joint child by carrying or contributing to the cost of:

• health care coverage through an employer or other group plan;
• an individual policy purchased in the private market;
• public coverage (medical assistance); or
• unreimbursed and uninsured medical expenses.

In Minnesota, every child support order must include health care coverage for the child(ren).  A parent’s obligation will include medical support and will be part of their child support case. The court order will specify:

• if a parent is ordered to provide or maintain health care coverage for the child(ren),
• the cost of premiums and how that cost is divided between the parents,
• how costs not paid by health insurance (unreimbursed and uninsured medical expenses) will be divided and collected by the parents, and
• reasons, if any, the obligation to provide health care coverage will shift from one parent to the other.

13. How long does it take for me to get child support?

The timelines that county offices are required to follow are much longer than the ones that an attorney or you must follow when proceeding Pro Se.  Representing yourself is called pro se (pronounced ’pro-say’). The timeline is often determined by how quickly the paperwork gets done. 

For example:  A person breaks their leg and is unable to work.  Do not assume that your order will change effective with the date of the injury.  If paperwork is not completed and filed with the court, the law can limit the change to occur effective with the date of the filing of the documents.

14. Does the County Attorney's Office or the Child Support Office represent me when handling a child support matter?

You should know that the County Attorney and/or the Child Support Agency that is handling your child support matter does not represent any of the parties in a case. The role of the County Attorney and/or the Child Support Agency is to represent the best interests of the County or the State based upon what the statutes and case laws provide can occur in a child support matter.

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1. How do I get a Social Worker for my child?

• Contact the Intake Social Worker and explain the age of the person seeking the service as well as what the person is struggling with or needs help with currently.  
• You will be asked to set up an appointment and bring any documents to that appointment that will help you get the right service.  
• These documents may include school records for a child or young adult, medical records, and/or mental health records.

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1. How long will it take for my health care application to be processed?

The processing guidelines are as follows:

• 15 calendar days of receipt of completed and signed application in the county agency for pregnant women
• 45 calendar days of receipt of completed and signed application in the county agency for non-disabled individuals
• 60 calendar days of receipt of completed and signed application in the county agency for disabled individuals

2. Who can help me fill out a health care Medical Assistance (MA) or MinnesotaCare application?

Portico Healthnet is a nonprofit agency who helps people enroll in Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare.  Please phone Portico for assistance.

You may also visit their webpage at Portico Healthnet.

3. Who can help me fill out a MNSure Application?

Morrison County Social Services has someone who comes into our Agency to assist customers with completing a MNSure Application and/or their healthcare renewals.

The dates and times this person is available are:

Thursday, November 5, 2020:  9:00 am to 3:00 pm

Thursday, November 19, 2020:  9:00 am to 3:00 pm

Thursday, December 3, 2020:  9:00 am to 3:00 pm

Thursday, December 17, 2020:  9:00 am to 3:00 pm

Please check in at the Social Service Front Desk; customers are served on a first come, first served basis.

4. What day of the month will I receive my Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits?

SNAP benefits are issued by the last number in your case number.

If your number end with:

0 - the 10th of every month

1 - the 11th of every month

2 - the 12th of every month

3 - the 13th of every month

4 - the 4th of every month

5 - the 5th of every month

6 - the 6th of every month

7 - the 7th of every month

8 - the 8th of every month

9 - the 9th of every month

5. I would like to submit my verifications using email. What email address should I use?

If you only receive health insurance benefits through the Morrison County, use this address.

If you receive food support (SNAP) and cash assistance through Morrison County, use this address.

If you receive food support (SNAP), cash assistance and health insurance benefits through Morrison County, use this address.

If you have a long-term care case through Morrison County, use this address.

6. How do I know the amount of food benefits on my EBT Card?

Please call 888-997-2227

7. Where can I get a Medical Mileage Reimbursement Form?

This is the Medical Mileage Reimbursement Form.

8. If the father of my child(ren) is in the home, do I need to add him to an application for financial assistance and count him in the household?

As long as he is the father of your mutual child(ren) and you are living together in the same home, it locks the unit as one unit for all programs. 

So, yes, you do need to add him, his income and his assets.

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1. How do I get into the VA Healthcare System?

We will assist you in completing VA Form 10-10EZ to the VA Medical Center Eligibility Office. They will determine your eligibility, priority group, and co-pays (if applicable). 

Call 320-632-0290 to make an appointment. You will need your DD 214 and copies of any other medical insurance cards that you may have.

2. How do I get my prescription medications from the VA?

You must be enrolled in the VA healthcare system and be followed by a VA healthcare provider who prescribes your medication. Non-VA providers can send prescriptions to be approved by the VA provider as well. 

Then medications may be obtained from a VA pharmacy. Co-pays may apply.

3. How do I arrange for transportation to the VA for my medical appointments?

The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) will provide transportation to the St Cloud VAMC and Brainerd CBOC for VA appointments. Call 320-252-1670, ext. 6676.

4. How do I get the VA to pay me for my disabilities?

VA compensation benefits may be paid to an eligible Veteran who has a disabling physical or mental condition which was incurred or aggravated during military service. You will need your DD 214, current medical diagnosis, and proof of in service causation.

Call 320-632-0290 to make an appointment.

5. How do I get a copy of my discharge papers?

Your discharge (DD214 or equivalent) is a very important document, because your eligibility for all VA benefits is determined by it. There are several sources from which you may be able to get certified copies or photo-copies of your discharge papers.

Call 320-632-0290 for assistance.

You may submit electronic requests for discharge papers from the National Archives.

6. How do I apply for VA burial benefits?

Your DD214 (Discharge Paper) is the key document that determines your eligibility for burial benefits. It is important to secure this document and make sure your family can locate it. Burial benefits provide for an allowance that may be authorized for the reimbursement of the funeral and burial expenses of an eligible Veteran.

Call 320-632-0290 for assistance.

7. How do I apply for VA death benefits?

There are multiple sub-categories that fall under the umbrella of death benefits.

Call 320-632-0290 for assistance. We will need the Veterans DD214, copy of the Death Certificate and Marriage Certificate to apply if eligible.

8. How do I obtain Veterans Preference Points for employment?

Since the time of the Civil War, veterans of the Armed Forces have been given some degree of preference in the appointments to Federal Jobs. Five preference points can be added to the passing examination score of a veteran who has served on active duty for at least 180 days and have an honorable discharge. A 10-point preference can be added to the passing score of a veteran who has a service connected disability rated by the VA and is in receipt of compensation for the disability. 

There are additional provisions for unmarried spouses or mothers of deceased veterans or veterans that are totally and permanently disabled.

Read about the Minnesota Veteran Preference Act. A Veterans preference letter can be printed from your e-benefits account.

9. How do I know what education benefits are available?

There are multiple higher education programs that are in effect for:

• Active Duty
• Dependents of Deceased Veterans
• Dependents of Veterans
• Disabled Veterans
• Discharged Veteran
• Reserve Duty

Some are programs were contributory in nature, which means that you paid into a fund. Each program has specific active duty dates, enrollment periods, entitlement dates and expiration dates.

For more detailed information refer to the GI Bill website and the Minnesota State Education Benefits website.

10. How do I obtain replacement medals?

Requests for the issuance or replacement of military service medals, decorations, and awards should be directed to the specific branch of the military in which the veteran served. However, for Air Force (including Army Air Corps) and Army personnel, the National Personnel Records Center will verify the awards to which a veteran is entitled and forward the request with the verification to the appropriate service department for issuance of the medals. 

Please include a copy of your DD214 or military discharge papers with your written request for service medals, decorations and awards to the appropriate branch of service.

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1. Need a ride to the VA Health Care System?

Call 320-252-1670, ext. 6676 to schedule a ride.

2. Want to be a Disabled American Veterans (DAV) volunteer driver?

Call 320-252-1670, ext. 6676 to learn how to become a DAV van driver.

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1. Who can I contact for help with an Order for Protection or Harassment Order?

A person who has been harassed or injured by another may seek an Order for Protection or Harassment Order from the Court. The Hands of Hope Resource Center or Court Administration can assist people who fear continuing harassment or injury from others. 

24-hour Hotline 320-632-4878 or 1-800-682-4547

Business Line 320-632-1657