REGIONAL- Applications for “Hero Pay” for frontline COVID pandemic workers continue to exceed expectations with still a month to go before applications close. But another group of Minnesotans, military veterans who served from 9/11 through August 2021, are also getting their due with services bonuses of up to $2,000 in a program approved in the recent legislative session. That program began taking applications on Thursday.
Starting in 1919 after World War I, through World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War, and now the Global War on Terrorism the state has recognized the sacrifices Minnesotans took to defend the country by issuing service bonuses.
Two area legislators were key to the veterans’ bonus program this time around. Rep. Julie Sanstede, DFL-Hibbing, authored the initial service bonus proposal that was then wrapped into a Veterans and Military Affairs omnibus bill by Rep. Rob Ecklund, chair of the House Labor, Industry, Veterans and Military Affairs committee. Gov. Tim Walz signed the bill into law on May 10.
“There are approximately 48,000 eligible veterans, over half of whom deployed to combat operations including those in Afghanistan or Iraq, who can receive bonuses up to $2,000,” Sanstede said last week in a press release. “I’m proud the House and Senate both passed this legislation on a broad, bipartisan basis and Governor Walz has since signed it into law. Now comes the exciting part.”
According to the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, which will administer the two-year program, three groups of veterans and current service members, or beneficiaries of veterans who died in connection with their service, are eligible for Post 9/11 Veteran Service Bonus awards. The awards cover service rendered from Sept. 11, 2011 – Aug. 30, 2021 and include:
$600 if the veteran or currently serving service member served honorably in federal service and was not awarded a Forces Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, or Afghanistan Campaign Medal.
$1,200 if the veteran or currently serving service member served honorably in federal service and received one of the aforementioned medals.
$2,000 for the beneficiary of a veteran who served and died in federal service during the qualifying period as a result of a service-connected injury, disease, or condition and was awarded one of the aforementioned medals.
Complete eligibility and program criteria, as well as the application portal, can be found online at the MDEV Post-9/11 Veteran Service Bonus page at https://mn.gov/mdva/resources/familyassistance/911-service-bonus.jsp.
Frontline worker pay
With less than two weeks remaining, interest in the COVID pandemic Minnesota Frontline Worker Pay program has far exceeded the initial estimate of 667,000 workers applying for “hero pay.” As of July 1, 867,000 applications had already been received, said Nicole Blissenbach, deputy commissioner for the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.
“We are halfway into the application period and are pleased with the launch and implementation of the Frontline Worker Pay Program,” Blissenbach said. “We have received a large number of application submissions, so Minnesota workers know about the program and where to apply. We will continue to provide outreach and applicant support until the final day of the application period to ensure that eligible frontline workers can submit their applications and be recognized for their significant contributions during the peacetime emergency.”
The number of qualifying applicants won’t be known until applications are closed on July 22 and appeals of denials are processed, but if the numbers remain higher than estimates the award per worker could be reduced. The $500 million appropriated by the Legislature will be divided equally among all those who qualify. For 667,000 successful applicants, the amount awarded was estimated to be $750 per person.
Of the 15 industry sectors deemed eligible for the program, those with the most applicants to date include health care, food service (including production, processing, preparation, sale, and delivery), and manufacturing, Blissenbach said.
Applicants who worked at least 120 hours in close proximity to individuals outside of their homes between March 15, 2020 and June 30, 2021 may be eligible for the benefit, although independent contractors and sole proprietors do not meet the guidelines.
For complete eligibility criteria or to apply, go to frontlinepay.mn.gov/submit.