State Soldier Assistance Program

By: Dan Meyer

The office hours for the Big Stone County Veterans Service Office are 7:30 am – 4:00 pm Monday through Friday. My office phone number is (320) 839-6398.

What is the State Soldiers Assistance Program (SSAP)? Who is eligible for this program? What are the qualifications? What are the benefits?

The State Soldiers Assistance Program provides assistance to veterans, their dependents and survivors which includes: Subsistence (including Shelter and Utilities), Dental, Optical, Education, and Special Needs.

Minimum Qualifications. You must be a veteran as defined by MN Statute 197.44; a Minnesota resident as defined by MN statute 197.05(b) (Resident means a person living in Minnesota for at least 30 days with the intention of residing in the state and not for any temporary purpose); and must have income and assets below the Schedule of Maximum Monthly Allowances as published by the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs.

Types of Programs and Benefits.

The Subsistence Program provides cash assistance to veterans and their dependents when the veteran is disabled. This program is for veterans who have become temporarily disabled and are unable to work for at least 30 days or who have become permanently disabled and have filed for long term assistance.

It may provide for shelter cost, utilities, and health insurance premiums. The assistance is limited to six months.

Optical Assistance is limited to once per year. Veterans and dependents who qualify may receive up to $400 (per person) for an eye exam and prescription eyewear (including contact lenses).

Dental Assistance has three stages: 1) Routine care - the maximum assistance is $1,000 per eligible person per year for basic and routine service, normal tooth extractions, and crowns and bridges. 2) Extractions in preparation for dentures - up to $2,000 lifetime limit, pre-approval required by MNDVA, and covers extractions in preparation for dentures. 3) Dentures for one time use - up to $3,000 lifetime limit, preapproval required by MNDVA, and covers initial and replacement dentures.

Educational Assistance is a one-time grant for veterans who have exhausted their federal resources. The grant may be used only for accredited institutions in the state of Minnesota.

Special Needs grants are on a case-by-case basis. The Special Needs grant can only be used once in a lifetime. There is no asset and income limits for this type of assistance, however, they are considered.

Last week’s trivia question: “What was the August 4, 1964 incident, in which the USS “Maddox” and USS “Turner Joy” were attacked by the North Vietnamese gunboats?” The answer is: “Gulf of Tonkin Incident.”

Until next week, take care and “Fair Winds and Following Seas!”