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State Dental/ Optical/ Subsistence/ Special Needs
State Soldiers Assistance Programs (SSAP)
Dental Program
Provides basic dental care from a community dentist to eligible veterans and their dependents. The maximum amount of assistance is $1,000 per family member, per calendar year (from exam date). Pre-authorization is required. Eligibility is determined by the applicants income and assets, as determined by the Schedule of Allowances. Applicants do not need to be disabled to qualify for this program.
Additional assistance is available for dentures and extractions prior to dentures.
Optical Program
Provides basic optical care from a community optician such as eye examinations and prescription eye wear. The total program benefit is limited to $400 per person / per year. Pre-authorization is required. Any costs that exceed this amount are borne by the applicant. Eligibility is determined by the applicant's income and assets, as determined by the Schedule of Allowances. Applicants do not need to be disabled to qualify for this program.
Subsistence Program
This is intended to provide temporary financial assistance for personal needs such as shelter, current utilities, and health insurance premiums to veterans and their dependents, during a period when a veteran is too disabled to work at their normal occupation for a minimum of 30 days. When a family is currently receiving subsistence benefits, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs may also authorize up to $250 per eligible child for school clothing.
Eligibility Criteria: The veteran applicant must be temporarily disabled to the extent that employment in their normal occupation is not possible, for a minimum of 30 days. A current medical report is required. The veteran must be a Minnesota resident and meet income and asset guidelines.
Special Needs
Once in a lifetime type of assistance to help pay outstanding bills. Decisions are on a case by case basis. There are no income thresholds.
Contact Information
Primary point of contact for the State Soldier Assistance Program is your local County Veterans Service Office. For Chisago County residents, please contact the office by calling 651-213-5605.