The state of South Dakota is paying a veterans bonus of up to $500 to certain military personnel who were legal residents of the state for no less than six months immediately preceding entry into the Armed Forces, who are currently on active duty or were honorably discharged from the Armed Forces, and who served on active duty during one, or both of the following periods. Individuals who have previously received the maximum $500 payment, for one or both of these periods, are not eligible for any additional payment.
For service between the dates of Jan. 1, 1993, through Sept. 10, 2001, payment will be made only to those who served in an imminent-danger pay area or were awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary medal, Southwest Asia Service medal, Kosovo campaign medal or any other United States campaign or service medal awarded for participation in combat operations against hostile forces. All active duty between the dates of Sept. 11, 2001, through a date to be determined, qualifies for a bonus payment.
This program also allows payment for active duty during the Operations Desert Storm/Desert Shield dates of Aug. 2, 1990, to March 3, 1991, and for individuals who served in an imminent-danger pay area during the dates of March 4, 1991, to Dec. 31, 1992. Individuals who have previously received the maximum of $500 for these dates are not eligible for any additional payment.
Applicants living outside of South Dakota may request an application from john.fette@state.sd.us. Please include your branch of the military and dates of service. If you do not have e-mail, you may request an application and instructions by writing SD Veterans Bonus, 500 E. Capitol, Pierre, SD 57501 or by calling 605-773-7251.
Applicants living in South Dakota may apply through the nearest County or Tribal Veterans Service Officer.