State & Federal Veterans Benefits
Annuity
There is a $1500 annuity available for 100% service connected disabled veterans, parents of a son or daughter whose death occurred as a result of injury sustained or disease contracted during active service in time of war, insurrection, or combat, and to a spouse whose husband or wife.
Bonuses
Currently, the Persian Gulf War Bonus is available to certain veterans who served during the period 8/02/90 and 4/11/91.
Chapter 115 Benefits
The Commonwealth is the only state in the Union that has made generous provisions by state law by providing to veterans in need financial assistance with food, housing, clothing, employment, and medical and burial assistance. Contact you local city or town Director of Veterans' Service/Veterans' Service Officer.
Educational Assistance
Veterans may be eligible to attend state colleges tuition free or discounted, on a space available basis. Contact the Veterans' Representative at the State College of you choice.
Employment
Veterans are given preference for employment on the eligibility list for civil service positions.
Massachusetts Veterans' Cemeteries
There will be two State cemeteries (Agawam and Winchendon) that will be available to inter the Commonwealth's deceased veterans, spouses, and dependents. Call you local Veterans' Service Officer or DVS for information.
Outreach and Housing
A network of 15 DVS-sponsored Outreach Centers and Housing facilities provide graduated levels of shelter, care, guidance and counsel.
- Homeless Prevention/Outreach Centers provide:
Extensive counseling and a network of assistance to veterans and their families who are in danger of becoming homeless. - Emergency Shelters provide:
A safe environment, a bed for the night, meals, bathing facilities, basic clothing, medical assessment, and assistance with identifying income support, and a variety of counseling. - Transitional hosing provides:
Single rooms, shared meals, family-style atmosphere and a variety of services and counseling up to 24 months. During this time individuals enjoy responsiblities and some structure leading to permanent housing and a return to independence. - Permanent housing:
There are about 123 units of permanent housing, otherwise known as a Graduate Housing, run by veterans. Thses houses are there to continuce the level of support experienced by veterans in more temporary housing. Often people have come so fas, it is a top goal to lend strong support to prevent any falling back or relapses of earlier days.
Property Tax
There are a number of exemptions available to certain disabled veterans or their survivors. Contact you local Veterans' Service Officer or city/town assessor.
Public Housing
Veterans and their families are given preference for state-aided public housing through their local housing authority.
Record Retention
The local Department of Veterans' Services/Veterans' Service Officer provides a repository for local records. Beterans are urged to provide copies of their service records (DD-214 or Separation Documents) to their Veterans' Service Officer for safe storage and future reference.
Sales & Excise Tax
Certain disabled veterans are eligible for a motor vehicle sales & excise tax exemptions. Contact the Department of Revenue at (617) 887-6367 for the exemption.
Soldiers' Homes
The Soldiers' Homes provide a variety of services to veterans, such as, acute hospital, domiciliary, and long-term care, physical and occupational therapy and more. Please call (413) 532-9475 extension 126 for Holyoke, or (617) 884-5660 extension 210 for Chelsia.
VA National Cemetery
Massachusetts' National Cemetery is located in Bourne on Cape Cod. The telephone # is (508) 563-7113.
Veterans' License Plates
A variety of veterans' license plates are available through the Registry of Motor Vehicles.
Women Veterans
DVS has a Women Veterans Network Program whose mission is to provide women with information on benefits; expand awareness of the needs of women veterans and identify available health and human resources to meet those needs; and to advocate on behalf of women veterans.