• http://www.vba.va.gov/vba/

617-210-5927

• Your local Veterans’ Agent is the best person to assist you through the many types of Massachusetts benefits available to you.  We have tried to compile a list of the benefits most commonly inquired about by military families, but you should discuss this list with your Veterans’ Agent in more detail.  You can find your local Veterans’ Agent by calling the Massachusetts Department of Veterans’ Services at 617-210-5927 or by visiting this web site:  http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=veteransutilities&L=1&sid=Eveterans&U=veteransagents_A

617-210-5927

• The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the Department of Veterans’ Services provide an annuity in the amount of $2,000 to 100% service-connected disabled veterans. This annuity is payable bi-annually on August 1st and February 1st in two installments of $1000 each. It is granted to 100% service-connected disabled veterans, to the surviving parents (Gold Star Parents) and the un-remarried spouses (Gold Star Wives or Husbands) of certain deceased veterans who gave their lives in the service of their country during wartime.  For more information, contact the Massachusetts Department of Veterans Services at (617) 210-5927 or see this web site:  http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=veteranstopic&L=2&L0=Home&L1=Benefits&sid=Eveterans

617-367-9333 x539

• The Commonwealth of Massachusetts also provides a bonus to veterans of certain designated campaigns (including Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom and Noble Eagle) who were domiciled in Massachusetts immediately prior to entry into the armed forces. In the event of the death of a veteran, the spouse and children, mother or father, brother or sister or other dependents of the deceased veteran (in that order) are eligible for a bonus.  For more information, contact the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Office of Treasurer at (617) 367-9333, ext. 539 (OEF/OIF/ONE veterans only), email veteransbonus@tre.state.ma.us or see this web site:  http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=veteranstopic&L=2&L0=Home&L1=Benefits&sid=Eveterans

Public Assistance (Ch. 115)

• Under Chapter 115 of Massachusetts General Laws (M.G.L. ch. 115), the Commonwealth provides a uniform program of financial and medical assistance for indigent veterans and their dependents (Gold Star family members are also included).  Qualifying veterans and their dependents receive necessary financial assistance for food, shelter, clothing, housing supplies, and medical care in accordance with a formula which takes into account the number of dependants and income from all sources. Eligible dependents of deceased veterans are provided with the same benefits as they would was the veteran still living.

How to apply for Public Assistance

Applications for Chapter 115 Public Assistance benefits can be filed with the veteran's local Veterans Agent who works out of your city or town hall. To find your Agent:

• See the complete listing of Veterans Agents in Massachusetts.
• Call your local city/town hall and ask for Veterans' Services.

Or, call the Department of Veterans’ Services, 617-210-5480 and ask for your Veterans’ Agent name and contact information.

• The Massachusetts Legislature allows certain categories of surviving spouses of veterans and Gold Star parents exemptions from real estate tax.  For more information, please see contact your local Board of Assessors, call the MA Department of Revenue, Division of Local Services at 617-626-2400, or see this guide: http://www.mass.gov/Ador/docs/dls/publ/brochures/veterans.pdf
   

• The Red Cross works with the military aid societies (Army Emergency Relief, Navy Marine Corps Relief Society, Air Force Aid Society and the Coast Guard Mutual Assistance) to provide financial assistance to service members or their families for emergency travel, including for travel related to combat related casualties.  
   

• Emergency aid to military families

• Burial assistance not covered by military