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Apply for a Persian Gulf War Veterans' Bonus

Veterans of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts may be eligible to receive a bonus for their service in the Persian Gulf War (August 2, 1990 – April 10, 1991). See below for details.
Most people receive their checks 4-6 weeks after submitting their application.

Contacts

Veterans' Bonus Division Contact

Phone

Call Veterans' Bonus Division Contact at (617) 367-9333 ext. 859

Online

Veterans' Bonus Inquiry 

The Details

What you need

To apply for Persian Gulf War Bonus, your active service must fall within the following dates: August 2, 1990 and April 10, 1991

Persian Gulf War Bonus Payment Amount

BonusAmount
Active service for at least 30 days in an area other than the Persian Gulf  $300
Active service in the Persian Gulf area (war zone or contiguous waters) and awarded the Southwest Asia Service Medal (listed on DD214) $500

You will need the following documents to apply:

  • Proof of Service:
    • Provide copy of DD214 long version showing the character of service block (block 24), if available
  • Proof of Residency:
    • If Massachusetts is not listed as the home of record on your dd214 or other military supporting documentation. Provide documentation showing you were a resident in Massachusetts before entering the military, if available (high school diploma, W2, etc. dated prior to entering the military)
      • If you do not have residency documentation our office can research on your behalf
    • For Reserve and Guard members, residency must be 6 months prior to individual activation start dates.
    • Out of state students that attended school in Massachusetts are not considered domicile in Massachusetts for the purpose of this bonus. 

In addition:

  • You must have performed active service for at least 30 days and served within the period of August 2, 1990 to April 10, 1991
  • *Note: “Active Duty for Training” (ADT/ADUTRA) for the National Guard and Reserve personnel does not qualify as active service for the purpose of this bonus.
  • Your discharge must be under honorable conditions
  • This is a one-time bonus. Contact the Veterans' Bonus Division if you need to confirm whether you were previously awarded the bonus. 

How to apply

  1. Apply online.
  2. Create Veterans Bonus portal account 
  3. Update demographics (contact information) and service history information in your portal account 
  4. Apply for bonus 
  5. Upload supporting documentation 
  6. Orders, DD214, memorandum, award, etc. 
  7. Submit Application 
  8. Contact the Veterans’ Bonus Division though your portal account, if you have questions or need assistance completing the application  

Apply for a Veterans' Bonus by Mail.

Next steps

  1. Approval/Denial Notification

    You will receive an email when the application is approved or denied. Additionally, you can view the status on your portal page at any time.   

  2. Receive bonus

    Payments take approximately 4-6 weeks to process and deliver via mailed check. Unfortunately, we do not have direct deposit services available.   

  3. Appeal a denial

    If a bonus is denied, you will receive an email or letter regarding your denied bonus detailing the reason(s) the bonus was denied along with appeal instructions if you disagree with the decision. 

    You can appeal the Division’s decision. You must send a written request for an appeal within 60 days from the date of receiving the denial.  

  4. Questions/Status

    You can contact the Veterans’ Bonus Division through your portal account by submitting an inquiry from your account.   

Contact

Address
1 Ashburton Place, 12th Floor, Boston, MA 02108
Directions 
Phone
Call Veterans' Bonus Division Contact at (617) 367-9333 ext. 859
Online
Veterans' Bonus Inquiry 

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