This is a one-time bonus per deployment for servicemembers who were domicile (lived) in Massachusetts for at least six months or more before entering the military and awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (AFEM) for participating in a combat operations where a wartime bonus is not offered (peace time). The main years that this bonus covers are 1976–1989 and 1992–2000.
Click here to see list of Combat Operations eligible for the AFEM.
You will need the following documents to apply:
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.
Payments take approximately 4-6 weeks to process and deliver via mailed check. Unfortunately, we do not have direct deposit services available.
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.
You can contact the Veterans’ Bonus Division through your portal account by submitting an inquiry from your account.
