Chapter 115 Financial Eligibility Estimator Reference Guide

The Chapter 115 Benefits Estimator is a tool that allows veterans to get an estimate of their potential Chapter 115 benefits. It produces an estimate only. The estimator tool relies on the input of complete and accurate information to make its estimate.

Chapter 115 Financial Eligibility Estimator  Find a Veterans Service Officer  Chapter 115 Benefits Program Information 

Overview

Chapter 115 is a means tested program of the Executive Office of Veterans Services (EOVS) in partnership with Veteran’s Service Officers (VSOs) in every town across the state. The Chapter 115 program provides eligible veterans and their families with needs based financial support for food, shelter, clothing, fuel, and medical care. Your eligibility requirements include veteran status, veteran dependent status, financial need and Massachusetts residency.  You can find more information about eligibility here.108 CMR 3 (mass.gov)

The Chapter 115 Benefit Estimator tool is intended to serve as a starting point for low-income veterans and their families to determine their potential eligibility for Commonwealth of Massachusetts Chapter 115 benefits. Your estimated benefits will be determined by veteran status, family status, income and housing costs.

You can apply for Chapter 115 benefits by reaching out to your local town or district Veterans Service Officer.  Your local VSO can help you to determine all the benefits you may be eligible for including financial, medical, and other state veteran benefits and they can assist with submitting your application. You must contact your VSO to file a VS-1 form to apply. To find your local VSO, go to Find a Veterans Service Officer Near You | Mass.gov

Financial Eligibility Estimator Reference Guide

Page 1: Personal Information

1. Email

   1. We ask for your email address to email you a copy of your completed questionnaire and the resulting estimate. 

2. City/Town

   1. Please choose your Massachusetts city/town where you live from the drop-down list.(You must be a MA resident to apply for benefits.)

3. Marital Status 

   1. Please select Single or Married.  

4. How many dependent children do you have?

   1. According to the HERO Act (M.G.L. Chapter 178. Acts 2024.)  the definition of a dependent is:
      1. "Dependent”, the spouse, widowed person, child or parent of a veteran, including any person who stood in the relationship of a parent to such veteran for the 5 years next preceding the commencement of the veteran’s wartime service; provided, that no child of a veteran who is older than 18 years of age shall be deemed a dependent, unless the child meets the criteria established for emancipation pursuant to section 28 of chapter 208 or section 9 of chapter 209C or unless the child is mentally or physically unable to support themselves after attaining the age of 23.

Page 2: Housing Cost

1. Monthly Housing Cost 

   1. Please enter the amount you pay each month to a landlord or mortgage company/bank. 
   2. If you own a home that is mortgage-free, please enter the total monthly amount you pay for real estate taxes, property insurance, and water/sewer. 
      1. If you are unhoused or living in transitional housing, please see your VSO for assistance determining your benefit.

2. Heat Paid Separately

   1. Answer: Yes, if you pay additional costs for heat
   2. Answer: No, if your heating costs are included in your rent or mortgage

3. Number Sharing Expenses

   1. Please select a number from the drop-down list that represents the number of people in your household that contribute to the housing and heating costs. 
      1. Select 1 if you are single or married
      2. Select 2 or higher if you have other adult roommates, add the number of roommates to 1 to determine your answer. 

Page 3: Income

1. Total Monthly Income 

   1. Please total the monthly income from all household members, including:
      1. Net wages 
      2. Benefits 
      3. Rental Income
      4. And All Other Sources of Income

2. Receive Benefits Income Compensation

   1. Answer Yes, if you receive income from any of these sources:
      1. Social Security Retirement 
      2. Social Security Disability Insurance 
      3. Supplemental Security Income 
      4. VA pension 
      5. Federal, state, county, city or town retirement 
   2. Answer No, if you do not receive income from these sources. 

Page 4: Income - Spousal Benefits*

1. Does your spouse receive income from any of the following sources: 

   1. Answer Yes, if your spouse receives income from any of these sources:
      1. Social Security Retirement 
      2. Social Security Disability Insurance 
      3. Supplemental Security Income 
      4. VA pension 
      5. Federal, state, county, city or town retirement 
   2. Answer No, if your spouse does not receive any income from any of these sources. 

*This question is only asked if you answered Married for page 1.

Once you complete the last question, you will be given a chance to review your answers. If you are satisfied with your input, you can click "Submit" to see your estimate of Chapter 115 benefits. A copy of your answers and your estimate will also be emailed to the email address provided.

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Chapter 115 Benefits Estimator FAQ’s

1. Once I receive my Chapter 115 benefits estimate, how do I submit an application?

   1. After you receive your Chapter 115 benefits estimate, you should contact your local Veterans Service Officer (VSO). You can find your VSO by going to  Find a Veterans Service Officer Near You | Mass.gov or by calling the Executive Office of Veterans Services at 617.210.5480 to ask for your VSO contact information.

2. Is my information kept private?

   1. Yes. The VSO is obligated to keep your information private. They may ask you to sign a release to obtain information from other agencies. Please read the releases carefully.

3. What documentation do I need to have to process my application?

   1. To qualify for Chapter 115 benefits, applicants must apply and submit necessary documentation to the Veterans Service Officer (VSO) in order to receive benefits.  Documentation of alternative sources of income is mandatory. Alternative sources could include rental income, income from self-employment etc.
   2. You should plan to bring the following documentation:
      1. DD-214 or other discharge certificate
      2. Proof of income such as pay stubs, Profit and loss statements if self-employed, benefit award letters and bank statements. Other documentation may be required
      3. Proof of residency such as lease, rent receipts, mortgage statements, or letter from homeless shelter or transitional housing program
      4. If you have or are a dependent(s), you will be required to produce birth certificates, marriage certificates or veteran’s death certificate
      5. Other documentation may be required

4. What if my application is denied?

   1. Your actual benefits will be calculated by your VSO and you will receive a Notice of Determination.
      
      If you disagree with the decision, you may appeal the decision to the Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services. 

      If you choose to appeal, the following procedures must be followed:

   2. Please mail your letter of appeal, which is signed and dated by the applicant and post-marked within 21 days of this decision to:
      Legal Department
      MA Executive Office of Veterans Services
      600 Washington St. 7th floor
      Boston, MA 02111
      
      Or email your letter of appeal to [e-mail]. 
   3. Please send a copy to the Veterans’ Services Officer in your city or town of residence
   4. Please include your reasons for disagreeing with this action in your letter of appeal
   5. Please know that if an appeal hearing is to be held, you have the right to examine and copy any documentation the Veterans’ Services Officer relies upon to support the above action, prior to the hearing

5. Do I need to re-apply each year?

   1. There is a re-certification process where your VSO will send you a letter asking for more information to make sure you are still eligible for benefits. If you ignore the request, you could risk losing your benefits.
      
      Regardless of the re-certification process, if your situation changes regarding income, employment, housing, marriage, dependents, roommates or medical, please inform your VSO. These changes could impact your benefits.

6. Is there anything I need to do if I move to a new town?

   1. You must contact the VSO in your new town to re-apply for benefits. You should also notify your current VSO. They will make sure your benefit payments are not interrupted.

7. Where can I find the complete rules for Chapter 115?

   1. The program was created by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 115 . You can read the law online at Chapter 115 (malegislature.gov)

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Disclaimer

The Massachusetts Veteran Chapter 115 Benefits Estimator is intended for veterans who meet the Massachusetts eligibility requirements for a veteran in M.G.L. Chapter 115 Section 1, and are a Massachusetts resident. This tool helps applicants to determine if they may qualify for financial assistance benefits earned through their service and it provides links to relevant resources. The estimator tool relies on the input of complete and accurate information to make its estimate. Assets may be considered permissible up to the limits outlined in the Secretary's Budget Amounts directive when applying. Other discretionary eligibility criteria exist that may render an individual ineligible for the Massachusetts Chapter 115 benefits even if this tool or other criteria include that the individual would be eligible.

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