Massachusetts Veterans' Benefits

MASSVETS Benefits

Chapter 115
Needs-based program offering veterans and their dependents cash assistance for housing heating and medical care. Please contact your local VSO to apply.

Annuity Benefit
$2,000 a year to eligible disabled veterans and the surviving spouses and parents of veterans who died on Active Duty or due to a service-related illness. Contact the EOVS Annuity Department at [phone] or contact your local VSO to apply.

EOVS Resources

Veterans Cemeteries

• Veterans may be buried in state & federal cemeteries for free, with spouses buried for a nominal fee.
  • Agawam: [phone]
  • Winchendon: [phone]
  • Bourne: [phone]

SAVE Program

• Peer veterans and family members offering support for suicide prevention/ideation as well as benefits & services. Call [phone] or email [e-mail].

Veterans' Homes

• The Veterans’ Homes in Chelsea & Holyoke, formerly Soldiers' Homes, provide veterans’ healthcare and other services:
  • Veterans’ Home in Chelsea: Domiciliary & long-term care including physical & occupational therapy for long-term care residents. Call [phone]
  • Veterans’ Home in Holyoke: Long-term care including physical occupational therapy. Call [phone].

Women Veterans' Network (WVN)

• The Women Veterans’ Network provides women veterans with access to resources, information, & support as well as networking opportunities. Visit the WVN webpage or email [e-mail].

Outreach Centers

• EOVS contracts with providers to assist veterans & their families with a range of services which may vary by location but not limited to:
  • Food pantry
  • State & federal benefits
    referrals
  • Counseling
  • Housing
  • Employment & training
  • Transportation services
  • Community activities

For more information, visit Mass.gov/MassVetsAdvisor.

Other State Veterans' Resources

Property Tax Exemptions

• Certain veterans, disabled veterans, surviving spouses, & surviving parents may qualify for tax exemptions. Contact your local Veterans Service Officer (VSO) for more information.

Bonuses

• The Massachusetts Veterans’ Bonus Division distributes bonuses for various conflicts for qualified active duty, discharged, & deceased Massachusetts veterans. For more information, visit www.vetsbonusma.com or call [phone] ext. 859.

Housing Services

• The Commonwealth offers numerous housing related services which can be found on Mass Vets Advisor, including: 
  • Homeless prevention
  • Outreach services
  • Emergency shelters
  • Transitional housing
  • Counseling
  • Permanent Housing to single providers
• Federal VA Housing, or USVA Supported Housing (VASH): Provides section 8 vouchers to chronically homeless veterans with substance abuse and/or mental health issues.
• Local Housing: Find state-aided public housing through the local housing authority. Contact your local VSO for help.

Education Benefits

• Tuition and/or fee waivers are available to veterans and members of the Massachusetts National Guard at all state schools, colleges and universities. Contact the Veterans’ Representative at the state college/university for eligibility requirements and to apply.

Motor Vehicle

• Motor vehicle sales & tax exemptions for disabled/POW veterans. Visit the RMV's disabled veteran & tax exemptions webpage to learn more. 

Employment and Training

• MassHire Career Centers offer employment opportunities and training programs for veterans and their family members. For more information, visit MassHire's Veterans' Job Programs & Services webpage or call [phone].

Additional Resources

DVS Digital Benefits Brochure

DVS Print Benefits Brochure

Date published:	November 28, 2022
Last updated:	March 1, 2023