Massachusetts’ Executive Office of Veterans Services (EOVS) serves those who have served our country. They provide assistance to veterans and their families to navigate the programs and services offered by the Commonwealth. The State Library is also here to connect you to those programs and services.
If you’re just starting your work, the EVOS has a page about benefits and services for veterans: MassVetsAdvisor. You’ll find resources not only for veterans, but for active service members and their families as well. Search for benefits and services or find your Veterans’ Service Officer.
Recent Legislation of Interest to Veterans and their Families
HERO Act (2024 Mass. Acts Chap. 178): An Act Honoring, Empowering, and Recognizing our Servicemembers and Veterans, increases benefits, modernizes services, and promotes inclusivity for veterans and their families.
The Healey-Driscoll administration signed this historic piece of legislation on August 8, 2024 and is the most comprehensive and expansive legislative package dedicated to the welfare of veterans in Massachusetts history. For more detailed information about what this legislation includes see the HERO Act: A New Era for Veterans website.
- Military SPEED Act (2022 Mass. Acts Chap. 154): An Act Relative to Military Spouse-Licensure Portability, Education and Enrollment of Dependents, allows for easier relocation requirements for military families and allows spouses of those in the military to transfer their professional licenses for use in Massachusetts.
- Brave Act (2018 Mass. Acts Chap. 218) An Act Relative to Veterans' Benefits, Rights, Appreciation, Validation and Enforcement restricts the law that gave lower court judges the power to refer veterans to treatment programs rather than arraigning them on criminal charges, and more.
Historical Legislation and Documents Relating to Veterans
The State Library's digital repository serves as a great resource to find bills, acts, and other documents that active service members, veterans, their families and caretakers may find helpful. Be sure to reach out to the Reference Department if you have any questions.
Overview of Programs and Services for Veterans and their Families in Massachusetts
*Please note this list is not comprehensive, but is meant to provide a general overview.
- Financial benefits
- Military and Veteran RMV benefits
- Educational benefits
- Memorials and cemeteries
Veterans Homes/Long-Term Care:
- Eligibility requirements for Veterans homes
- Veterans Homes at Holyoke and Chelsea
- Veterans Homes Council
- Job programs and services
- Women’s Veterans Network
- Vet centers throughout Massachusetts
- Firms and organizations that offer pro bono legal services to veterans
Need help navigating these resources or others? Please reach out to the
State Library Reference Department
reference.department@mass.gov
(617) 727-2590
Additional Resources
Contact for Resources for Veterans and Their Families
Online
Phone
Open M-F 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Open M-W 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Closed Th-F *Advance appointments highly recommended