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Veterans’ Bonus Eligibility and Documentation

Veterans' Bonuses have eligibility and documentation requirements. See the sections below to see if you qualify.
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Eligibility

  • Residency: You must have been a Massachusetts resident (domiciled) for at least 6 months before entering the armed forces.
  • Discharge Status: If you are NOT an active duty service member, you must have been discharged under honorable conditions.
  • Service Time: You must have served during wartime or deployed in support of a combat operation during peacetime.
  • Family Eligibility: If a veteran is deceased, their heirs-at-law (spouse, children, or parents, in that order) may be eligible to apply on their behalf.

NOT Eligible

  • If you did not live in Massachusetts before entering the military, you are not eligible for a bonus.
  • Out of state students that attended school in Massachusetts are NOT considered domicile in Massachusetts for the purpose of these bonuses.
  • Out of state active-duty military personnel that are NOT originally from Massachusetts are not considered domicile in Massachusetts for the purpose of these bonuses.

Supporting Documentation

The Veterans’ Bonus Division encourages you to upload images or PDFs that support the bonuses that you are applying for. You may be eligible for additional bonuses.

Proof of Service

  • For Discharged Service Members: DD Form 214 Long version showing the “Character of service” – Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty.
  • For Active Service Members, the following documents can be used as proof of service:
    • BIR (US Marines) Basic Individual Record
    • ERB (US Army) Enlisted Record Brief\Talent Report
    • ORB (US Army) Officer Record Brief\Talent Report
    • SURF (Air Force)
    • NAVPERS 1070/605
    • NAVMC 118(9)
  • Awards – Awards can serve as proof that the veteran or service member served at a base or in a country.
  • Deployment or Activation Orders
  • Commanding Office Attestation Form

Proof of Residency

  • High School Diploma or GED – can be used to prove that the service member was domiciled in Massachusetts prior to joining the armed services.
  • W2 tax statements
  • Excise tax statements
  • Lease agreements dated immediately prior to you entering the Armed Forces
  • Documentation from City or town clerk of the city or town that you lived in before entering the military to confirm your Massachusetts residency before entering the military

Other Resources

Call the Veterans’ Bonus Division if you have any questions.
(617)367-933 ext 859

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