- This page, How to Apply For Veteran Annuity Benefits, is offered by
- Executive Office of Veterans Services
How to Apply For Veteran Annuity Benefits
The Details
Eligibility and required documents
Veteran eligibility
To qualify for Veteran Annuity Benefits, a veteran must:
- Have a 100% service-connected disability or compensated at 100% from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Have been discharged under conditions that are not characterized as dishonorable.
- For veterans: Discharge characterization is found within your DD Form 214 documentation.
- Missing DD Form 214 or parent or surviving spouse: Military service records can be requested online via the National Archives' eVetRecs online service records form or by connecting with your local Veteran Service Officer (VSO).
- Be a Massachusetts resident at the time of application and remain a resident while receiving the annuity, pursuant to M.G.L. c.115 §6A.
- Meet statutory requirements under M.G.L. c.115 §§6B–6C.
Surviving spouse eligibility
- Effective July 1, 2025, surviving spouses of deceased U.S. Armed Forces member can continue receiving annuity benefits even if they remarry.
Required documents
Application packet
The Veteran Annuity Application can be filled out either through AdobeSign to submit online or downloaded as a PDF to submit in person, by email or by mail. Directions on how to submit are found in the How To Apply section lower on this page.
Each Veteran Annuity Packet must include:
- Veteran Annuity Application,
- Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) – Direct Deposit Form, and
- IRS W-9 Form
Required supporting documentation of VA and service connection
- DD Form 214 (Member 4 copy) showing Character of Service
- VA Rating Decision (100% service-connected)
- Death Certificate or Casualty Report (if applicable)
- Birth Certificate of Deceased Veteran (parent application only)
- Marriage Certificate (widow or widower application only)
- VA DIC Rating Decision (widow or widower application only)
Optional but recommended: Voided check or bank letter for direct deposit
Updates
Payment distribution
As part of the HERO Act, starting in August 2025, veterans and eligible surviving spouses will receive one annuity check per year of $2,500.
Note: EOVS offices are by appointment only, and annuity checks are not distributed from EOVS offices. Please allow 7 business days from the expected date of payment before checking the status of payment.
If you have any questions or concerns about your benefits, please contact the Veteran Annuity Department
Deadline for new submissions or personal record changes
New applications or updates for existing Annuity benefits must be received and approved by EOVS by June 30th.
How to update banking, address, or other personal record information
Online applications
Starting on 04/03/2026 the Annuity Online Application Packet will be transferred to the AdobeSign platform.
Any applications submitted before 04/03/2026 will not need to be resubmitted. This decision was made in alignment with Massachusetts' commitment in online digital accessibility.
In person, email, or mail-in applications
If you're not applying online, you'll need to download, complete, and submit each part of the Veteran Annuity Application Packet individually — they are separate documents, not a combined packet. All forms and supporting documents must be submitted together for your application to be processed.
If you require additional assistance due to a disability during your application process, please contact the Veteran Annuity Department.
How to apply
We encourage you to apply online — it's the quickest and most secure way to submit your Annuity Application.
The online packet includes everything you'll need in one place:
- Annuity Application
- Direct Deposit (EFT) Form
- W-9 Form
As you complete your application, you'll be guided to upload your required supporting documents directly — no mailing or faxing needed.
Please note: Our online application is now processed through AdobeSign.
Prefer to apply by email? Download, complete, and email us the following:
Once everything is filled out, send your completed packet to: VetsAnnuity@Mass.Gov
Important: Your application cannot be processed until all forms and documents are received together. Please make sure nothing is missing before you hit send.
Download, complete, and mail us the following:
- Annuity Application
- Direct Deposit (EFT) & W-9 Form
- All Required Supporting Documents
Send your completed packet to:
Executive Office of Veterans Services
Attn: Annuity Department One Bowdoin Square
15 New Chardon Street, 4th Floor
Boston, MA 02114
Important: Your application cannot be processed until all forms and documents are received together. Please make sure nothing is missing before you mail your packet.
Want hands-on help with your application? Visit your local Veteran Service Officer (VSO).
Your local VSO is a free, trained resource who can walk you through the entire application and help you gather your documents — so you don't have to navigate the process alone.
Update application information
-
Online — The Fastest Way
If you've recently moved or changed your banking information, you'll need to submit updated forms so your payments aren't interrupted. Here's how:
We recommend updating online through AdobeSign — quick, secure, and requires no printing or mailing.
- Banking change: Complete and submit an updated W-9 and Direct Deposit (EFT) Form via AdobeSign
- Address change: Complete and submit an updated W-9 Form via AdobeSign
Email or mail
Prefer to submit by email or mail? Download, complete, and send us the appropriate updated form:
- Banking change: Download and submit an updated W-9 and Direct Deposit (EFT) Form
- Address change: Download and submit an updated W-9 Form
Once completed, send your forms:
- By email: VetsAnnuity@Mass.Gov
- By mail:
Executive Office of Veterans Services
Attn: Annuity Department
One Bowdoin Square
15 New Chardon Street, 4th Floor
Boston, MA 02114In-person
Your local Veteran Service Officer (VSO) can help you complete and submit your updated forms at no cost to you.
Find Your Local VSO at mass.gov/VSO
All updates for existing Annuity benefits must be received and approved by EOVS by June 30th.
Accessibility & ADA-Compliance
For applicants using screen readers or assistive technology, we provide fully accessible PDF versions of our application forms.
The Executive Office of Veterans Services is committed to digital accessibility. For applicants using screen readers or assistive technology, we provide fully accessible PDF versions of the following forms:
- ADA-compliant Annuity Application (PDF)
- ADA-compliant Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) - Direct Deposit Form
- W-9 Form
Please note: These forms are provided individually and must each be completed and submitted. This is not a combined packet, each form must be mailed or emailed with the additional required documentation.
Applicants must submit ALL required forms and documentation for processing.
If you require additional assistance due to a disability, please contact the Executive Office of Veterans Services Annuity Benefit Department
Annuity application and form downloads
Open PDF file, 608.59 KB, Veteran Annuity Application (English, PDF 608.59 KB)Open PDF file, 658.13 KB, EFT and W9 (English, PDF 658.13 KB)Open PDF file, 399.93 KB, Form W-9 (English, PDF 399.93 KB)Contact
Address
Executive Office of Veterans Services Attn: Annuity Department, 15 New Chardon Street, One Bowdoin Square, Suite 400, Boston, MA 02114Phone
Dial 5 for the Annuity extension Call Executive Office of Veterans Services Annuity Benefit Department, Dial 5 for the Annuity extension at 617-210-5480Related