Massachusetts — Veterans Collaborative

Massachusetts Veteran Benefits & Services

This page includes directories and information about state agencies and programs for veterans available through the Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services and the Office of the Treasurer’s Veterans Bonus Division; the Executive Offices of Elder Affairs, Health & Human Services, and Housing & Livable Communities; Department of Revenue and the Child Support Services Division; Department of Career Services; MassAbility; Department of Higher Education; the Supplier Diversity Office; and the Offices of the Inspector GeneralState Auditor, and Veteran Advocate, along with census data for veterans in Massachusetts.


Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services

The mission of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans’ Services (EOVS) is to act as the primary advocate on behalf of all the Commonwealth’s veterans. The Office provides outreach and support through the:

The department of veterans’ services in Massachusetts was elevated to the Executive Office of Veterans’ Services (EOVS) on March 1, 2023 under Chapter 144 of the Acts of 2022.

  • Jon Santiago is serving as the first cabinet-level Secretary of Veterans’ Services. Secretary Santiago is a major in the Army Reserves, an emergency medicine physician, and former Peace Corps volunteer and State Representative of the 9th Suffolk District.

  • Andrea Gayle-Bennett is serving as the first Deputy Secretary. Deputy Secretary Gayle-Bennett is a retired brigadier general and healthcare professional.

On August 8, 2024, the Governor signed An Act Honoring, Empowering and Recognizing Our Servicemembers and Veterans (HERO Act), legislation including over 30 provisions increasing benefits, modernizing services, and promoting inclusivity. Key provisions include expanding access to behavioral health treatment, increasing annuity benefits, support for businesses hiring veterans, updating the definition of a veteran, expanding the scope of the Veterans Equality Review Board, and codifying medical and dental benefits.

MassVets Financial Benefits

EOVS offers assistance to eligible veterans and surviving spouses of veterans facing financial difficulties through the MassVets Financial Benefits program.

Chapter 115 benefits are administered through local veterans’ agents. Veterans and families can estimate their potential eligibility using the MassVets Benefit Calculator and get in touch with their local or district veterans’ services office to apply.

Local Veterans’ Services

District Veterans’ Services

Chapter 115 requires each city and town have a veterans’ agent to administer Chapter 115 benefits, but two or more contiguous towns can also appoint someone to serve as veterans’ agent. Over half of cities/towns in Massachusetts are in a district or share a veterans’ agent. If your city or town is part of a district, you can find more information in the District Veterans’ Services directory above. 

Veterans’ Annuity Benefit

MassVets benefits also include an Annuity payment to eligible veterans with service-connected disabilities rated 100% by the VA, and to parents and unmarried spouses of disabled veterans whose deaths were service-connected or resulted from COVID-19 while residing in a state Soldiers’ Home. The HERO Act increased the annuity from $2,000 to $2,500 annually over two years.

  • In February 2025, the annuity payment will be $1,250. New applications must be received by December 31st to receive the $1,250 annuity payment as the first annuity payment.

  • Beginning in August of 2025, veterans will begin receiving one annuity check each year for $2,500. New applications will need to be received by June 30th of each year to receive the annuity payment in August.

Veterans and survivors are strongly encouraged to apply for the annuity online. The application packet and supporting documentation may also be submitted through your local or district veterans’ services office, by email, or by mail.

Veterans Equality Review Board

EOVS offers MassVets Financial Benefits based on the income, disability, and veteran status of former service members. To qualify as a “veteran” for the purpose of obtaining these benefits, a veteran must have been discharged “under honorable conditions.”

The EOVS Veterans Equality Review Board (VERB) was established in September 2023 under Section 16 of MGL Chapter 115 and broadened under the HERO Act to ensure former service members who received less than honorable discharges may still qualify to receive state-based veterans’ benefits if their discharge was under any of the following circumstances:

  • discharged under the repealed “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, or otherwise primarily on the basis of sexual orientation, gender expression, or gender identity (including situations involving sexual assault, harassment, or domestic violence); and/or

  • discharged primarily on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, religious creed, national origin, age, or disability.

Former service members who were discharged or separated under less than honorable conditions on the such a basis may request the VERB review their discharge to determine whether they may qualify to receive Chapter 115 or Annuity benefits in Massachusetts.

Veteran Education, Employment, and Training Office

The mission of EOVS’ Veteran Education, Employment, and Training Office is to empower veterans and their families with competitive employment and career opportunities. In May 2024, the Massachusetts Veteran Ready Business (VRB) program was launched for companies looking to hire veterans and their spouses. VRBs receive notice of veteran hiring events, a veteran employee resource guide, exposure to veterans seeking employment, listing on the VRB webpage, and a VRB badge to display on your website.

Active Duty Service Buyback

Veterans employed by the Commonwealth can “buy back” up to four years of active duty service by paying a lump sum of money to “purchase” up to four years of Commonwealth service and receive credit toward their pension, allowing them to vest in the pension after serving for less than 10 years, depending on how much time they served on active duty. Under the HERO Act, state employees now have up to 10 years after starting state service to enroll in the program, along with a one year grace period for any state employee to enroll.


Massachusetts Veterans’ Bonus Division

The Office of the Treasurer and Receiver General of Massachusetts’ Veterans’ Bonus Division distributes bonuses to eligible active duty, discharged, and deceased veterans who served during various conflicts and Massachusetts National Guard members activated during the Covid-19 pandemic who lived in Massachusetts for at least six months prior to entering military service. 

A provision promoting equality in the FY2024 State Budget allows veterans with Bad Paper Discharges due to their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or HIV status to qualify for bonuses that are administered by the Veterans’ Bonus Division. If you aren’t sure about your eligibility for a bonus or have questions, you can submit an inquiry to the Veterans’ Bonus Division. 


Executive Office of Elder Affairs

Elder Services in Massachusetts

Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in Massachusetts are private, non-profit agencies established under MGL Chapter 19A. Serving around half of people over age 60, ASAPs provide direct and protective services, including information and referrals; interdisciplinary case management; intake and assessment; developing, implementing, and monitoring service plans; reassessing needs; and investigating reports of elder abuse and neglect.


Massachusetts Executive Office of Health & Human Services

Community Behavioral Health Centers

Community Behavioral Health Centers (CBHCs) are a network of 26 centers across Massachusetts serving as one-stop shops offering immediate, confidential care for mental health and substance use services and treatment. CBHCs are open daily for walk-ins, routine appointments, and crisis care. All crisis services offered by CBHCs are open 24/7, including on holidays.

Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line

CBHCs are closely connected to the Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line (BHHL). Launched in January 2023, the BHHL is a 24/7 clinical hotline staffed by trained behavioral health providers and peer coaches who offer clinical assessment, referrals, and crisis triage. The BHHL is always available by phone/text to 833-773-2445 and through online chat. When appropriate, BHHL staff directly connect callers with their nearest CBHC and perform a warm handoff.

Peer Recovery Support Centers

Peer Recovery Support Centers (PRSC) in Massachusetts are free accessible peer-led spaces that provide individuals in recovery from substance use, as well as their family members and loved ones, an opportunity to offer and receive human connection, community inclusion, peer support, and access to non-clinical resources. There are 39 centers throughout the state.

Massachusetts Overdose Prevention Helpline

Massachusetts began funding the Massachusetts Overdose Prevention Helpline in September 2023 to promote the service and hire a full-time operator and call center coordinator, and a part-time medical director, research director, data analyst, and program assistant in the previously volunteer-driven organization. People who are using drugs can call 800-972-0590 to connect with a dedicated team of harm reductionists and people with lived and living experience with overdose who can call for help in case of overdose.

VA Healthcare in Massachusetts

Veterans are encouraged to apply for VA healthcare to determine their eligibility and priority group prior to signing up for Commonwealth Care, Medicare, or MassHealth. Massachusetts veterans are served by the VA BostonVA Bedford, VA Central Western Massachusetts, and VA Providence healthcare systems. Anyone who has served in the military is encouraged to apply to determine their eligibility and Priority Group. Some veterans are exempt from co-pays due to their VA rating, income, or other special eligibility factors.

Other Healthcare Coverage in Massachusetts

Under the Chapter 58 of the Acts of 2006, all adult Massachusetts residents are required to have health insurance. Residents are asked to verify their health insurance coverage on their tax return and residents who do not have insurance face financial penalties. VA healthcare qualifies as creditable insurance coverage under the law. For more information on healthcare options, visit our Healthcare page. 

 
 

Under MGL Chapter 115, Section 4, veterans’ agents must complete and file applications authorized by the Massachusetts Department of Health & Social Services for veterans, widows, and dependents who wish to apply for assistance under MGL Chapter 118E.  


Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing & Livable Communities

The Executive Office of Housing & Livable Communities (EOHLC) was established in 2023 to create more homes and lower housing costs in every region. EOHLC also offers information on affordable rental units available statewide that aren’t associated with private market realtors. For more information on housing resources, visit our Housing resource page.

Housing Navigator Massachusetts is the official listing and search tool for accessible and affordable rental homes.

MyMassHome is the official search tool for accessible and affordable home ownership opportunities.

MassHousing is an independent, quasi-public agency created in 1966 that administers publicly-funded programs on behalf of the Commonwealth.


Massachusetts Department of Revenue

For initial information about property and motor vehicle excise tax exemptions, contact your local Assessor’s office. Further inquiries may be directed to the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, Division of Local Services, Bureau of Municipal Finance Law.

Property Tax Exemptions

Property tax exemptions established under MGL Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 22–22E are available to eligible veterans, spouses, and parents of veterans occupying the property they own as their domicile on July 1 in the year of application who are legal residents of Massachusetts, having lived in Massachusetts for at least six months prior to entering the service (spouses are exempted) or for five consecutive years immediately prior to filing for the exemption. 

The HERO Act created two ways for municipalities to either increase property exemptions for veterans through an easier mechanism to double the current exemption for veterans by tying the annual property tax abatement amount to inflation, allowing exempted property tax amounts to increase with inflation.

Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Exemptions

Effective January 1, 2024, the HERO Act expanded motor vehicle excise tax exemptions to veterans with service-connected disabilities rated 100% or who are deemed unemployable due to a service-connected disability by the VA. Eligibility was previously determined by the Registry of Motor Vehicle’s Medical Advisory Board. The veteran must own or lease the vehicle to qualify and can apply to receive an exemption on one vehicle per year.

Child Support Services Division

The Massachusetts Department of Revenue’s Child Support Services Division provides direct support to service members and veterans with child support cases in order to help parents manage their child support orders. Service members, veterans, and those planning to enlist in military service can get in touch for help with child support cases by email or by phone at (617) 626-2125. For more financial information and resources, visit our Financial Security page.


Massachusetts Department of Career Services

The Massachusetts Department of Career Services provides employment opportunities and training programs to veterans and their families through MassHire Career Centers, where veterans and spouses of veterans who died of a service-connected disability, have a 100% VA service-connected disability rating, or were Missing in Action (MIA) or a Prisoner of War (POW) receive Priority of Service.

Priority of Service provides expedited access to services and resources funded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS). Priority access is also available to spouses of veterans who died of service-connected disabilities, have a 100% VA service-connected disability rating; or are MIA/POWs. For more information and resources, visit our Employment page.


MassAbility

The MassAbility offers vocational rehabilitation and community living programs. The MassAbility Ombudsman serves as a customer relations liaison between the consumer and the commission, providing assistance and support to people with disabilities and responding to inquiries from agencies and individuals. The Ombudsman may be contacted by email.

If an issue cannot be resolved through the Ombudsman, MassAbility has an appeals process, which may include an informal administrative review, mediation, or an impartial fair hearing. MassAbility also makes determinations of eligibility on Social Security claims through its Disability Determination Services (DDS); the ombudsman also provides assistance to Social Security claimants with concerns.


Massachusetts Department of Higher Education

The Massachusetts Department of Higher Education’s Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) manages and oversees all state-funded financial aid programs and is the principal agency promoting access to higher education and the availability of financial aid resources and programs to help students meet college costs.

The Massachusetts DPH’s Office of Veterans Education is the State Approving Agency (SAA) responsible for monitoring and approving educational institutions and programs within Massachusetts on behalf of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The SAA plays a critical role in ensuring veterans and their beneficiaries may use their VA benefits in pursuit of their personal education and career goals.

  • Under the authority of USC Title 38 and Title 10Chapter 1606, each institution and program in Massachusetts must be individually approved by the SAA before VA beneficiaries may use their VA education and training benefits for a program.

  • Beneficiaries may search the most current listing of VA-approved programs and institutions on the VA WEAMS Institution Search page or VA GI Bill Comparison Tool.

Students using the GI Bill who are called back to active duty can review the Deployment Checklist as a guideline; check with the Veterans Certifying Official and lending institutions for specific deployment and re-deployment actions. For more information and resources, visit our Employment and Education pages.


Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office

The Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office (SDO) certifies diverse businesses in Massachusetts, including as Veteran Business Enterprises (VBE) and Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Business Enterprises (SDVOBE). In June 2023, the SDO launched a searchable Certified Diverse Business Dashboard mapping all certified diverse businesses, allowing users to locate businesses by location and type of business, including VBEs and SDVOBEs.

Companies with a principal place of business in Massachusetts interested in obtaining SDO certification must attend a mandatory, 2-hour pre-certification workshop prior to submitting an application. For more resources, visit our Entrepreneurship page.


Massachusetts Office of the Inspector General

Massachusetts formed the first state Office of the Inspector General in the US. The IG’s Office an independent agency focused on preventing and detecting waste, fraud, and abuse of public funds and property by state agencies, counties, cities, towns, quasi-governmental authorities and districts, individuals, corporations, and nonprofits doing business with the government.

The IG has broad authority under MGL Chapter 12A to oversee the use of state, local, and federal funds by state and local governments and those who receive government funds or use public property. The IG’s Office has reviewed Massachusetts veterans’ services since 2020 and is overseeing the implementation of Chapter 144 of the Acts of 2022 with reports in April and August 2022 and January 2023.

With the elevation of Veterans’ Services in Massachusetts from a Department of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to a Secretariat, the unit within OIG with oversight of EOHHS lost jurisdiction. In July 2023, the OIG’s first Director of Veterans’ Services was sworn in under the authority of MGL Chapter 12A to oversee services provided to veterans through the state and municipalities.


Massachusetts Office of the State Auditor

The Office of the State Auditor conducts audits, investigations, and studies to promote accountability and transparency, improve performance, and make government work better. State Auditor Diana DiZoglio is the chief accountability officer for state government in Massachusetts and its residents. The OSA has offices in Boston, Marlborough, Chicopee, and Brockton. The OSA has conducted audits of Massachusetts Veterans’ Services four times since 2001.


Massachusetts Office of the Veteran Advocate

Chapter 144 of the Acts of 2022 established the Office of the Veterans Advocate, a quasi-state agency that ensures veterans in the Commonwealth’s care receive timely, safe, humane, and effective services. Appointed as the Commonwealth’s first Veteran Advocate in November 2023, retired Colonel Bob Notch was tasked with standing up the newly formed office.

OVA examines the care and services executive agencies provide to veterans on a system-wide basis; advises the public and state government on how services can be improved; investigates incidents where veterans suffer fatality, near fatality, or serious bodily or emotional injury receiving services from an executive agency; and reports annually on service delivery and recommendations.


Veterans in Massachusetts

Based on 2022 ACS 5-year estimates, there are around 266,304 veterans living in Massachusetts, including 18,873 women veterans. Around 55% of veterans in Massachusetts are age 65 or older (147,259 veterans), including almost 27% of women (5,038 veterans). 

Census Reporter – 2022 ACS Community Survey visualization of the percentage of veterans by city and town in Massachusetts.

Census Reporter – 2022 ACS Community Survey visualization of the number of veterans by city and town in Massachusetts.

If you serve veterans and are trying to learn more about their demographics, explore the most recent ACS 5-year estimates from Census Reporter for cities and towns in Massachusetts using the links below.

Tables for period of military service, service-connected disability, veteran status by educational attainment, age by veteran status and employment, and median income by gender and veteran status are available at the state, county, and city and town level with 5-year estimates (most reliable). Age by gender and veteran status is available, including with racial iterations:

Age by disability by veteran and poverty status is available at the state and county level and sex by age by employment status with armed forces is available at the state level with 1-year estimates (most current).