State Taxes
Education Benefits
Employment Benefits
Unemployment Insurance
Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) Benefits
Health and Insurance Benefits
Parks and Recreation Benefits
Miscellaneous Benefits
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Facilities in Massachusetts
Massachusetts Military Resource Locator
Resources
Summary of Massachusetts Military and Veterans Benefits: Massachusetts offers special benefits for service members, Veterans and their families including a bonus program, Veteran annuities, Veterans’ employment hiring preference, property tax exemptions, education and tuition assistance, vehicle tags, as well as hunting and fishing license privileges. Eligibility for some benefits may depend on residency, military component, and Veteran disability status.
Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services, Veterans’ Service Officers: The Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services has trained Veterans’ Service Officers who can assist Veterans, retired service members and their families find and apply for Veterans benefits under federal, state, and local laws. All their services are provided free of charge.
Massachusetts Veterans' Service Officer Directory
Learn more about Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services, Veterans’ Service Officers
Massachusetts Military and Veteran State Benefit Highlights and Eligibility
What are my Massachusetts Military and Veteran State Tax Benefits?
Massachusetts Income Taxes on Military Pay: Military pay received by Massachusetts resident service members is subject to state taxes.
Learn more about Massachusetts Income Taxes on Military Pay
Massachusetts Income tax Exclusion for Combat Pay and Extension to File: Military pay received by a resident service member for active duty service in a combat zone that is excluded from their federal adjusted gross income is also exempt from Massachusetts income tax.
Service members have 180 days from their return from a combat zone or when they are released from hospitalization due to injuries they received in a combat zone to file their state income taxes.
Learn more about Massachusetts State Tax Benefits for those in a Combat Zone
Massachusetts Military Retired Pay Income Tax Exemption: Military retired pay is not taxed in Massachusetts.
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) does not withhold taxes for state or local income tax, but it is reported annually on IRS Form 1099-R. All TSP distributions are subject to state taxes and early distributions may incur higher taxes.
Learn more about the Massachusetts Military Retired Pay Income Tax Exemption
Massachusetts State Taxes on Military Disability Retirement Pay: received as a pension, annuity or similar allowance for personal injury or sickness resulting from active service in the U.S. Armed Forces should not be included in taxable income. Some of the payments which are considered disability benefits include:
- Disability compensation and pension payments for disabilities paid to Veterans or their families
- Grants for homes designed for wheelchair living
- Grants for motor vehicles for Veterans who lost their sight or the use of limbs, or
- Benefits under a dependent-care assistance program
See IRS Publication 525 for more information.
Learn more about Massachusetts State Taxes on Military Disability Retirement Pay
Massachusetts State Taxes on U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Disability Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): DIC is a tax-free monetary benefit paid to eligible survivors of military service members who died in the line of duty or eligible survivors of Veterans whose death resulted from a service-connected injury or disease.
Military Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP)/ Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RCSBP)/ Retired Serviceman’s Family Protection Plan (RSFPP) Massachusetts State Tax Exemption: Survivor pensions paid to a surviving spouse are not taxed in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts Property Tax Exemption for Veterans, Spouses, Surviving Spouses and Gold Star Parents: Veterans, their spouse, surviving spouse or Gold Star Parents may be eligible for a range of property tax exemptions in Massachusetts. Those eligible can only receive one exemption each fiscal year. Applicants who qualify for more than one exemption will receive the one that provides the greatest benefit.
Clause 22 - $400 tax exemption for the following:
- 10% (or more) service-connected disabled Veteran
- Purple Heart recipient
- Gold Star parents of a deceased service member
- Spouse or unremarried surviving spouses of an eligible Veteran
Clause 22A - $750 if the Veteran has:
- Service-connected loss of use of one foot, one hand, or one eye
- Medal of Honor recipient
- Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, or Air Force Cross recipient
- Prisoner of War
- Spouse or surviving spouse of an eligible Veteran
Clause 22B - $1,250 if the Veteran has:
- Service-connected loss of use of both feet, both hands, or both eyes
- Spouse or surviving spouse of an eligible Veteran
Clause 22C - $1,500 if the Veteran has:
- Permanent and total disability rating from the VA and received specially adapted housing assistance
- Spouse or surviving spouse of an eligible Veteran
Clause 2D – Total exemption for the unremarried surviving spouses of a service member who:
- Died in a combat zone or as the result of an illness or injury they received in a combat zone
- Was declared missing in action and presumed dead
Clause 22E - $1,000 if the Veteran has:
- 100% disability rating from the VA
- Spouse or surviving spouse of an eligible Veteran
Clause 22F– Total exemption for the following:
- Veteran who is paraplegic or has a 100% disability rating for service-connected blindness
- Spouse or surviving spouse of an eligible Veteran
Clause 22H– Total exemption for the following:
- Surviving parents or guardians of a service member who was declared missing in action or presumed dead
- Surviving parents or guardians of a service member or Veteran who died from a service-connected cause that occurred while the service member was serving on active duty
Who is eligible for Massachusetts Property Tax Exemption for Veterans, Spouses, Surviving Spouses and Gold Star Parents? To be eligible Veterans or their family members must meet the following requirements:
- Resident of Massachusetts
- Veteran received a discharge other than dishonorable
- Occupy the property as their domicile on July 1 in the year they apply
- Lived in Massachusetts for at least six months prior to entering the U.S. Armed Forces (spouses exempted), or
- Lived in Massachusetts for five consecutive years immediately prior to filing for a property tax exemption
Applications must be made annually through the local tax assessor.
Massachusetts City and Town Directory
Massachusetts General Laws I-IX-59-5
Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans, Former Prisoners of War (POW) and Service Members: Massachusetts offers a motor vehicle excise tax exemption for eligible service members, disabled Veterans, former POW’s and their surviving spouses.
Who is eligible for a Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans, Former Prisoners of War (POW) and Service Members? Applicants who meet the following requirements are eligible for a motor vehicle excise tax exemption for one motor vehicle for personal, non-commercial use:
- Has a service-connected loss of or loss of use of one or both feet or one or both arms or has a permanent visual impairment in at least one eye (as determined by the VA), or
- Has a permanent service-connected disability or has been approved for a Massachusetts Disabled Veteran license plate
- Former POW or their unremarried surviving spouse (must be approved by the local city or town)
Massachusetts resident service member serving in an active or reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible for one motor vehicle excise tax exemption. To be eligible the service member must have been deployed or stationed outside Massachusetts for at least 180 continuous days in a calendar year. service members who were wounded or killed in an armed conflict do not have to meet the 180 day requirement.
To apply for this tax exemption applicants should contact their local tax assessor.
Massachusetts City and Town Directory
Massachusetts General Laws I-IX-60a-1
Massachusetts Vehicle Sales Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans: Disabled Veterans who suffered the loss of, or permanent loss of the use of, both legs or both arms or one leg and one arm or has been approved for a Massachusetts Disabled Veteran license plate are eligible for a motor vehicle sales tax exemption for one motor vehicle for personal, non-commercial use.
For more information, please use the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles online contact page.
Massachusetts General Laws I-IX-64H-6(u)
Learn more about Massachusetts Vehicle Sales Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans
Massachusetts Income Exemption for Nonresident Military Spouses: A nonresident service member’s spouse may be exempt from paying Massachusetts taxes on income earned while stationed in Massachusetts.
Who is eligible for Massachusetts Income Exemption for Nonresident Military Spouses? A nonresident military spouse must meet the following requirements to be exempt from Massachusetts income tax:
- Service member is a resident of another state or territory
- Service member is in Massachusetts in compliance with military orders
- Spouse is in Massachusetts only to be with the service member
- Spouse is a resident of the same state or territory as the service member
Massachusetts Tax Information for Military Personnel and their Spouses
Learn more about the Massachusetts Income Exemption for Nonresident Military Spouses
What are my Massachusetts Military and Veteran Education Benefits?
Tuition and Fee Waivers for Massachusetts National Guard Service Members: The Massachusetts National Guard Education Assistance Program provides a 100% tuition and fee waiver for Massachusetts National Guard service members to attend a state college, university, or community college program. Service members must be in good standing with their unit while they are using this tuition waiver. Service members can receive up to 130 semester hours of assistance.
Massachusetts General Laws I-V-33-137
Massachusetts National Guard Family Education Program: Massachusetts National Guard service members can transfer some or all their 130 semester hours of educational assistance to theirdependent children (must be enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System).
The total of tuition benefits received by the service member and their dependents cannot exceed a lifetime total of 130 semester hours per member.
Eligible children must use this waiver within 10 years of the service member separation from service, or by the age of 26, whichever date is later.
Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth, Veterans' Laws, and Benefits Guide
Massachusetts General Laws I-V-33-137A
For more information, please contact the Massachusetts National Guard Education Office by calling 339-202-3199 or at ng.ma.maarng.mbx.education-ma@army.mil.
Massachusetts National Guard Tuition Waiver Online Application
Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, Public Higher Education Campus Directory
Massachusetts National Guard Education Office Contact Page
Learn more about the Tuition and Fee Waivers for Massachusetts National Guard Service Members
Massachusetts Categorical Tuition Waiver for Veterans and Active Duty Service Members: Massachusetts offers a tuition waiver to eligible Veterans and active duty service members. This waiver can be used to attend a Massachusetts state college, university, or community college program. 
Who is eligible for the Massachusetts Categorical Tuition Waiver for Veterans and Active Duty Service Members? Students must meet the following requirements:
- Resident of Massachusetts for at least one year prior to the start of the academic year
- U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
- Meet Selective Service registration requirement
- Not in default of any federal or state student loan or owe a refund on any previously received financial aid
- Received a discharge under honorable conditions after serving at least 180 days on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces during a non-wartime period
- Received a discharge under honorable conditions after serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for at least 90 days, one day of which was in theater during a wartime period
- Service member currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces who are stationed and living in Massachusetts
To apply, students should contact the financial aid office at the institution they are attending or plan to attend for application requirements and deadlines. Students can also contact the Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance at 617-391-6070 for more information.
Massachusetts Definition of a Veteran
Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, Public Higher Education Campus Directory
Massachusetts Categorical Tuition Waiver Fact Sheet
Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance Directory
Learn more about the Massachusetts Categorical Tuition Waiver for Veterans and Active Duty Members
Suffolk University, Veterans Upward Bound Program: The Suffolk University, Veterans Upward Bound Program is a free pre-college program designed to help Veterans develop the academic and personal skills necessary to succeed in a higher education program.
Veterans Upward Bound provides:
- College and career advice
- Academic Preparation classes
- College financial planning
- College application assistance
Who is eligible for the Suffolk University Upward Bound Programs? To be eligible Veterans must not have earned their bachelor’s degree and must meet the following requirements:
- Low-income or first generation college student
- Served at least 181 days on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, or was discharged early due to a service-connected disability
- Received a discharge other than dishonorable
For more information, please call 617-725-4102. To apply Veterans must complete the online Suffolk University, Veterans Upward Bound Application and will be required to provide a copy of their DD214.
Learn more about the Suffolk University Veterans Upward Bound Program
Massachusetts Soldiers Legacy Fund (MSLF): MSLF is a charitable trust that provides educational assistance grants to the children of Massachusetts resident service members who were killed while serving during the Global War on Terrorism. 
Who is eligible for the MSLF?Children qualify if their parent was a legal resident of Massachusetts and died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces during the Global War on Terrorism. There is no selection process.
For more information, please use the MSLF online contact page or call 508-630-2382 or 866-856-5533.
MSLF Brochure
Learn more about the Massachusetts Soldiers Legacy Fund
Massachusetts High School Diplomas for Wartime Veterans: High school diplomas may be awarded to honorably discharged resident Veterans who left a Massachusetts high school prior to receiving their high school diploma to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II, Korea, or Vietnam . Diplomas may be awarded posthumously. Veterans or their family members should contact their local Massachusetts Veterans' Service Officer (VSO) for more information and to apply.
Massachusetts VSO Directory
Learn more about Massachusetts High School Diplomas for Wartime Veterans
Massachusetts In-State Tuition for Nonresident Veterans and their Dependents: Massachusetts offers instate tuition rates for eligible Veterans and their dependents at a Massachusetts state college, university or community college program.
Who is eligible for Massachusetts Instate Tuition for Nonresident Veterans and their Dependents? Nonresidentstudents must enroll within three years of the discharge of the Veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for 90 days or more. All students must live in Massachusetts (regardless of their legal state of residence) and meet the following requirements to qualify for resident tuition rates:
- Veteran receiving VA educational benefits
- Spouse or child using transferred benefits VA educational benefits
- Spouse or child using the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (must enroll within three years of the death of the service member who served on active duty for 90 days or more)
Once a student qualifies for resident tuition rates, they will remain eligible for as long as they remain continuously enrolled. For more information please use the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, online contact page, call 617-994-6950, or email veted@bhe.mass.edu.
Learn more about Massachusetts Instate Tuition for Nonresident Veterans and their Dependents
Massachusetts Public Service Grant Program, Scholarships for Children of Prisoners of War (POW)/Missing in Action (MIA) and Service Members Killed in Action: The Massachusetts Public Service Grant Programwill a provide a scholarship to the children of service members declared a POW or MIA during the Vietnam Conflict and the children of a service member who was killed in action, or as a result of that action. Scholarships will be provided for undergraduate studies at an institution of higher education in Massachusetts.
For more information, please contact the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education.
Massachusetts Department of Higher Education
Office of Student Financial Assistance
454 Broadway, Suite 200
Revere, MA 02151
Phone: 617-391-6070
E-mail: osfa@mass.edu
Massachusetts Public Service Grant Program Application
Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, Public Higher Education Campus Directory
Massachusetts Resident Tuition Rates for Nonresident Active Duty Service Members and their Family Members: Massachusetts institutions of higher education offer resident tuition rates for nonresident service members and their dependents who are stationed in Massachusetts. Students will not lose resident status for as long as they remain continuously enrolled in a course of study leading to an associate, bachelor or post-graduate degree at a Massachusetts institution of higher education.
Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (MIC3): The purpose of this compact is to remove barriers to educational success imposed on children of military families because of frequent moves and deployment of their parents by: 
- Facilitating the prompt enrollment of children of military families and ensuring that they are not placed at a disadvantage due to difficulty in the transfer of educational records from the previous school district or variations in entrance or age requirements
- Facilitating the student placement process through which children of military families are not disadvantaged by variations in attendance requirements, scheduling, sequencing, grading, course content or assessment. Facilitating the qualification and eligibility for enrollment, educational programs and participation in extracurricular academic, athletic and social activities
- Facilitating the on-time graduation of children of military families
- Providing for the enforcement of administrative rules implementing the provisions of this compact
- Providing for the uniform collection and sharing of information between and among member states, schools and military families under this compact
- Promoting coordination between this compact and other compacts affecting military children
- Promoting flexibility and cooperation between the educational system, parents and the student in order to achieve educational success for the student
Points of Contact
Phone:206-459-3222 / 781-338-6301
Learn more about Massachusetts Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children
Massachusetts Purple Star Award Designation for Military-Friendly Schools: The Massachusetts Purple Star Award Designation for military-friendly schools recognizes schools that show a major commitment to students and families connected to the U.S. Armed Forces.
For a school to qualify for designation they must appoint a school liaison who is specially trained to handle the unique challenges experienced by military families. This liaison will ensure that other teachers at their school are aware of special considerations that students from military families can benefit from. Each school will also have a dedicated page on their school website featuring resources for military families.
Military Child Education Coalition Purple Star School Program
Learn more about the Massachusetts Purple Star Award Designation for Military-Friendly Schools
What are my Massachusetts Military and Veteran Employment Benefits?
Massachusetts, MassHire Department of Career Services (DCS), Veterans Job Programs and Services: The Massachusetts DCS helps service members leaving the U.S. Armed Forces, Veterans and their spouse find employment opportunities by offering employment training and placement 
services. Assistance is provided through Veteran Employment Representatives (VER) and Massachusetts Disabled Veteran Outreach Program Specialists (DVOPs), who focus on Veterans with service-connected disabilities. VER’s and DVOPs maintain up-to-date information about all the programs and services available to assist Veterans at the federal, state, and local level.
Massachusetts VER Directory
DCS also offers Priority of Service to qualified Veterans and their spouses when referring individuals to job openings, DOL funded training programs or related services. Those eligible receive access to services or resources sooner than others who are not eligible.
For Veterans to receive priority of service they must have served at least one day on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces (does not include active duty for training) and received a discharge other than dishonorable. For a Veteran’s spouse to be eligible they must meet the following requirements:
- Spouse of a Veteran who died from a service-connected disability
- Spouse of a service member serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces who, at the time of application, is listed as missing in action, a prisoner of war or was forcibly detained for 90 days or more
- Spouse of a Veteran who has a total service-connected disability, or a surviving spouse of a Veteran who dies while they have a total service-connected disability
Department of Labor, Training and Employment Guidance Letter
For more information, please contact the Massachusetts Department of Career Services at 617-626-5300 or email DCSFeedback@MassMail.State.MA.US.
Massachusetts DCS, MassHire Career Center Directory
Massachusetts State Employment Veterans Hiring Preference: Massachusetts offers Veterans hiring preference for civil service employment.
Open Competitive Exams:Veterans or their eligible family members who receive 70 points or above on an open competitive exam for a Massachusetts civil service position (including police and firefighter) receive absolute Veterans’ preference and are immediately placed at the head of the eligibility list. This does not mean that the Veteran automatically gets the job, but they are placed at the top of the list and hired when there is a vacancy. Those eligible for absolute preference are ranked in the following order:
- Disabled Veterans
- All other Veterans
- Spouse and single parents of a Veteran who died in combat or from service-connected cause
Promotional Exams: All eligible Veterans have two points added to their scores for promotional exams.
Labor Service: There is no exam required for labor service positions. Veterans, whether disabled or not, are placed at the top of the eligibility list. Spouses and single parents of Veterans are placed below Veterans but above all other applicants.
Public Service: Service members serving in the National Guard or the U.S. Armed Forces Reserves who are called to active duty and have taken a civil service test, passed, and are on a current certified list are eligible for protection on their civil service original appointment exams. They must request in writing up to one year following their discharge to be continued on or restored to the list for a period equal to the time of military service. If a service member is on more than one list, they must request this protection separately for each list.
Veterans who apply for civil service jobs that do not have an exam, and therefore no list, receive preference over non-Veterans. If there is more than one Veteran, it is up to the hiring authority to make the choice between them. If a hiring authority wants to by-pass this law, they must get Human Resource Division's (HRD) approval. HRD's civil service unit also maintains lists of state agencies with vacancies and will notify interested Veterans of openings.
Who is eligible for Massachusetts State Employment Veterans Hiring Preference? Veterans must meet the Massachusetts Definition of a Veteran to be eligible for Veterans preference.
Learn more Massachusetts State Employment Veterans Hiring Preference
Massachusetts State Employment Veteran's Tenure: Veterans who have state unclassified positions for more than three years cannot be involuntarily separated for lack of work or money when a similar positions exist, unless those positions are held by Veterans, in which case separation will be in reverse order of their original hiring date.
Massachusetts General Laws I-III-30-9A
Learn more about Massachusetts State Employment Veteran's Tenure
Massachusetts State Employee Retirement System, Military Service Buyback: Veterans who are members of the Massachusetts State Employees' Retirement System (MSERS) are eligible to buy back up to four years of military service towards their Massachusetts retirement. Employees can purchase service at a rate of one year of active duty military service for one year of Massachusetts retirement. Reserve component service members can purchase one year of Massachusetts retirement for every five years of reserve component service.
Who is eligible for Massachusetts State Employee Retirement System, Military Service Buyback? To purchase active duty service the Veteran must have received an honorable discharge and must meet one of the following requirements:
- Served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for 180 days or more that was not during a wartime period
- Served on active duty for 90 days or more, one day of which is during wartime
- Awarded one of the following campaign badges:
- Second Nicaraguan Campaign
- Navy Occupation Service
- Medal of Humane Action, Yangtze Service
- Army of the Occupation
- Served during wartime and received the Purple Heart or was discharged due to a service-connected disability, regardless of length of service
For more information, please call 617-367-9333 extension 856, or email Buyback@tre.state.ma.us.
Massachusetts General Laws I-IV-32-4 (h)
Massachusetts Veteran's Creditable Service Buyback Form
Learn more about the Massachusetts State Employee Retirement System, Military Service Buyback
Massachusetts State Public Works Employment Preference: Preference is given to Veterans and Service-connected disabled Veterans when hiring for public works construction by the state, county, town, or district, or by a person contracting with or subcontracting for public works construction.
Learn more about Massachusetts State Public Works Employment Preference
Federal Employment Veteran's Hiring Preferences: By Federal law, Veterans who are disabled or who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces during certain specified time periods or in military campaigns are entitled to preference over non-Veterans in hiring into the Federal civil service 
and in retention during reduction in force. Veterans may be entitled to 5 or 10 points included in any scoring process for examination or interviews.
5-point Hiring Preference: Five points are added to the examination score or rating of a Veteran who served:
- During a war, or
- During the period April 28, 1952, through July 1, 1955, or
- For more than 180 consecutive days, other than for training, any part of which occurred after January 31, 1955, and before October 15, 1976, or
- During the Gulf War from August 2, 1990, through January 2, 1992, or
- For more than 180 consecutive days, other than for training, any part of which occurred during the period beginning September 11, 2001, and ending on August 31, 2010, the last day of Operation Iraqi Freedom, or
- In a campaign or expedition for which a campaign medal has been authorized. Any Armed Forces Expeditionary medal or campaign badge, including El Salvador, Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, Southwest Asia, Somalia, and Haiti, qualifies for preference
10-point Compensable Disability (CP) Preference: Ten points are added to the examination score or rating of a Veteran who served at any time and who has a compensable service-connected disability rating of at least 10% but less than 30% .
10-Point 30% Compensable Disability Preference (CPS): Ten points are added to the passing examination score or rating of a Veteran who served at any time and who has a compensable service-connected disability rating of 30% or more.
10-Point Disability Preference (XP): Ten points are added to the passing examination score or rating of a:
- Veteran who served at any time and has a present service-connected disability or is receiving compensation, disability retirement benefits, or pension from the military or the VA but does not qualify as a CP or CPS, or
- Veteran who received a Purple Heart
10-Point Derived Preference (XP): Ten points are added to the passing examination score or rating of spouses, surviving spouses, or mothers of Veterans. Both a mother and a spouse (including surviving spouse) may be entitled to preference based on the same Veteran's service if they both meet the requirements. However, neither may receive preference if the Veteran is living and is qualified for Federal employment.
Ten points are added to the passing examination score or rating of the spouse of a disabled Veteran who is disqualified for a federal position along the general lines of their usual occupation because of a service-connected disability. Such a disqualification may be presumed when the Veteran is unemployed and:
- Is rated by appropriate military or VA authorities to be 100% disabled and/or unemployable, or
- Has retired, been separated, or resigned from a civil service position because of a disability that is service-connected in origin, or
- Has attempted to obtain a civil service position or other position along the lines of their usual occupation and has failed to qualify because of a service-connected disability
Preference may be allowed in other circumstances but anything less than the above warrants a more careful analysis.
A campaign medal holder or Gulf War Veteran who originally enlisted after September 7, 1980, (or began active duty on or after October 14, 1982, and has not previously completed 24 months of continuous active duty) must have served continuously for 24 months or the full period called or ordered to active duty. The 24-month service requirement does not apply to 10-point preference eligible Veterans separated for disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty, or to Veterans separated for hardship or other reasons under Title 10 U.S.C. 1171 or 1173.
Learn more about Federal Employment Veteran's Hiring Preferences
Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA): USERRA protects civilian job rights and benefits for Veterans and members of reserve components. USERRA also protects service member rights and benefits by clarifying the law, improving enforcement mechanisms, and adding Federal Government employees to those employees already eligible to receive Department of Labor assistance in processing claims.
Absence from Work for Military Duty: USERRA establishes the cumulative length of time that an individual may be absent from work for military duty and retain reemployment rights to five years. Exceptions to the five-year limit, include initial enlistments lasting more than five years, periodic 
National Guard and U.S. Armed Forces Reserve training duty, and involuntary active duty extensions and recalls, especially during a time of national emergency. USERRA establishes that reemployment protection does not depend on the timing, frequency, duration, or nature of an individual's service if the basic eligibility criteria are met.
Disability Accommodation: USERRA provides protection for disabled Veterans, requiring employers to make reasonable efforts to accommodate the disability. Service members recovering from injuries received during service or training may have up to two years from the date of completion of service to return to their jobs or apply for reemployment.
Return to Work without Loss of Seniority: USERRA provides that returning service members are reemployed in the job that they would have attained had they not been absent for military service, with the same seniority, status and pay, as well as other rights and benefits determined by seniority. USERRA also requires that reasonable efforts (such as training or retraining) be made to enable returning service members to refresh or upgrade their skills to help them qualify for reemployment. USERRA also provides that while an individual is performing military service, they are deemed to be on a furlough or leave of absence and are entitled to the non-seniority rights accorded other individuals on non-military leaves of absence.
Extension of Health and Pension Plans: Health and pension plan coverage for service members is provided for by USERRA. Individuals performing military duty of more than 30 days may elect to continue employer sponsored health care for up to 24 months; however, they may be required to pay up to102% of the full premium. For military service of less than 31 days, health care coverage is provided as if the service member had remained employed. USERRA clarifies pension plan coverage by making explicit that all pension plans are protected.
Who is eligible for USERRA Benefits? Veterans, U.S. Armed Forces Reserve, or National Guard service members who leave a position for training or active military service are eligible.
The Department of Labor, through the Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS) helps all who have claims under USERRA, including Federal and Postal Service employees.
employees.
VETS Regional Office Locations
Learn more about Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act
Military Leave for Massachusetts Civil Service Employees: Massachusetts National Guard and U.S. Armed Forces Reserve Service members who are Massachusetts civil service employees can receive leave from their civilian job for military duty.
National Guard Service Members – Receive 34 days paid military leave during the state fiscal year or 17 paid days for a federal fiscal year.
U.S. Armed Forces Reserve Service Members - U.S. Armed Forces Reserve Service members are authorized 17 days military leave during a calendar year, this leave may be with or without pay at the discretion of the employer.
Who is eligible for Military Leave for Massachusetts Civil Service Employees? National Guard and U.S. Armed Forces Reserve Service members are eligible for military leave.
Learn more about Military Leave for Massachusetts Civil Service Employees
Massachusetts State Active Duty Per Diem Compensation Rate: Massachusetts National Guard Service members attending drill and annual training are eligible for the same pay and allowances authorized active duty service members serving in the U.S. Armed Forces in the same pay grade with less than two years’ time in service. Massachusetts National Guard Service members activated for state or federal active duty are authorized the same pay and allowances authorized active duty service members serving in the U.S. Armed Forces in the same pay grade and time in service, but not less than $200 per day.
These pay and allowances will be reduced by any amount the service member receives from the U.S. government.
Who is eligible for the Massachusetts State Active Duty Per Diem Compensation Rate? MassachusettsNational Guard Service members are eligible for compensation.
Learn more about the Massachusetts State Active Duty Per Diem Compensation Rate
Massachusetts Division of Occupational Licensure (DOL) Benefits for Service Members, Veterans and Spouses: The MassachusettsDOL offers professional licensing benefits to active duty service members, relocated military spouses, and Veterans.
DOL and its 39 professional licensing boards offer the following benefits to qualified individuals:
- Accepts military education, training, and service completed toward the qualification requirements for licensure
- Professional licenses of active duty service members remain valid until 90 days after discharge
- Expedited licensure for military spouses who are licensed in another state and have relocated to Massachusetts due to military orders
DOL will also waive the initial licensure fee for individuals who qualify for benefits through one of the categories listed above.
Applicants must complete the appropriate affidavit form, provide required documentation (listed on the applications) and return it to DOL.
Massachusetts Division of Occupational Licensure
1000 Washington Street, Suite 710
Boston, MA 02118
Phone:617-727-3074
Fax: 617-727-2197
Email: DOLValoract@mass.gov
Massachusetts Division of Professional Licensure, Active Duty Military Affidavit
Massachusetts Division of Professional Licensure, Military Spouse Affidavit
Massachusetts Division of Professional Licensure, Veteran Affidavit
For more information, please visit the Massachusetts Division of Occupational Licensure webpage or email DOLValoract@mass.gov .
Massachusetts Hilton Honors Military Program: The Massachusetts Hilton Honors Military Program helps make the transition from service in the U.S. Armed Forces to civilian employment easier for current and former service members. The Hilton Honors Military Program will provide hotel accommodations for required travel while they are looking for a new job, training for a new job, or finding housing. Those eligible can receive up to a total of 100,000 hotel points for verifiable employment-related activities.
Wo is eligible for the Massachusetts Hilton Honors Military Program: Applicants must be a Veteran, the spouse of a Veteran, an active duty service member separating from the U.S. Armed Forces, or a National Guard or U.S. Armed Forces Reserve Service member.
Applicants must be registered at their local MassHire Career Center and have a Hilton Honors account to receive the points. Applicants can register for a Hilton Honors account on the Join Hilton Honors web page or by calling 800-HHonors (800-446-6677). For more information contact the nearest MassHire Career Center .
Massachusetts Hilton Honors Military Flyer
National Association of State Workforce Agencies, Hilton Honors Military Program
Learn more about the Massachusetts Hilton Honors Military Program
What are my Massachusetts Military and Veteran Unemployment Insurance Benefits?
Massachusetts Unemployment Insurance (UI): The Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) administers the UI program that provides temporary financial assistance for workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own. UI is a partial, short-term replacement of lost wages while workers are seeking other work and is not intended to be a permanent source of income. Benefits are not based on financial need. Funding for UI benefits is provided by employers, no deductions are made from workers' salaries.
To apply for UI benefits, applicants must provide the following information:
- Social Security number, birth date, home address, email address (optional), and phone number
- Employment history from the last 15 months, including:
- Names of all employers, addresses and phone numbers
- Reasons for leaving those jobs
- Work start and end dates
- Recall date (if laid off but have a set date to return to work)
Applicants may need additional information if applicable:
- Alien Registration number If not a U.S. citizen
- Children’s birth dates and Social Security numbers
- Union name and local number, if employed through a union
- DD214 Member Copy 4 if a former service member
- SF8 if a former federal government employee
- Bank name, account number, and routing number if requesting direct deposit
Applications may be filed online at the Massachusetts UI Online Application (new users will be required to create an account), or by calling the TeleClaim Center at 877-626-6800 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance, Apply for Unemployment Benefits Information
Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance, What to do if You've Become Unemployed in Massachusetts
Learn more about Massachusetts Unemployment Compensation
What are my Massachusetts Military and Veteran Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) Benefits?
“Veteran” Indicator on Massachusetts Driver’s License and State ID Cards: Massachusetts offers a "Veteran" designation printed on driver's licenses,
learner’s permits, and ID cards to honorably discharged resident Veterans.
Veterans can request the designation in person at a Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) Service Center or a AAA RMV service location. Veterans will be required to provide proof of receiving an honorable discharge (DD214, DD215, Honorable Discharge form).
Massachusetts RMV, License and ID Card Information
Learn more about “Veteran” Indicator on Massachusetts Driver’s License and State ID Cards
Massachusetts Veteran and Military License Plates: Massachusetts offers 20 distinctive automobile and motorcycle license plates to honor the service and sacrifice of eligible service members, Veterans, retired service members, and certain family members. Eligibility requirements differ based on plate type. Please refer to each application for specific instructions and documentation requirements when applying for a military or Veteran license plate. A short description of some of these license plates is listed below.
Learn more about Massachusetts Military and Veteran License Plates
Massachusetts Veterans' License Plates: Massachusetts offers the Veterans’ license plate to Veterans who received an honorable discharge and meet the following service requirements:
- Served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for 180 days or more (not including active duty for training)
- Served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for 90 days or more, one day of which was during wartime (not including active duty for training)
Veterans may choose the flag decal, branch of service decal or up to four wartime service decals to be displayed on their license plate.
Veterans must provide a completed application and required documentation (listed on the application) at any Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles location to apply.
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, Application for Veterans Plates with Branch of Service Decal or Flag Image
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, Veterans' Branch of Service Decals Sample Page
Learn more about the Massachusetts Veterans' License Plate
Massachusetts Purple Heart License Plate: Honorably discharged Veterans who were awarded the Purple Heart are eligible for one free Massachusetts Purple Heart license plate for each Purple Heart Medal they received.
Veterans must mail a completed application and required documentation (listed on the application) to:
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
ATTN:Special Plates
P.O. Box 55895
Boston, MA 02205-5895
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, Application for Awarded Medal Veterans' Plates
Learn more about the Massachusetts Purple Heart License Plate
Massachusetts Medal of Honor License Plate: Honorably discharged Veterans who were awarded the Medal of Honor are eligible for one free Massachusetts Congressional Medal of Honor license plate for each Medal of Honor they received
Veterans must mail a completed application and required documentation (listed on the application) to:
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
ATTN:Special Plates
P.O. Box 55895
Boston, MA 02205-5895
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, Application for Awarded Medal Veterans' Plates
Learn more about the Massachusetts Medal of Honor License Plate
Massachusetts Disabled Veteran License Plate: Resident disabled Veterans who have at least a 60% service-connected disability rating from the VA and meet Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, eligibility for disability plates and placards guidelines are eligible for one set of Massachusetts Disabled Veteran license plates.
Veterans who are eligible for the Massachusetts Disabled Veteran license plates are also eligible for the following exemptions:
- Driver’s license fees
- Registration fee
- Excise tax (must be apply through the Veteran’s local County Assessor)
- Sales tax
Massachusetts Disabled Veteran Fee and Tax Exemptions
Veterans must mail a completed application (including healthcare provider endorsement), and required documentation (listed on the application) to:
Registry of Motor Vehicles
ATTN: Medical Affairs
P.O. Box 55889
Boston, MA 02205-5889
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, Apply for a Disability Placard or License Plate Information
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, Application for Disabled Parking Placard/Plate
Learn more about the Massachusetts Disabled Veteran License Plate
Massachusetts Gold Star Family License Plates: Immediate family members of service members who died while serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible for a free Massachusetts Gold Star Family license plate.
Who is eligible for the Massachusetts Gold Star Family License Plate? The following Family members of deceased service members are eligible for the Massachusetts Gold Star Family license plate:
- Spouse
- Parents
- Children
- Siblings
- Grandparents
- Grandchildren
Stepparents, stepchildren, stepsiblings, step grandparents and step grandchildren are not eligible unless a legal adoption occurred prior to the time of death.
Applicants must provide a completed application and required documentation (listed on the application) at any Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles location or by mail to:
Registry of Motor Vehicles
ATTN: Special Plates
P.O. Box 55889
Boston, MA 02205-5889
Massachusetts Gold Star Family License Plates Fact Sheet
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, Application for Gold Star Family Plates
Learn more about the Massachusetts Gold Star Family License Plates
Massachusetts Registration Rules for Service Members: Service members serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces are authorized to keep license plates issued by their sate of residency. Nonresident service members must have insurance that meets Massachusetts requirements. Once a service member becomes a Massachusetts resident, they have 30 days to register their vehicle in Massachusetts.
Service members who have U.S. Armed Forces issued license plates may drive their vehicle for up to 30 days for traveling to military duty or to their place of residence.
Learn more about Massachusetts Registration Rules for Service Members
Massachusetts Driver’s Licensing Requirements for Service Members and their Dependents: The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) offers several driver’s licensing benefits for service members and their dependents.
Extension of Driver’s Licenses - Service members serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces are not required to renew their Massachusetts driver's license during their active military service. The service member’s spouse and dependents are not eligible for this benefit.
Temporary Driver’s Licenses - An active duty service member, their spouse and dependents, who are temporarily out of Massachusetts and cannot return home before their driver's license expires can request the RMV to issue a temporary driver's license. This temporary license is valid for up to 60 days after the expiration date of the original driver's license and may only be granted once. RMV will not issue a temporary license if the driver's license is in a non-renew status.
Mail in renewal of Driver’s licenses - The RMV will mail service members, their spouse and dependents a special non-photo driver's licenses while they are stationed outside of Massachusetts.
Applicants must mail a copy of their military orders, completed application and appropriate fee to:
Registry of Motor Vehicles
Driver Licensing Department
P.O. Box 55889
Boston, MA 02205-5889
Massachusetts RMV, License and ID Card Information
RMV, Driver's License, Learner's Permit or ID Card Application
RMV Schedule of Fees
Time to Renew Driver’s Licenses - Resident service members who return to Massachusetts after discharge from active duty service, have 60 days to renew their expired Massachusetts driver's license. Service members who have a driver's license issued by the U.S. Armed Forces based in another country, may operate a motor vehicle in Massachusetts for up to 45 days. This policy only applies to service members.
Driver's License Replacement for Service Members and Dependents - Service members and their dependents who need a replacement driver's license, can mail a request stating whether their driver's license was lost or stolen and provide a copy of their military orders to the Driver Licensing Department. There is no fee for duplicate driver's licenses for service members and their dependents.
Mail request and copy of ID to:
Registry of Motor Vehicles
Driver Licensing Department
P.O. Box 55889
Boston, MA 02205-5889
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV), Commercial Driver License (CDL), Military Skills Test Waiver: Service members and Veterans are eligible for a CDL Skills Test Waiver based on their military training and driving experience. Service members or Veterans must be currently licensed or were employed within the last year in a military position requiring the operation of a military vehicle equivalent to the Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) they are applying for. CDL knowledge tests cannot be waived.
Applicants must also meet the following requirements:
- Not had more than one license (except for a military license)
- Not had any license suspended, revoked, or cancelled
- Not had any convictions for any type of motor vehicle for the disqualifying offenses (listed on the application)
- Not had more than one conviction for any type of motor vehicle for serious traffic violations (listed on the application)
- Not had a conviction for a violation of military, state or local laws relating to motor vehicle traffic control (other than a parking violation), as a result of a traffic accident and has no record of an accident in which they were at fault
RMV Application for Military Skills Test Waiver
RMV CDL Webpage
What are my Massachusetts Military and Veteran Health and Insurance Benefits?
State Sponsored Life Insurance (SSLI) for Massachusetts National Guard Service Members: SSLI offered through the National Guard Association of Massachusetts to Massachusetts National Guard service members is made up of several voluntary group life policies and is designed to help meet the insurance needs of National Guard service members and their families. Every Massachusetts National Guard service member is covered with $1,000 SSLI at no cost.
Key Benefits of the SSLI:
- Up to $1,000,000 coverage available
- Service members covered in combat and during deployments
- Covered 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
- Claims paid within 24 to 48 hours of receipt of proof of loss
- All military occupations covered
- Spouse and children coverage available
- Coverage does not end, and rates do not go up when a service member separates from the National Guard
- SSLI can be payroll deducted
Who is eligible for SSLI? Massachusetts National Guard Service members and their family members are eligible for SSLI coverage. For more information, please call 800-633-8333 or 508-826-0004.
Learn more about State Sponsored Life Insurance for Massachusetts National Guard Service Members
Compensation for Massachusetts National Guard Service Members for Injury, Illness, or Disability While on State Active Duty: Massachusetts National Guard Service members who are injured, become ill or disabled in the line of duty are eligible for compensation and medical expenses while they are unable to return to their usual occupation.
In addition, the beneficiaries of a service member who dies in line of duty are eligible for a death benefit of up to $100,000.
Who is eligible for Compensation for Massachusetts National Guard Service Members for Injury, Illness, or Disability While on State Active Duty? MassachusettsNational Guard Service members who are injured, become ill, are disabled, or die in the line of duty are eligible.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Life Insurance: The VA provides valuable life insurance benefits to Veterans, active and reserve component service members and their families to provide financial security given the extraordinary risks involved in military Service. The VA provides the following life insurance benefit programs:
- Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI)
- Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI)
- Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (FSGLI)
- Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance Traumatic Injury Protection Program (TSGLI)
- Service-Disabled Veterans’ Life Insurance (S-DVI)
- Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI)
Learn more about U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Life Insurance
TRICARE Reserve Select Health Insurance: TRICARE Reserve Select is a premium-based plan, available worldwide for Selected Reserve, (U.S. Armed Forces Reserve and National Guard Service members) and their families who meet the following qualifications:
- Not on active duty orders
- Not covered under the Transitional Assistance Management Program
- Not eligible for or enrolled in the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program or currently covered under FEHB, either under their own eligibility or through a family member
This plan provides comprehensive health care coverage when a service member is not on active duty and covered by active duty TRICARE benefits.
Learn more about TRICARE Reserve Select Health Insurance
What are my Massachusetts Military and Veterans Parks and Recreation Benefits?
Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife License Fees for Nonresident Service Members: Nonresident service members stationed in Massachusetts are eligible to purchase hunting, trapping, and fishing licenses for resident prices.
Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, License Types and Fees
Massachusetts Free Fishing or Hunting License for Disabled Persons: Disabled Massachusetts residents (blind, paraplegic or intellectually disabled) may qualify for free Massachusetts freshwater fishing and hunting licenses. 
Who is eligible for Massachusetts Free Fishing or Hunting License for Disabled Persons? To be eligible applicants must meet the following requirements
- U.S. citizen
- Massachusetts resident for six consecutive months immediately before applying
- Certificate of blindness issued by the Commission for the Blind (fishing license only)
- Total paralysis of the lower half of the body or a condition that prevent use of the lower limbs
First time applicants must submit their application and a letter from a physician documenting their disability to the Boston office of the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.
Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
ATTN: Licensing
251 Causeway Street, Suite 400
Boston, MA 02114
Learn more about Massachusetts Free Fishing or Hunting License for Disabled Persons
Massachusetts Free State Park Parking for Disabled Veterans and Purple Heart Recipients: Day use parking fees are waived and annual parking passes are not required at Massachusetts State Parks for vehicles that have a Massachusetts Disabled Veteran or Purple Heart license plate.
What are my Massachusetts Military and Veterans Miscellaneous Benefits?
Massachusetts Veterans’ Transportation: The Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services maintains a webpage with links and resources that provide transportation services for Veterans. Transportation providers offer rides to VA appointments, medical appointments, work, education, shopping and employment related activities.
Veterans Transportation Services of Massachusetts Fact Sheet
Learn more about Massachusetts Veterans’ Transportation
Massachusetts Military Family Relief Fund: Service members serving in the Massachusetts National Guard and Massachusetts residents serving in the U.S. Armed Forces Reserves who have deployed for at least 30 consecutive days or more are eligible to apply for a need-based grant up to $1,000. To qualify, the financial hardship must be a direct result of activation or extended deployment. In, addition family members of Massachusetts resident service members who are killed while serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces may also be eligible.
Massachusetts General Laws I-II-10-35cc
For more information contact:
Massachusetts Military Friends Foundation
Address: 6 Beacon Street
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: 84-HELP-VETS (844-357-8387)
Email: info@militaryfriends.org
Learn more about the Massachusetts Military Family Relief Fund
Massachusetts Public Housing Benefits for Veterans and their Families: Massachusetts offers several public housing benefits for low-income Veterans and their families.
Massachusetts Public Housing Preference for Veterans and Their Families: Veterans who are applying for public housing assistance and are to be displaced by a low-rent housing project, public slum clearance, urban renewal project, or who were displaced within three years prior to applying for public housing are given preference in tenant selection in the following order:
- Veteran who has a service-connected disability rating from the VA
- Families of Veterans who died from a service-connected cause
- All other Veterans and their eligible dependents
Eligible dependents include the Veteran’s spouse, surviving spouse, children, dependent parent, and the divorced spouse who is a legal guardian of the Veteran’s child.
Massachusetts Public Housing Gross Income Exemption: Money received by a Veteran to pay for tuition, fees, and books is not included in the calculation of the Veteran’s gross income when determining eligibility for state-aided public housing. Public housing assistance programs will also exclude Military Disability Retirement Pay that is more than $1,800 for Veterans who have an individual unemployable rating from the VA.
Continued Occupancy: Massachusetts public housing projects cannot deny continued occupancy to Veterans, their surviving spouse, or Gold Star Mother who has lived there for the last eight consecutive years. Housing units must have two bedrooms or less and the rent cannot be more than three months past due.
For more information, please contact the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities by calling 617-573-1100.
Massachusetts General Laws I-XVII-121b-32
Learn more about Massachusetts Public Housing Benefits for Veterans and their Families
Massachusetts Veteran Annuity: Massachusetts offers an annuity payment of $2,000, paid in two installments in February and August of each year, to eligible disabled Veterans, Gold Star Parents and surviving spouses.
Massachusetts General Laws I-XVII-115-6b
Who is eligible for Massachusetts Veteran Annuity? To be eligible applicants must meet the following requirements:
Veteran:
- Meet service requirements set forth in Massachusetts Veteran definition
- Discharged from active duty service in the U.S. Armed Forces under conditions other than dishonorable
- Resident of Massachusetts at the time of applying and continue to live in Massachusetts while receiving annuity payments
- Blind, paralyzed, or double amputee certified by the VA, or
- Veteran who has a service-connected 100% disability rating from the VA
Parent or Surviving Spouse:
- Death of service member was service-connected and occurred during a wartime period
- Parents or unremarried surviving spouse must be a resident of Massachusetts at the time of application and continue to live in Massachusetts while receiving annuity payments
The parents or the unremarried spouse who lost a family member due to COVID-19 while they were residing at a Massachusetts Veterans Home are also eligible to apply for the Veteran Annuity.
New applications for an August payment must be received and approved by DVS June 30th, new applications for a February payment must be received and approved by DVS by December 31st.
Applicants must apply annually and can apply online using the DVS Annuity online application, or by submitting a completed application and required documentation by mail, email or through a Massachusetts Veterans’ Service Officer (VSO).
For more information, please contact:
Executive Office of Veterans' Services
ATTN: Annuities
600 Washington St, 7th Floor
Boston, MA 02111
Email:VetsAnnuity@Mass.Gov
Phone:617-210-5480
Massachusetts DVS, Veterans Annuity Application and Instructions
Massachusetts VSO Directory
Learn more about the Massachusetts Veteran Annuity
Massachusetts Veterans’ Bonuses: Massachusetts provides bonuses for eligible resident service members and honorably discharged Veterans who served during various conflicts in single or multiple deployments.
To be eligible for all bonuses the Veteran must have lived in Massachusetts for six months immediately prior to entry in the U.S. Armed Forces. The families of Veterans who did not receive a bonus prior to their death may apply.
Bonuses are awarded to family members in the following order of precedence:
- Spouse and Children
- Parents
- Sibling
- Any other dependents
Massachusetts Veterans' Bonus for Families of Deceased Service Members Information
Massachusetts Deceased Veteran Bonus Application
Massachusetts National Guard, COVID-19 Bonus - $500 COVID-19 bonus for Massachusetts National Guard Service members who served on state active duty in direct response to the state of emergency declared by the governor on March 10, 2020.
Global War on Terrorism, Welcome Home Bonus - Available to service members and Veterans who served on active duty on or after September 11, 2001, through a date yet to be determined, and:
- Family member of a service member who died while serving on active duty –eligible for $1000 bonus
- Service members and Veterans who served for the first time on active duty in Iraq, Afghanistan, or other imminent danger location - eligible for $1000 bonus
- Service member’s or Veteran’s first continuous six months of active duty service in an area other than in Iraq, Afghanistan, or other imminent danger location - eligible for $500 bonus
- Service members and Veterans who subsequently served on active duty in Iraq, Afghanistan, or other imminent danger location - eligible for $500 bonus
- Service member’s or Veteran’s subsequent continuous six months of active duty service in direct support of Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, Noble Eagle, Inherent Resolve, Freedom's Sentinel or any successor or related operation- eligible for $250 bonus
Persian Gulf War Bonus - Available to Veterans who served on active duty for 30 or more days between August 2, 1990, through April 10, 1991, and:
- Served in the Persian Gulf theater of operations and received the Southwest Asia Service Medal – eligible for $500
- Served on active duty anywhere other than in the Persian Gulf theater of operations – eligible for $300
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal Bonus - Veterans who served on active duty between 1976–1989 and 1992–2000 and were awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for participation in combat operations when no other bonus was available are eligible for $300 bonus.
Vietnam Conflict Bonus – Available to Veterans who served on active duty between July 1, 1958, through May 17, 1975, and:
- Died on active duty - Family member eligible for $300 bonus
- Served in the Vietnam theater of operations – eligible for $300 bonus
- Served six months or more in the U.S. Armed Forces anywhere other than in the Vietnam theater of operations – eligible for $200 bonus
Korean War Bonus - Available to Veterans who served on active duty between June 25, 1950, through January 31, 1955, and:
- Died on active duty – Family member eligible for $300 bonus
- Served overseas – eligible for $300 bonus
- Served six months or more stateside – eligible for $200 bonus
- Served 90 days stateside – eligible for $100 bonus
World War II Bonus - Available to Veterans who served on active duty between September 16, 1940, through June 25, 1947, and:
- Died on active duty – Family member eligible for $300 bonus
- Served overseas – eligible for $300 bonus
- Served six months or more stateside – eligible for $200 bonus
- Served one day up to six months – eligible for $100 bonus
Most World War II, Korea and Vietnam Veterans have already received their bonuses. Applicants can use the Massachusetts Veterans’ Bonus Inquiry webpage to see if a bonus was ever issued to a Veteran. For more information, contact the Massachusetts Veterans’ Bonus Division:
Office of the Treasurer
Veterans' Bonus Division
One Ashburton Place, 12 th Floor
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: 617-367-9333 x859
Email: veteransbonus@tre.state.ma.us
Massachusetts Veterans' Laws and Benefits
Learn more about Massachusetts Veterans' Bonuses
Massachusetts Chapter 115/Safety Net Program for Veterans and their Family Members: The Massachusetts Chapter 115 Benefits Program provides financial aid for Veterans and their dependents who have limited income. Financial aid can be used for:
- Daily living expenses
- Medical costs
- Rent assistance
- Support of dependents
- Prevention of homelessness
Veterans and their eligible dependents can receive cash payments or full or partial reimbursement of required expenses.
Who is eligible for Massachusetts Chapter 115/Safety Net Program for Veterans and their Family Members? Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Veteran or their eligible dependent
- Have financial need
- Live in Massachusetts
Veterans’ eligibility requirements:
- Served in the U.S. Armed Forces and received a discharge under honorable conditions for their most recent period of service
- Meets at least one of the following requirements:
- Served on active duty for at least 180 days
- Served on active duty for at least 90 days with at least one day during a wartime period
- Has a service-connected disability after one day of active service during a wartime period
- Purple Heart recipient
- Died while serving on active duty
Veterans’ Dependent eligibility requirements:
- Spouse or surviving spouse
- Child 18 years old or younger
- Child 19 to 23 years old who is in high school or college
- Child 19 years old or older who is totally disabled and was disabled before age 19
- Veteran’s parent
Veterans and their family members are encouraged to use the Mass Vet Benefit Calculator to determine eligibility. For more information and to apply, applicants should contact their nearest Massachusetts Veterans' Service Officer (VSO) or the Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services:
Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services
600 Washington Street
7th Floor, Boston, MA 02111
Phone: 617-210-5480
Fax: 617-210-5755
Massachusetts VSO Directory
Massachusetts Chapter 115 Benefit Program Self Help Guide
Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services, Chapter 115 Safety Net Application
Learn more about Massachusetts Chapter 115/Safety Net Program for Veterans and their Family Members
Massachusetts Women Veterans' Network: The Massachusetts Women Veterans’ Network is the central resource for women Veterans in Massachusetts. Their mission is to:
- Provide women Veterans with information on federal, state, and local benefits
- Expand awareness of the needs of women Veterans and identify available health and human resources to meet those needs
- Advocate on behalf of women Veterans in Massachusetts
The Women Veterans’ Network maintains a confidential database that is used as a mailing list for their biannual newsletter, which contains information on benefits, programs, and events for women Veterans. Women Veterans can call, write, or email the Women Veterans' Network and request that their name be added to the database.
To request a booklet answering the most the frequently asked questions by Massachusetts women Veterans please call 617-939-5786 or email dvswomen@vet.state.ma.us.
Women Veterans' Network
600 Washington Street, 7th Floor
Boston, MA 02111
Phone: 857-303-3017
Email: dvswomen@vet.state.ma.us
Learn more about the Massachusetts Women Veterans' Network
Massachusetts Statewide Advocacy for Veterans’ (SAVE Program): The SAVE program serves as an advocate for Veterans who are not able to receive the benefits earned due to institutional or personal barriers. Their primary mission to prevent suicide and mental health issues among Veterans. They do this by identifying issues Veteran’s face when transitioning to civilian life, then serving as a liaison between various agencies within federal and state government that provide benefits and services.
SAVE Program Contact information:
Boston Office:
SAVE Team
Executive Office of Veterans' Services
600 Washington Street, 7th Floor
Boston, MA 02111
Phone: 888-844-2838
Fax: 617-210-5755
Email: save@massmail.state.ma.us
Chelsea Office:
Chelsea Veterans Home
91 Crest Avenue, Building D
Chelsea, MA 02150
Phone: 617-210-5743
Holyoke Office
Holyoke Veterans Home
110 Cherry Street, Office 065
Holyoke, MA 01040
Phone: 617-210-5743
Learn more about the Massachusetts Statewide Advocacy for Veterans’ Program
Massachusetts Veterans Homes: Massachusetts has two Veterans Homes, one in Holyoke and one in Chelsea, that provide acute hospital care, domiciliary care and long-term nursing care to Veterans.
Each home provides a variety of services to meet the needs of their residents, which includes:
- Physical and occupational therapies
- Laboratory and radiology services
- Outpatient department
- Social services
- Recreational activities
- Religious services
Veterans Homes Locations:
Veterans Home in Chelsea - offers long-term nursing care, skilled nursing care, dormitory residences and a dedicated Alzheimer's unit 
Address: 91 Crest Avenue
Chelsea, MA 02150
Phone: 617-884-5660
Fax: 617-884-1162
Veterans Home in Chelsea Admission Information
Veterans Home in Holyoke - offers long-term nursing care, palliative care, hospice care, domiciliary care, enhanced care unit, occupational and respiratory services 
Address: 110 Cherry Street
Holyoke, MA 01040-2829
Phone: 413-552-4764
Fax: 413-552-4764
Veterans Home in Holyoke Admission Information
Veterans Home in Holyoke Admission Application
Who is eligible for care at the Massachusetts Veterans Homes? To be eligible for admission the Veteran must be a Massachusetts resident for five years prior to application and meet the following service requirements:
- Served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces (other than for training) for 90 consecutive days, one of which was during a time of war and received an honorable discharge
- Service members who were awarded the Purple Heart, or have a service-connected disability rating do not need to meet the time in service requirement to be eligible
- Served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces (other than for training) for 180 consecutive days and received an honorable discharge
-
- Service members who were awarded a service-connected disability rating do not need to meet the time in service requirement
Applicants will be required to provide a copy of their military separation papers (DD214) to determine eligibility for admission.
Please note that Veterans cannot be admitted or treated in the Outpatient Department for:
- Service-connected disability cases
- Industrial accident cases
- Automobile accident cases involving insurance and liability of another
Massachusetts General Laws I-XVII-115a
Massachusetts Veterans Homes Eligibility Information
Learn more about the Massachusetts Veterans Homes
Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemeteries: Massachusetts has two state Veterans cemeteries that offer a dignified final resting place for Massachusetts Veterans and their eligible family members. The cemeteries can accommodate casketed burials, cremated remains burials, a columbaria niche for cremated remains and has a chapel for committal services.
Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemeteries Locations:
Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Agawam 
Address: 1390 Main Street
Agawam, MA 01001
Phone: 413-821-9500
Fax: 413-821-9839
Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Winchendon 
Address: 111 Glenallen Street
Winchendon, MA 01475
Phone: 978-297-9501
Fax: 978-297-4271
Veterans are buried at no cost; eligible family member burials are charged $300 for full casket burials and $150 for cremated remains burials.
Who is eligible for Burial in Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemeteries? Eligibility requirements for the burial at a Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemeteries are the same as for VA National Cemeteries. Complete eligibility requirements can viewed at the VA, National Cemetery Administration Eligibility webpage. The following are the general eligibility requirements:
- Discharged from active duty service in the U.S. Armed Forces under conditions other than dishonorable, or
- Died while serving on active duty, or
- Served at least 20 years in the National Guard or U.S. Armed Forces Reserves and is eligible for military retired pay (or would have been eligible except their death occurred before age 60), or
- Reserve component Service members if they were activated for federal service, (active duty for training does not qualify)
- Spouses and children (burial of dependent children is limited to unmarried children under 21 years old, or 23 years old if a full-time student at an approved educational institution, or a child who develops a lifelong disability prior to age 21)
For more information or to apply for burial, please contact the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery.
Massachusetts Veterans Burial Benefits
Learn more about Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemeteries
Masschusetts Military Funeral Honors: Those planning for a deceased Veteran’s funeral who wish to have Military Funeral Honors performed should request them through their funeral home. Those who are not using a funeral home should contact the Veteran’s branch of service.
Army
Phone: 774-286-1702
Fax: 508-233-6781
Navy
Phone: 860-694-3475
Fax: 860-694-3699
Marine Corps
Phone: 866-826-3628
Fax: 703-784-9827
Air Force
Phone: 781-377-4850
Fax: 781-377-3153
Coast Guard
Phone: 617-990-6249
Fax: 617-223-3490
VA National Cemetery Administration Military Funeral Honors Fact Sheet
Learn more about Massachusetts Military Funeral Honors
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for Veterans, Service Members and Family Members: The Department of Transitional Assistance has a Veteran outreach initiative to reach Veterans and enroll them in SNAP (Formerly knowns as Food Stamps) to reduce food insecurity. This includes Veterans, active and reserve component service members, and their families.
These efforts include:
- Hosting regional training on Veterans food security
- Creation of the SNAP Veterans’ Guide
- Hosting resource fairs for Veterans
- Participates in Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services annual conference
Food Assistance (SNAP) for Prior and Active Service Members Brochure
Massachusetts SNAP Veterans' Guide
Massachusetts Veterans’ Treatment Courts: Massachusetts Veterans’ Treatment Courts are designed to handle criminal cases involving defendants who are Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces through a coordinated effort among Veterans service agencies, community-based providers, and the court. The courts try to address the underlying issues of posttraumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury and military sexual trauma. Participants are required to abstain from drug and alcohol use, attend required treatment, and have weekly interaction with the court.
Massachusetts Veterans’ Treatment Court Locations:
- Central Division of the Boston Municipal Court - Boston
- Lawrence District Court - Essex County
- Framingham District Court - Middlesex County
- Dedham District Court - Norfolk County
- Brockton District Court - Plymouth County
- Holyoke District Court - Western Massachusetts
Learn more about Massachusetts Veterans’ Treatment Courts
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Facilities in Massachusetts
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Facilities in Massachusetts: The VA has numerous resources available for Veterans and family members. Please see the local location listing for your nearest facility.
Learn more about U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Facilities in Massachusetts
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Cemeteries in Massachusetts: The VA National Cemetery Administration maintains three national cemeteries in Massachusetts. Please see the local location listing for the nearest cemetery.
Learn more about U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Cemeteries in Massachusetts
Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services
600 Washington St, 7th Floor
Boston, MA 02111
Phone: 617-210-5480
Fax: 617-210-5755
Learn more about the Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services
Military Installations in Massachusetts
Please see the Massachusetts Military Resource Locator for additional information
Active Duty
Army
Devens Reserve Forces Training Area
Natick Soldiers Systems Center
Air Force
Hanscom Air Force Base
National Guard
Massachusetts National Guard
Joint Base Cape Cod
Massachusetts Army National Guard
Camp Curtis Guild
Massachusetts Air National Guard
102 nd Intelligence Wing
104th Fighter Wing
U.S. Army Reserve (USAR)
99 th Readiness Division
Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Facility Directory Massachusetts
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Find Locations Search Engine
Massachusetts Tax information for Resident and Nonresident Military Personnel
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, Military and Veteran Information
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, Veteran and Military License Plates
Massachusetts Veterans' Job Programs and Services
U.S. Office of Personnel Management, Veterans' Preference
U.S. Department of Labor, Veteran's Employment and Career Transition Advisor
Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission, Massachusetts
Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth, Veterans' Laws, and Benefits Guide
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Service Organization Directory