Benefits

Helpful Links

Veterans Services - Benefits

Annuity – MA Benefit for 100% Disabled and Gold Star
100% service-connected disabled and Gold Star spouses are entitled to a biannual annuity paid by the Commonwealth..


Appeals (VA)
If a veteran’s compensation claim is denied or is granted at a lower level than seems appropriate or if a VA Pension is denied, the vet may appeal the decision.

Bonuses for MA Wartime Veterans
Massachusetts provides a war bonus for veterans who entered the service from Massachusetts and served during wartime. There is no moratorium on applying for wartime bonuses and World War II, Korea and Vietnam veterans who have not previously applied for their bonus are still eligible.


Burial in National Cemetery/State Veteran Cemetery
Veterans and their spouses may be buried without cost in the Bourne National Cemetery or the State veterans’ cemeteries in Agawam and Winchendon. Arrangements have been greatly simplified for burial and for provision of a flag.

Burial for Indigent Veterans (MA)
Veterans who die without family or provisions for funeral expenses can be guaranteed a respectful funeral and burial under Massachusetts law.

CHAMPVA
Medical coverage for spouses and dependent children of veterans with a service-connected rating of 100%, total and permanent.


CRSC / CRDP – Removing Compensation Offsets for Retirees
Military retirees benefit from two new offset-removal plans, CRSC and CRDP, which are designed to eliminate or phase out reductions in military retirement pensions due to service-connected disability compensation.


Death Benefits
The VA will pay a small funeral/burial benefit for veterans who had a service-connected disability or who died in a VA facility. The VA will pay a larger benefit for veterans who died of a service-connected disability.


Dental (VA)
Available to all 100% disabled, veterans within one year of discharge, patients in a VA Rehab program or a VA hospital when the need for care occurs and veterans with a service-connected dental injury.


Dependency and Indemnity Compensation
DIC is a monthly benefit paid to eligible survivors of a military service member who died while on active duty, or whose eventual death resulted from a service-related injury or disease, or who was rated 100% disabled for at least 10 years immediately before death.


Disability Compensation Claims
For veterans who were injured on active duty or during a drill period. The injury, condition, effects or scarring must continue to exist and be a problem. Pre-existing conditions (those which existed before the veteran began active duty) may be claimed if the veteran can show that the condition was worsened by active duty or by drill periods. If a service-connected rating has been previously granted and the condition has worsened, the veteran may file for an increase.


Discharges – Obtaining Copies
Honorable discharges are required for a host of purposes including all benefit filings, retirement programs, SSA, veterans’ preference and burials. Our office can assist you in obtaining military discharges or other military records including medical records.


Discharge - Upgrades and Corrections
Application may be made to upgrade discharges with a designation which is anything other than fully honorable. Additionally, application can be made for clerical corrections such as SSN, unit information, awards and medals.


Education – Dependents of 100% SCD’s or KIA’s
Pays for college for the spouse or children of a veteran who is 100% SCD (total and permanent) or who died in service or died from other causes but with 100%SCD or who is detained by a foreign power (POW).


Education – GI Bill
This benefit pays for the veteran to attend college for 36 months. Eligibility expires 15years after discharge.


Eyeglasses/ Hearing aids
Available to anyone enrolled in VA Medical or who has a 10% SCD or higher.


Fuel Assistance
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), usually called fuel assistance, helps low-income households in Massachusetts pay their heating bills. LIHEAP eligibility is based on gross household income. Chapter 115 recipients are automatically eligible. Both homeowners and renters in Massachusetts may apply for this low-income energy assistance program.


Grave Markers
VA markers can now be obtained in bronze or stone for a private cemetery plot even if the grave is already marked with a family marker.


Hearing Loss Claims/Hearing Aids
May be obtained for free by enrolling in the VA healthcare system. Veterans who are not enrolled in the VA healthcare system are now required to file for and be granted a service-connected disability for hearing loss in order to qualify for the free hearing aids.

Home Loan Guaranty
The VA Loan Guaranty is not a loan. It is a process whereby the VA will “guarantee” a mortgage made by a bank or mortgage company. This means that the veteran must qualify financially for the loan just as anyone else would. The Guaranty simply allows him to purchase the home without having to make the minimum 20% down-payment required by most banks.


Income Subsistence (MGL Chapter 115)
Certain veterans and widows can be assisted with income supplements and medical assistance under Massachusetts law provided that they meet income and asset limitations.


Insurance - Life Insurance - SGLI, VGLI, NSLI
These life insurance policies were usually offered while the veteran was on active duty. After discharge, options for retaining the policy were offered. Our office can verify if insurance is in force and assist with claims.


Insurance - Service-Disabled Veterans Life Insurance
A veteran can apply for S-DVI within two years of being awarded a new service-connected disability (even if only 0%).
A veteran may NOT apply for S-DVI based on an increase in an existing disability.


License Plates
Many plates are available from the Registry. Some are free and some require a fee. Available plates include: Veteran, Legion of Valor, EX-POW, Purple Heart, Pearl Harbor Survivor, Silver Star, Bronze Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Gold Star Family, Disabled Veteran.


Medals
Veterans or family members of a deceased veteran may apply for lost medals or medals that were never given to the veteran but are noted on his honorable discharge.


Medical (VA)
Available to all veterans who were granted an other-than-dishonorable discharge, provided that they meet financial criteria or have a service-connected disability. Also available for all Global War on Terrorism veterans who have been discharged during the past five years, Vietnam veterans who were boots-on-the-ground and all veterenas with a service connected disablity of 10% or more.


Motor Vehicle Exemptions
A number of exemptions exist related to motor vehicles depending on type of veterans disability or award. They include: Motor vehicle registration exemption for certain disabled veterans and ex-prisoners of war, Sales tax exemption for certain disabled veterans, Excise tax exemption for ex-prisoners of war and certain disabled veterans


Nursing Homes / Long-Term Care
Long-term care is available to veterans with combined service-connected disabilities of 70% SCD or greater. Other veterans may qualify for excellent care in one of the state’s two Soldiers’ Homes.


Pension - Non – Service Connected Disability
Pension is a benefit paid to wartime veterans who have limited and assets or no income, and who are age 65 or older, or, if under age 65, who are permanently and totally disabled, not due to their own willful misconduct.

Pension - Widow’s
Death Pension is a needs based benefit paid to an unremarried surviving spouse, or an unmarried child of a deceased wartime veteran. The recipient must be unable to work and have limited income and assets.

Pension with Aid and Attendance/Housebound
Wartime veterans or widows with limited assets who are more seriously disabled may qualify for Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits. These are benefits that are paid in addition to the basic pension rate and are intended to defray the cost of home health care aides, visiting nurses and assisted living.

Property Tax Exemptions
This exemption is a discharge from the obligation to pay all or a portion of the veteran’s or widow’s property tax. The amount of the exemption will vary depending on criteria. Criteria may include partial disability, full disability, Purple Heart, Gold Star, Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross or Air Force Cross.


Low Retiree issues – DFAS / Pensions / SBP
Issues pertaining to the veteran’s retirement package or for dependents’ DFAS/SBP benefits in the event of the death of a military retiree.


TRICARE
Health coverage for regular and reserve/NG retirees and their families.

HELPFUL LINKS

  Business Start-up Assistance
General Services Administration           www.gsa.gov/service-disabled       Assistance for Disabled Veterans Small
                                                                                                                    Business in Doing Business w/the Government
National Veteran Owned Business Assn.  www.navoba.com                      Start-up Assistance.                                          (412) 424-0164
NOLO.com                                         www.nolo.com                                 Small business law; answers to legal questions
Small Business Administration            www.sba.gov/ed                               Planning Tools
Small Business Administration            www.sba.gov/training                       Free On-Line Courses for Small Business Start-Ups.
Small Business Administration            www.sba.gov/vets/                           Business Assistance                                           (202) 205-6773
VA                                                      www.va.gov/osdbu/                         Small and Disadvantaged Businesses                                           (800) 949-8389
  Cemeteries
Bourne National Cemetery                  www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/massachusetts.asp                                                                                                  (508) 563-7113
  Education & Training
GI Bill                                                      http://www.gibill.va.gov/             VA information Site for GI Bill                                                                                                                           (888) 442-4551          
  Employment Resources and Job Search
Hyannis Career Center                        www.capejobs.com                          372 North St. Hyannis, MA 02601                                                                  508-862-6123
All Retail Jobs.com                             allretailjobs.com                               Retail Jobs
Boston Herald                             http://www.bostonherald.com/jobfind/     Job Search Web Site
Boston.Monster                                   http://www.boston.com/jobs/            Job Search Website
Civil Service Exam (MA)                    www.csexam.hrd.state.ma.us/hrd/    MA Civil Service Exam Application.
Commonwealth of Mass.               www.mass.gov/hrd/employment/com    State Employment Listings
Commonwealth of Mass.                    www.state.ma.us/hrd                        State Jobs and Civil Service Test Notices
Craig’s List                                          http://boston.craigslist.org/nos/jjj/     Popular Job Search Web Site
Dept. of Defense                                 www.dod.jobsearch.org                   DoD Jobs
Dept. of Education                        www.ed.gov/about/jobs/open/edhires/   Department of Education Jobs
Dept. of Labor                                    www.servicelocator.org                    Career Center Locator
Dept. of Labor                                    www.dol.gov/vets                            Veterans' Employment and Training Service
Dice.com                                             http://dice.com/                                Technology Jobs
ejobs.com                                            www.ejobstores.com                        Index of 400+ National Job Web Sites
Guru.com                                            www.guru.com                                 Freelance Contracting Information
Helmets to Hardhats                            www.helmetstohardhats.org             Trades Jobs
Indeed.com                                         www.indeed.com                             Popular Job Search Web Site
Job Smart                                            www.jobsmart.org/                           Job Search Resources
Job-Hunt.Org                                      www.job-hunt.org/jobs/mass.shtml  Comprehensive Listing of Job Search Web                                                    Sites
Job Interview.net                                 www.job-interview.net                     Interview Preparation
Jobs in Trucks.com                             jobsintrucks.com                              Driving jobs.
Jobster                                                 Jobster.com                                      Employment Web Site
MA Board of Building Regulations     www.mass.gov/bbrs/                        Licensing Information
MA Div. Of Professional Licensure    www.mass.gov/dpl                           Trades and Professional Licenses.
MA Municipal Association                  www.mma.org                                  Town and City Jobs in MA
Microsoft                                   www.office.microsoft.com/templates        Resume Templates
Monster.com                                       www.monster.com                           Popular Job Search Website
NE Higher Ed. Recruitment Consortium       www.newenglandherc.org      Education Jobs
Office of Personnel Management     www.opm.gov/veterans/html/vetguide    Veterans' Preference
Office of Special Counsel                   www.osc.gov                                   "Uniformed Services Employment and Reemp Act." USERRA
Retirement Jobs.com                           http://www.retirementjobs.com/       Retirement Jobs
Riley Guide                                         www.rileyguide.com                        Job Search Resources
Salary.com                                          www.salary.com                              Salary Research Tool
Simply Hired                                       Simplyhired.com                              Employment Web Site
Think Jobs                                          www.thinkjobs.com                         Engineering/Trades Jobs
US Postal Service                                www.usps.com/employment            Post Office Jobs
VA                                                      www.va.gov/jobs                             VA Job Listings
WebCrawler.com                                www.webcrawler.com                      Search Engine
Federal Government
Dept. of Defense                                 http://www.defenselink.mil/             DoD Home Page
Dept. of Labor                               http://www.dol.gov/vets/programs/tap   TAP
Federal Trade Commission                  http://ftc.gov/                                    Consumer Protection
House Committee on Veterans' Affairs                                                              http://veterans.house.gov/  Veterans' Programs, Laws, and Reports Bills to the House.
VA                                                      http://www.va.gov/                           VA Home Page
General Information
Any Soldier                                         AnySoldier.com                               To send items to Service Members in Iraq/ Afghanistan.
Battleship Cove                                   www.battleshipcove.com                 Veterans' Oral History Project.
Dept. of Transportation                       www.nhtsa.dot.gov                          Automotive and other Recalls
Resource List                                  www.amvets.org/resources/links.html  Comprehensive List of Pertinent Sites for                                                       Veterans
Housing & Support Services
Armed Forces Retirement Home         www.afrh.gov/                                 Independent Retirement Living
NE Shelter for Homeless Veterans      www.neshv.org                                Transitional Housing
VA                                                      www.va.gov/homeless/                    Transitional Housing
Veterans Benefits Clearing House, Inc.                                                       http://www.vbcboston.org/  Counseling, Employment Training, Housing Assistance.
Chelsea Soldiers Home, MA         http://www.mass.gog/eohhs/gov/departments/che     Domicillary and Long-Term Care
  Mass. Government
Massachusetts Veteran Service Officers                                                                 www.mvsoa.com VSO contact information for each city and town in MA
MA Dept. of Veterans' Services          www.mass.gov/veterans                   Listing of Veterans' Agents by Municipality
MA Registry of Motor Vehicles          http://www.massrmv.com                 Information on obtaining a CDL.
Medical Information/Benefits
American Medical  Association           www.ama-assn.org                           800-621-8335
Dept. of Defense                                 www.tricare.osd.mil/                        TRICARE
National Alliance on Mental Illness     www.nami.org                                  PTSD Information
National Council on Alcoholism         www.ncadd.org                                800-622-2255
National Council on the Aging            www.ncoa.org                                  800-424-9046
PTSD Alliance                                     www.ptsdalliance.org                       PTSD Information
USDA Food Safety & Inspection        www.fsis.usda.gov                           800-535-4555
VA                                                      www.va.gov/health                          Health Benefits and Services                                               (877) 222-8387
VA                                                      http://www.va.gov/hac/                    Medical Care for Dependents and Survivors                                            
Money and Finance
Dept. of Health & Human Services     www.grants.gov                               Find and Apply for Federal Grants.
Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.         www.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/   Free financial literacy training.
FedMoney                                           http://www.fedmoney.org/               Lists Loan, Grant, and Other Federal Financial Aid
MA Board of Higher Education          www.osfa.mass.edu/                        Public Service Scholarship Programs for Eligible Veterans.
MA Department of Revenue               www.dor.state.ma.us                        Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemptions.
MA Div. of Unemployment Insurance                                            www.mass.gov/dua                          Unemployment Insurance Information                                         (617) 626-5400
Social Security Administration            www.socialsecurity.gov                   Social Security Benefits
VA                                                      www.homeloans.va.gov/                  Home Loan Guaranties
  Schools
Action, Inc.                                         http://www.actioninc.org/                 Vocational and Job Training
Career Advantage                                http://www.careeradvantage.org/      Listing of Vocational and Technical Schools
College Surfing                                   http://www.collegesurfing.com/        College Locator
Innovative Computer Courses             www.iccschool.com                         Computer Training - MS Office, Accounting, Graphics
Institute for Environmental Education www.ieetrains.com                          Training for Jobs in the Environmental Sector
MA Community Colleges                    www.masscc.org                              Listing of Programs and Courses offered                                                                                                         (617) 542-2911
UMASS Boston                                               www.umb.edu                                  Veterans' Upward Bound Program, Tuition Waiver  (617) 287-5000
UMASS Lowell                                                www.uml.edu                                  Tuition Waiver, Degree Programs
Wentworth Institute of Technology     www.wit.edu                                    Degree Programs and Technical Training
Veterans Service Organizations
American Legion                                 www.masslegion.org                        Support for Eligible Veterans
AMVETS                                            www.amvets.org                              Honorably Discharged Veterans
Disabled American Veterans               www.davma.org                               Advocacy for Disabled Veterans
United Service Organizations              www.usonewengland.org                 Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Services to Uniformed Members.
Veterans of Foreign Wars                       www.vfw.org                               
Vietnam Veterans of America             www.vva.org                                    Advocates for Vietnam Veterans and Others.