Veteran Benefits & Resources in Massachusetts

Introduction

Massachusetts is home to more than 300,000 military veterans who have served in every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. The state has a long tradition of supporting veterans through state benefits, VA healthcare services, municipal Veteran Service Officers, and nonprofit organizations that help veterans and their families access the support they need.

This guide highlights key benefits, healthcare resources, and organizations available in Massachusetts so veterans can easily find assistance with education, housing, employment, and community support.

Key Veteran Benefits in Massachusetts

Chapter 115 Veterans Benefits

Massachusetts provides financial assistance through Chapter 115 benefits, which can help eligible veterans and their families with housing, medical expenses, and other essential needs.

Source:
https://www.mass.gov/service-details/chapter-115-benefits-for-veterans

Massachusetts Veterans Tuition Waiver

Massachusetts public colleges and universities may offer tuition waivers or financial aid programs for eligible veterans and their dependents, helping reduce the cost of higher education.

Source:
https://www.mass.edu/osfa/programs/veterans.asp

Veteran Annuity Program

Massachusetts offers a Veterans Annuity Program that provides annual payments to certain disabled veterans and eligible surviving spouses.

Source:
https://www.mass.gov/service-details/veterans-annuity-benefit

Massachusetts Veteran Employment Preference

Veterans receive preference in hiring for Massachusetts civil service positions, helping veterans compete for government employment opportunities.

Source:
https://www.mass.gov/service-details/veterans-preference-in-civil-service

Veteran Designation on Massachusetts Driver License

Massachusetts veterans may add a “Veteran” designation to their driver license or ID card, making it easier to verify veteran status when accessing services and benefits.

Source:
https://www.mass.gov/service-details/veteran-indicator-on-drivers-license-or-id

VA Disability Benefits by Rating in Massachusetts

Understanding how your VA disability rating affects your benefits can help you take full advantage of both federal VA programs and Massachusetts-specific benefits.

100% Disabled Veterans

Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating receive the most comprehensive level of support.

In Massachusetts, this includes:

• Property Tax Exemptions (Chapter 59, Clause 22) — varying levels of tax relief depending on disability status
• Full federal VA compensation at the highest rate
• Comprehensive VA healthcare at no cost
• Eligibility for CHAMPVA (dependents) and commissary/exchange privileges
• Access to additional state benefits such as annuities and financial assistance programs

Massachusetts provides multiple overlapping programs that can significantly reduce cost of living.

70% Disabled Veterans

Veterans rated at 70% disability receive strong federal benefits and access to additional support programs.

Key benefits include:

• Higher monthly VA compensation
• Priority access to VA healthcare and specialty services
• Eligibility for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU)
• Expanded access to mental health and long-term care programs

Some state programs may begin to apply depending on eligibility criteria.

50% Disabled Veterans

At the 50% disability rating, veterans reach an important healthcare threshold.

This includes:

• No-cost VA healthcare for all conditions, not just service-connected issues
• Increased monthly compensation
• Access to a broader range of VA medical services and prescriptions

This level significantly expands access to care.

Lower Ratings (10%–40%)

Veterans with disability ratings between 10% and 40% still receive important benefits, including:

• Monthly tax-free VA compensation
• VA healthcare for service-connected conditions
• Eligibility for Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E) programs
• Access to local and state veteran support services

While Massachusetts’ strongest financial benefits are tied to higher ratings, these levels still provide valuable foundational support.

No matter your rating, working with a local Veteran Service Officer (VSO) in Massachusetts can help ensure you’re receiving all available benefits—and assist with filing new claims or increasing your rating if your condition has worsened.

VA & Healthcare Resources

Massachusetts veterans have access to a large network of VA healthcare facilities across the state.

VA Medical Centers

• VA Boston Healthcare System – Jamaica Plain Campus
• VA Boston Healthcare System – West Roxbury Campus
• Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital

These facilities provide primary care, specialty care, mental health services, rehabilitation, and long-term care.

Community Clinics

VA outpatient clinics are located in communities including Brockton, Worcester, Lowell, and Pittsfield.

Vet Centers

Vet Centers provide confidential counseling and transition assistance for combat veterans and their families.

VA Facility Locator
https://www.va.gov/find-locations/

County / Local Veteran Service Offices

Massachusetts veterans can receive assistance from Municipal Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) who help veterans:

• File VA disability claims
• Apply for state benefits
• Access healthcare resources
• Obtain military service records

Directory of Massachusetts Veteran Service Officers:

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/veterans-service-officers

Veteran Housing & Long-Term Care

Massachusetts Veterans Homes

Massachusetts operates two state veterans homes providing skilled nursing care and long-term services.

• Holyoke Soldiers’ Home
• Chelsea Soldiers’ Home

Source:
https://www.mass.gov/veterans-homes

Housing Assistance for Veterans

Veterans experiencing housing instability in Massachusetts can access support through VA housing programs such as HUD-VASH, as well as nonprofit housing assistance organizations.

Source:
https://www.va.gov/homeless/

Veteran Charities & Nonprofit Support

Massachusetts Fallen Heroes

Provides support for families of fallen service members and organizes community programs honoring veterans.

https://massfallenheroes.org

Home Base Program

A national nonprofit headquartered in Boston that provides clinical care and support for veterans dealing with PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and other invisible wounds.

https://homebase.org

Massachusetts Military Support Foundation

Provides food assistance, employment support, and programs serving military families and veterans across the state.

https://www.mmsfi.org

Veteran-Owned Businesses & Entrepreneurship

Massachusetts provides several programs supporting veteran entrepreneurs.

Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network

Provides counseling, training, and resources to help veterans start or grow businesses.

https://www.msbdc.org

Veterans Business Outreach Center

Offers mentorship, training, and resources for veterans launching or expanding businesses.

https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/resource-partners/veterans-business-outreach-center-vboc-program

Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Certification

Veterans can pursue federal certification programs that allow veteran-owned businesses to compete for government contracting opportunities.

https://www.va.gov/osdbu/entrepreneurs/

Community Events & Veteran Engagement

Massachusetts hosts numerous events throughout the year designed to help veterans connect with support services and employment opportunities.

These include:

• Veteran job fairs and hiring events
• Homeless Veteran Stand Down programs
• Community veteran resource fairs
• Networking events and veteran support groups

These programs help veterans connect with services, employers, and fellow veterans across the state.

How to Get Help

Veterans in Massachusetts can take the following steps to access assistance:

1. Contact your local Veteran Service Officer (VSO) for help filing claims and accessing benefits.

2. Visit a VA medical center or outpatient clinic for healthcare services.

3. Explore programs offered by the Massachusetts Department of Veterans’ Services.

4. Connect with nonprofit organizations that provide housing, employment, and community support.

Massachusetts Department of Veterans’ Services
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/executive-office-of-veterans-services

Support Veteran-Owned Businesses

Know a Massachusetts veteran-owned business or nonprofit that should be featured?

Submit a nomination or tag them on the Veterans Intel Report Facebook page.

We highlight veteran-owned businesses every month as part of our Salute & Support Sunday series.