Massachusetts veteran benefits
Veteran Compass lists 37 Massachusetts programs for veterans and their families. Each one links to the official government page, because rules, amounts and deadlines change. This is a guide to what is worth looking into, not a decision about whether you qualify. Federal VA benefits, such as health care, disability compensation and the GI Bill, also apply in Massachusetts; see the full directory or use the Benefit Finder.
Burial
Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemeteries (Agawam and Winchendon)
State veterans cemeteries in Agawam and Winchendon open to eligible veterans, spouses and dependent children. The page lists no charge for a veteran's initial burial and fees for spouses and dependents.
Who it may help: Veterans with an honorable discharge from active duty (service only for training does not count, with some exceptions), certain Guard and Reserve retirees, spouses and eligible dependent children. Burial is arranged through a funeral director with a burial application and discharge papers. The page says Winchendon stopped pre-qualifying burial applications on July 1, 2026, so contact the cemetery. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Chapter 115 Burial Assistance for Veterans
State law provides for burial arrangements and cost help through a city or town burial agent when the estate of a deceased veteran or covered dependent cannot cover funeral and burial costs. The state reimburses part of what cities and towns spend.
Who it may help: Applies to a deceased person covered by Chapter 115, such as a veteran or a veteran's dependent, where resources are insufficient for burial. The page does not fully define coverage; confirm with your local Veterans Service Officer. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Education
Massachusetts Veterans Tuition Waiver
Full or partial waiver of tuition for state-supported undergraduate degree or certificate courses at Massachusetts public colleges and universities.
Who it may help: Must be a Massachusetts veteran as the state defines it, a legal Massachusetts resident, and not in default on federal student loans. Documentation is required and the waiver depends on space availability at the school; contact the campus veterans representative. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
National Guard Tuition and Fee Waiver
Waives tuition and mandatory fees for eligible Massachusetts National Guard members at public colleges and universities in the state, for undergraduate and graduate programs, up to the credits on a Certificate of Eligibility.
Who it may help: Must be an active, good-standing member of the Massachusetts Army or Air National Guard, enrolled or accepted at a Massachusetts public institution, hold a Certificate of Eligibility, and make satisfactory academic progress. The waiver is subject to a special appropriation. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Massachusetts National Guard Family Education Program
Lets specified dependents of National Guard members use a certificate of exemption from matriculation fees and tuition at the public institutions of higher education named in state law.
Who it may help: For dependents of National Guard members enrolled in qualifying programs. The page lists a semester-hour limit per member and a time limit for using the credits. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
In-State Tuition Status for Service Members and Families
State public higher education residency policy gives in-state tuition classification to a member of the Armed Forces stationed in Massachusetts on military orders, and extends it to the spouse and dependent children.
Who it may help: Applies to service members stationed in Massachusetts on active duty under military orders and their spouses and dependent children. The policy document does not mention veterans. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Employment
MassHire Veteran Career Services
Free job search and training help for veterans through MassHire Career Centers, including veteran representatives who connect people with employers, training and hiring events.
Who it may help: Veterans and transitioning service members can use these services; tell the Career Center you served to receive priority of service. Military spouses can use the veterans job portal to view openings. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Civil Service Veterans' Preference
Massachusetts civil service gives qualifying veterans preference on eligible lists and extra points on promotional exams, and ranks them at the top for labor service lists.
Who it may help: Covers disabled veterans, veterans, and unremarried spouses or single parents of veterans killed in action or who died of a service-connected disability from wartime service. Residency preference can take precedence in some cases. Labor service applicants submit an application with proof of veteran status; other lists are handled by the Civil Service Unit. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Veteran Education, Employment & Training (VEET) Office
A state office that connects veterans to jobs, training and education. Its page links to scholarship information, job and apprenticeship resources, a Transition Toolkit and a Student Veteran Council.
Who it may help: The page lists no formal eligibility rules and describes the office as serving veterans and their families; contact the VEET team for specifics. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Veteran Ready Business Certification
A state certification for Massachusetts employers who want to show commitment to hiring veterans and their spouses. Certified businesses get hiring-event notices, a resource guide and a listing on the state webpage, so it may help veterans find veteran-friendly employers.
Who it may help: This is an employer program. Applicants submit an online application, a Certificate of Good Standing from the Department of Revenue and a signed ESGR Statement of Support. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Veteran Hire Tax Credit
A state tax credit that employers may claim for hiring certain veterans. Veterans may want to know about it when job hunting, since the veteran must be certified for the employer to use it.
Who it may help: Claimed by employers, which must be certified small businesses. The veteran must live in Massachusetts and meet one of the listed criteria, such as recent SNAP receipt in the household, a period of unemployment, or a service-connected disability with specific hiring or unemployment timing. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Professional Licensing Benefits for Military, Veterans and Spouses (VALOR Act)
Massachusetts licensing boards accept relevant military education, training and service toward licensure, keep an active-duty member's license valid until release plus 90 days, and speed up licensing for service members and military spouses already licensed in another state who relocated on a military transfer. The state share of the initial license fee is waived for those who qualify.
Who it may help: For active-duty and reserve members, veterans and relocated military spouses who self-identify by submitting the matching affidavit to the relevant licensing board. Private vendor fees may still apply. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Veteran-Owned Business Certification (Supplier Diversity Office)
The Supplier Diversity Office certifies Veteran Business Enterprises in-house and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Enterprises through partner organizations. Certification may add a competitive edge in seeking government contracts but does not guarantee wins.
Who it may help: Businesses must meet certification criteria that the page does not list; see the linked Certification Guide and regulations. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Military Leave for Massachusetts State Employees
Executive Department employees called to military duty may qualify for paid, unpaid or partial-pay military leave with job protection under state and federal law.
Who it may help: For Executive Department employees who are called to full-time duty or serve in the reserves. Give your agency a copy of your orders promptly; the page points to federal USERRA resources for more detail. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Family
Massachusetts Gold Star Family Resource Toolkit
A state guide from the Executive Office of Veterans Services that gathers resources for Gold Star families on education, health care, housing, employment, financial help and community connection.
Who it may help: Intended for Gold Star families, including parents, spouses, children and siblings of service members who died in service. The page is a December 2025 announcement; the toolkit itself is said to be online at mass.gov/VETS. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Paid Family and Medical Leave for Military Families
Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave can provide family leave to care for a current or former service member with a service-related serious health condition, or exigency leave related to a family member's deployment.
Who it may help: The worker must be a PFML covered individual and a qualifying family member. The service member needs a qualifying service-related condition for care leave, or a deployment for exigency leave. U.S. government, National Guard and municipal employers are not covered. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Financial
Chapter 115 Benefits (Safety Net Program)
A state financial assistance program run by the Executive Office of Veterans Services for Massachusetts veterans facing financial hardship. The page lists help with daily living costs, medical costs, rent, support of dependents, and outpatient behavioral health care, and says inpatient hospital stays are not covered.
Who it may help: The page says Massachusetts veterans facing financial hardship may qualify but does not list income, service or residency rules. Start with your local Veterans Service Officer, who helps you apply; the state office can be reached if no local officer is available. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Annuity Payment for 100% Service-Connected Disabled Veterans
Massachusetts pays an annual annuity to eligible veterans who are 100% service-connected disabled. The state program page explains how to apply.
Who it may help: The program page describes Massachusetts residency and a 100% service-connected disability as key requirements, with applications submitted through the methods the page lists, including through a Veterans Service Officer. Additional requirements and deadlines apply; confirm with the Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Veteran Property Tax Exemptions (Chapter 59, Section 5)
State law (Chapter 59, Section 5) provides property tax exemptions for eligible veterans and certain surviving spouses. The 2024 HERO Act added local options that let a municipality index or double exemption amounts.
Who it may help: The page does not set out eligibility rules or how to apply. The HERO Act options apply only where the city or town has adopted them. Additional requirements apply; confirm with your city or town and the Executive Office of Veterans Services. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Global War on Terrorism Welcome Home Veterans' Bonus
A Massachusetts bonus for active and discharged service members who served after September 11, 2001, applied for through the Veterans' Bonus Division.
Who it may help: Active service must fall between September 11, 2001 and the present, with Massachusetts residency requirements (Guard and Reserve members must have been residents six months before activation). The page does not state whether applications are currently open or give payment amounts; confirm with the Veterans' Bonus Division. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
MASSVETS Chapter 115 Benefit Estimator
An online starting-point tool to estimate possible Chapter 115 benefits. Estimates depend on veteran status, family status, income and housing costs.
Who it may help: The page describes the estimator as intended for low-income veterans and their families and as a starting point for judging possible Chapter 115 eligibility, and says Massachusetts veterans benefits are for residents of the Commonwealth. To confirm eligibility, contact the Executive Office of Veterans Services or a local Veterans Service Officer. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Massachusetts Income Tax Treatment of Military Pay and Pensions
The Department of Revenue page says U.S. military pensions are excluded from Massachusetts gross income for residents and nonresidents, and describes combat-zone pay exclusions and nonresident treatment of military pay.
Who it may help: Rules differ for active-duty members, retirees, National Guard and Reserve members, and spouses, and depend on residency. Contact the Department of Revenue for your situation. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Persian Gulf War Veterans' Bonus
A one-time state bonus for Massachusetts veterans who served during the Persian Gulf War period. A family member may be able to apply if the veteran has died.
Who it may help: Must have lived in Massachusetts before entering the military, served honorably between August 2, 1990 and April 10, 1991, and not already received the bonus. The page lists no deadline. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Healthcare
Massachusetts Veterans Homes (Chelsea and Holyoke)
State-run veterans homes in Chelsea and Holyoke that offer long-term nursing care to eligible veterans.
Who it may help: Must be a Massachusetts resident at application, suitable medically and behaviorally for long-term nursing care, and meet the state's definition of a veteran (the page lists several qualifying service paths, such as 90 days of active duty with a discharge other than dishonorable). Qualifying service must have been entered into or performed in Massachusetts, or you must have lived in the state at least one day. Bring a DD-214 to the admissions office. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Statewide Advocacy for Veterans Empowerment (SAVE)
An outreach program of the Executive Office of Veterans Services that connects veterans with peers who help them find benefits and services supporting mental health, aiming to prevent suicide and distress.
Who it may help: The page says the program is aimed at veterans returning from service and does not list formal eligibility rules. Contact the SAVE office by phone or email to ask. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Housing
Veteran Housing and Homelessness Services (HEROS)
A state office that works to help veterans and families find stable, affordable housing. It funds veteran outreach centers, coordinates housing and shelter resources, and lists state, local and federal options.
Who it may help: Serves veterans and their families, especially those who are homeless, housing insecure or in poverty. The page lists no formal eligibility rules; contact the office. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Legal
SERVE Outreach Team (Justice-Involved Veterans)
A state team that helps veterans facing criminal cases seek treatment as an alternative to jail, working with the court and community providers. It also offers peer mentoring from fellow veterans during treatment.
Who it may help: Intended for veterans with criminal court cases. The page lists no eligibility requirements or intake process, so contact SERVE directly. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Massachusetts Veterans Treatment Courts
Court-supervised, treatment-focused programs for criminal defendants who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Seven locations operate across the state.
Who it may help: For criminal defendants who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces and have a case in court. The page lists participant requirements of abstinence from drugs and alcohol, mandated treatment, swift accountability and weekly interaction with the court, and suggests talking to your attorney or probation officer first. It lists no other criteria. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Veterans Equality Review Board (VERB)
A board that reviews whether veterans with an other-than-honorable discharge tied to certain circumstances may become eligible for state-based veterans benefits. Approval does not upgrade the discharge itself.
Who it may help: For veterans who believe their discharge resulted from Don't Ask, Don't Tell or from discrimination based on a protected class, such as disability, sexual orientation or PTSD. Supporting documents are required. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Legal Help for Veterans and Servicemembers
A state page pointing veterans to legal help, including Harvard Law's Veterans Law Unit, Veterans Legal Services, a military legal help line and information on federal servicemember protections.
Who it may help: The page describes Harvard's Veterans Law Unit and Veterans Legal Services as serving veterans and says the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act protects active-duty servicemembers. It does not list eligibility criteria for the providers or say who qualifies for the military legal help line, so contact them directly. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Other
Massachusetts Women Veterans Network
A state-run network for women who served, offering benefits information, community connection, events and advocacy. Women veterans can join through an online form.
Who it may help: Aimed at women veterans in Massachusetts. The page lists no other eligibility rules. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Local Veterans Service Officer (VSO) Directory
Local Veterans Service Officers do outreach, refer veterans and dependents to programs, and take applications for state benefits such as Chapter 115 and the annuity program. The page lets you search by city, town or ZIP code.
Who it may help: Offered to eligible veterans and their dependents; the page does not list criteria and points to Chapter 115, Section 3 of state law. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Recreation
Disabled Veteran and Purple Heart Plates: State Park Parking
The state parks parking page says vehicles with Disabled Veteran or Purple Heart plates have daily parking fees waived and do not need an Annual Parking Pass.
Who it may help: Requires having a Disabled Veteran or Purple Heart license plate on the vehicle. The page does not explain how to get the plates; contact DCR Parking Passes or the RMV. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Transportation
Veteran Designation on License and Veteran Specialty Plates
Veterans can have the word Veteran printed on a Massachusetts driver's license or ID, and can apply for veteran and military specialty plates such as Disabled Veteran, National Guard and Gold Star Family.
Who it may help: For the license designation, be a Massachusetts resident veteran with an honorable discharge document (long-form DD-214, DD-215 or Honorable Discharge form). Plate eligibility differs by plate type; check the requirements for the plate you want. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Disabled Veteran Registration, License and Excise Exemptions
Eligible disabled veterans can have registration fees and driver's license fees waived and may get excise tax and sales tax relief on one qualifying passenger vehicle or pickup truck.
Who it may help: Registration, license and excise exemptions require a VA finding of 100% disability or unemployability from a service-connected disability, and the veteran must be an owner of the vehicle. Disabled Veteran plates require Massachusetts residency, permanent disabled parking eligibility, and ratings of at least 60% as listed on the page. Some fees still apply. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Driver's License Renewal and Replacement for Military and Families
Special license options for service members, including mail renewal for those stationed outside Massachusetts, a one-time temporary extension, a post-discharge grace period, and replacement licenses with no fee.
Who it may help: Mainly for active-duty members; spouses and dependents are included in some provisions. The grace period applies after an honorable discharge. Copies of orders are required for some requests. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Vehicle Registration Rules for Military Members
Explains when service members on extended active duty may keep a home-state vehicle registration while stationed elsewhere and when a vehicle must be registered in Massachusetts.
Who it may help: Applies to military members on extended active duty. Insurance at least at Massachusetts minimum levels is required for the home-state registration rule. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
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