Massachusetts State Veteran Benefits: Complete Guide to Programs and Eligibility

Massachusetts offers one of the most comprehensive veteran benefits packages in the nation. From property tax exemptions and free tuition at state colleges to the recently increased $2,500 annual disability annuity, the Commonwealth provides substantial support to those who served. The state’s landmark HERO Act, signed in August 2024, expanded many of these benefits and modernized eligibility requirements.

An estimated 234,000 veterans call Massachusetts home, making up approximately 4.1% of the state’s adult population. Whether you served in combat overseas, supported operations stateside, or are a family member of a veteran, there are likely state-level benefits available to you beyond what the VA provides.

Key Takeaways

• Property Tax Exemptions: Disabled veterans can receive exemptions ranging from $400 to full property tax abatement, depending on disability severity and local adoption of HERO Act provisions
• Free Tuition: All Massachusetts veterans receive tuition waivers at state colleges and universities; National Guard members receive 100% tuition and fee waivers
• $2,500 Annual Annuity: 100% disabled veterans, Gold Star parents, and unmarried surviving spouses receive an annual payment as of August 2025
• Welcome Home Bonus: Post-9/11 veterans can receive $500-$1,000 cash bonuses based on deployment location
• Chapter 115 Financial Assistance: Low-income veterans may qualify for monthly cash assistance, medical expense reimbursement, and emergency help
• Motor Vehicle Benefits: 100% disabled veterans are exempt from registration fees, excise taxes, and may qualify for sales tax exemptions

Table of Contents

• Tax Benefits and Exemptions
• Property Tax Exemptions
• Disability Annuity Program
• Welcome Home Bonus
• Education Benefits
• Employment Preference
• Motor Vehicle Benefits
• Chapter 115 Financial Assistance
• Massachusetts Veterans Homes
• Burial Benefits
• Recreation and Outdoor Benefits
• How to Apply for Benefits
• Frequently Asked Questions

Tax Benefits and Exemptions

Massachusetts provides significant income tax relief for military members and veterans. Understanding these exemptions can result in substantial annual savings.

Military Retirement Pay

Military retirement pay is completely exempt from Massachusetts state income tax. This includes regular military retirement, Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) payments, Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RCSBP) payments, and Retired Serviceman’s Family Protection Plan (RSFPP) annuities. Unlike many states that have income limits or partial exemptions, Massachusetts provides a full 100% exemption regardless of your retirement pay amount.

VA Disability Compensation

VA disability compensation and pension payments are not subject to Massachusetts state income tax. Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) payments to surviving family members are also tax-free at the state level.

Combat Zone Pay

Military pay received for service in a combat zone that is excluded from federal income tax is also exempt from Massachusetts state income tax. Service members returning from combat zones receive a 180-day extension from their return date (or hospital release for service-connected injuries) to file their state taxes.

Active Duty Pay

Active duty military pay follows standard federal tax rules and is subject to Massachusetts state income tax for residents. However, if you are stationed outside Massachusetts due to military orders, your military pay may be exempt under specific circumstances.

Property Tax Exemptions

Massachusetts offers tiered property tax exemptions for veterans based on disability status, with recent HERO Act changes allowing municipalities to enhance these benefits. All exemptions require you to own and occupy the property as your domicile as of July 1 of the tax year.

Basic Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for any veteran property tax exemption, you must meet these criteria:

• Served in the U.S. Armed Forces and received an honorable discharge
• Own and occupy the property as your domicile as of July 1 of the tax year
• Have lived in Massachusetts for at least six months before entering service, OR
• Have lived in Massachusetts for five consecutive years before filing for the exemption

Exemption Tiers by Disability

Clause 22 – 10% or Higher Disability Rating ($400 exemption): Available to veterans with a VA service-connected disability rating of 10% or higher, Purple Heart recipients, and Gold Star parents. Surviving spouses who haven’t remarried also qualify.

Clause 22A – Loss of One Limb or Eye ($750 exemption): Veterans who lost or permanently lost use of one hand, foot, or eye, or received the Congressional Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, or Air Force Cross.

Clause 22B – Loss of Two Limbs ($1,250 exemption): Veterans who lost or permanently lost use of both hands, feet, or eyes, or one of each.

Clause 22C – Specially Adapted Housing ($1,500 exemption): Veterans rated by the VA as permanently and totally disabled who received specially adapted housing assistance.

Clause 22E – 100% Disability (Full Exemption): Veterans rated 100% disabled by the VA, paraplegic veterans, or those who are blind due to service may qualify for a complete property tax exemption.

Clause 22D – Surviving Spouses of Combat Deaths (Full Exemption): Surviving spouses (who haven’t remarried) of service members who died as a proximate result of combat injury or disease, or who are MIA and presumed dead.

HERO Act Enhancements

Under the 2024 HERO Act, municipalities can now vote to double veteran property tax exemptions and/or tie exemption amounts to annual inflation adjustments. Contact your local assessor’s office to find out if your city or town has adopted these enhanced exemptions.

Applications are typically due by April 1 of the fiscal year. You must apply annually and provide documentation including your DD-214 and VA disability rating letter.

Disability Annuity Program

Massachusetts provides an annual cash payment to severely disabled veterans and certain surviving family members through the Annuity Program administered by the Executive Office of Veterans Services (EOVS).

2025-2026 Annuity Amounts

Thanks to the HERO Act—the first increase in 17 years—the annuity has risen from $2,000 to $2,500 annually. Starting in August 2025, eligible recipients receive one annual payment of $2,500 each year.

Who Qualifies

• 100% Disabled Veterans: Veterans rated 100% service-connected disabled by the VA, including those with blindness, paraplegia, or loss of both legs
• Gold Star Parents: Parents of service members whose death was service-connected
• Unmarried Surviving Spouses: Widows or widowers who haven’t remarried of veterans whose death was service-connected
• COVID-19 Survivors: Family members who lost a veteran to COVID-19 while residing at the Holyoke or Chelsea Veterans Homes may also be eligible

How to Apply

Applications must be received and approved by EOVS by June 30 of each year to receive the August payment. You must be a Massachusetts resident at the time of application and continue residing in the state while receiving benefits. Required documentation includes:

• DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Service)
• VA disability rating decision letter
• W-9 form for address verification

Apply online at mass.gov/info-details/veteran-annuity-benefit or contact EOVS at (617) 210-5480.

Welcome Home Bonus

Massachusetts provides one-time cash bonuses to veterans who served after September 11, 2001. The program is administered by the Veterans’ Bonus Division under the State Treasurer’s Office.

Bonus Amounts

• $1,000: First deployment to Iraq, Afghanistan, or other imminent danger location
• $500: First continuous six months of active duty service outside of imminent danger locations
• $500: Subsequent deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, or other imminent danger locations
• $2,000: Family members of service members who died while serving on active duty

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Welcome Home Bonus, you must have:

• Been domiciled (home of record) in Massachusetts for at least six months immediately before entering military service or activation
• Served on active duty on or after September 11, 2001
• Received an honorable discharge (or still be serving)

Note: Out-of-state students attending school in Massachusetts are not considered domiciled in Massachusetts for this purpose. Active duty military stationed in Massachusetts who are not originally from the state also do not qualify.

How to Apply

A new online portal launched in January 2026 allows veterans to apply and track application status. Most applicants receive checks within 4-6 weeks of submitting completed materials. Apply at mass.gov Welcome Home Bonus.

Other Bonus Programs

Veterans of earlier conflicts may qualify for other state bonuses:

• Persian Gulf War Bonus: $500 for service in the Gulf theater; $300 for service elsewhere during August 2, 1990 – April 10, 1991
• Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal Bonus: $300 for service between 1976-1989 and 1992-2000 with AFEM award
• Vietnam, Korean, and WWII Bonuses: Still available for eligible veterans and survivors

Education Benefits

Massachusetts provides exceptional education benefits for veterans, service members, and their families, making higher education significantly more affordable.

Categorical Tuition Waiver for Veterans

All Massachusetts veterans are eligible for a tuition waiver at any state college, community college, or university. To qualify:

• Be a legal permanent resident of Massachusetts for at least one year
• Not be in default on federal student loans
• Enroll in at least three undergraduate credits in a state-supported program
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress

The waiver is available on a space-available basis and covers tuition for undergraduate degree programs and certificate programs. Note that fees, books, and housing are not covered.

National Guard Education Assistance Program

Massachusetts National Guard members receive one of the best education deals in the country:

• 100% tuition AND fee waiver at all state colleges and universities
• Benefits continue up to 130 semester hours (undergraduate) or 45 semester hours (graduate)
• Must remain in good standing with your unit and maintain academic progress
• Additional Federal Tuition Assistance of up to $4,500 per year may be available for Guard members attending any accredited institution

Children and Spouses of Fallen Service Members

Children and widows of Massachusetts service members killed in action, MIA, POW, or who died from a service-connected cause may receive scholarships covering full tuition at state institutions. Students attending independent Massachusetts colleges or universities may receive up to $2,500 per academic year.

Massachusetts Soldiers Legacy Fund

This fund provides assistance to current and future college students whose parents were killed on deployment during Operations Enduring or Iraqi Freedom. Contact the fund directly at (508) 630-2382 or mslfund.org.

Veterans Upward Bound Program

Veterans Upward Bound at Suffolk University is a free federal pre-college program designed to help veterans develop academic skills needed for post-secondary education. Services include tutoring, academic advising, and career counseling.

Employment Preference

Massachusetts provides one of the strongest veteran employment preference systems in the nation—known as “absolute preference”—giving qualified veterans significant advantages in state civil service hiring.

Civil Service Hiring Preference

Open Competitive Exams: Veterans who score 70% or higher on civil service exams (including police and firefighter positions) receive absolute preference and are immediately placed at the top of the eligibility list. The preference order is:

1. Disabled veterans
2. Veterans
3. Spouses of 100% disabled veterans
4. Surviving spouses or single parents of veterans killed in action or who died from service-connected disability

Promotional Exams: Veterans receive two points added to their promotional exam scores.

Labor Service Positions: No exam is required for these positions, and veterans are placed at the top of the eligibility list regardless of disability status.

Non-Exam Positions: Veterans receive preference over non-veterans. If multiple veterans apply, the hiring authority makes the selection.

Military Service Buyback

Veterans employed by the Commonwealth can “buy back” up to four years of active duty service toward their state pension. Under the HERO Act, state employees now have up to 10 years after starting state service to enroll, with a one-year grace period for current employees.

Veteran Ready Business Program

Launched in May 2024, the Massachusetts Veteran Ready Business (VRB) program recognizes employers committed to hiring veterans and military spouses. Participating businesses receive hiring event notifications, veteran recruitment resources, and VRB certification.

MassHire Career Services

Veterans receive Priority of Service at all MassHire Career Centers for employment training and placement programs. Services include the MassHire JobQuest Veterans Portal for job searches, resume assistance, and veteran-focused hiring events.

Motor Vehicle Benefits

Massachusetts provides multiple motor vehicle-related exemptions and special plates for qualifying veterans.

Disabled Veteran Plates

Disabled Veteran (DV) plates are available to Massachusetts residents who:

• Qualify for permanent disabled parking privileges
• Have a minimum 60% service-connected disability rating from the VA
• Have conditions that affect ambulation and would qualify for disabled parking

Fee and Tax Exemptions (HERO Act Enhanced)

The HERO Act expanded motor vehicle benefits for 100% disabled veterans or those deemed unemployable by the VA:

• Registration Fees: Exempt on all vehicle registrations (excluding special plate fees)
• Driver’s License Fees: Exempt on all license transactions
• Motor Vehicle Excise Tax: Exempt on one vehicle for personal, non-commercial use
• Sales Tax: Exempt on one vehicle with DV plates for personal use

Note: Eligibility for excise tax exemption is now determined by VA disability determination rather than the RMV’s Medical Advisory Board.

Purple Heart Recipients

Purple Heart recipients who qualify for DV plates and have at least a 60% disability rating are exempt from sales tax on vehicle purchases. They may choose either Purple Heart plates or Disabled Veteran plates.

Former POWs

Former prisoners of war and their unremarried surviving spouses are exempt from motor vehicle excise tax on one vehicle (where the municipality has accepted this local option).

Veteran Indicator on License

All honorably discharged veterans can have “Veteran” printed on their Massachusetts driver’s license or ID card at no charge. Present your DD-214 (long form) at any RMV Service Center or AAA location.

Chapter 115 Financial Assistance

Chapter 115 of Massachusetts General Laws provides a financial safety net for low-income veterans and their dependents. This means-tested program offers cash assistance, medical expense reimbursement, and emergency help.

What Chapter 115 Covers

• Monthly Cash Assistance: Help with food, shelter, clothing, and fuel costs. Single veterans living alone may qualify for monthly benefits ranging from $1 to over $1,400 depending on circumstances.
• Medical Expense Reimbursement: Coverage for insurance premiums, co-pays, dental work, hearing aids, eyeglasses, and prescriptions. Even veterans slightly above income limits may qualify for medical-only benefits.
• Behavioral Health Services: The HERO Act expanded Chapter 115 to cover outpatient psychiatric care, substance use disorder treatment, and mental health prescriptions.
• Emergency Assistance: Help with past-due mortgage, rent, or utility bills; emergency home repairs; and natural disaster recovery.

Eligibility Requirements

You must meet three basic requirements:

1. Veteran Status: Served in the U.S. Armed Forces with a discharge other than dishonorable, OR be an eligible dependent/survivor of such a veteran
2. Financial Need: Meet income and asset limits (which change annually and vary by household size)
3. Massachusetts Residency: Currently live in Massachusetts

HERO Act Changes: Under the new law, if a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) to Social Security or other federal benefits causes you to exceed income thresholds, you won’t lose Chapter 115 benefits during the same year.

How to Apply

Every Massachusetts city and town has a Veterans’ Service Officer (VSO) who handles Chapter 115 applications. The program is funded 75% by the state and 25% by your municipality.

1. Use the Massachusetts Veterans Benefits Calculator to estimate your eligibility
2. Contact your local VSO to begin the application process
3. Provide required documentation including DD-214 and proof of income

Massachusetts Veterans Homes

Massachusetts operates two state veterans homes providing long-term care and residential services to eligible veterans.

Chelsea Veterans Home

Originally opened in 1882, the Chelsea facility received a major upgrade with a new building opening in 2023. It provides skilled nursing care, domiciliary services, and long-term care for Massachusetts veterans. The facility has approximately 187 long-term care beds and 305 domiciliary beds.

Veterans Home at Holyoke

Established in 1952, the Holyoke facility serves veterans in Western Massachusetts. A $482 million state-of-the-art replacement facility is currently under construction and expected to open in late 2026. The new 350,000 square foot facility will include 234 long-term care beds, a specialized memory care unit, and a 40-person adult day health program.

Both facilities recently achieved zero-deficiency ratings in VA annual surveys and are fully accredited by The Joint Commission.

Eligibility

Basic eligibility requires:

• 180 days of regular active-duty military service with honorable discharge, OR
• 90 days of active duty service with at least one day during wartime with honorable discharge
• Clinical need and setting availability

Third Veterans Home Planned

The state has authorized up to $200 million for establishing a third veterans home to improve geographic accessibility. Discussions are underway about potential locations and services.

Burial Benefits

Massachusetts operates two state veterans memorial cemeteries where eligible veterans can be buried at no cost.

State Veterans Cemeteries

Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Agawam: 61 acres serving veterans in Western Massachusetts.

Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Winchendon: 210 acres of wooded, rolling hills located 70 miles northwest of Boston.

Eligibility and Costs

• Veterans discharged under honorable conditions: Free burial
• Veterans who served 20+ years in the National Guard or Reserves and are entitled to retirement pay: Eligible
• Spouses and eligible dependents: $300 for casket burial, $150 for cremation interment

Services Provided

At no cost for eligible veterans, the state cemeteries provide:

• Gravesite with perpetual care
• Opening and closing of the grave
• Grave liner
• Climate-controlled chapel for committal services

Pre-Registration

Veterans can pre-register to establish eligibility in advance, simplifying the process for family members. Pre-registration is free and does not obligate interment at the cemetery. Contact the Agawam office at (413) 821-9500 or Winchendon at (978) 297-9501.

National Cemetery

The Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne on Cape Cod is a federal VA cemetery also available to eligible veterans.

Recreation and Outdoor Benefits

State Parks

Day-use parking fees are waived at Massachusetts State Parks for vehicles displaying:

• Disabled Veteran plates from any state
• Purple Heart plates

This waiver does not apply to camping fees and is subject to available parking. Note that ParksPass is not valid at Quabbin Reservoir boat launch areas, Squantum Point, North Point, or Draw Seven Commuter lots.

Hunting and Fishing Licenses

Disabled Massachusetts Residents: Veterans who are blind, have paraplegia, or have an intellectual disability may qualify for free freshwater fishing and hunting licenses. First-time applicants must submit documentation to the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.

Non-Resident Military: Active duty service members stationed in Massachusetts can purchase hunting, trapping, and fishing licenses at resident rates.

Note: As of 2026, Massachusetts does not have a general free license for all disabled veterans, though legislation has been proposed to provide free licenses to 100% disabled veterans.

How to Apply for Benefits

The best first step for any Massachusetts veteran is to connect with your local Veterans’ Service Officer (VSO). Every city and town has a VSO who can help you navigate available benefits at no cost.

Executive Office of Veterans Services

Address: 15 New Chardon Street, One Bowdoin Square, Suite 400, Boston, MA 02114

Phone: (617) 210-5480

Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM

Website: mass.gov/orgs/executive-office-of-veterans-services

Find Your Local VSO

Visit mass.gov/veterans to find your local Veterans’ Service Officer or call EOVS at (617) 210-5480.

Key Documents to Gather

• DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) – long form
• VA disability rating decision letter (if applicable)
• Marriage certificate (for spouse benefits)
• Birth certificates (for dependent benefits)
• Proof of Massachusetts residency

Frequently Asked Questions

This article is provided by USMilitary.org, an independent educational resource. We are not affiliated with the Department of Defense, VA, or any government agency. For official benefit information, please visit Mass.gov Executive Office of Veterans Services or contact your local Veterans’ Service Officer.