The Massachusetts Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS) is the chief advocate for veterans and their families in the Commonwealth. As part of the Governor’s cabinet, DVS establishes policy, proposes legislation, and represents the interests of veterans. DVS works with the federal Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to serve veterans in Massachusetts and to help them secure federal compensation and benefits. DVS works with local cities and towns to administer Chapter 115 benefits to veterans and their families such as emergency financial assistance, annuities, wartime service bonuses, and tax exemptions. In addition, non-profit organizations across the state contract through DVS to provide housing, counseling, employment and training assistance, and outreach services to veterans.
Veterans' Services Officers (VSOs)
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Veterans' Service Officers are your first point of contact
M.G.L. Chapter 115 enables every eligible Massachusetts veteran to receive certain financial, medical, educational, employment, and other benefits earned by military service. Veterans’ Service Officers (VSO) in 351 municipalities across the state help veterans and families connect with benefits.
The VSO is your first point of contact to access state Chapter 115 benefits. Appointed by the mayors or selectmen of the cities and towns, the VSO interviews applicants, determines eligibility, and administers benefits. VSOs are available to anyone seeking information or assistance in the area of veterans’ benefits and services, including family members of veterans. They may be reached at their City/Town Halls.
Your VSO can provide information about:
- Annuities
- Awards and Medals
- Burial
- Chapter 115 benefits
- Education
- Elder Services
- Employment
- Flags and Markers
- Financial Assistance
- Food
- Graves Care
- Housing
- License Plates
- Medical Assistance
- Pensions
- Pharmaceuticals
- Real Estate Tax Exemption
- Review of Discharge
- Sales Tax Exemptions
To find your local VSO, visit here.
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An Overview of Benefits and Services Offered to Veterans
Annuity: The Commonwealth of Massachusetts provides an annuity in the amount of $2,000 to 100% service-connected disabled veterans and to the parents of men and women who die in service (Gold Star parents) and the unremarried spouses (Gold Star wives or husbands) of veterans who gave their lives in the service of their country during wartime. To apply, contact your VSO or visit www.mass.gov/veterans.
Bonuses: The Commonwealth of Massachusetts provides a one-time bonus to eligible veterans who served during wartime, from World War II through Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. For the Persian Gulf War Bonus call 617-210-5927. For all other bonuses contact the Office of the State Treasurer 617-367-3900, ext. 543, or for OEF/OIF ext. 539.
Cemeteries: There are three veterans’ cemeteries in Massachusetts. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs operates the national cemetery in Bourne, on Cape Cod (508-563-7113). The state operates cemeteries in Agawam (413-821-9500) and Winchendon (978-297-9501). Eligible veterans can be buried in state and federal cemeteries for free and spouses for a nominal fee.
Chapter 115 Benefits: Chapter 115 provides a needs-based means tested program of financial and medical assistance for indigent veterans and their dependents. Qualifying veterans and their dependents receive necessary financial assistance for food, shelter, clothing, housing supplies, and medical care. Contact your local VSO to apply.
Education Benefits: Veterans are eligible for tuition waivers at all state colleges and universities. Members of the Massachusetts National Guard receive a tuition and fee waiver at all state schools. Contact the Veterans’ Representative at the state college/university of your choice for eligibility requirements and to apply.
Employment: Veterans are given preference for employment on the eligibility list for civil service positions. Job search and assistance is also available for veterans at 32 One-Stop Career Centers across the state. For a complete listing of Career Centers call 877-US2-JOBS or go to
or email save@massmail.state.ma.us.
Employment and Training Grants: DVS has been awarded grants to provide training, job placement, housing assistance, other supportive services, and information resources to eligible veterans. These grants are administered by non-profits across the state. Some grants specifically serve homeless veterans; others focus on training for specific fields such as green jobs. For more information, call DVS at 617-210-5480. If you are an employer looking to post positions with us for veterans, please contact our employer phone line at 617-210-5970 or veteransvoice@massmail.state.ma.us.
Housing Services: DVS contracts with a range of non-profit organizations, which provide housing services to eligible veterans. All require that residents maintain a sober and drug-free environment. Services are available to both male and female veterans. For a complete listing, see www.mass.gov/veterans.
Motor Vehicle Benefits: Certain disabled veterans and former POWs are eligible for motor vehicle sales and excise tax exemptions. Contact the Department of Revenue at 617-887-6367. The Registry of Motor Vehicles provides a variety of veterans’ license plates and a registration exemption for certain veterans. See www.mass.gov/rmv/veteran/index.htm or call 617-351-9222 for the registration exemption.
Outreach Centers: Outreach Centers are non-profit organizations that contract through DVS to assist veterans and their families with a range of services. Services vary by location and can include: assistance and referrals to obtain federal and state veterans’ benefits; counseling services; food pantry and clothing closets; transportation services; and community activities. For a complete listing, see www.mass.gov/veterans.
Property Tax: There are a number of exemptions available to certain disabled veterans and their survivors. Contact your local Veterans’ Service Officer or city/town assessor.
SAVE Program: SAVE is a peer outreach program that helps veterans navigate the system of benefits and services through active outreach in the community. SAVE’s mission is suicide prevention and advocacy of veterans benefits and services. Outreach coordinators are mobile and meet with veterans in the field. The outreach team is comprised of veterans and family members of veterans. Call SAVE at 888-844-2838 or email save@massmail.state.ma.us.
Soldiers’ Homes: The Soldiers’ Homes in Chelsea (617-884-5660) and Holyoke (413-532-9475) provide a variety of services to veterans, such as, acute hospital, domiciliary, and long-term care, physical and occupational therapy and more.
Women Veterans’ Network: The mission of the Women Veterans’ Network is to provide women with information on benefits; expand awareness of the needs of women veterans; and identify available health and human resources to meet those needs. Call 617-210-5781.
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Contact DVS
Massachusetts Department of Veterans’ Services
600 Washington Street, Suite 1100
Boston, MA 02111
617-210-5480
www.mass.gov/veterans
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