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Massachusetts — Veteran Benefits

Complete reference covering 58 benefit categories across 14 service tiers. Verify current eligibility with your County VSO before filing.

At a Glance — What Unlocks by Status / Rating

Veteran benefits unlocked at each service status and disability rating in Massachusetts
Status / Rating Headline Benefits Unlocked
**Active Duty** Active duty pay exempt from MA income tax for nonresident members stationed in MA; in-state tuition for stationed members and spouses; 34 paid military-leave days per state fiscal year; CDL skills-test waiver; nonresident spouse income exempt (MSRRA/VAEEIA); combat-zone 180-day tax filing extension
**Guard / Reserve** 100% tuition AND fee waiver at all MA public colleges; Federal TA up to $4,500/yr; 34 paid leave days/state FY (or 17/federal FY); SSLI $1M coverage at group rates; Military Family Relief Fund; $100K line-of-duty death benefit; after 6 yrs service, NG member may transfer waiver to dependents
**Military Retiree** Military retired pay 100% exempt from MA income tax; SBP/RCSBP annuities also exempt; military pension buyback (up to 4 yrs active duty toward state pension)
**Veteran — honorable, no rating** Clause 22 property tax reduction ($400); free space-available tuition waiver at MA public colleges; veteran designation on DL/ID; absolute civil service preference (scores 70%+); wartime/combat-ops bonus; Veterans Legal Services; state cemetery burial free; veteran specialty plates
**0% SC** Same as honorable veteran above; Chapter 115 income/asset eligibility opens if low-income
**10–20%** Clause 22 $400 property tax reduction; Chapter 115 financial/medical/dental/behavioral assistance if income-eligible
**30–40%** Clause 22 $400 property tax reduction; Chapter 115 benefits
**50–60%** Same as above; DV plates require 60%+ with ambulatory impairment — unlocks vehicle excise-tax exemption (one vehicle), vehicle sales-tax exemption (one vehicle), and state-park parking waiver
**70–90%** All 50–60% benefits (DV plates at 60%+); MBTA TAP 50% fare reduction at 70%+; all vehicle benefits on DV plate
**100% schedular** Clause 22E $1,000 property-tax reduction; all DV-plate vehicle benefits; registration-fee waiver on all vehicles; DL fee waiver; $2,500 annual annuity; MBTA TAP; Chapter 115 medical/dental/behavioral
**TDIU** Same DV-plate and vehicle registration benefits as 100% (IU counts for HERO Act vehicle thresholds); DL fee waiver; registration fee waiver on all vehicles; annuity — ⚠️ verify with EOVS (MGL ch. 115 §6B specifies "100% disabled by VA"; TDIU alone may not qualify)
**P&T** All 100% benefits; Clause 22F full property-tax exemption if paraplegic SC or 100% blind SC; stronger Chapter 115 continuity protections
**SMC (Housebound/A&A)** All P&T benefits; VA federal daily SMC stipend; Soldiers' Homes prioritize most-disabled veterans; Chapter 115 covers A&A supplement reimbursements
**Surviving spouse / dependents** Clause 22D full property-tax exemption (spouse of combat-zone death/MIA); Clause 22H full exemption (Gold Star parents); $2,500/yr annuity (unmarried surviving spouse of SC death); SBP/DIC MA income-tax exempt; Public Service Grant (full tuition at MA public institution); NG dependent-transfer waiver; Chapter 115 covers dependents; state-cemetery burial ($300 casket/$150 cremation for spouse/dependent)

Taxes

1. Property Tax — Primary Residence

Honorably discharged Massachusetts resident veteran who owns and occupies the property as domicile on July 1 of the tax year. Residency requirement: 6 months MA domicile before entering service OR 5 consecutive years MA residence before filing (some wartime classifications require 2 years — confirm with local assessor). Applications filed annually with the local board of assessors by **April 1** of the fiscal year. Required documents: DD-214 (long form) and VA disability rating letter where applicable.
Verify locally: Residency requirement: 6 months MA domicile before entering service OR 5 consecutive years MA residence before filing (some wartime classifications require 2 years — confirm with local assessor).

Authority: MGL ch. 59, §5, Clauses 22–22J | **Action:** File the Clause 22 application with your local board of assessors by April 1 annually. Present DD-214 (long form) and VA rating letter where required by the specific clause.

2. Property Tax — Vehicle / Personal Property

Disabled veteran with a VA determination of **100% SC or IU/TDIU**. Requires Disabled Veteran (DV) plate registration on the vehicle (see Cat. 11). Exemption covers **one passenger vehicle or pickup truck** owned and used for non-commercial purposes.

Authority: MGL ch. 60A, §1 (HERO Act 2024 clarified VA determination replaces RMV Medical Advisory Board) | **Action:** Apply through your city or town board of assessors; present DV plate documentation and VA rating letter.

3. Vehicle Sales / Use Tax

Disabled veteran with Disabled Veteran (DV) plate approval (minimum 60% SC with ambulatory impairment). One vehicle only; must be owned and used for non-commercial purposes. Purple Heart recipients with 60%+ SC also eligible using either Purple Heart or DV plates.

Authority: MGL ch. 64H, §6(u); TIR 06-18 | **Action:** Obtain DV plate approval first; present the approval letter at the dealership; complete Form ST-7R with the RMV at time of registration.

4. State Income Tax — Active Duty Military Pay

**Benefit:** Active duty military pay is **fully exempt** from Massachusetts income tax for nonresident service members stationed in MA solely under military orders. Massachusetts-resident service members on active duty pay MA income tax on active duty pay in most circumstances.

Authority: MGL ch. 62, various; IRC §112; MSRRA; Veterans Auto and Education Improvement Act 2023 | **Action:** File Form M-4-MS (nonresident military spouse); combat-zone extension is automatic with documentation.

5. State Income Tax — Military Retirement Pay

**Benefit:** Military retired pay is **100% exempt** from Massachusetts state income tax. No income cap, no age threshold, no means test.

Authority: MGL ch. 62, §2(a)(2)(A) | **Action:** No special filing required; claim deduction on Schedule Y of Form 1 or Form 1-NR/PY.

6. State Income Tax — SBP Annuity

**Benefit:** SBP, Reserve Component SBP (RCSBP), and Retired Serviceman's Family Protection Plan (RSFPP) annuities paid to surviving spouses are **not taxed** in Massachusetts.

Authority: MGL ch. 62, §2(a)(2)(A) — consistent with the military retirement pay exemption | **Action:** No separate filing; covered under the MA military pay exemption.

7. State Income Tax — General

- **VA Disability Compensation:** Tax-free at both federal and MA state levels for all veterans at all ratings. - **Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC):** Tax-free at the MA state level for su
Verify locally: ⚠️ Verify locally with a tax professional for any unusual circumstances.

8. Sales Tax Exemption

Massachusetts does not issue a blanket sales-tax exemption card for veterans. The only sales-tax exemption tied to veteran status is the one-vehicle purchase exemption for DV-plate holders (see Cat. 3 above).

9. Other State Tax Breaks

- **Combat-zone tax deadline:** 180-day state filing extension mirrors the federal extension. - **SCRA collection protection:** Service members on active duty are protected from MA tax liens and colle
Verify locally: - **Property tax deferral for deployed reservists:** ⚠️ Verify locally — some municipalities allow deferral; no state-mandated program confirmed.

Vehicle, Travel & ID

10. Vehicle Registration Fee

Disabled veteran with a VA determination of **100% SC or IU/TDIU**. The HERO Act 2024 shifted eligibility determination from the RMV Medical Advisory Board to the VA.

Authority: MGL ch. 90, §33 (as amended by HERO Act 2024) | **Action:** Apply at any RMV Service Center; present VA rating letter showing 100% or IU.

11. Disabled Veteran License Plates

Massachusetts resident veteran with a **minimum 60% SC disability** where one or more SC conditions affect ambulation and qualify for a disabled parking placard. Must be primary owner of a registered passenger vehicle.

Authority: MGL ch. 90, §2; HERO Act 2024 | **Action:** Apply at an RMV Service Center with VA rating letter (60%+ with ambulatory condition) and Form RMV-7.

12. Other Veteran / Military Specialty Plates

Massachusetts offers 21+ distinctive military and veteran specialty plates, including: - **Veterans'** plates (all honorably discharged veterans) - **Purple Heart** plates (Purple Heart recipients; confers same parking and vehicle sales-tax benefits as DV plates if 60%+ SC) - **Medal of Honor** plates - **Gold Star Family** plates - **POW/MIA** plates - **Pearl Harbor Survivor** plates - Branch-specific plates (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard)

Authority: MGL ch. 90, §2 (various) | **Action:** Apply at an RMV Service Center with supporting documentation (DD-214, award citations, etc.).

13. Toll Road / Bridge Exemption

Massachusetts does not offer a general toll exemption for veterans or disabled veterans on the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) or other toll facilities. ⚠️ Verify locally with MassDOT; no statute confirming a toll waiver was identified as of 2026-05-30.

14. Public Transit Discount

**MBTA Transportation Access Pass (TAP):** Veterans with a VA disability rating at or above **70%** are eligible for the MBTA TAP program. TAP provides approximately **50% off fares** on local buses, subways, commuter rail, and ferry. If you have an active disabled veteran or disability placard on file with the RMV, no additional documentation is required.

Authority: MBTA TAP Program; MGL ch. 161A | **Action:** Apply at an MBTA Service Center or at mbta.com; present a VA Benefits Summary Letter showing 70%+ disability rating.

15. Disabled Parking Privileges

Disabled veteran whose SC conditions affect ambulation. The RMV issues both a disabled parking placard and DV plates for qualified veterans (60%+ SC with ambulatory impairment). Placards are also available independently for veterans whose conditions affect ambulation without meeting the 60% threshold.

Authority: MGL ch. 90, §2 | **Action:** Apply at the RMV with VA certification of the ambulatory disability (Form RMV-7 or equivalent).

16. Driver License / State ID Fee

Disabled veteran with a VA determination of **100% SC or IU/TDIU**.

Authority: MGL ch. 90, §8 (HERO Act 2024) | **Action:** Visit an RMV Service Center; present VA rating letter for the fee waiver, or DD-214 for the veteran designation.

17. CDL Fee / Skills-Test Waiver

Service member or veteran who, within 90 days before discharge, operated military vehicles representative of the CDL class applied for, with at least 2 years of military experience in such vehicles; must have been employed in a military CMV position within the last year; no suspended or revoked licenses; cannot have held more than one license (other than a military license). Knowledge (written) tests cannot be waived.

Authority: 49 CFR §383.77 (adopted by MA RMV) | **Action:** Submit FMCSA Form CDL-ST WVR at any MA RMV CDL office with supporting military documentation.

18. Veteran Designation on DL / ID

Covered under Cat. 16. "Veteran" is printed in the lower right corner of the MA driver's license or ID card, or at the bottom center of a learner's permit. No additional fee; requires an in-person visit with DD-214 (long form).

Outdoor Recreation

19. Hunting License

**Free hunting license:** Massachusetts residents who are **blind, paraplegic, or have an intellectual disability** may obtain a free freshwater hunting license. This is a disability-based exemption, not specific to veterans. Disabled veterans who qualify under one of these categories (for example, SC paraplegic) are eligible.

Authority: MGL ch. 131, §9; MassWildlife Division of Fisheries and Wildlife | **Action:** First-time applicants must mail an application with a physician certification (or blindness certificate from the MA Commission for the Blind) to MassWildlife, 100 Cambridge Street, 6th Floor, Boston, MA 02114.

20. Fishing License — Freshwater

**Free freshwater fishing license:** Same eligibility as hunting — residents who are **blind, paraplegic, or have an intellectual disability**. Disabled veterans meeting those criteria qualify.

Authority: MGL ch. 131, §9; MassWildlife | **Action:** Same written application process as Cat. 19 for first-time applicants.

21. Fishing License — Saltwater

No veteran-specific saltwater fishing license exemption exists. The free license programs (blind/paraplegic/intellectual disability) apply to freshwater only. The MA Recreational Saltwater Fishing Permit is $10 (under age 60) and free for residents 60 and older. ⚠️ Verify locally with the MA Division of Marine Fisheries.

22. Combination Hunt/Fish License

Massachusetts does not offer a combined hunt/fish license as a distinct veteran benefit. Veterans qualifying under the disability criteria (blind/paraplegic/intellectual disability) may obtain both hunting and freshwater fishing licenses free separately (see Cats. 19–20).

23. Trapping License

**Benefit:** The same disability-based free license applies to trapping for qualifying residents (blind, paraplegic, intellectual disability). Disabled veterans meeting those criteria may obtain a free trapping license.

Authority: MGL ch. 131, §9; MassWildlife | **Action:** Same written application process as hunting/fishing.

24. State Parks — Day Use / Entrance

**Benefit:** Day-use parking fees are **waived** at all Massachusetts state parks and recreation areas for vehicles displaying a Massachusetts **Disabled Veteran** plate or a **Purple Heart** plate. Applies at entry; no annual pass required.

Authority: Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) policy | **Action:** Display a qualifying DV or Purple Heart plate at entry; no application required.

25. State Parks — Camping

The day-use parking fee waiver does not extend to camping fees. Disabled veterans pay standard camping fees at MA state parks. No veteran-specific camping discount was confirmed as of 2026-05-30. ⚠️ Verify locally with DCR.

26. State Parks — Annual / Lifetime Pass

Massachusetts does not offer a veteran-specific annual or lifetime state park pass separate from the DV/Purple Heart plate parking waiver (Cat. 24). The federal Lifetime Military Pass (America the Beautiful — national parks) is a separate federal benefit and does not apply to MA state parks. ⚠️ Verify locally with DCR.

27. Boat / Watercraft Registration

**Likely unavailable** — The HERO Act vehicle registration-fee waiver is specific to motor vehicles under MGL ch. 90 and does not appear to extend to boat registrations under MGL ch. 90B. No veteran-specific boat registration fee waiver was confirmed in statute as of 2026-05-30. ⚠️ Verify with the MA Environmental Police Boat, ATV & Snowmobile Registration Bureau: (617) 626-1610.
Verify locally: No veteran-specific boat registration fee waiver was confirmed in statute as of 2026-05-30. ⚠️ Verify with the MA Environmental Police Boat, ATV & Snowmobile Registration Bureau: (617) 626-1610.

Education

28. In-State Tuition

**Active duty stationed in MA:** Any person who is a member of the U.S. Armed Forces and stationed in Massachusetts pursuant to military orders is entitled to in-state student classification. This classification is not lost if the service member transfers on military orders, is honorably discharged, or retires. Spouses and dependents accompanying the service member retain in-state classification.

Authority: MGL ch. 15A, §9 (stationed members); 38 USC §3679(c) (GI Bill in-state) | **Action:** Present military orders or VA enrollment certification to the institution's Veterans Certifying Official.

29. Tuition Waiver — Disabled Veteran

Honorable discharge; MA legal residency; not in default on federal student loans.

Authority: MGL ch. 15A, §19; Mass DHE tuition waiver guidelines | **Action:** Contact the Veterans Certifying Official at your chosen institution; present DD-214; apply for a space-available slot each semester.

30. Dependent Education Benefit

**Public Service Grant (children of killed/MIA veterans):** Award equal to full annual tuition at the MA public institution attended. If attending an independent (private) MA college, the award equals the full-time UMass Amherst tuition rate. Not income-tested.

Authority: MGL ch. 15A, §19; MGL ch. 115A | **Action:** Public Service Grant — apply through MA Office of Student Financial Assistance: (617) 391-6070 or mass.gov. Soldiers Legacy Fund — mslfund.org.

31. Spouse Education Benefit

**Unavailable as a standalone state benefit.** Military spouses are entitled to in-state tuition when accompanying an active duty service member (see Cat. 28). The Categorical Tuition Waiver (Cat. 29) is limited to veterans — not military spouses.

Authority: MGL ch. 15A, §19.

32. National Guard / Reserve Tuition Assistance

**Massachusetts National Guard Tuition and Fee Waiver:** Active members of the Massachusetts Army or Air National Guard receive **100% tuition AND fee waiver** at all MA state colleges, community colleges, and universities, up to 130 semester hours, provided academic good standing is maintained. After 6 years of service, the benefit is transferable to dependents.

Authority: MGL ch. 15A, §19; TAGMA Form 621-3 | **Action:** Request a Certificate of Eligibility (TAGMA Form 621-3) from the MA NG Education Office: (508) 968-5889, every 30 credit hours.

33. K-12 Support

**Purple Star School Program:** The MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education designates schools that demonstrate commitment to supporting military-connected students. Designated schools provide dedicated military liaison staff, resources, transition support, and student-led activities.
Verify locally: **Authority:** MIC3; MA DESE Purple Star program | **Action:** Check the MA DESE military-connected students page at doe.

Authority: MIC3; MA DESE Purple Star program | **Action:** Check the MA DESE military-connected students page at doe.mass.edu/sfs/mic3/ for participating schools.

34. State Student Loan / Scholarship

**Veterans Workforce Investment Program (VWIP):** Grants from $1,200 to $5,000 for short-term workforce training programs under 48 weeks. Combinable with GI Bill and Chapter 115 benefits. Applied through MA One-Stop Career Centers.
Verify locally: ⚠️ Verify current dollar amounts with the MA Office of Student Financial Assistance.

Authority: MGL ch. 29 (VWIP appropriations) | **Action:** Apply through a local One-Stop Career Center for VWIP; contact the MA Office of Student Financial Assistance at (617) 391-6070 for MassGrant.

Employment & Licensing

35. Veterans Hiring Preference

**Absolute preference in open-competitive civil service exams:** Massachusetts is one of a small number of states with absolute veteran preference. Any veteran who scores 70% or higher on an open-competitive civil service exam is placed at the **top of the eligibility list**, above all non-veterans who scored higher. Applies to police, firefighter, and other civil service positions subject to MGL ch. 31.

Authority: MGL ch. 31, §26; MGL ch. 33, §59; MGL ch. 149, §52C | **Action:** Self-identify as a veteran on civil service applications; present DD-214 and VA disability letter.

36. Professional License Fee Waiver

**Division of Occupational Licensure (DOL) — VALOR Act II:** Veterans receive a waiver of the **Commonwealth's portion** of the initial licensure fee for DOL-regulated professions. Applicants may still owe fees charged by private testing or application vendors. Covers a wide range of trades and professions regulated by DOL licensing boards.

Authority: VALOR Act II; MGL ch. 112 (various); Military SPEED Act 2022 | **Action:** Download the veteran/military/spouse affidavit from the DOL website; submit to the relevant licensing board with supporting documents. DOL: One Federal Street, Suite 600, Boston, MA 02110; (617) 701-8600.

37. Professional License Reciprocity — Military Spouse

**Benefit:** Military spouses licensed in another state who relocate to MA due to military orders receive 30-day expedited processing. MA accepts the out-of-state license as equivalent and expedites the transfer.

Authority: Military SPEED Act 2022; MGL ch. 112 | **Action:** Contact the relevant DOL licensing board; identify as a military spouse; submit the out-of-state license and proof of military relocation.

38. Business License Fee Break

**Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Enterprise (SDVOBE) Program:** Massachusetts has a state procurement preference program for businesses owned by service-disabled veterans. The Municipal Construction Affirmative Marketing Program (MCAMP) requires covered construction projects to allocate at least **3% of funding** to Veteran-owned Business Enterprises (VBEs) and/or SDVOBEs.
Verify locally: ⚠️ Verify final enactment status with the MA Secretary of State as of 2026.

Authority: Executive Office of Administration and Finance A&F 21; MCAMP regulations | **Action:** Certify as an SDVOBE through the MA Supplier Diversity Office at sdvo.mass.gov.

39. Civil Service / Retirement Credit

**Military service pension buyback:** Massachusetts state employees may purchase up to **4 years of regular active duty military service** toward their state pension. Under the HERO Act 2024, employees now have up to **10 years** after starting state service to enroll, plus a one-year grace period for employees already in service when the HERO Act took effect (deadline: August 8, 2025 for those with 11+ years of creditable service at the time).
Verify locally: ⚠️ Verify the exact calculation and eligibility window with your local retirement board.

Authority: MGL ch. 32, §4(1)(a); HERO Act 2024 | **Action:** Contact the MA State Board of Retirement or your local retirement board; submit Form RTMT-26 or the equivalent for your system.

Housing & Financial

40. State Home Loan / Down-Payment Assistance

**Operation Welcome Home (MassHousing):** State mortgage program for active duty military, honorably discharged veterans, Guard and Reserve members, and Gold Star Families purchasing a primary residence in Massachusetts.

Authority: MassHousing; St. 2019 c. 132 | **Action:** Contact a MassHousing-approved lender; visit masshousing.com.

41. Financial Assistance / Emergency Relief

Honorable or general discharge; MA residency; meet income and asset limits. Dependents of veterans are also covered.

Authority: MGL ch. 115 | **Action:** Contact your local Veterans' Service Officer (VSO) — every MA municipality with 500+ veterans is required to employ one. Apply with Form VS-1, DD-214, income documentation, and proof of residence. Benefits estimator: massvetben.org.

42. State Veteran Bonus

MA home of record for 6+ months before entering military; served during qualifying wartime period or combat operation; honorable discharge (or still serving).
Verify locally: ⚠️ Verify exact amounts for older conflict periods with the Veterans' Bonus Division, as amounts vary by conflict period and years of service.

Authority: MGL ch. 33, §59A (Welcome Home Bonus); various bonus statutes | **Action:** Apply through the MA Veterans' Bonus Division, 1 Ashburton Place, 11th Floor, Boston, MA 02108. Forms at mass.gov/orgs/veterans-bonus-division.

43. Specially Adapted Housing — State Supplement

**No dedicated state-level adapted housing supplemental grant.** The property tax exemption for SAH-grant recipients (Clause 22C, $1,500 annual reduction) is the primary state recognition (see Cat. 1). The VA SAH grant (up to $126,526 for FY2026) and SHA grant (up to $25,350) are federal benefits.

Authority: MGL ch. 121B, §32 (public housing preference); VHVP program | **Action:** VHVP — referral through your local DVS or VA Medical Center. SAH — apply through VA at va.gov/housing-assistance/disability-housing-grants/.

44. Utility / Heating Assistance

**HEAP/Fuel Assistance:** The Massachusetts Home Energy Assistance Program covers a portion of winter heating bills (November 1 – April 30) for households at or below 60% of state median income. Veterans qualify on the same income basis as all residents.

Authority: LIHEAP federal grant; MGL ch. 23B (EOHLC administration) | **Action:** Apply starting October 1 each year at mass.gov/heatinghelp or through a local Community Action Program agency; income documentation required.

Health & Support

45. State Veterans Home / Nursing Home

U.S. Armed Forces veteran with 180 days of regular active duty service (other than training) and honorable discharge; OR 90 days active duty with at least 1 day in wartime plus honorable discharge; OR wartime service with Purple Heart or SC disability; AND Massachusetts resident. Priority given to service-connected and most-disabled veterans.

Authority: MGL ch. 115A | **Action:** Chelsea: (617) 884-5660; Holyoke: (413) 532-9475; apply through EOVS.

46. Behavioral / Mental Health Programs

**Chapter 115 Behavioral Health Benefit (HERO Act 2024):** Eligible Chapter 115 veterans may receive reimbursement for: - Outpatient psychiatric services and evaluations - Substance use disorder treatment - Mental health counseling and therapy (licensed therapists and counselors) - Prescriptions for mental health conditions

Authority: MGL ch. 115 (HERO Act 2024 expansion) | **Action:** Contact your local VSO; apply through the Chapter 115 program.

47. Dental / Vision / Health Programs

**Chapter 115 Medical Assistance Benefit (HERO Act 2024):** Qualifying veterans receive comprehensive medical and dental benefits including: - Medical visit reimbursements - Dental work (fillings, extractions, dentures) - Hearing aids - Eyeglasses and vision care - Insurance premium reimbursements - Co-pay assistance

Authority: MGL ch. 115 (HERO Act 2024 expansion) | **Action:** Apply through your local VSO with Form VS-1 and income documentation.

48. Long-Term Care / Aid & Attendance Supplement

**State Veterans' Homes** (Chelsea and Holyoke) provide long-term skilled nursing care and A&A-equivalent care. Priority admission for most-disabled and service-connected veterans. Fee-based per ability to pay; VA Aid & Attendance benefit may be applied toward costs.

Authority: MGL ch. 115A | **Action:** Apply for admission at the Soldiers' Home directly; Chapter 115 through your local VSO.

49. Free Legal Aid / Veteran Treatment Courts

**Veterans Legal Services (VLS):** Boston-based statewide nonprofit providing free civil legal aid to Massachusetts veterans. Services include Chapter 115 appeals, VA healthcare access, divorce, child support, debt management, and criminal record sealing. Eligibility screening required. Contact: (857) 317-4474 or info@veteranslegalservices.org.
Verify locally: ⚠️ Availability varies by county — verify current locations with the MA Trial Court at masscourts.

Authority: MGL ch. 115; Trial Court veterans docket initiatives | **Action:** Contact VLS at (857) 317-4474; find county-specific legal aid at masslegalhelp.org.

50. Concealed Carry / Firearms Fee Waiver

**License to Carry (LTC):** Massachusetts requires an LTC for carrying or possessing most firearms. Standard fee is $100 for new issue and renewals. No veteran-specific LTC fee waiver is established by state statute.
Verify locally: ⚠️ Verify with your local police licensing bureau — some departments may waive or reduce fees as a courtesy, but no statewide mandate exists.

Authority: MGL ch. 140, §131 | **Action:** Apply through your local police department's licensing bureau; present DD-214 for any potential courtesy waiver; $100 standard fee applies absent local discretion.

51. Vital Records / Notary Fee Waiver

Massachusetts does not have a confirmed veteran fee waiver for vital records (birth, marriage, or death certificates). Standard cost is $45 per certified copy. No statute confirming a veteran exemption was identified as of 2026-05-30. ⚠️ Verify with the MA Registry of Vital Records and Statistics: (617) 740-2600.

Legal & Administrative

52. Unique State Programs

**Veteran Annuity (Non-means-tested — HERO Act):** $2,500 per year paid annually in August to: - Veterans who are **100% service-connected disabled** as determined by the VA (MGL ch. 115 §6B — qualifying categories include blindness, paraplegia, double amputation, and veterans determined 100% disabled by the VA as a result of SC enemy action or accident); TDIU alone — ⚠️ verify eligibility with EOVS at VetsAnnuity@mass.gov, as the statute specifies "100 per cent disabled" and does not explicitly list TDIU as a qualifying category - **Gold Star Parents** (parents of service members who died in SC service) - **Unmarried surviving spouses** of veterans whose deaths were SC
Verify locally: 115 §6B — qualifying categories include blindness, paraplegia, double amputation, and veterans determined 100% disabled by the VA as a result of SC enemy action or accident); TDIU alone — ⚠️ verify eligibility with EOVS at VetsAnnuity@mass.

Authority: MGL ch. 115A, §2; MGL ch. 115, §6B (HERO Act 2024) | **Action:** Apply through your local VSO or EOVS; MA residency must be maintained throughout the benefit period.

Survivor Benefits

53. Surviving Spouse — Property Tax

**Clause 22D:** Full property tax exemption for a surviving spouse (who has never remarried) of a service member killed in a combat zone or MIA/presumed dead. Residency: 5-year MA residency or the veteran's 6-month pre-service MA domicile. Retroactive to FY2003 for post-9/11 deaths. Exemption terminates on remarriage or death of the surviving spouse.

Authority: MGL ch. 59, §5, relevant clauses | **Action:** Apply through the local board of assessors by April 1 annually; present the veteran's death certificate, DD-214, and relevant VA documentation.

54. Surviving Spouse — Education

**Public Service Grant:** Full tuition at the MA public institution attended, or the equivalent UMass Amherst rate at an independent MA college, for surviving spouses of veterans killed in action or who died from SC service during qualifying periods (Southeast Asia POW/MIA 1955 through end of Vietnam; and general SC service credit). Not income-tested.

Authority: MGL ch. 15A, §19A (Public Service Grant) | **Action:** Apply through the MA Office of Student Financial Assistance, (617) 391-6070; present the veteran's death certificate and proof of service-connected death.

55. Dependent / Survivor State Benefit

**Annuity:** Unmarried surviving spouses of veterans whose deaths were SC receive the $2,500 annual state annuity (see Cat. 52). MA residency must be maintained.

Authority: MGL ch. 115; MGL ch. 115A; MGL ch. 121B | **Action:** Through your local VSO, local board of assessors, and EOVS.

Memorial & Burial

56. State Veterans Cemetery

Honorably discharged veteran who served on regular active duty (other than training); OR 20+ year Guard/Reserve member receiving a military pension; OR active duty member who died in service. Spouses and qualifying dependents are also eligible for interment.

Authority: MGL ch. 115A; VA grant-funded state veterans' cemetery program | **Action:** Contact the cemetery directly; present DD-214 for eligibility. Pre-need applications are available.

57. Burial Allowance / Plot

**Federal VA burial allowances (administered by VA — not a state benefit):** - Service-connected death: Up to **$2,000** burial allowance - Non-SC death (receiving VA compensation/pension at time of death): Up to **$1,002** burial allowance + up to **$1,002** plot allowance if buried in a private cemetery (rates for deaths on or after October 1, 2025)

Authority: 38 USC §§2302–2307 (federal); MGL ch. 115 (state emergency burial) | **Action:** Federal — apply to VA within 2 years of burial using VA Form 21P-530EZ. State — contact your local VSO immediately after the death.

58. Headstone / Memorial / Honors

**VA-furnished headstone or marker:** Free for all eligible veterans, whether buried in a national cemetery, state veterans cemetery, or private cemetery. Includes flat granite/marble markers, upright markers, and niche covers for cremains. Application: VA Form 40-1330.

Authority: 38 USC §2306; 38 CFR §38.630 | **Action:** VA Form 40-1330 for headstone/marker; contact the VA National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 1-800-535-1117 for national cemetery burial; coordinate with the funeral home for military honors.