Available Veteran Benefits

To get more detailed information about a specific benefit, click on the link's that follows each brief description. Find general information on Massachusetts veteran benefits.

Education

Veterans of Massachusetts may be eligible for any state-supported course in an undergraduate degree program or certificate program offered by a public college or university. To be eligible, a veteran must also be a legal resident of Massachusetts and s/he must not be in default of any federal student loans. Find more information from the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Home Loans

This benefit provides for the Federal Government to guaranty mortgage loans made by banks and other lenders to a certified veteran. The advantages may include better interest rates, lower needed down payment, lower closing costs, and faster processing. See more information about home loans.

Health Care

U.S. Veterans Administration offers full medical service to all veterans provided that they are qualified for enrollment. The enrollment system gives priority to veterans with service-connected disabilities and those with low-income. The procedure to get enrolled is to visit the local Veterans Administration Outpatient Clinic at 61 Lincoln Street in Framingham. They are located in Suite 112 on the first floor of that building. You are advised to call first to make sure they will be available to you. The number is 508-628-0205. They will give you forms to fill out and an addressed envelope to use in mailing the forms plus a copy of your discharge records. See more information about Health Care.

Pharmaceutical Assistance

Veterans Prescription Service provides prescription drugs and medical supplies from VA pharmacies to eligible veterans, dependents, and survivors. You must first apply for health care.

Bonus for Recent Service

If you were a resident of Massachusetts immediately prior to entry into the armed forces service during the period beginning September 11, 2001 and were discharged under honorable conditions, you may be eligible for either a $1,000 or a $500 bonus. Veteran who served active duty in Iraq or Afghanistan receive $1000. Veterans with six months or more active service, stateside or outside the continental limits of the United States, receive $500. This benefit is part of the Massachusetts "Welcome Home" legislation. Find more information about bonuses.

Financial Assistance

Under Chapter 115 of Massachusetts General Laws the state can provide financial and medical assistance for indigent veterans and their dependents. Qualifying veterans and their dependents can receive financial assistance for food, shelter, clothing, fuel, and medical care in accordance with a formula that takes into account the number of dependents and income from all sources. Eligible dependents of deceased veterans are provided with the same benefits as if the veteran were still living. To apply or inquire about this benefit, contact your Sherborn Veterans Services Officer.

Local Property or Vehicle Excise Tax Relief

Disabled veterans and/or survivors of deceased veterans whose death was service connected may be exempt from local taxes or receive a reduction credit. See the Sherborn tax department for details.

Compensation & Disability Pensions

If you are at least 10% disabled as a result of military service you can receive a monthly compensation check, the amount of which depends on degree of disability (and which is updated for cost of living). If you are permanently or totally disabled, are over 65 years of age, and have limited income you may be qualified for a monthly pension. See more information about compensation and disability pensions.

Burial & Memorial Benefits

Burial benefits available for veterans buried in a private cemetery, such as Pine Hill Cemetery, include a Government headstone or marker, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate, at no cost to the family. Some veterans may also be eligible for a Burial Allowances. Veterans are also entitled to a grave-site in any of our 124 national cemeteries with available space this includes opening and closing of the grave, perpetual care, a Government headstone or marker, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate, at no cost to the family. Cremated remains are buried or interred in national cemeteries in the same manner and with the same honors as casketed remains. The current active Massachusetts national cemetery is on the Cape in Bourne.

When a veteran is buried in a national cemetery, burial benefits are also available for spouses and dependents. This includes inscription of the spouse or dependents name and date of birth and death on the veteran's headstone, at no cost to the family. Find more information about burial and memorial benefits.