Massachusetts Veteran Benefits
Massachusetts offers one of the most generous and comprehensive sets of benefits for veterans in the country—including education support, tax relief, employment assistance, and exclusive recreational access. These benefits are administered through the Massachusetts Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS).
________________________________________🎓 Education & Tuition Assistance• Tuition Waivers for Veterans: All Massachusetts veterans are eligible for a tuition waiver at all state colleges and universities.🔗 https://www.mass.gov/service-details/veterans-tuition-waivers | ☎ (617) 210-5480• M.G.L. Chapter 15A, Section 19 Waiver: Available to Armed Forces veterans who reside in MA for six months prior to entering military service.🔗 https://massvetben.org | ☎ (888) 844-2838• National Guard Tuition and Fee Waiver: 100% waiver for active members of the MA Army or Air National Guard at public higher ed institutions.🔗 https://www.mass.edu/osfa | ☎ (617) 391-6070• Public Service Scholarship Program: For children of veterans who died in combat or from service-connected injuries.🔗 https://www.mass.edu/osfa/scholarships/publicservice.asp | ☎ (617) 391-6070________________________________________
Read more
💰 Property Tax & Financial Relief
• Property Tax Exemptions: Disabled veterans may qualify for exemptions from $400 to full exemption depending on disability rating and wartime service.
🔗 https://www.mass.gov/guides/veterans-property-tax-exemptions | ☎ (617) 626-2300
• Chapter 115 Financial Assistance: Income-based cash benefits for low-income veterans and surviving spouses.
🔗 https://www.mass.gov/chapter-115-benefits | ☎ (617) 210-5480
• Military Pay Exclusion from State Income Tax: MA does not tax active duty military pay for service outside the Commonwealth.
🔗 https://www.mass.gov/service-details/military-income-tax-information | ☎ (617) 887-6367
• Motor Vehicle Excise Exemption: 100% SC disabled veterans are exempt from paying annual vehicle excise tax.
🔗 https://www.mass.gov/info-details/veteran-tax-benefits | ☎ (617) 887-6367
________________________________________
🧰 Employment & Licensing
• Veterans’ Hiring Preference: Veterans receive preference for civil service positions within state and municipal government.
🔗 https://www.mass.gov/guides/veterans-preference | ☎ (617) 878-9700
• State Licensure and Certification Credit: Military training may count toward state licensure in fields like nursing, law enforcement, and skilled trades.
🔗 https://www.mass.gov/veterans-employment-services | ☎ (617) 626-5300
• MassHire Career Centers: Veteran priority services include job counseling, résumé help, and training placement.
🔗 https://www.mass.gov/masshire-career-centers | ☎ (617) 626-5300
________________________________________
🌲 Outdoor & Vehicle Benefits
• Hunting & Fishing Licenses: MA offers free hunting and fishing licenses for veterans with 100% SC disability. 🔗 https://www.mass.gov/service-details/veterans-licensing | ☎ (508) 389-6300
• Free State Park Admission: 100% SC disabled veterans receive free day-use parking passes for MA state parks. 🔗 https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-a-free-disability-access-pass | ☎ (617) 626-4973
• Veteran License Plates: Specialty plates include options for Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Disabled Veteran, and more. 🔗 https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-veteran-license-plates | ☎ (857) 368-8000
________________________________________
🏠 Veterans Homes, Cemeteries & Local Assistance
• Soldiers’ Homes in Chelsea & Holyoke: Long-term care and skilled nursing for eligible veterans.
🔗 https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-department-of-veterans-services | ☎ Chelsea: (617) 884-5660 | Holyoke: (413) 532-9475
• State Veterans Cemeteries: Massachusetts operates veterans cemeteries in Agawam and Winchendon.
🔗 https://www.mass.gov/service-details/veterans-memorial-cemeteries | ☎ (508) 563-7113
• Local Veterans’ Services Officers (VSO): Every MA city/town has a VSO to help veterans apply for benefits.
🔗 https://massvetben.org/vso/ | ☎ (888) 844-2838
________________________________________
🧠 Factoid: Massachusetts is one of only a few states that legally require every municipality to appoint a Veterans' Service Officer (VSO) to provide in-person support to veterans and families.
⚠️ Disclaimer: This is NOT an official handout from DoD, VA, DOL, or FFSC. It was created by Dr. Tony Astro as part of his capstone counseling and veteran education outreach. For corrections and updates, visit: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tonyastro