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Veterans Benefits in Massachusetts

9 benefit programs available in Massachusetts.

Healthcare

Massachusetts Soldiers Home Priority Placement

Subsidized long-term skilled nursing care

Veterans in Massachusetts have priority access to the Chelsea and Holyoke Soldiers Homes, which provide long-term care, assisted living, and domiciliary services at reduced or no cost based on income.

Agency: Massachusetts Department of Veterans Services

Note: Two facilities: Chelsea (near Boston) and Holyoke (western MA). Wait lists can be long — apply early. VA Aid & Attendance pension can help cover costs while waiting for placement.

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Education

Massachusetts Public University Tuition Waiver for Veterans

Full tuition waiver at state institutions

Veterans who are Massachusetts residents and served at least 90 days of active duty are eligible for a tuition waiver at state universities and community colleges. Dependents of certain veterans also qualify.

Agency: Massachusetts Department of Higher Education

Note: Waives tuition at public universities (UMass, state universities, community colleges). Fees, room, and board are NOT waived — can be substantial at UMass campuses. GI Bill covers fees and provides housing allowance. Truly complementary.

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Employment

Massachusetts Veterans Employment Preference

Absolute hiring preference for civil service positions

Massachusetts grants veterans an absolute preference in civil service hiring for state and municipal positions. Disabled veterans receive additional absolute preference.

Agency: Massachusetts Human Resources Division

Note: Absolute preference — one of the strongest in the nation. Disabled veterans rank above non-disabled veterans.

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Financial

Massachusetts Chapter 115 Veterans Benefits

Needs-based income support and medical care reimbursement

Massachusetts provides means-tested financial assistance through Chapter 115 to eligible veterans, their spouses, and dependents. Benefits include needs-based income support, medical care reimbursement, and funeral/burial assistance.

Agency: Massachusetts Department of Veterans Services

Note: Means-tested. Covers income support, medical costs, and burial assistance. Apply through your local Veterans Service Agent.

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Massachusetts $2,500 Annuity for 100% Disabled Veterans

$2,500 annual annuity

Massachusetts provides an annual $2,500 annuity to veterans with a 100% service-connected disability. This is paid in addition to federal VA compensation.

Agency: Massachusetts Department of Veterans Services

Note: 100% SC disabled veterans get $2,500/year. Other disabled veterans and specific award recipients (Medal of Honor, etc.) receive different annuity amounts.

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Tax

Massachusetts Veterans Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Exemption

Full excise tax exemption on one vehicle

Massachusetts veterans with a 100% service-connected disability are exempt from motor vehicle excise tax on one vehicle. Purple Heart recipients are also exempt.

Agency: Massachusetts Department of Revenue

Note: 100% disabled or Purple Heart recipients. One vehicle. File with your local assessor.

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Massachusetts Military Retirement Income Tax Exemption

Full exemption on military retirement income

Massachusetts fully exempts all military retirement pay and military survivor benefits from state income tax.

Agency: Massachusetts Department of Revenue

Note: Full exemption with no cap. Includes SBP and survivor benefits.

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Massachusetts Veterans Property Tax Clause 22 Exemption

$400–$1,500+ annual exemption depending on disability rating

Provides a property tax exemption for veterans with a qualifying service-connected disability. The exemption amount scales with disability rating, with full 100% disabled veterans receiving the largest benefit.

Agency: Massachusetts Department of Revenue / Local AssessorsDeadline: April 1 of each year (or 3 months after tax bill mailing, whichever is later)

Note: File with your local assessor's office by April 1. Multiple clauses exist (22, 22A–22F) — clause 22E covers 100% disabled veterans with the highest exemption. Surviving spouses of qualifying veterans also eligible.

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Other

Massachusetts State Veterans Cemetery (Agawam)

Free burial for veterans (saves $5,000–$10,000+)

Massachusetts operates the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam providing burial at no cost for eligible veterans and their dependents.

Agency: Massachusetts Department of Veterans Services

Note: Located in Agawam (western MA). Free for veterans. Spouses and dependents also eligible.

Apply →Source

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