Veterans Benefits in Massachusetts

Last verified: APR 22, 2026

Massachusetts veterans are eligible for 9 state and federal benefit programs, including Healthcare, Education, Employment, and more. Most state programs require state residency and a VA-issued disability rating; eligibility thresholds vary by program. This page lists every benefit with source URLs, application paths, and 2026 verification status.

What healthcare benefits does Massachusetts offer to veterans?

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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Which education benefits are available to Massachusetts veterans?

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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Which employment benefits does Massachusetts offer to veterans?

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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Which financial benefits does Massachusetts offer to veterans?

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.

Apply →Source

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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How does Massachusetts handle veteran property tax exemptions?

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.

Apply →Source

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.

Apply →Source

Which additional benefits does Massachusetts offer to veterans?

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
“100% disabled or Purple Heart recipients. One vehicle. File with your local assessor.”

Frequently asked questions

What benefits does Massachusetts offer to disabled veterans?

Massachusetts offers 9 veteran benefit programs spanning Healthcare, Education, Employment, Financial, Tax, Other. Eligibility requirements vary by program — most require a VA-issued disability rating and state residency.

Do I need a specific disability rating to qualify for Massachusetts veteran benefits?

Many Massachusetts benefit programs require a minimum VA disability rating — commonly 10%, 50%, or 100%. Some programs, such as education assistance or employment preference, have no rating requirement. Check each benefit listing on this page for the specific threshold.

Do I need to be a Massachusetts resident to claim state veteran benefits?

Most Massachusetts state benefits require current state residency. Some programs require continuous residency for one or more years. Federal VA benefits are available to all eligible veterans regardless of state of residence.

Can I stack Massachusetts benefits with federal VA benefits?

Yes — in most cases, state and federal veteran benefits are stackable. For example, a property tax exemption from Massachusetts does not reduce your federal VA disability compensation. Some federal needs-based programs may offset certain state payments; review each program's terms.

Where do I apply for Massachusetts veteran benefits?

Applications for Massachusetts state benefits are typically submitted through the Massachusetts Department of Veterans Affairs or the administering state agency. Application links are listed directly on each benefit card on this page. Federal VA benefits are applied for at VA.gov.

Does Massachusetts offer a property tax exemption for disabled veterans?

Yes — Massachusetts has at least one property tax benefit listed for veterans. Eligibility typically requires a minimum disability rating and state residency. See the Tax section on this page for the current threshold and application link.

Does Massachusetts have a veteran tuition waiver or education assistance program?

Yes — Massachusetts offers education benefits for veterans. These may include tuition waivers, National Guard tuition assistance, or supplemental GI Bill top-ups. See the Education section on this page for current programs and eligibility.

Is an honorable discharge required to qualify for Massachusetts veteran benefits?

Most Massachusetts state benefit programs and all federal VA benefit programs require an honorable or general (under honorable conditions) discharge. Veterans with other-than-honorable discharges may still qualify for some programs; consult a VSO or accredited claims agent for individual eligibility.

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