Annuities

An annuity in the amount of $1500, which is payable biannually on August 1 and February 1 in 2 installments of $750 each is available for certain veterans and their spouses, as well as Gold Star Parents. This benefit is provided by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, through the Department of Veterans' Services.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts provides a bonus to veterans who were domiciled in Massachusetts immediately prior to entry in the armed forces. In case of the death of a veteran, the spouse and children, mother or father, brother or sister or other dependents of the deceased veteran (in that order) are eligible for a bonus.

State Veteran's Cemeteries

There are 3 operating veterans' cemeteries in Massachusetts. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Cemetery located in Bourne, on Cape Cod is a national cemetery. In May 2001 the first Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery opened in Agawam. A second state cemetery opened in Winchendon in November 2004. Eligible veterans can be buried in state and federal cemeteries for free and spouses for a nominal fee.

Women's Veteran's Services

The Women Veterans' Network of the Department of Veterans' Services is the central resource for women veterans in the Commonwealth. The Network provides women veterans with information on federal, state, and local benefits; expands awareness of the needs of women veterans and identify available health and human resources to meet those needs; and advocates on behalf of women veterans in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 

Educational Benefits

The State of Massachusetts provides the following educational benefits for veterans:

• Educational assistance for family members of veterans
• Grants
• Montgomery GI Bill
• National scholarship for veterans
• Student loans
• Temporary waivers on student loan re-payments
• Tuition waivers
• Upward bound program

Job Assistance

The State of Massachusetts provides the following career benefits for veterans:

• Civil service
• Job Protection
• Special Assistance
• Training grants

Housing Benefits

Housing benefits for veterans in the State of Massachusetts include:

• Home Loans
• Shelters and Transitional Housing
• Soldiers Home
• Tax Exemptions
• Veterans Helping Veterans Network

Tax & Registration Benefits

Veteran series license plates, excise tax exemptions, and vehicle registration exemptions are benefits offered to veterans in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.