Massachusetts Financial Benefits for Veterans
State Income Tax on Military Pay:
Massachusetts residents who are active service members must pay state income tax on their military earnings.
Combat Zone Income Tax Relief & Filing Extension:
Military compensation earned in a combat zone that is excluded from federal gross income is also exempt from Massachusetts state taxes. Additionally, service members have up to 180 days after returning from a combat zone—or being released from hospitalization due to combat-related injuries—to submit their state income tax return.
Tax Exemption on Military Retirement Pay:
Massachusetts does not impose state income tax on military retirement pay.
Although the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) doesn’t withhold state or local taxes, all distributions are reported on IRS Form 1099-R and are generally subject to state taxation. Early withdrawals may lead to increased tax liabilities.
State Tax Exemption on Military Disability Retirement Pay:
Pension, annuity, or related payments for disabilities resulting from active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces are excluded from taxable income in Massachusetts. Covered benefits may include:
- Veterans’ disability compensation and pensions
- Housing grants for wheelchair-accessible homes
- Vehicle subsidies for Veterans with limb loss or blindness
- Benefits received under dependent-care assistance programs
VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC):
DIC payments, which go to eligible survivors of fallen service members or Veterans who died due to service-connected conditions, are fully tax-exempt.
Tax Exemption on Survivor Benefit Plans:
Massachusetts exempts from taxation any survivor annuities received through the SBP, RCSBP, or RSFPP by a surviving spouse.
Property Tax Relief for Veterans, Their Families, and Gold Star Parents
Veterans, their spouses, surviving spouses, and Gold Star Parents may be eligible for property tax exemptions in Massachusetts. Only one exemption may be claimed per fiscal year, with the most favorable benefit applied.
- Clause 22 ($400):
- Veterans with at least 10% service-connected disability
- Purple Heart recipients
- Gold Star parents
- Spouses or surviving un-remarried spouses of eligible Veterans
- Clause 22A ($750):
- Loss of one foot, hand, or eye due to service
- Medal of Honor or other distinguished service medals
- Former prisoners of war
- Spouses or surviving spouses of qualifying Veterans
- Clause 22B ($1,250):
- Service-related loss of both feet, both hands, or both eyes
- Spouses or surviving spouses qualify as well
- Clause 22C ($1,500):
- Veterans rated permanently and totally disabled and who received specially adapted housing benefits
- Spouses or surviving spouses
- Clause 22D (Full Exemption):
- Un-remarried spouses of service members who died in or due to combat
- Service members missing in action and presumed dead
- Clause 22E ($1,000):
- Veterans rated 100% disabled by the VA
- Spouses or surviving spouses
- Clause 22F (Full Exemption):
- Veterans with paraplegia or full-service-connected blindness
- Spouses or surviving spouses
- Clause 22H (Full Exemption):
- Surviving parents or guardians of service members declared MIA or deceased due to service-connected causes during active duty
Vehicle Tax Benefits for Massachusetts Veterans
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Exemption:
Eligible active duty service members, disabled Veterans, former POWs, and their surviving spouses may qualify for an excise tax exemption on one vehicle. To qualify, the service member must have served outside Massachusetts for 180 consecutive days in a given calendar year—unless they were wounded or killed in an armed conflict, in which case the time requirement is waived.
Sales Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans:
Veterans who lost or permanently lost the use of both legs, both arms, or one leg and one arm—and who qualify for a Massachusetts Disabled Veteran license plate—are eligible for a sales tax exemption on one personal-use vehicle.
Massachusetts Tax Relief for Military Spouses
Spouses of nonresident military personnel stationed in Massachusetts may be exempt from paying Massachusetts state taxes on income earned within the state during that time.
Recreation
Massachusetts Discounted Wildlife Licenses for Out-of-State Service Members
Nonresident military personnel stationed in Massachusetts are eligible to buy hunting, trapping, and fishing licenses at the same rates as residents.
Complimentary Fishing and Hunting Licenses for Disabled Residents
Massachusetts residents who are blind, paraplegic, or have intellectual disabilities may be entitled to free freshwater fishing and hunting licenses through the state.
Free State Park Parking for Disabled Veterans and Purple Heart Holders
Vehicles bearing a Massachusetts Disabled Veteran or Purple Heart license plate are exempt from day-use parking fees at all state parks. No annual pass is needed to receive this benefit.
Massachusetts Military & Veteran Support Programs
Veteran Transportation Services
The Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services hosts a comprehensive webpage offering links to transportation resources for Veterans. These services include rides to VA medical facilities, doctor appointments, job interviews, school, shopping centers, and work-related destinations.
Military Family Relief Assistance
Massachusetts offers financial support through the Military Family Relief Fund. Eligible applicants include members of the Massachusetts National Guard and state residents in the U.S. Armed Forces Reserves who have been deployed for 30 consecutive days or more. Grants of up to $1,000 are available for those facing financial hardship directly linked to activation or extended deployment. Surviving family members of Massachusetts service members killed while on active duty may also qualify.
Public Housing Support for Veterans and Families
Veterans and their families may benefit from various public housing programs across Massachusetts aimed at supporting low-income households.
Priority Access to Public Housing
Veterans displaced due to public redevelopment efforts or slum clearance—either recently or within the past three years—receive preference for public housing in the following priority order:
- Veterans with a VA service-connected disability
- Families of Veterans who died due to service-connected causes
- Other Veterans and their qualified dependents
Eligible dependents include spouses, surviving spouses, children, dependent parents, and ex-spouses who are legal guardians of the Veteran’s child.
Exclusions from Public Housing Income Calculations
When determining eligibility for state-supported public housing, tuition-related income and book/fee allowances paid to Veterans are not counted as part of gross income. In addition, Military Disability Retirement Pay exceeding $1,800—specifically for those rated individually unemployable—is excluded from income calculations.
Housing Continuation Protections
Veterans, surviving spouses, and Gold Star Mothers who have continuously lived in a Massachusetts public housing unit (with two or fewer bedrooms) for at least eight years cannot be evicted for owing up to three months of rent.
Veteran Annuity Program
Qualified disabled Veterans, surviving spouses, and Gold Star Parents may receive an annual annuity of $2,000, disbursed in two payments—one in February and another in August.
Veteran Service Bonuses
Massachusetts awards bonuses to eligible service members and honorably discharged Veterans who served in specific military operations. These bonuses may cover single or multiple deployments during qualifying conflicts.
SAVE Program: Advocacy & Mental Health Support
The Statewide Advocacy for Veterans’ Empowerment (SAVE) Program focuses on helping Veterans overcome barriers to accessing benefits. It plays a critical role in suicide prevention and mental health awareness by assisting Veterans in their transition to civilian life and coordinating support through state and federal services.
Education Programs
Massachusetts Education Benefits for National Guard Members, Veterans, and Military Families
Massachusetts National Guard Tuition and Fee Waiver:
Through the Massachusetts National Guard Education Assistance Program, eligible Guard members can receive a full waiver—100% coverage—of tuition and mandatory fees at state-supported colleges, universities, and community colleges in Massachusetts. To qualify, members must maintain good standing within their unit and can utilize up to 130 semester hours of assistance throughout their service.
Massachusetts National Guard Family Education Benefit:
Service members in the Massachusetts National Guard may opt to transfer all or part of their 130 semester hours of education benefits to their dependent children, provided the children are listed in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS). Dependents must use the transferred benefits within ten years after the service member’s separation or by age 26—whichever comes later. The combined total between the service member and dependents cannot exceed 130 lifetime semester hours.
Veteran and Active Duty Tuition Waivers:
Massachusetts grants tuition waivers to qualified Veterans and active-duty military personnel. These waivers apply to eligible programs at public institutions of higher education across the state—including community colleges, state universities, and UMass campuses.
Veterans Upward Bound Program at Suffolk University:
This no-cost, pre-college initiative supports Veterans in preparing for higher education. Offered by Suffolk University, the program assists with:
- Career and academic counseling
- Classes for college readiness
- Financial aid navigation
- Application support
Massachusetts Soldiers Legacy Fund (MSLF):
The MSLF is a charitable trust that offers education grants to the children of Massachusetts-based service members who were killed in action during the Global War on Terrorism.
Honorary High School Diplomas for Wartime Veterans:
Veterans who left high school in Massachusetts to serve in WWII, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War may receive their diplomas post-service—even posthumously. Family members or the Veterans themselves should reach out to their local Veterans’ Service Officer (VSO) for assistance.
In-State Tuition for Out-of-State Veterans and Dependents:
Nonresident Veterans and their eligible family members may qualify for in-state tuition at public colleges and universities in Massachusetts, allowing for reduced education costs.
Public Service Grant Program for Families of POW/MIA and Fallen Service Members:
Scholarships are available for children of service members who were declared Prisoners of War (POW) or Missing in Action (MIA) during the Vietnam War, as well as children of those who were killed in action. These grants are designated for undergraduate programs at Massachusetts institutions of higher learning.
Resident Tuition for Nonresident Active Duty Families:
Even if active duty service members and their dependents are not permanent residents of Massachusetts, they are still eligible for in-state tuition rates while stationed in the state. This rate remains valid as long as the student stays continuously enrolled in a degree-granting program.
Military Interstate Children’s Compact (MIC3):
Massachusetts participates in the MIC3 agreement to ease educational transitions for military children affected by frequent moves or parental deployments. This compact ensures:
- Smooth transfer of academic records
- Flexible enrollment and placement practices
- Equal access to extracurriculars
- On-time graduation support
- Shared data and streamlined cooperation across states and schools
Massachusetts Purple Star School Designation:
Schools demonstrating strong support for military-connected students may earn the Purple Star Award. To qualify, schools must appoint a military family liaison and host an online resource hub for military families. Staff are trained to understand and accommodate the unique needs of students from military households.
Veterans Housing Options in Massachusetts
Massachusetts operates two Veterans Homes located in Holyoke and Chelsea, offering comprehensive care services to eligible veterans. These state-run facilities are equipped to deliver acute medical treatment, residential support, and extended nursing care.
Residents of each facility have access to a broad range of essential services, including:
- Occupational and physical therapy programs
- Radiology and laboratory diagnostics
- Outpatient medical services
- Social work support
- Recreational and leisure activities
- Access to spiritual and religious programs
Massachusetts State Veterans Home at Holyoke
Massachusetts State Veterans Home at Chelsea
Admission Requirements:
To qualify for admission, veterans must meet the following criteria:
- Possess an honorable discharge from military service
- Have completed at least 90 continuous days of active duty during a designated period of war
Employment & Job Training Support for Massachusetts Veterans
MassHire Veterans Employment Services
The Massachusetts MassHire Department of Career Services (DCS) provides tailored employment support to transitioning service members, Veterans, and their spouses. Services include job training, resume assistance, and placement support. Veteran Employment Representatives (VERs) and Disabled Veteran Outreach Program Specialists (DVOPs) assist especially those with service-connected disabilities and maintain access to up-to-date employment resources at local, state, and federal levels.
Veteran Priority of Service
Veterans and eligible spouses receive priority access to job openings, training programs, and employment-related services. Eligibility requires at least one day of active duty (excluding training) with a discharge other than dishonorable. Spouses qualify if:
- The Veteran died from a service-connected disability
- The service member is MIA, a POW, or detained for 90+ days
- The Veteran has a total service-connected disability, or the spouse is surviving a Veteran who had one at time of death
State Hiring Preferences
Massachusetts Civil Service Exams
Veterans applying for civil service jobs (like police or firefighter) who score 70+ receive absolute hiring preference, with priority given in this order:
- Disabled Veterans
- All other Veterans
- Spouses/single parents of Veterans who died in service or from service-connected causes
Promotional Exams
Veterans receive 2 extra points on promotional exams.
Labor Service Jobs
Veterans are placed at the top of labor service hiring lists—no exam required. Spouses and single parents of Veterans are ranked just below Veterans.
Job Protection During Military Service
Service members activated while on a civil service list can request an extension of eligibility equal to the length of their service. Written requests must be submitted within one year after discharge.
Non-Exam Civil Service Jobs
Veterans receive hiring preference over non-veterans even when there’s no exam involved.
Veterans Job Security & Retirement Benefits
Job Security for Long-Term State Employees
Veterans with over three years in unclassified state positions are protected from layoffs due to lack of work or funds unless similar roles held by Veterans are impacted—then layoffs proceed in reverse order of seniority.
Military Buyback for State Retirement
Eligible MSERS members can purchase up to four years of active duty service toward state retirement credit. Reserve members can buy one year of credit for every five years served.
Public Works Hiring Priority
Massachusetts public works projects must prioritize hiring Veterans, especially those with service-connected disabilities.
Federal Hiring Preferences
Federal Civil Service Preference
Veterans may be eligible for 5 or 10-point hiring preferences when applying for federal jobs, based on service duration, disability status, and decorations received.
- 5-Point Preference for qualifying wartime service or campaign medal recipients
- 10-Point Preferences for Veterans with service-connected disabilities, Purple Heart recipients, and eligible spouses or family members
- Additional 10-point preferences exist for spouses, surviving spouses, or mothers of qualifying Veterans
Note: Most preferences require a passing exam score before points are added.
USERRA Protections for Service Members
The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) ensures job and benefit protections for Veterans and reservists returning to civilian employment. Key provisions include:
- Reemployment Rights: Guaranteed return to civilian job after military service
- No Loss of Seniority: Time in uniform counts toward tenure and benefits
- Reasonable Accommodation: Required for disabled Veterans
- Extended Health & Pension Coverage: Up to 24 months of employer health plan continuation available
- Training/Reintegration Support: Employers must provide retraining if necessary
Eligibility: Open to Veterans, National Guard members, and Reserve component personnel who leave civilian jobs for training or active duty.
Claims & Assistance: The Department of Labor’s VETS program supports individuals filing USERRA claims—including federal employees.
Burials and Memorials
Be sure to clearly document your burial preferences—such as interment in a national cemetery and the use of a VA-provided headstone—and store them safely with your medical and personal records.
The National Cemetery Administration (NCA) honors eligible Veterans and their families by offering a dignified final resting place and a lasting memorial that reflects the Veteran’s service to the country.
Burial benefits include a gravesite in a national cemetery (space permitting), opening and closing of the grave, ongoing maintenance, a government-issued headstone or marker, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate—all provided at no cost to the family. Veterans who meet specific criteria may also qualify for a burial allowance. Cremated remains receive the same respectful treatment and are eligible for inurnment in national cemeteries.
Eligible spouses and dependents are also entitled to burial benefits, including the option to be laid to rest with the Veteran and receive perpetual care of the gravesite. Their names and birth/death dates will be inscribed on the Veteran’s headstone at no charge. Notably, they may be buried even if they predecease the Veteran and are not required to be buried in the same cemetery.
National Cemeteries include:
Ayer: Woodlawn Cemetery Soldiers’ Lot
Bourne: Massachusetts National Cemetery
Massachusetts VA Support Services
Veterans in Massachusetts have access to a Regional VA Benefits Office as well as a VA Medical Center to assist with their healthcare and benefit needs.
Massachusetts VA Regional Benefits Office
- Boston: Boston Regional Office
Massachusetts VA Medical Centers
- Bedford: Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital (Bedford VA)
- Brockton: VA Boston Healthcare System, Brockton Campus
- Jamaica Plain: VA Boston Healthcare System, Jamaica Plain Campus
- Leeds: VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System
- West Roxbury: VA Boston Healthcare System, West Roxbury Campus
Veterans submitting a VA benefits application for the first time must include a copy of their DD 214 discharge document. This essential form confirms your service history, including your name, Social Security number, military branch, service dates, and discharge status. Veterans with an honorable or general discharge are typically eligible for the majority of VA benefits.
It’s important to store this paperwork—along with your medical records—in a secure and accessible location for both you and your family. Consider using a safe to protect these documents from damage or tampering.
Eligibility for most VA benefits depends on being discharged from active duty under conditions other than dishonorable. Active duty refers to full-time service in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard, as well as commissioned roles in agencies like the Public Health Service, NOAA, or Environmental Services Administration.
Veterans with dishonorable discharges, particularly those issued through general courts-martial for misconduct, may be ineligible for benefits. However, those currently incarcerated or on parole may still qualify for specific VA benefits. If your discharge status is unclear or you have multiple discharges with varying classifications, a VA regional office can help determine your eligibility.
Information current as of November 2023.
Veteran Benefits in Massachusetts
Disabled Veterans residing in Massachusetts with a VA disability rating of 90% or lower may be entitled to further benefits. Reach out to Vital Veterans Consultants for a complimentary, no-obligation consultation. Our team can assess your current claim and help identify any additional benefits you may be eligible to receive.
