Financial Assistance
Under Massachusetts General Laws M.G.L. Chapter 115, the Commonwealth provides a needs-based means tested program of financial and medical assistance for indigent veterans and their dependents. Qualifying veterans and their dependents receive necessary financial assistance for food, shelter, clothing, fuel, and medical care in accordance with a formula which takes into account the number of dependents and income from all sources. Eligible dependents of deceased veterans are provided with the same benefits as if the veteran were still living.
How to apply:
For applications, contact your local Veterans’ Service Officer (VSO) in the city or town where the veteran lives. Find your local North Shore VSO or Call the local City or Town Hall and ask for Veterans’ Services
Chapter 115 requires every city and town to maintain a Department of Veterans' Services through which the municipality makes available to its residents the part-time or full-time services of either an exclusive or district Veterans' Service Officer (VSO). It is the job of the VSO to provide the veterans (living and deceased) and their dependents access to every federal, state, and local benefit and service to which they are entitled—including assisting in their funerals and honoring them on Memorial Day and Veterans' Day.
Mission
The mission of the Department of Veterans' Services (DVS) is to be the chief advocate for the nearly half-million veterans of the Commonwealth and their families. DVS establishes policy, proposes legislation, ensures that adequate funding for veterans' programs is included in the Governor's budget, and represents the interests of veterans in matters coming before the General Court. In addition, DVS represents all state agencies and individual veterans before the federal Department of Veterans Affairs in securing federal compensation and other benefits that might be available.
Contact Information
Department of Veterans’ Services
600 Washington Street, 7th Floor
Boston, MA 02111
617-210-5480
Website: www.mass.gov/veterans
Email: mdvs@vet.state.ma.us
Massachusetts health insurance law and VA healthcare
Under Chapter 58 of the Acts of 2006, frequently referred to as the Massachusetts Healthcare Reform Law, as of July 2007 all adult Massachusetts residents are required to have health insurance. Residents are asked to verify their health insurance coverage on their tax return and residents who do not have insurance face financial penalties. There are a variety of health insurance options available that veterans can access.
Under Administrative Bulletin 04-07 enrollment in the VA healthcare system (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs) qualifies as creditable insurance coverage under the law. Because many veterans have earned this healthcare through their service and it is available at very low or no out-of-pocket cost, veterans may apply for VA healthcare prior to signing up for Commonwealth Care, Medicare, or MassHealth which may charge premiums, fees, and co-pays.