www.mass.gov/veterans
Veterans' Guide to Benefits

Other Sources of Assistance

Operation Enduring Freedom - Operation Iraqi Freedom Veterans

Every U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) has a Returning Veteran Coordinator to assist those returning from service in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

Bedford VAMC (781) 687-2000
Boston VAMC* (617) 232-9500
Northampton VAMC (413) 584-4040
*serving Brockton, Jamaica Plain, and West Roxbury campuses

For more information on the VA’s programs for returning veterans, visit www.oefoif.va.gov.

The Department of Veterans’ Services has produced a publication with information about rights and benefits specifically for OEF/OIF veterans. The publication, entitled “Welcome Home: Your Guide to Veterans’ Benefits and Rights” can be accessed on the DVS website or you can call to request a copy.

Department of Veterans’ Services
600 Washington Street, Suite 1100
Boston, MA 02114
(617) 210-5480
Fax: (617) 210-5755
www.mass.gov/veterans
Email: mdvs@vet.state.ma.us

 

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Veterans' Guide to Benefits

Education Benefits

Tuition waiver for all Massachusetts veterans to all state colleges and universities

M.G.L. ch. 15A, s.19
Veterans of Massachusetts, as defined by M.G.L. ch. 4, s.7, clause 43, may be eligible for any state-supported course in an undergraduate degree program or certificate program offered by a public college or university. To be eligible, a veteran must also be a legal resident of Massachusetts and s/he must not be in default of any federal student loans.

Veterans will be eligible on a space-available basis for a waiver of full or partial tuition based on proper documentation of the eligibility of the veteran. Space availability shall be determined in accordance with normal practices and procedures as published by each institution, i.e., the individual college or university. Contact the Veterans Representative at the college or university for details.

National Guard tuition and fee waiver

Acts of 2005 ch. 130
Members of the National Guard are eligible for a waiver of both fees and tuition at all state colleges and universities. Please contact the college or university veterans’ representative for details about this program.

Public service scholarship programs

M.G.L. ch. 15A, s.16
Scholarships will be awarded to:

• Children of prisoners of war or military or service persons missing in action in Southeast Asia whose service was between February 1, 1955, and the termination of the Vietnam campaign; and
• Children of veterans whose service was credited to the Commonwealth and who were killed in action or otherwise died as a result of such service.

Scholarships will be for undergraduate studies at an institution of higher education in the Commonwealth.

Contact Information

Massachusetts Department of Higher Education
Office of Student Financial Assistance
454 Broadway Street, Suite 200
Revere, MA 02151
(617) 727-9420
www.osfa.mass.edu
Email: osfa@osfa.mass.edu

Post 9/11 GI Bill

Veterans who served for a minimum of 90 days active duty on or after September 11, 2001, may qualify for the Post 9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33). This new federal program provides increased benefits for veterans pursuing an approved education program at an approved degree-granting institution.

To be eligible for the Post 9/11 GI Bill, veterans must have received an honorable discharge; and served at least 90 aggregate days on or after September 11, 2001; or discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 continuous days.

This federal benefit has state-specific implications since the cost of tuition and fees varies by state and is based on the highest in-state undergraduate rate. A monthly housing allowance based on the zip code of the college/university and a book stipend of $41.67 per credit of up to 24 credits or $1,000 per academic year is also part of the program.

For information and to apply, call (888) 442-4551 or go to www.gibill.va.gov.

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Veterans' Guide to Benefits

Public Assistance

Chapter 115
Under Chapter 115 of Massachusetts General Laws (M.G.L. ch. 115), the Commonwealth provides a uniform 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 the local Veterans’ Service Officer (VSO) in the city or town where the veteran lives. To find a VSO:

• Call the local City or Town Hall and ask for Veterans’ Services;
• Call the Massachusetts Department of Veterans’ Services, (617) 210-5480, and ask for the VSO name and contact information;
• Visit the DVS website at www.mass.gov/veterans to search by municipality