Massachusetts Veteran Benefits
State-level benefits Massachusetts gives its veterans, retirees, and military families. Federal benefits aren't listed here — see Browse by Category for the federal side.
20 benefits
DCR State Park Parking Fee
Vehicles displaying a Disabled Veteran license plate or placard, or a Purple Heart Recipient license plate, have their daily parking fees waived at all Massachusetts state parks…Veteran
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Free Hunting and Fishing Licenses
Massachusetts veterans who are paraplegic receive free hunting and fishing licenses from MassWildlife.free
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Massachusetts Veterans Tuition
Massachusetts veterans may get their full or partial tuition waived at any state public college or university for undergraduate degree or certificate programs.Veteran
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Civil Service Hiring Preference
Veterans who pass a Massachusetts civil service exam are placed at the top of the eligibility list ahead of all non-veterans, regardless of score.Veteran
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Professional License Fee
Massachusetts waives the state portion of the initial professional license fee for veterans applying through the Division of Occupational Licensure (DOL).VeteranActive DutyDependent
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Massachusetts National Guard Family Education
National Guard members can transfer up to 130 semester hours of tuition and fee waivers to their dependents (spouse or children) at Massachusetts public colleges.Active DutyVeteranDependent
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Massachusetts National Guard Tuition and Fee
Active members of the Massachusetts National Guard can get both tuition and fees waived at all state colleges and universities.Active DutyVeteran
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Military Family Relief Fund
Families of Massachusetts National Guard members and Massachusetts-resident reservists who have deployed for at least 30 consecutive days may apply for a need-based grant of up to…Active DutyVeteranDependent
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Chapter 115 Behavioral Health Coverage
Veterans enrolled in Chapter 115 financial assistance can also use those benefits to cover outpatient mental health care, outpatient psychiatric services, substance use disorder treatment, and prescriptions.Veteran
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Massachusetts Veterans Homes
Massachusetts operates two fully accredited, state-funded long-term health care facilities exclusively for eligible veterans: one in Chelsea (open since 1882) and one in Holyoke (open since 1952).Veteran
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State-Aided Public Housing Priority
Veterans applying for state-aided public housing (elderly/disabled or family units) receive preference over non-veterans in tenant selection.Veteran
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Disabled Veteran Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Exemption
Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability or VA unemployability determination do not have to pay the annual motor vehicle excise tax on vehicles they own and use for non-commercial purposes.Veteran
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Local Property Tax Exemption
Massachusetts veterans with service-connected disabilities, Purple Heart recipients, prisoners of war, and Medal of Honor recipients can receive annual property tax exemptions…VeteranDependent
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Military Pension State Income Tax Exemption
Massachusetts does not tax U.S.RetireeVeteran
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State Employee Active Duty Military Service Buyback
Massachusetts state employees can "buy back" up to four years of active military service and count it toward their state pension.VeteranActive Duty
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Chapter 115 Financial Assistance
Low-income Massachusetts veterans and their dependents can receive monthly financial help for food, housing, clothing, fuel, and medical care through the state's Chapter 115 program.VeteranDependent
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Massachusetts Welcome Home Bonus
Massachusetts offers a separate "Welcome Home Bonus" for veterans who served in qualifying post-9/11 combat operations (including Afghanistan, Iraq, and other designated locations).VeteranActive Duty
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Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemeteries
Massachusetts operates two state veterans cemeteries (in Agawam and Winchendon) that offer free burial to any eligible veteran, not just Massachusetts residents.free
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Veteran Indicator on Massachusetts Driver's License or ID
Veterans can get a "Veteran" indicator printed on their Massachusetts driver's license or ID card at no extra charge.free
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Massachusetts Veterans Bonus
Massachusetts pays a cash bonus to veterans who listed Massachusetts as their home of record for at least six months before entering the military and who served during a…VeteranActive DutyDependent
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