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Veterans Services

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1. What is the Commonwealth's veterans annuity?

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts provides an annuity in the amount of $2,000 to 100% service-connected disabled veterans and to the parents of men and women who die in service (Gold Star parents) and the unremarried spouses (Gold, Star wives or husbands) of veterans who gave their lives in the service of their country during wartime. Visit https://www.mass.gov/service-details/annuity for more information about this service or to apply.

2. What is a good source to find out what benefits a veteran or family member may be entitled to?

The Commonwealth launched a new veterans web portal Massachusetts Department of Veterans' Services the web portal offers enhanced access to services and support for veterans living in the Commonwealth. This new site will help veterans and their family members access more than 200 state and federal benefits in one location, including programs for education, counseling, employment, health care and other services.

3. What does the Commonwealth offer as Veterans bonuses?

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts provides a one-time bonus to eligible veterans who served during wartime.

• World War II through Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom Veterans can contact the Office of the State Treasurer at 617-367-3900, ext. 543 or ext. 539 may apply online by visiting: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/veterans-bonus-division
• Persain Gulf War Veterans may contact the Department of Veteran Services at 617-210-5827 or may apply online by visiting: https://www.mass.gov/lists/bonuses-and-annuities

4. How do I know which veterans charities to donate to?

Tips for Giving Generously and Wisely to Veterans and Public Safety Groups

While most charities are reputable and worthy of financial support from the public, a few charities operate outside the bounds of fairness. A charitable donation is a financial
transaction - use the same consideration when making a donation as any other financial decision.

• Check it Out: when solicited for a donation, don’t be afraid to ask questions, verify the name, address, or phone number of the charity or to ask whether the donation is tax
  deductible as a charitable contribution.
• Ask Questions: Ask how much will go to the charity, and how much goes to fundraising, administrative and general expenses. Ask whether the donation will be used
  in the local area, and ask for specific information on how donations will be used to help area veterans, police, or firefighters
• Take Your Time: Do not be afraid to hang up the phone, close the door, or walk away from a solicitor especially if you feel pressured to give immediately. You can always
  take time to research the charity.
• With veterans, police, and fire organizations, remember that not all solicitors in uniform are necessarily veterans or first responders. The Attorney General’s Office
  has seen reports of charities raising funds for military veterans with solicitors in military uniform.
• Do a quick check online with independent organizations such as www.guidestar.org, or www.give.org, to learn about how effective a charity is, what percentage of funds raised go to administrative expenses and fundraising, and whether complaints have been made about the charity.

Any consumer or retailer with questions, concerns, or complaints about a charity may contact the Attorney General’s Office Non-Profit Organizations/ Public Charities Division at (617) 963-2315.

5. Are there veterans cemeteries in Massachusetts?

There are three veterans' cemeteries in Massachusetts. 

• The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs operates the national cemetery in Bourne (508-563-7113). 
• The Commonwealth of Massachusetts operates cemeteries in Agawam (413-821-9500) and Winchendon (978-297-9501). 

Eligible veterans can be buried in state and federal cemeteries for free and spouses for a nominal fee. Visit Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemeteries for more information.

6. What are Chapter 115 benefits?

Under Chapter 115 of Massachusetts General Laws, 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, housing supplies, 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 they would were the veteran still living. Please visit the Department of Veteran Services website at http://www.mass.gov/veterans/ for more information.

7. Is there a Veteran's Treatment Court in Framingham?

The Veteran's Treatment Court is located at the Framingham District Court located at 600 Concord Street in Framingham. The Treatment Court is a 12-24 month, five phase program intended to serve veterans who are criminal court involved and struggling with addiction and or mental health issues.

Click here for: Framingham Vet Court FAQ

8. What documents are required for Chapter 115 Benefits?

Veterans Benefits and Services 

Memorial Building

Room 11, 150 Concord Street

 Framingham, MA 01702 

Tel: (508)-532-5515/Fax (508)-532-5497 

Email: veterans@framinghamma.gov

Documents and information required to apply for Veterans Benefits and Aid 1. 

1. Military Discharge paper: Department of Defense form, DD214 or equivalent
2. Marriage*/Divorce Records and or Death Certificates 
3. Children’s Birth certificates/Adoption Records are only needed when: a. Child less than 19 years of age b. Child less than 23 years old attending School of Higher Learning c. Handicapped dependent Adult Child living with veteran: Disabled before child’s 18th birthday. 
4. Income verification; pay stubs, VA pension, SS, SSDI, SSI, SSP, retirement, strike benefits, workman’s compensation, unemployment or any other income.
5. Housing Receipts a. Rental Lease must be noted that unit is heated or unheated. b. Mortgage receipts (principle, interest, taxes and home owners insurance)
6. Life insurance; accounts number, amount, premium, beneficiary
7. Medical insurance; plan and account number, receipts for payment, Poof i.e. Medical Insurance card with bills.
8. List of all bills owed and monthly payments. This includes, but is not limited to, Heating, credit cards, car and student loans
9. Bank account or Direct Express card statements for last three (3) months this includes, 401K, Savings Bonds, money market accounts, Certificates of Deposit (CD), IRA, stock dividends and mutual funds.
10. Vehicles registrations for all cars in household.
11. If employable: Proof of Registration with Mass D.E.T. 
12. If unable to work, medical documentation must be provided i.e. Doctor’s letter that clearly states reason for and the expected duration of incapacitation. Note: * Married veterans must provide documents and information for their spouses as well as for themselves Assets limits: Single person: $5,000 in “liquid assets” Married Couple: $9,800 in “liquid assets” Income Guidelines for Chapter 115 Benefits: Incomes must be less than or equal to amounts shown: Ordinary Benefits: $1,430-$1,750 (Single), or $1,673-$2,313 (Married) . Medical Only Benefit: $1,962 (Single), or $2,655 (Married) Impacting factors include: age, if paying for heat, shelter and medical expenses.

9. What education benefits are available to veterans?

Veterans are eligible for tuition waivers at all state colleges and universities. Members of the Massachusetts National Guard receive a tuition and fee waiver at all state schools. Contact the Veterans' Representative at the state college/university of your choice for eligibility requirements and to apply. For more information visit the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, http://www.mass.edu/forstufam/veterans/home.asp 

10. What employment opportunities are there for veterans?

Veterans are given preference for employment on the eligibility list for civil service positions. Job search and assistance is also available for veterans at The Executive Office of Employment and Training. The closest One-Stop Career Centers is located at 201 Boston Post Road, Marlborough, MA 01752. Tel 508-786-0928. Ask to be connected to the veteran's agent.

11. Is there a Veteran Service's Facebook Page?

Yes, you can find the Framingham veterans Services on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/Framingham-Veteran-Services

12. Who puts the flags on the veteran’s grave every year?

Each year the veteran Agents asks for volunteers to come out and help put the flags on the veteran’s graves. Over 4,500 flags are replaced every year. If you would like to volunteer please call the Veterans Agent at 508-532-5515. If your veteran did not get a flag, please come by the Veterans Agent’s Office in the Memorial Building , Room B-7 and pick one up.

13. Where can I get a veterans photo ID card?

For a Federally issued photo ID card you can apply for Veterans Administration Health Care. The only card that you may qualify for would be the Veterans Administration’s medical ID card. You will need to complete a VA 1010ez form that can be located on the Veterans Administration Website: https://www.va.gov/vaforms/ . Bring the completed form with a copy of your DD214 to 61 Lincoln St, Room 112 (VA outpatient Clinic) and ask to have it submitted for "eligibility”. Once you have been approved for the VA medical benefits, they will help you get a photo ID that can be used as a discount card.

All Massachusetts residents who are Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces and were honorably discharged can choose to have a Veteran’s Indicator on their Driver’s License, Learner’s Permit, Massachusetts ID card, or Liquor ID card. If they choose this, the word “Veteran” will be printed on the lower right corner of their license or ID card, or in the bottom center of their learner’s permit. There is no additional fee for the Veteran’s Indicator, but all regular transaction fees will apply.
One of the following documents (typed, not handwritten) must be presented as proof of honorable discharge: 

• A DD-214 that indicates honorable discharge
• A DD-215 that indicates honorable discharge
• An Honorable Discharge form.

The Veteran’s Indicator cannot be added during an online transaction. To have the Veteran’s Indicator added to your license or ID card, you will need to visit an RMV branch and should not complete this transaction online. If you prefer not to visit a branch, you can continue with your online transaction, but the Veteran’s Indicator will not appear on your License or ID. There is a question on the Class D, M, or DM License and ID Card Application and the CDL Application asking if the customer is a veteran and if he/she would like the Veteran’s Indicator. A customer who wants the Veteran’s Indicator on his/her Driver’s License, Massachusetts ID card, or Liquor ID card must answer “yes” to this question when applying for, renewing, or ordering a duplicate license or ID card. For more information please visit the MassDot myRMV Online Service Center.

14. Is there intervention help for veterans?

A Community Intervention Specialist (CIS) will assist veterans residents with accessing services they require, including but not limited to: veterans struggling with reintegration after deployments or service, homelessness, post traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury issues, substance abuse, grieving, hording, need for elder services, or any other health and safety issues. The CIS does not provide long term case management.

15. Are there any Medal of Honor recipients from Framingham?

Color Sergant Conrad Homan for his actions at the “Battle of the Crater”, Petersburg , VA, 1864. After weeks of preparation, on July 30, 1864, the Union soldiers exploded a mine in Burnside's IX Corps sector beneath Pegram's Salient, blowing a gap in the Confederate defenses of Petersburg in preparations for the fierce fighting later called the "Battle of the Crater". Unit after unit charged into and around the crater, where soldiers milled in confusion. The rebels quickly recovered and launched several counterattacks. The break was sealed off, and the Union Army repulsed with more than 7,000 men killed, wounded, or missing. Twenty three soldiers were awarded Medals of Honor for their valor in this deadly battle, including Color Sergeant Conrad Homan who fought his way through the enemy's lines with the regimental colors, continuing in his charge even after the rest of the color guard had been killed or captured. In all, a total of 64 Medals of Honor were earned in action at Petersburg, Virginia, in the period from March 25 to April 3, 1865. Sgt Homan is buried in Edawrds Cemetery, Framingham, MA.

16. Who is eligible for a Medal of Liberty?

The Massachusetts Medal of Liberty is awarded in the name of the Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as Commander-in-Chief of the Commonwealth, to any and all Massachusetts service man or woman killed in action or who died as a result of wounds received in action. It was designed by Sgt. Kristopher W. Adams. Authority to issue medal: Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 33, Section 67A.

17. Are there medical facilities run by the Veterans Administration in Framingham?

Framingham Community Based Outpatient Clinic

61 Lincoln Street, Suite 112 

Framingham, MA 01702 

Monday - Friday

8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Phone: (508) 628-0205/Fax: (508) 628-8224 

This community based outpatient clinic, established in 1998 was designed to bring primary care closer to where veterans live. The primary care team manages most health issues and provides veterans with access to a wide range of specialty care providers at the VA Boston Healthcare System when appropriate and necessary. The clinic offers ample free parking. Services Provided and/or arranged through the clinic include: 

• Primary Health Care
• Mental Health
• Laboratory Blood Drawing 

Advantages to using the clinic include: 

• Veterans will have one primary care provider to coordinate care on an ongoing basis. 
• Veterans can receive primary medical care closer to home
• Veterans are eligible for specialty outpatient care, inpatient care and all other entitlements through the VA Boston Healthcare System. 

18. Does Framingham have a mental health helpline?

Framingham subscribes to the INTERFACE Mental Health Referral Service. This service is staffed by the William James College and can be reached Mondays through Fridays from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.  This helpline is available to all Framingham residents in need of mental health services. Visit https://interface.williamjames.edu/ to learn more about services offered.

19. Are there motor vehicle benefits for veterans?

Certain disabled veterans and former POWs are eligible for motor vehicle sales and excise tax exemptions. Contact the Department of Revenue at 617-887-6367. The Registry of Motor Vehicles provides a variety of veterans' license plates and a registration exemption for certain veterans. Plates that are available include: Veteran, Legion of Valor, EX-POW, Purple Heart, Pearl Harbor Survivor, Silver Star, Bronze Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Gold Star Family, Disabled Veteran. Visit Military and Veteran RMV Information for more information.

20. Are there property tax exemptions for disabled veterans?

There are a number of exemptions available to certain disabled veterans and their survivors. Contact your local Veterans' Service Officer or city/town assessor. Visit http://www.sec.state.ma.us/cis/cisvet/vetprptax.htm  for more information.

21. What is the SAVE?

SAVE is a peer outreach program that helps veterans navigate the system of benefits and services through active outreach in the community. SAVE's mission is suicide prevention and advocacy of veterans benefits and services. Outreach coordinators are mobile and meet with veterans in the field. The outreach team is comprised of veterans and family members of veterans. Call SAVE at 888-844-2838 or email save@massmail.state.ma.us for more information.

22. What shelters are available for veterans?

The Department of Veteran Services contracts with a range of non-profit organizations, which provide emergency housing services to eligible veterans. All require that residents maintain a sober and drug-free environment. Services are available to both male and female veterans. Visit Veterans’ Laws and Benefits, Housing for more information.

23. Are there benefits for spouse and dependents of veterans?

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, housing supplies, 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 they would were the veteran still living. Visit http://www.mass.gov/veterans/benefits-and-services/family-benefits/state-benefits-for-dependents-of-a-veteran.html for more information.

24. Are there long term care options for veterans?

The Soldiers' Homes in Chelsea (617-884-5660) and Holyoke (413-532-9475) provide a variety of services to veterans, such as, acute hospital, domiciliary, and long-term care, physical and occupational therapy and more. Visit the Soldiers' Homes in Chelsea page for more information.

Long-Term Care - Soldiers' Homes for Veterans

Long-Term Care - Soldiers' Homes for Veterans

25. Is there any public transportation to local VA hospitals?

The MetroWest Regional Transit Authority offers veterans shuttle on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursday. It is open to anyone wishing to go to any of the hospitals listed in the schedule below. Framingham and Natick residents have the option of being picked up and dropped off at their homes. Those not residing in Framingham or Natick must either be dropped off at either the Waverly or Blandin Hub or can be picked up at the Natick VFW Post 1274, located at 113 West Central Street, where there is also space available for those who wish to park free of charge. This shuttle has stops at the following hospitals:

• West Roxbury VA Hospital
• Jamaica Plain VA Hospital
• New England Baptist
• Brigham & Women's
• Beth Israel
• Joslin Clinic
• New England Deaconess Hospital as well.

Veterans must preregister with MWRTA before using the service. Visit http://www.mwrta.com for scheduling and application information. If you have any questions regarding this service, please contact the MWRTA Call Center at 1-508-820-4650.

26. Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Volunteer VA Hospital Transportation

The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Volunteer VA Hospital Transportation coordinates limited, complimentary transportation services for veterans to the Brockton, West Roxbury, and Jamaica Plain VA hospitals. Service is available Monday through Friday for appointment times between 8:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. Please note that riders may need to wait for an extended time after their appointment for the van for the return trip. Riders must be ambulatory or require only a little assistance getting on or off of the van. Unfortunately, the van cannot accommodate wheelchair patients. Appointments are on a first-come, first-served basis and must be made a minimum of two weeks in advance. Because of high demand, DAV cannot accommodate appointments made less than two weeks in advance. To make or change a ride reservation, call 774-826-2264 between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 P.M., Monday through Friday. 

• Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital, Tel. (781) 275-7500, 200 Springs Rd., DAV Off. Bldg. 4, Rm. B05 EXT. 2999 Bedford, MA 01730 
• Jamaica Plain Division Boston VA Healthcare Systems, Tel. (617) 232-9500, 150 S. Huntington Ave., Rm. D-127 EXT. 45040 Boston, MA 02130 FAX (857) 364-4483 
• Brockton Division Boston Healthcare Systems, Tel. (774) 826-2264 940, Belmont St., Bldg. 3, Rm. A-230 FAX (774) 826-2798 Brockton, MA 02301 
• West Roxbury Division Boston VA Healthcare Systems, Tel. (857) 203-5628, 1400 VFW Parkway, G C 124 West Roxbury, MA 02132 

Please provide your name, address, phone number and time and location of your appointment if you reach the voicemail system.

27. Does Framingham offer a property tax work-off program?

Framingham Veterans Services is now accepting applications for the Veterans Tax Work-off Program. The Commonwealth announced this program as part of the 2012 Valor Act. The Framingham 2013 Town Meeting adopted the program for Framingham. Five positions were approved for veterans who have been residents for at least one year and are homeowners. The program is designed to find flexible hourly (day, night and weekends) work for veterans in exchange for a property tax abatement. For more information and an application please contact the Framingham Department of Veteran Services at 508-532-5515.

28. Am I a veteran?

You are a veteran if you meet the Federal or Commonwealth requirements listed here. General Eligibility, Federal Eligibility for most VA benefits is based upon discharge from active military service under other than dishonorable conditions. Active service means full-time service, other than active duty for training, as a member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or as a commissioned officer of the Public Health Service, Environmental Science Services Administration or National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or its predecessor, the Coast and Geodetic Survey. Generally, men and women veterans with similar service may be entitled to the same VA benefits. Dishonorable and bad conduct discharges issued by general courts-martial may bar VA benefits. Veterans in prison and parolees must contact a VA regional office to determine eligibility. VA benefits will not be provided to any veteran or dependent wanted for an outstanding felony warrant. Certain Federal VA Benefits Require Wartime Service: 

• World War II: Dec. 7, 1941, through Dec. 31, 1946. 
• Korean War: June 27, 1950, through Jan. 31, 1955. 
• Vietnam War: Aug. 5, 1964 (Feb. 28, 1961, for veterans who served “in country” before Aug. 5, 1964), through May 7, 1975. 
• Gulf War: Aug. 2, 1990, through a date to be set by law or Presidential Proclamation.

General Eligibility, Commonwealth To be eligible for veterans' benefits, one must be a "veteran" or a dependent of a "veteran" under M.G.L. c. 4, sec. 7, cl. 43rd as amended by the Acts of 2005, ch. 130. See below for service requirements and exceptions. Era of Service Dates Requirement for Commonwealth Veteran Status:

• WWII16-Sep-1940 to 25-Jul-194790 days of active duty service, one (1) day during "wartime" and a last discharge or release under honorable conditions. 
• Peace Time 26-Jul-1947 24-Jun-1950 180 days of regular active duty service and a last discharge or release under honorable conditions. 
• Korea 25-Jun-1950 to 31-Jan-1955 90 days of active duty service, one (1) day during "wartime" and a last discharge or release under honorable conditions. 
• Vietnam I 1-Feb-1955 to 4-Aug-1964 180 days of regular active duty service and a last discharge or release under honorable conditions. 
• Vietnam II 5-Aug-1964 to 7-May-1975 90 days of active duty service, one (1) day during "wartime" and a last discharge or release under honorable conditions. 
• Peace Time 8-May-1975 to 1-Aug-1990 180 days of regular active duty service and a last discharge or release under honorable conditions. 
• Lebanon Campaign*25-Aug-1982 to (to be determined later)90 days of active duty service, one (1) day during "wartime" and a last discharge or release under honorable conditions.
• Grenada Campaign*25-Oct-1983 to 15-Dec-1983 90 days of active duty service, one (1) day during "wartime" and a last discharge or release under honorable conditions. 
• Panama Campaign*20-Dec-1989 to 31-Jan-1990 90 days of active duty service, one (1) day during "wartime" and a last discharge or release under honorable conditions. 
• Persian Gulf 2-Aug-1990 to (to be determined later)90 days of active duty service, one (1) day during "wartime" and a last discharge or release under honorable conditions. 
• For GUARD MEMBERS to qualify they must have 180 days and have been activated under Title 10 of the U.S. Code -OR- Members who were activated under Title 10 or Title 32 of the U.S. Code or Massachusetts General Laws, chapter 33, sections 38, 40, and 41 must have 90 days, at least one of which was during wartime, per the above chart. 

For reservists to qualify, they must have been called to regular active duty, at which point their eligibility can be determined by the above chart. Training Duty Exception Active duty service in the armed forces shall not include active duty for training in the Army or Air National Guard or active duty for training as a Reservist in the Armed Forces of the United States.

29. Are there specific services for women veterans?

The mission of the Women Veterans' Network is to provide women with information on benefits: expand awareness of the needs of women veterans and identify available health and human resources to meet those needs. Call 617-210-5781. Or you can also visit Veterans’ Laws and Benefits, Women Veterans  for more information.

30. Are there yoga programs for veterans in Framingham?

There is free therapeutic yoga class for veterans held every Monday at 6:00 p.m. at the Parish Hall of Edwards Church in Framingham, behind the Stapleton School. Classes are sponsored by There & Back Again, a veteran wellness program located in Charlestown, MA and founded by Sue Lynch. Here is the info for the class: Mondays 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at Edwards Church, Framingham, MA. Contact pastor@edwardschurch.org or Sue Lynch by calling (800) 311-0187.

31. What is the application process for veterans benefits?

The first step is to gather all the required supporting documents listed on the first page. The application itself is called the VS1. It is five pages of demographic medical insurance and income questions. In addition there are an Information Release, Agreement to Reimburse and Dept of Revue Child Support check that must also be submitted. All these can be found in the TOF Document Center under VSI Application by clicking the link below.

VSI Application