Massachusetts Veteran Benefits & Services
This page includes directories and information about state agencies and programs for veterans available through the Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services and the Office of the Treasurer’s Veterans Bonus Division; the Executive Offices of Elder Affairs, Health & Human Services, and Housing & Livable Communities; Department of Revenue and the Child Support Services Division; Department of Career Services; MassAbility; Department of Higher Education; the Supplier Diversity Office; and the Offices of the Inspector General, State Auditor, and Veteran Advocate, along with census data for veterans in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services
The mission of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans’ Services (EOVS) is to act as the primary advocate on behalf of all the Commonwealth’s veterans. The Office provides outreach and support through the:
Veterans’ Homes in Holyoke and Chelsea; and
Veteran Memorial Cemeteries in Agawam and Winchendon.
The department of veterans’ services in Massachusetts was elevated to the Executive Office of Veterans’ Services (EOVS) on March 1, 2023 under Chapter 144 of the Acts of 2022.
Jon Santiago is serving as the first cabinet-level Secretary of Veterans’ Services. Secretary Santiago is a major in the Army Reserves, an emergency medicine physician, and former Peace Corps volunteer and State Representative of the 9th Suffolk District.
Andrea Gayle-Bennett is serving as the first Deputy Secretary. Deputy Secretary Gayle-Bennett is a retired brigadier general and healthcare professional.
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In May 2023, Governor Maura Healey signed Executive Order #613 reaffirming and establishing the Governor’s Veterans’ Advisory Council (GVAC) to inform her on all issues impacting Massachusetts veterans, complementing the work of the EOVS to assess current programs, services, and regulations for veterans, and make recommendations. In November 2023, Governor Healey swore in 25 appointed members to the GVAC.
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The Women Veterans Advisory Committee (WVAC) is appointed under Section 2 of Chapter 115 to investigate, foster and promote the interests of women veterans. The advisory committee may issue annual reports on their activities. In November 2023, Governor Healey swore in 17 appointed members to the WVAC to ensure women veterans’ needs and rights are prioritized and promoted.
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The EOVS Veterans Reintegration Advisory Committee (VERC) was established in October 2023 under Section 77 of S.3097 to investigate, study, and examine the complexities of reintegration into civilian life and ways to augment services to returning veterans to reduce the rate of suicide and effects of PTSD, depression, and anxiety; the impacts of community peer liaisons on veteran reintegration and symptoms of PTSD, depression, and anxiety; and the relationships between isolation and suicide among veterans.
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The EOVS Veterans Homes Council was established through Chapter 144 in 2022 to act as an advisory body to the EOVS Secretary. The 19-member council will recommend policies and propose rules/regulations pertaining to state-operated Veterans Homes; refer recommendations for appointment/removal of the Superintendent of the Veterans Homes; and provide an annual report with recommendations to increase regional equity and accessibility and provide equitable access to Veterans Homes for people of all identities.
On August 8, 2024, the Governor signed An Act Honoring, Empowering and Recognizing Our Servicemembers and Veterans (HERO Act), legislation including over 30 provisions increasing benefits, modernizing services, and promoting inclusivity. Key provisions include expanding access to behavioral health treatment, increasing annuity benefits, support for businesses hiring veterans, updating the definition of a veteran, expanding the scope of the Veterans Equality Review Board, and codifying medical and dental benefits.
MassVets Financial Benefits
EOVS offers assistance to eligible veterans and surviving spouses of veterans facing financial difficulties through the MassVets Financial Benefits program.
Chapter 115 benefits are administered through local veterans’ agents. Veterans and families can estimate their potential eligibility using the MassVets Benefit Calculator and get in touch with their local or district veterans’ services office to apply.
Local Veterans’ Services
District Veterans’ Services
Chapter 115 requires each city and town have a veterans’ agent to administer Chapter 115 benefits, but two or more contiguous towns can also appoint someone to serve as veterans’ agent. Over half of cities/towns in Massachusetts are in a district or share a veterans’ agent. If your city or town is part of a district, you can find more information in the District Veterans’ Services directory above.
Veterans’ Annuity Benefit
MassVets benefits also include an Annuity payment to eligible veterans with service-connected disabilities rated 100% by the VA, and to parents and unmarried spouses of disabled veterans whose deaths were service-connected or resulted from COVID-19 while residing in a state Soldiers’ Home. The HERO Act increased the annuity from $2,000 to $2,500 annually over two years.
In February 2025, the annuity payment will be $1,250. New applications must be received by December 31st to receive the $1,250 annuity payment as the first annuity payment.
Beginning in August of 2025, veterans will begin receiving one annuity check each year for $2,500. New applications will need to be received by June 30th of each year to receive the annuity payment in August.
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To be eligible for an annuity, disabled veterans must:
meet one of the service time requirements set forth in MGL Chapter 4, Section 7, Clause 43, MGL Chapter 115, Section 6A, and 108 CMR 3.03;
have received an Other Than Dishonorable discharge from military service;
be a resident of Massachusetts at the time of applying for the annuity and continues to be a resident of the Commonwealth as per MGL Chapter 115, Section 6A; and
meet the requirements for blindness, paraplegia, double amputation or other disability set forth in MGL Chapter 115, Section 6B certified by the VA.
Veterans must submit proof of service (DD214 with Character of Discharge) and proof of disability (VA Rating Decision) with their application as per MGL Chapter 115, Section 6C.
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To be eligible for an annuity, surviving parents must:
survive a veteran whose death was service-connected or resulted from COVID-19 while residing at the Holyoke or Chelsea Veterans’ Homes; and
reside in Massachusetts and continue to reside in Massachusetts from the date of application and while in receipt of annuity payments.
Surviving parents must submit the deceased veteran’s proof of service (DD214 with Character of Discharge), death certificate or casualty report, and birth certificate with their application.
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To be eligible for an annuity, surviving spouses may not be remarried and must:
survive a veteran whose death was service-connected or resulted from COVID-19 while residing at the Holyoke or Chelsea Veterans’ Homes; and
reside in Massachusetts and continue to reside in Massachusetts from the date of application and while in receipt of annuity payments.
Surviving spouses must submit the deceased veteran’s proof of service (DD214 with Character of Discharge), death certificate or casualty report, and VA DIC rating decision with their application.
Veterans and survivors are strongly encouraged to apply for the annuity online. The application packet and supporting documentation may also be submitted through your local or district veterans’ services office, by email, or by mail.
Veterans Equality Review Board
EOVS offers MassVets Financial Benefits based on the income, disability, and veteran status of former service members. To qualify as a “veteran” for the purpose of obtaining these benefits, a veteran must have been discharged “under honorable conditions.”
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Veterans who received a less than honorable discharge who believe the unfavorable characterization resulted from their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression (including situations involving sexual assault, harassment, or domestic violence); race, ethnicity, or color; religious creed; national origin; age, or disability may submit an application to the VERB, along with evidence, to have the facts and circumstances reviewed.
The Veterans Equality Review Board will review the application and render a written recommendation to the Secretary of the Executive Office of Veterans Services within 30 days of receipt.
The EOVS Secretary will then issue a written determination approving or denying the application within 10 days of receiving the board’s recommendations.
If the veteran’s application is approved, the veteran may qualify as a veteran to receive state-based veteran benefits, provided they meet the rest of the basic eligibility requirements.
If the veteran’s application is denied, the veteran may provide additional supporting documentation and request a reconsideration within 30 days of receiving the Secretary’s decision.
Veterans must still meet the time in service requirements and income or disability requirements in order to qualify for Chapter 115 or Annuity financial benefits.
In order to qualify for federal veterans’ benefits, veterans with less than honorable discharges will still need to apply directly to their branch of service to request a discharge upgrade.
Veterans may obtain a Character of Service determination through the VA, which may be able to still offer benefits to veterans if the VA determines their discharge was “under conditions other than dishonorable.”
Visit the Bad Paper Discharge page for more resources around discharge upgrades.
The EOVS Veterans Equality Review Board (VERB) was established in September 2023 under Section 16 of MGL Chapter 115 and broadened under the HERO Act to ensure former service members who received less than honorable discharges may still qualify to receive state-based veterans’ benefits if their discharge was under any of the following circumstances:
discharged under the repealed “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, or otherwise primarily on the basis of sexual orientation, gender expression, or gender identity (including situations involving sexual assault, harassment, or domestic violence); and/or
discharged primarily on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, religious creed, national origin, age, or disability.
Former service members who were discharged or separated under less than honorable conditions on the such a basis may request the VERB review their discharge to determine whether they may qualify to receive Chapter 115 or Annuity benefits in Massachusetts.
Veteran Education, Employment, and Training Office
The mission of EOVS’ Veteran Education, Employment, and Training Office is to empower veterans and their families with competitive employment and career opportunities. In May 2024, the Massachusetts Veteran Ready Business (VRB) program was launched for companies looking to hire veterans and their spouses. VRBs receive notice of veteran hiring events, a veteran employee resource guide, exposure to veterans seeking employment, listing on the VRB webpage, and a VRB badge to display on your website.
Active Duty Service Buyback
Veterans employed by the Commonwealth can “buy back” up to four years of active duty service by paying a lump sum of money to “purchase” up to four years of Commonwealth service and receive credit toward their pension, allowing them to vest in the pension after serving for less than 10 years, depending on how much time they served on active duty. Under the HERO Act, state employees now have up to 10 years after starting state service to enroll in the program, along with a one year grace period for any state employee to enroll.
Massachusetts Veterans’ Bonus Division
The Office of the Treasurer and Receiver General of Massachusetts’ Veterans’ Bonus Division distributes bonuses to eligible active duty, discharged, and deceased veterans who served during various conflicts and Massachusetts National Guard members activated during the Covid-19 pandemic who lived in Massachusetts for at least six months prior to entering military service.
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This bonus is for veterans who have served in the Armed Forces since September 11, 2001. Family members of eligible deceased veteran may also be eligible for this bonus.
First time bonuses are $500-1000.
Additional deployments are $250–500
Individuals may apply regardless of active or discharged status
To be eligible, a veteran must have been living in Massachusetts for at least 6 months immediately prior to entry into the Armed Forces (or prior to activation for Reserve and National Guard personnel) with a discharge under honorable conditions.
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Current and former members of the Massachusetts National Guard who have been activated since the state of emergency was declared by the governor on March 10, 2020 may be entitled to an initial $500 COVID-19 bonus and $250 subsequent bonuses for additional activations. Click here to apply.
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Massachusetts wants to help its veterans of the Vietnam Conflict, WWII, and the Korean War and is offering a bonus. Veterans or family members of a deceased veteran of these wars may be eligible for $100–300.
To be eligible, a veteran must have been living in Massachusetts for at least 6 months immediately prior to entry into the Armed Forces (or prior to activation for Reserve and National Guard personnel) with a discharge under honorable conditions. Click here to apply.
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Massachusetts wants to help its veterans of the Gulf War. If you lived in Massachusetts before entering the military and served honorably between August 2, 1990 and April 10, 1991, you may be eligible for a one-time Persian Gulf War Bonus of $300–500. If you believe that you meet the criteria you can apply. If a veteran that served during the eligibility period is deceased, a family member may be eligible apply for their bonus.
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You may be entitled to a one-time $300 Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (1976–2001) bonus if you lived in Massachusetts for six months immediately prior to entering the military, served honorably, and were awarded the AFEM for participation in combat operations when no other bonus was available. The main years that this bonus covers are 1976–1989 and 1992–2000 (click here for a full list of dates and locations). Click here to apply.
A provision promoting equality in the FY2024 State Budget allows veterans with Bad Paper Discharges due to their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or HIV status to qualify for bonuses that are administered by the Veterans’ Bonus Division. If you aren’t sure about your eligibility for a bonus or have questions, you can submit an inquiry to the Veterans’ Bonus Division.
Executive Office of Elder Affairs
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Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) are public and private non-profit agencies designated by the state to address the needs and concerns of elders at the regional and local levels and may be categorized as city, county, regional planning council or council of nonprofits. Care Coordinate is the central point of connection for member ASAPs and serves as a hub for Massachusetts Home Care, the non-profit trade association representing the network of ASAPs and AAAs in Massachusetts.
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Councils on Aging (COAs) are the municipal agencies that provide local outreach, social and health services, advocacy, information and referral for older adults, their families, and caregivers. Local COAs and Senior Centers serve as elder advocates and links to support services for elders, families, and caregivers and offer services and activities such as outreach, transportation, meals, health screenings, health insurance counseling, and life-long learning, social, fitness, wellness, and recreation activities.
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MassOptions is a public service of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health & Human Services (EOHHS) that can also help older adults, people with disabilities, and family members or caregivers identify aging and disability services and connect to those that can meet their needs. Call 800-243-4636.
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The Eldercare Locator is a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging connecting older adults and their families to local services. Call or text (800) 677-1116, email, or start an online chat to speak with an Information Specialist on weekdays from 8am–9pm.
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The Family Caregiver Support Program is a free program that can help people in Massachusetts who are caring for an older family member, grandparents age 55+ caring for grandchildren, and relatives age 55+ caring for someone with a disability. A Caregiver Specialist will create a plan and offer tips and support. Caregivers can call (800) 243-4636 and ask to speak with a Caregiver Specialist.
Elder Services in Massachusetts
Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in Massachusetts are private, non-profit agencies established under MGL Chapter 19A. Serving around half of people over age 60, ASAPs provide direct and protective services, including information and referrals; interdisciplinary case management; intake and assessment; developing, implementing, and monitoring service plans; reassessing needs; and investigating reports of elder abuse and neglect.
Massachusetts Executive Office of Health & Human Services
Community Behavioral Health Centers
Community Behavioral Health Centers (CBHCs) are a network of 26 centers across Massachusetts serving as one-stop shops offering immediate, confidential care for mental health and substance use services and treatment. CBHCs are open daily for walk-ins, routine appointments, and crisis care. All crisis services offered by CBHCs are open 24/7, including on holidays.
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MCI services are for anyone in Massachusetts experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis to use at any time, no insurance is needed. MCI services are provided by trained professionals who can travel to your location or work with you at a CBHC to assess your needs, provide immediate assistance, and determine the best path forward. Instead of going to the ER, MCI services allow anyone going through a crisis to either walk into a CBHC or call for a team to come to their location and access immediate mental health care.
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CSS is a less restrictive alternative to inpatient hospitalization for people in need of short-term, overnight crisis care that is covered by MassHealth plans and some commercial insurers. The programs have home-like, friendly, and comfortable environments that offer a feeling of community while maintaining a safe and secure setting. CBHCs offer programs for both Adults (age 18+) and Youth (age 18 and under) with services including individual, group, and family therapy; medication management; crisis intervention; and future crisis prevention planning.
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Routine Outpatient Services are comprehensive outpatient mental health and substance use services for MassHealth members that are also covered by some commercial insurers. These services are available from 8am–8pm on weekdays and 9am–5pm on weekends both in-person at CBHCs and via telehealth, with extended hours. Services include:
same-day mental health and substance use evaluation, assessment, and individualized treatment;
individual/family/group therapy;
psychiatric medication consultations;
peer support services;
medication for addiction treatment;
care coordination;
referrals to treatment; and
timely follow-up appointments.
Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line
CBHCs are closely connected to the Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line (BHHL). Launched in January 2023, the BHHL is a 24/7 clinical hotline staffed by trained behavioral health providers and peer coaches who offer clinical assessment, referrals, and crisis triage. The BHHL is always available by phone/text to 833-773-2445 and through online chat. When appropriate, BHHL staff directly connect callers with their nearest CBHC and perform a warm handoff.
Peer Recovery Support Centers
Peer Recovery Support Centers (PRSC) in Massachusetts are free accessible peer-led spaces that provide individuals in recovery from substance use, as well as their family members and loved ones, an opportunity to offer and receive human connection, community inclusion, peer support, and access to non-clinical resources. There are 39 centers throughout the state.
Massachusetts Overdose Prevention Helpline
Massachusetts began funding the Massachusetts Overdose Prevention Helpline in September 2023 to promote the service and hire a full-time operator and call center coordinator, and a part-time medical director, research director, data analyst, and program assistant in the previously volunteer-driven organization. People who are using drugs can call 800-972-0590 to connect with a dedicated team of harm reductionists and people with lived and living experience with overdose who can call for help in case of overdose.
VA Healthcare in Massachusetts
Veterans are encouraged to apply for VA healthcare to determine their eligibility and priority group prior to signing up for Commonwealth Care, Medicare, or MassHealth. Massachusetts veterans are served by the VA Boston, VA Bedford, VA Central Western Massachusetts, and VA Providence healthcare systems. Anyone who has served in the military is encouraged to apply to determine their eligibility and Priority Group. Some veterans are exempt from co-pays due to their VA rating, income, or other special eligibility factors.
Other Healthcare Coverage in Massachusetts
Under the Chapter 58 of the Acts of 2006, 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. VA healthcare qualifies as creditable insurance coverage under the law. For more information on healthcare options, visit our Healthcare page.
Under MGL Chapter 115, Section 4, veterans’ agents must complete and file applications authorized by the Massachusetts Department of Health & Social Services for veterans, widows, and dependents who wish to apply for assistance under MGL Chapter 118E.
Massachusetts residents on Medicare with limited income and assets may qualify for help paying Medicare costs through MassHealth’s Medicare Savings Programs, also known as MassHealth Buy-In (MHBI) to help pay some out-of-pocket costs, including monthly Medicare Part B premiums and Part D prescription drug costs and in some cases, out-of-pocket Part A and Part B coinsurance and deductibles and Part A premiums.
SHINE (Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone) offers health insurance information, counseling, and assistance to people with Medicare and others at no cost. Consumers may contact their local SHINE regional office by calling (800) 243-4636 for Western Massachusetts, Central Massachusetts, Northeastern Massachusetts, Eastern Massachusetts, Southeastern Massachusetts, and Asian Language (Statewide).
Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing & Livable Communities
The Executive Office of Housing & Livable Communities (EOHLC) was established in 2023 to create more homes and lower housing costs in every region. EOHLC also offers information on affordable rental units available statewide that aren’t associated with private market realtors. For more information on housing resources, visit our Housing resource page.
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The Section 8 Veterans Housing Voucher Program program serves homeless veterans with disabilities, severe psychiatric, and/or substance abuse disorders. Admission is by referral only from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans’ Services, VA Medical Centers, or EOVS provider agencies. To be eligible, veterans must:
be honorably discharged; and
have been living in a shelter, in a transitional housing program, or on the street for at least 30 days; and
have a verified disability or diagnosed psychiatric or substance use disorder; and
be psychiatrically stable with no incidence of violence within the prior year.
Veterans’ service providers are responsible for ensuring referrals to the VHVP meet these eligibility criteria at the time of referral. Upon selection from the waiting list, the RAA will verify eligibility for all other Section 8 requirements. Due to the length of time an applicant may be on the waiting list, the RAA may need to reconfirm eligibility with the referring agency.
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If you are on a state-aided public housing waitlist with a Local Housing Authority or private subsidized housing development, you may qualify to receive preference or priority if you are a veteran or immediate family of a veteran, or based on other factors such as:
living in a substandard, dilapidated, unsafe, or condemned unit;
currently being homeless or facing eviction;
being displaced by fire, flood, domestic violence, hate crime, or your unit owner’s action;
paying 50% or more of your income for rent and utilities;
having a mobility impairment and living in an inaccessible unit; or
being a local resident.
Ask your LHA or housing manager what preferences or priority they offer. Certain Massachusetts residents who meet eligibility and gross income requirements may also qualify for the state’s Emergency Assistance housing programs.
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Waitlists are currently open for Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program for both mobile and project-based rental subsidies. MRVP is a housing voucher program where participants pay around 30% of their income in rent and a voucher pays the rest. Mobile vouchers move with the household; participants are given 180 days to find a suitable unit within Massachusetts to maintain it. Mobile vouchers will only pay up to the payment standard as determined by household size and geography.
The income limit for eligible applicants to qualify for the MVRP is 80% of Area Median Income. MRVP looks at your income after program deductions and exclusions are applied. There is an asset limit at eligibility. You do not need to be elderly, disabled, or part of a family to be eligible for MRVP. Only some housing authorities have MRVP.
Many applicants will wait years for a voucher. MRVP offers priorities based on homelessness and they are based on the reason you are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness (including fire or natural disaster, state sanitary code or other violations, no fault loss of housing, and severe medical emergency, or abusive situations).
Any local housing agency can help you apply, even if they don’t have MRVP. Apply online using CHAMP. Paper applications can also be submitted to any housing agency. Click here or watch the information session to learn more. Some local housing agencies maintain waiting lists for project-based vouchers; opportunities are also listed on Housing Navigator Massachusetts.
MRVP offers local and regional preferences based on where you live or last lived, where you work, or where your child attends school. Most mobile vouchers are offered to eligible applicants on local waiting lists. MRVP does not have a preference for veterans; the Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP) and state-funded public housing does.
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The Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP) has a preference for veterans. AHVP provides rental subsidies to eligible applicants who are generally less than 60 years old at eligibility (ie, not elderly) with a disability and income below around 80% of Area Median income. As of February 2023, there were 8 regional non-profit housing agencies and 54 local housing authorities administering AHVP to approximately 700 households under lease across Massachusetts.
LHAs issuing AHVP vouchers: Acton, Amherst, Andover, Barnstable, Belmont, Brockton, Charlton, Chelsea, Fitchburg, Holyoke, Ipswich, Mansfield, Melrose, New Bedford, Newburyport, Northbridge, Provincetown, Revere, Sandwich, Sharon, Spencer, Springfield, Taunton, Westfield, Whitman, and Wrentham.
Participants pay rent in an amount equal to either 25% or 30% of their monthly income to the landlord (depending on whether utilities are included). Regional non-profit housing agencies and local housing authorities administer AHVP locally. The local administering agency provides direct payments to the landlord for the remainder of the monthly rent.
Apply online through the Centralized Housing Application for Massachusetts Programs (CHAMP). Applicants will be placed on the waiting lists they choose. Waits may be long. When an applicant nears the top of an LHA's waiting list, the LHA will contact them to determine eligibility.
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The RAFT program helps keep households in stable housing situations when facing eviction, foreclosure, loss of utilities, and other housing emergencies caused by loss of income, increase in expenses, or both by providing up to $7,000 to help preserve current housing or move to new housing.
RAFT can cover utilities, moving costs, mortgage arrears and overdue rent costs, as well as future rent in limited situations.
To qualify, you must have an income no more than 50% of the AMI (or no more than 60% of the AMI if at risk of domestic violence) and you must be at risk of homelessness or housing instability.
If eligible, you can apply directly through the Massachusetts Emergency Housing Payment Assistance Portal. Landlords can apply directly for rental assistance on behalf of eligible tenants.
As of July 1, 2023, the state-funded RAFT program is available to low-income homeowners who are at risk of foreclosure.
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Massachusetts residents who are homeless, including those fleeing domestic violence (currently or in the past year), who are pregnant, or with children under age 21, and who meet gross income requirements (115% of the Federal Poverty Level) may qualify for Emergency Assistance.
Those found eligible for EA are also eligible for the Short-Term Housing Transition and HomeBASE programs. HomeBASE offers the opportunity for families to overcome the financial barriers impacting their homelessness through case management and funding to support re-housing.
HomeBASE offers up to $20,000 over 2 years for families to pay rent or utility arrears, and payments to allow families experiencing homelessness to stay with other households.
HomeBASE will also cover first/last month’s rent and security deposit required to obtain housing; and moving expenses and many other costs allowing families to become or remain housed.
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More flexible income and credit requirements mean more Massachusetts homebuyers may be eligible for a MassHousing Mortgage with affordable, fixed interest rates and no hidden fees or surprises.
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Qualified borrowers can receive a loan for up to 10% of a home's purchase price or $30,000 to $50,000 depending on the location of the home.
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Eligible members of the Reserves, National Guard, active duty military, veterans, and Gold Star Families can receive an additional $2,500 for closing costs.
Massachusetts Department of Revenue
For initial information about property and motor vehicle excise tax exemptions, contact your local Assessor’s office. Further inquiries may be directed to the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, Division of Local Services, Bureau of Municipal Finance Law.
Property Tax Exemptions
Property tax exemptions established under MGL Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 22–22E are available to eligible veterans, spouses, and parents of veterans occupying the property they own as their domicile on July 1 in the year of application who are legal residents of Massachusetts, having lived in Massachusetts for at least six months prior to entering the service (spouses are exempted) or for five consecutive years immediately prior to filing for the exemption.
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Service-connected disabled veterans rated at 10% or more by the VA; Purple Heart recipients; Gold Star mothers and fathers; spouses of veterans entitled under Clause 22; and eligible surviving spouses of veterans.
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For veterans who have loss or loss of use of one hand above the wrist, one foot above the ankle, or one eye; or who are recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, or Air Force Cross.
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For service-connected disabled veterans rated at 100% by the VA.
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For veterans who have loss or loss of use of both hands or both feet; loss or loss of use of one hand and one foot as described; or loss or loss of use of both eyes.
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For service-connected disabled veterans rated as permanent and totally disabled with Specially Adapted Housing.
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For surviving spouses of soldiers, sailors, or Guard members whose death occurred as a proximate result of an injury sustained or disease contracted in a combat zone, or who are MIA with a presumptive finding of death, as a result of combat as members of the US armed forces.
The HERO Act created two ways for municipalities to either increase property exemptions for veterans through an easier mechanism to double the current exemption for veterans by tying the annual property tax abatement amount to inflation, allowing exempted property tax amounts to increase with inflation.
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Exemptions
Effective January 1, 2024, the HERO Act expanded motor vehicle excise tax exemptions to veterans with service-connected disabilities rated 100% or who are deemed unemployable due to a service-connected disability by the VA. Eligibility was previously determined by the Registry of Motor Vehicle’s Medical Advisory Board. The veteran must own or lease the vehicle to qualify and can apply to receive an exemption on one vehicle per year.
Child Support Services Division
The Massachusetts Department of Revenue’s Child Support Services Division provides direct support to service members and veterans with child support cases in order to help parents manage their child support orders. Service members, veterans, and those planning to enlist in military service can get in touch for help with child support cases by email or by phone at (617) 626-2125. For more financial information and resources, visit our Financial Security page.
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If your child support payments are deducted from your civilian paycheck, CSE can help you transfer that income withholding order to your military pay.
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If you’re transitioning to active duty, you may make less money than you did as a civilian. CSE can help you ask the court to modify your child support payments. Keep in mind that only the court can decide what your child support order should be.
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Depending on your situation, CSE may be able to let you pay less past-due child support or set up a payment agreement.
You may receive needs-based benefits like MassVets Financial Benefits (Chapter 115). CSE can work with you to set up a payment agreement for past-due child support so you can keep receiving your benefits and avoid penalties.
You may be required to obtain a valid passport prior to deployment. The U.S. State Department will refuse to issue or renew passports to parents who owe $2,500+ in past-due child support. CSE can discuss payment options so that you can obtain your passport.
If you owe interest or penalties on past-due child support, CSE may be able to help reduce or remove the charges.
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If you provide health insurance for your children, your private insurance coverage will end if you are called to active duty. However, you may enroll your children in TRICARE. CSE can assist you with this enrollment if you will no longer be maintaining other health insurance coverage.
Massachusetts Department of Career Services
The Massachusetts Department of Career Services provides employment opportunities and training programs to veterans and their families through MassHire Career Centers, where veterans and spouses of veterans who died of a service-connected disability, have a 100% VA service-connected disability rating, or were Missing in Action (MIA) or a Prisoner of War (POW) receive Priority of Service.
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Dedicated Veteran Service Representatives are available throughout the MassHire Career Center system of employment, training, and placement services, funded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Veterans Employment & Training Service (DOL VETS).
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Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program specialists (DVOPs) are located at MassHire Career Centers throughout the state.
DVOPs develop job and training opportunities for veterans with service-connected disabilities and provide direct services to help veterans compete in the job market.
DVOPs promote community and employer support for job and training opportunities, including apprenticeships and on-the-job training, by working with the VA, DoD, employers, and veterans’ and community organizations.
DVOPs act as case managers for veterans enrolled in VA’s vocational rehabilitation and employment program and assist veterans with disabilities and their employers, providing follow up services to support their retention once employed.
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The VWIP grant, awarded to the Department of Workforce Development and Division of Career Services, provides funding for short-term training (less than 48 weeks) for eligible veterans, leading to meaningful employment.
Amounts vary based on eligibility for other funding sources, generally ranging from $1,200 to $5,000. Grants can be combined with other veteran financial benefits (GI Bill, Chapter 115, etc). Contact your local MassHire Career Center’s Veterans Services Representative to apply.
Priority of Service provides expedited access to services and resources funded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS). Priority access is also available to spouses of veterans who died of service-connected disabilities, have a 100% VA service-connected disability rating; or are MIA/POWs. For more information and resources, visit our Employment page.
MassAbility
The MassAbility offers vocational rehabilitation and community living programs. The MassAbility Ombudsman serves as a customer relations liaison between the consumer and the commission, providing assistance and support to people with disabilities and responding to inquiries from agencies and individuals. The Ombudsman may be contacted by email.
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Massachusetts veterans who are not eligible to receive vocational rehabilitation and employment services through the VA because their disability is not service-connected may be eligible for MassAbility programs available to all eligible residents with impairments presenting large barriers to employment.
MassAbility’s Vocational Rehabilitation Program helps job seekers with with physical, cognitive, intellectual or mental health conditions obtain and maintain a job and manage the workplace. To be eligible for VR, individuals must live in Massachusetts and be eligible to work in the US. You can apply for VR services online or contact the VR Office in your area.
Individuals must want to work and need VR services to train, find, or keep a job; you may also benefit from VR if you are unemployed or underemployed. Eligibility information is gathered through current schools, physicians, therapists, hospital and other medical records, self report, Social Security Administration, and psychological or neurological evaluation.
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Massachusetts veterans who are not eligible to receive community living services through the VA’s vocational rehabilitation program because their disability is not service-connected may be eligible for MassAbility programs designed to help people with disabilities live in the community.
MassAbility’s Community Living Program supports the operation of Independent Living Centers and offers Home Care Assistance to disabled adults under age 60, Home Modification Loans, Adult Supportive Living, Assistive Technology, and services focused on brain injuries.
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MassAbility can help people with disabilities understand their benefits and how they can work and still receive benefits to reach their goals for financial independence. People with disabilities can get information from their local Vocational Rehabilitation Office or Project IMPACT.
MassAbility Disability Determination Services (DDS) is 100% funded by the Social Security Administration. DDS Disability Examiners and medical consultants determine eligibility of Massachusetts applicants for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
DDS expedites Military Casualty and Wounded Warrior cases. Service member and veterans whose military casualty resulted in their physical or mental impairment may have their claims expedited if it occurred while on active duty status in the military on or after October 1, 2001 (regardless of how/where it occurred).
If an issue cannot be resolved through the Ombudsman, MassAbility has an appeals process, which may include an informal administrative review, mediation, or an impartial fair hearing. MassAbility also makes determinations of eligibility on Social Security claims through its Disability Determination Services (DDS); the ombudsman also provides assistance to Social Security claimants with concerns.
Massachusetts Department of Higher Education
The Massachusetts Department of Higher Education’s Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) manages and oversees all state-funded financial aid programs and is the principal agency promoting access to higher education and the availability of financial aid resources and programs to help students meet college costs.
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Massachusetts offers a tuition waiver to all veterans and active duty service members who are permanent and legal residents of Massachusetts. Waivers can be used at any Massachusetts state or community college or University campus.
To apply, students must present documentation of eligibility to the institution’s Veterans Certifying Official. Contact the institution you are attending or plan to attend for more information, or contact the Office of Student Financial Assistance at (617) 391-6070.
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The Massachusetts National Guard Education Assistance Program offers a 100% tuition and fee waiver to active members attending a state college, university, or community college program (assistance can continue as long as you are good academic standing for up to 130 semester hours). To apply, you must request a Certificate of Eligibility every 30 credits.
Massachusetts National Guard soldiers taking a course or program at a regionally or nationally accredited, public or private college, university, vocational, technical or trade school located inside or outside of Massachusetts can also receive up to $4,500 per year through the Federal Tuition Assistance program.
Contact the Massachusetts National Guard Education Office to request a Certificate of Eligibility or for more information about the programs.
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The Yellow Ribbon Program can help you pay for higher out-of-state, private school, foreign school, or graduate school tuition and fees that the Post-9/11 GI Bill doesn’t cover. Each participating school decides the amount of support they can offer. Beneficiaries can identify schools participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program in Massachusetts here.
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MassReconnect, led by the Department of Higher Education in partnership with Massachusetts’ public community colleges, is making higher education more affordable and accessible to students across the Commonwealth. MassReconnect is a new program that can help you earn a degree or certificate for free. To be eligible, Massachusetts residents must:
be at least 25 years of age or older as of the first day of classes;
have been a resident of the Commonwealth for at least one year as of the start of the enrollment term; and
have not previously received an associate or bachelor’s degree or the equivalent.
If you meet these requirements, MassReconnect will pay for all your tuition and fees and will provide you with an allowance to cover your books and supplies. All you have to do is apply to your local community college and complete the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA). Awards will be made directly by the community colleges at the point of enrollment throughout the academic year.
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The MASSGrant and MASSGrant Plus programs are funded by the state Legislature and provide need-based financial assistance to undergraduate students who reside in Massachusetts. Follow the links above to review the requirements for the MASSGrant programs to determine if you qualify for assistance.
Students must be enrolled in and pursuing a program of higher education in any approved public or independent college, university, school of nursing or any other approved institution.
Full time students attending Massachusetts four-year public colleges and universities, and full-time and part-time students attending Massachusetts public community colleges may be eligible for additional funding to help with the cost of tuition, fees and books.
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The Veterans Upward Bound Program hosted by Suffolk University is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education. The program helps eligible veterans in Massachusetts who would like to attend any institution of higher learning to prepare for college and their careers.
Most post-secondary institutions require incoming students to take an assessment exam; VUB offers a rigorous academic program to prepare students for these assessments. VUB also provides college and career advising, financial planning, and application assistance.
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The Massachusetts Public Service Grant was established for students who have experienced the loss of a parent and/or spouse who is killed or missing in the line of public service duty in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Public Service Grant Program is the only scholarship program not based on demonstrated financial need, but rather entitlement.
To be eligible for a Massachusetts Public Service Grant, at student must be able to provide the necessary documentation to evidence that they are:
the child or widowed spouse of a Massachusetts Police Officer, Firefighter, or Corrections Officer who was killed or died from injuries received in the line of duty, including authorized training duty; or
the child of a Prisoner of War Military Service Person Missing in Action in Southeast Asia whose wartime service was credited to the Commonwealth and was between February 1, 1955 and the termination of the Vietnam campaign; or
the child of a Veteran whose service was credited to the Commonwealth and who was killed in action or died as a result of such service.
To receive the Massachusetts Public Service Grant, eligible students meeting the conditions above must also:
be a permanent legal resident of Massachusetts for one year prior to the start of the academic year for which the scholarship is granted;
be a U.S. Citizen or non-citizen eligible under Title IV regulations;
have applied for financial aid, using the standard FAFSA;
not be in default of any federal or state Student Loans for attendance at any institution or owe a refund for any previous financial aid received;
be enrolled full time (at least 12 credits or its equivalent) in a certificate, associate’s or bachelor’s degree program at an a public or independent college or university in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts which is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and is authorized by the Commonwealth to offer undergraduate degree programs;
not have received a prior bachelor’s degree or its equivalent; and
be maintaining satisfactory academic progress in accordance with institutional and federal standards.
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The Board of Higher Education voted unanimously in 2013 to approve the VALOR Act Academic Credit Evaluation Policy requiring each public institution of higher education to develop a set of policies and procedures governing the evaluation of a students’ military occupations, training, coursework, and experience to determine whether academic credit shall be awarded.
The policy requires institutions to designate a single point of contact for student veterans about the policy who will also make determinations concerning the award of academic credits under the policy. The policy provides for consistent application by all Massachusetts public higher education institutions to the greatest extent possible. Click here to view the policies of each institution.
The Massachusetts DPH’s Office of Veterans Education is the State Approving Agency (SAA) responsible for monitoring and approving educational institutions and programs within Massachusetts on behalf of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The SAA plays a critical role in ensuring veterans and their beneficiaries may use their VA benefits in pursuit of their personal education and career goals.
Under the authority of USC Title 38 and Title 10, Chapter 1606, each institution and program in Massachusetts must be individually approved by the SAA before VA beneficiaries may use their VA education and training benefits for a program.
Beneficiaries may search the most current listing of VA-approved programs and institutions on the VA WEAMS Institution Search page or VA GI Bill Comparison Tool.
Students using the GI Bill who are called back to active duty can review the Deployment Checklist as a guideline; check with the Veterans Certifying Official and lending institutions for specific deployment and re-deployment actions. For more information and resources, visit our Employment and Education pages.
Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office
The Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office (SDO) certifies diverse businesses in Massachusetts, including as Veteran Business Enterprises (VBE) and Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Business Enterprises (SDVOBE). In June 2023, the SDO launched a searchable Certified Diverse Business Dashboard mapping all certified diverse businesses, allowing users to locate businesses by location and type of business, including VBEs and SDVOBEs.
Companies with a principal place of business in Massachusetts interested in obtaining SDO certification must attend a mandatory, 2-hour pre-certification workshop prior to submitting an application. For more resources, visit our Entrepreneurship page.
Massachusetts Office of the Inspector General
Massachusetts formed the first state Office of the Inspector General in the US. The IG’s Office an independent agency focused on preventing and detecting waste, fraud, and abuse of public funds and property by state agencies, counties, cities, towns, quasi-governmental authorities and districts, individuals, corporations, and nonprofits doing business with the government.
The IG has broad authority under MGL Chapter 12A to oversee the use of state, local, and federal funds by state and local governments and those who receive government funds or use public property. The IG’s Office has reviewed Massachusetts veterans’ services since 2020 and is overseeing the implementation of Chapter 144 of the Acts of 2022 with reports in April and August 2022 and January 2023.
With the elevation of Veterans’ Services in Massachusetts from a Department of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to a Secretariat, the unit within OIG with oversight of EOHHS lost jurisdiction. In July 2023, the OIG’s first Director of Veterans’ Services was sworn in under the authority of MGL Chapter 12A to oversee services provided to veterans through the state and municipalities.
Massachusetts Office of the State Auditor
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The 2014 Audit of DVS covered July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2013. The purpose of the audit was to review and assess the outreach activities and efforts of DVS and local veterans’ agents and to evaluate the performance measures and results concerning outreach. The audit was terminated because:
DVS had no formal definition of the parameters of its outreach strategy and efforts in each program; and
DVS had no reliable performance data to review to determine whether outreach efforts were achieving desired outcomes.
The 2017 Audit of DVS covered July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2016. The purpose of the audit was to examine activities related to outreach. The audit found opportunities for DVS to use available data and collect statistical information to improve its program administration.
DVS was using census data to estimate the overall number of veterans living in Massachusetts, but not the number of veterans in each city or town. DVS officials reported not being aware that the state Elections Division has information on veterans living in each community; DVS may obtain lists of veterans in each community and provide them to veterans’ agents.
Veterans eligible to receive health insurance through MassHealth are similar to those eligible to receive Chapter 115 benefits. MassHealth asks recipients if they are veterans. A list of 13,679 veterans receiving MassHealth was provided to DVS during the audit; only 1,460 were receiving Chapter 115 benefits and 7,938 of remaining veterans were found likely eligible.
DVS didn’t require staff or local veterans’ agents to maintain statistical information on veterans’ served and not served, or collect and analyze other information in order to assess the effectiveness of DVS programs and support outreach efforts (for example, when DVS provides homeless veterans with supports or veterans’ agents visit housing complexes to reach out to elderly residents).
The audit found DVS wasn’t collaborating with other state agencies that veterans receive benefits from to support direct outreach to veterans potentially eligible for Chapter 115.
The overall lack of data limits the potential to evaluate program effectiveness and improve outreach.
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The most recent 2022 Audit of the Department of Veterans Services covering July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2021 found DVS wasn’t ensuring its Women Veterans’ Network achieved its intended purpose (identifying women veterans and informing them about benefits).
DVS maintained a list of only 1,545 women veterans, representing around 6% of the 25,000 women veterans estimated to live in Massachusetts.
The audit recommended establishing policies and procedures, including a monitoring component, for WVN’s operations to ensure that all required activities are conducted and documented.
The 2022 Audit also found DVS didn’t have 11 members appointed to its Advisory Committee on Women Veterans. DVS provided a list of five advisory committee members, including one who had not been a member since 2010.
DVS worked with the Governor’s Office and Executive Office of Health and Human Services to identify candidates and made the appointments to the Committee. As of June 2022, there were 13 commissioners appointed.
Update: On November 6, 2023, Governor Healey swore in members of the Governor’s Advisory Committee on Women Veterans, which includes 17 members appointed to ensure women veterans’ needs and rights a prioritized and promoted within Massachusetts.
The Office of the State Auditor conducts audits, investigations, and studies to promote accountability and transparency, improve performance, and make government work better. State Auditor Diana DiZoglio is the chief accountability officer for state government in Massachusetts and its residents. The OSA has offices in Boston, Marlborough, Chicopee, and Brockton. The OSA has conducted audits of Massachusetts Veterans’ Services four times since 2001.
Massachusetts Office of the Veteran Advocate
Chapter 144 of the Acts of 2022 established the Office of the Veterans Advocate, a quasi-state agency that ensures veterans in the Commonwealth’s care receive timely, safe, humane, and effective services. Appointed as the Commonwealth’s first Veteran Advocate in November 2023, retired Colonel Bob Notch was tasked with standing up the newly formed office.
OVA examines the care and services executive agencies provide to veterans on a system-wide basis; advises the public and state government on how services can be improved; investigates incidents where veterans suffer fatality, near fatality, or serious bodily or emotional injury receiving services from an executive agency; and reports annually on service delivery and recommendations.
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Bob Notch, Veteran Advocate
Scott Pitta, General Counsel
Kate Watson, Policy & Research
Danielle Dupont, Administrative Officer & CFO
Nathan Dufault, Veterans Safety Advisor
Anthony Langone Jr., Communications Specialist
Elliott Pawlak, Policy Analyst
Veterans in Massachusetts
Based on 2022 ACS 5-year estimates, there are around 266,304 veterans living in Massachusetts, including 18,873 women veterans. Around 55% of veterans in Massachusetts are age 65 or older (147,259 veterans), including almost 27% of women (5,038 veterans).
If you serve veterans and are trying to learn more about their demographics, explore the most recent ACS 5-year estimates from Census Reporter for cities and towns in Massachusetts using the links below.
Tables for period of military service, service-connected disability, veteran status by educational attainment, age by veteran status and employment, and median income by gender and veteran status are available at the state, county, and city and town level with 5-year estimates (most reliable). Age by gender and veteran status is available, including with racial iterations:
5-year estimates: White alone, Black or African American alone, American Indian or Alaskan Native alone, Asian alone, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander alone, some other race alone, two or more races, White alone and not Hispanic or Latino, and Hispanic or Latino.
1-year estimates: White alone, Black or African American alone, Asian alone, some other race alone, two or more races, White alone and not Hispanic or Latino, and Hispanic or Latino.
Age by disability by veteran and poverty status is available at the state and county level and sex by age by employment status with armed forces is available at the state level with 1-year estimates (most current).