Establishment - Function   

    Massachusetts Veterans Services & Benefits   

1. Summary of Veterans Services
   
   Chapter 115 of the General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts provides for two distinct Veterans benefits programs; an Ordinary Benefits Programs and a Service Program both designed to assist eligible Massachusetts Veterans and/or their dependents.

>TOP

1. Benefits Programs
   
   Ordinary Benefits provides financial and/or medical assistance. It is a "need-based" program with eligibility requirements similar to other federal poverty-level programs.

   >TOP

2. Service Program
   
   The Service Program provides advice and assistance to all veterans and/or their dependents in obtaining the various benefits due them under Federal Veterans Administration (VA) programs.

   >TOP

3. Program Administration
   
   The Program is administered by the Office of the Commissioner of Veterans services located at 600 Washington Street, Room 1100, Boston, MA 02111. The commissioner is empowered by law to adopt regulations and issue directives for the guidance of all persons involved with either program. Initial contact for an applicant seeking benefits is through a local Veterans Agent in the applicants residential community. These Agents are appointees and employees of the local municipality. Their duties, however, are strictly dictated and regulated by the specifics of MGL Chapter 115 and the Department of Veterans Services in Boston.

   >TOP

4. Eligibility Criteria
   
   The eligibility criteria for Ordinary Benefits is "need-based" as dictated by Commonwealth of Massachusetts (CMR) Regulations (108 CMR). Limits, allowances and requirements may vary according to prevailing economic conditions or changes in the governing laws. A summary description of the criteria is as follows:

   1. Residency - Applicant must be a verifiable resident of the community he/she is applying in.

   2. Service Dates - Length and dates of service must conform to established requirements.

   3. Discharge - Discharge must have been under honorable conditions.

   4. Assets - Assets cannot exceed maximum allowances. House of residency and personal auto are exempt.

   5. Income - Income from any and all sources: SS, SSI, VA Pension, VA Disability Compensation, Retirement Pensions, IRA's, Employment Wages, etc. must be within allowable limits.

      >TOP

5. Application Process
   
   Applying for, and obtaining, veterans benefits requires the completion of certain forms involving the disclosure of much personal information all of which is treated in a confidential manner.
   
   When contemplating an application for benefits, it is advisable to first contact the local Agent by phone. During this initial contact, the Agent may conduct some preliminary inquiries that could resolve the eligibility question without any further ado. At the very least, the applicant will be advised of his/her rights under the law. If the applicant appears eligible, he/she will be given an appointment and instructed to have available pertinent documents required for submission with an official application.
   
   Most important among these documents is the Veteran's Service Record, Form DD214. Any application for benefits will not be processed without an accompanying DD214. If the applicant does not possess this document, he/she should advise the Agent in advance, enabling him to expedite it's acquisition. On the occasion of the appointment with the Agent, the applicant will be asked questions pertaining to family, financial, employment and court history. All information provided must be verifiable and is subject to investigative procedures to ensure both it's accuracy and integrity.
   
   Assuming the successful completion of the application, a preliminary determination of eligibility and extent of benefits should be forthcoming within a day or two. Actual amounts of financial assistance varies from one applicant to another due to individual income differences and other peculiar, contributing factors.

   >TOP