Massachusetts Veteran Benefits

Benefits organized by category so you can quickly compare tax relief, education support, recreation perks, and more.

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How Massachusetts compares

Massachusetts offers a solid middle-tier package with 21 tracked benefits and decent support in Property Tax, Income Tax, Education, Employment.

Quick categories

🏠 Property Tax 💰 Income Tax 🎓 Education 💼 Employment 🎣 Recreation 🚗 Vehicle ⭐ Other 🏥 Healthcare

🏠 Property Tax

3 tracked items

Clause 22 - Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption (10%+)

Rating: 10%+

$400-$800 annual exemption (varies by municipality, e.g. $412 in Boston FY2026) for veterans with 10%+ service-connected disability. Must occupy as primary residence on July 1.

Eligibility: Veterans with 10%+ disability rating. MA residency (6 months pre-service or 5 consecutive years prior to filing). Source

Clauses 22A-22F - Enhanced Veteran Exemptions

Rating: Varies by clause (10% to 100%)

Additional property tax exemptions ranging from $400 to $1,500+ annually for higher disability levels. Clause amounts vary by disability severity and municipality.

Eligibility: Veterans meeting specific disability criteria per clause (e.g., Purple Heart, loss of limb, blindness, 100% disabled). Source

Surviving Spouse Full Exemption

Rating: None (service-connected death)

Surviving spouses of veterans whose death was service-connected qualify for full property tax exemptions. Other surviving spouses may qualify for partial relief.

Eligibility: Surviving spouses of service-connected deceased veterans. Source

💰 Income Tax

1 tracked item

Military Retirement Pay Full Exemption

Rating: None

Military retirement pay and Survivor Benefit Plan payments are completely exempt from Massachusetts state income tax.

Eligibility: All military retirees and SBP recipients. Source

🎓 Education

3 tracked items

Tuition Waiver at State Institutions

Rating: None

Massachusetts veterans who are permanent residents get a waiver of TUITION at state colleges and universities (Categorical Tuition Waiver). Note that at most Massachusetts public schools, mandatory fees are much larger than tuition and are not waived.

Eligibility: Permanent MA resident veterans. Source

National Guard 100% Tuition & Fees Coverage

Rating: None

Covers 100% of tuition and fees (up to 130 semester hours) at state schools for National Guard members.

Eligibility: Active Massachusetts National Guard members. Source

Dependents of Fallen Education Benefit

Rating: None (KIA/MIA/POW)

Children and spouses of KIA/MIA/POW service members receive undergraduate tuition coverage at state institutions or $2,500/year at independent colleges.

Eligibility: Children and spouses of KIA, MIA, or POW service members. Source

💼 Employment

2 tracked items

Civil Service Exam Priority

Rating: None (disability for enhanced priority)

Veterans scoring 70%+ on civil service exams rank at the top of the list. Disabled veterans receive additional priority. Promotional exam candidates get 2-point bonus.

Eligibility: Veterans scoring 70%+ on civil service exams. Disabled veterans get further priority. Source

Military Spouse Expedited Credentialing

Rating: None

Military spouses relocating to Massachusetts receive expedited professional credentialing.

Eligibility: Military spouses with licensed professions. Source

🎣 Recreation

2 tracked items

Resident-Rate Hunting/Fishing License (Active Duty)

Rating: None

Active-duty personnel may purchase hunting and fishing licenses at resident rates.

Eligibility: Active-duty service members. Source

Free Day-Use State Park Parking

Rating: Any disability (per plate eligibility)

Free day-use parking at state parks for disabled veteran license plate holders. Camping fees not waived.

Eligibility: Disabled veteran license plate holders. Source

🚗 Vehicle

2 tracked items

Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Exemption

Rating: Specific condition-based

One-vehicle excise tax exemption for veterans with loss of foot, hand, or eyesight, or both-eye vision impairment.

Eligibility: Veterans with loss of foot/hand/eye or both-eye vision impairment. Source

Vehicle Sales Tax Exemption

Rating: Specific condition-based

One-vehicle sales tax exemption for veterans with loss/permanent impairment of both legs, both arms, or one leg and one arm.

Eligibility: Veterans with loss/impairment of both legs, both arms, or one leg + one arm. Source

⭐ Other

6 tracked items

Chapter 115 Safety Net Benefits

Rating: None

Covers living expenses, healthcare, dependent support, and homelessness prevention through municipal veteran service officers.

Eligibility: Veterans in financial need, administered by local veteran service officers. Source

Annuity Payment ($2,000/year for 100% Disabled)

Rating: 100%

$2,000 a year, paid in two $1,000 installments (Aug 1 and Feb 1), for Massachusetts veterans rated 100% service-connected and for surviving spouses/parents of those who died in service.

Eligibility: 100% service-connected disabled veterans and their surviving spouses. Source

Welcome Home Bonus

Rating: None

$250-$1,000 bonus for returning resident veterans. Dependents receive payment if veteran is deceased.

Eligibility: Massachusetts resident veterans returning from service. Source

Guard Member Death Benefit ($100,000)

Rating: None (service-connected death)

Dependents receive $100,000 if Guard member's death results from service-connected injury or illness.

Eligibility: Dependents of Guard members who die from service-connected causes. Source

Pro Bono Legal Services

Rating: None

State judiciary-funded pro bono legal services through multiple law firms and organizations.

Eligibility: All veterans. Source

State Veterans Cemeteries (Agawam & Winchendon)

Rating: None

Two state veterans cemeteries offering free burial for eligible veterans. Modest fees for spouses and dependents.

Eligibility: Eligible veterans and dependents. Source

🏥 Healthcare

2 tracked items

State Veterans Homes (Holyoke & Chelsea)

Rating: None

Two residential care facilities in Holyoke and Chelsea for veterans.

Eligibility: Veterans meeting residency and service requirements. Source

Homeless Veteran Housing Network (600+ Beds)

Rating: None (disability for Section 8)

Network providing 600+ beds for homeless veterans. Section 8 vouchers assist disabled homeless veterans.

Eligibility: Homeless veterans. Section 8 for disabled homeless veterans. Source

⚠️ Verify Before You Rely: State veteran benefits change frequently. The information above is summarized for general guidance and may not reflect the most current laws, amounts, or eligibility requirements. Always verify with your state VA office or state Department of Veterans Affairs before making financial decisions. Last reviewed: April 2026.