Massachusetts Veteran Benefits

Discover 28 state benefits available to Massachusetts veterans based on your disability rating and service history.

28
State Benefits
8
Benefit Categories
Any
Min Rating Required
Statewide Only
County Programs

Benefit Categories in Massachusetts

🏛️Tax Benefits(13)

Military Retirement Pay Income Tax Exemption

Any Veteran

Military retirement pay is fully exempt from Massachusetts state income tax.

Value: Full retirement pay exemption

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VA Disability Pension Income Tax Exemption

Any Veteran

VA disability pensions are fully exempt from Massachusetts state income tax.

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Survivor Benefit Plan Income Tax Exemption

Any Veteran

SBP payments are fully exempt from Massachusetts state income tax.

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Property Tax Exemption -- Clause 22 (10%+ Disability)

10%+

Approximately $400 property tax exemption for veterans with 10%+ service-connected disability.

Value: ~$400 (may be doubled)

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Property Tax Exemption -- Clause 22A (Loss of One Limb/Eye)

Any Veteran

For veterans who lost or lost use of one hand, foot, or eye in service. Approximately $750 property tax exemption.

Value: ~$750 (may be doubled)

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Property Tax Exemption -- Clause 22B (Loss of Two Limbs/Eyes)

Any Veteran

For veterans who lost or lost use of two hands, feet, or eyes in service. Approximately $1,250 property tax exemption.

Value: ~$1,250 (may be doubled)

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Property Tax Exemption -- Clause 22C (Specially Adapted Housing)

Any Veteran

Approximately $1,500 property tax exemption for veterans who received specially adapted housing (severe service-connected disabilities — loss of limbs or blindness).

Value: ~$1,500 (may be doubled)

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Property Tax Exemption -- Clause 22D (Surviving Spouse of Service Death)

Any Veteran

Full property tax exemption for surviving spouse of veteran who died from service-connected cause.

Value: Full property tax exemption

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Property Tax Exemption -- Clause 22E (100% Disability)

100%+

Approximately $1,000 property tax exemption for veterans with 100% service-connected disability.

Value: ~$1,000 (may be doubled)

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Property Tax Exemption -- Clause 22F (Paraplegic Veteran)

Any Veteran

For veterans with service-connected paraplegia. Full property tax exemption.

Value: Full property tax exemption

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Property Tax Exemption -- Clause 22H (Gold Star Parent)

Any Veteran

Full property tax exemption for eligible surviving Gold Star parents.

Value: Full property tax exemption

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Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Exemption (100% Disabled)

100%+

Full exemption from motor vehicle excise tax on one vehicle for 100% disabled veterans.

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Motor Vehicle Sales Tax Exemption (100% Disabled)

100%+

Full exemption from 6.25% sales tax on one vehicle for 100% disabled veterans.

Value: 6.25% sales tax exemption on one vehicle

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🏠Housing & Home Loans(2)

Section 8 Veterans Housing Voucher Program

Any Veteran

Rental assistance housing vouchers for homeless veterans with disabilities or substance abuse disorders.

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Public Housing Continued Occupancy Protection

Any Veteran

Veterans and Gold Star families in public housing for 8+ years cannot be denied continued occupancy.

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🎓Education & Training(3)

Categorical Tuition Waiver for Veterans

Any Veteran

Full or partial tuition waiver at Massachusetts state colleges, universities, and community colleges.

Value: Full or partial tuition waiver

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National Guard Education Assistance Program

Any Veteran

100% tuition and fees at Massachusetts state institutions for active National Guard members.

Value: 100% tuition and fees

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Children/Spouse of KIA/MIA/POW Scholarship

Any Veteran

Full tuition scholarship at Massachusetts state institutions for dependents of KIA, MIA, POW, or service-connected death veterans.

Value: Full tuition

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🏥Healthcare(1)

Massachusetts Veterans' Homes (Holyoke and Chelsea)

Any Veteran

Residential and long-term care at two state veterans homes with subsidized costs.

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💼Employment(1)

Veterans' Civil Service Preference

Any Veteran

Absolute preference on civil service eligibility lists for veterans, with disabled veterans receiving top priority.

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💰Compensation(3)

Chapter 115 Veterans' Benefits (Safety Net Program)

Any Veteran

Means-tested financial assistance for food, shelter, clothing, fuel, medical care, and behavioral health.

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Massachusetts Veterans' Wartime Service Bonus

Any Veteran

One-time bonus payments for veterans who served during wartime periods or combat operations.

Value: $200-$1,000+ per bonus

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Disabled Veteran Annuity ($2,500/year)

100%+

$2,500 annual payment for 100% disabled veterans, parents of deceased veterans, and unremarried surviving spouses.

Value: $2,500/year

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🚗Transportation(4)

Special Veteran License Plates and Decals

Any Veteran

Specialty veteran-designated license plates by branch of service and wartime era.

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Disabled Veteran License Plates (60%+ Disability)

60%+

Special DV plates for veterans with 60%+ disability that affect ambulation, unlocking tax and fee exemptions.

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Driver's License Fee Exemption (100% Disabled)

100%+

Exemption from driver's license transaction fees for 100% disabled veterans.

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Vehicle Registration Fee Exemption (100% Disabled)

100%+

Exemption from vehicle registration fees for 100% disabled veterans.

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🌲Recreation & Parks(1)

Free Hunting and Fishing Licenses (Blind/Paraplegic)

Any Veteran

Free freshwater fishing and hunting licenses for blind or paraplegic veterans. Resident pricing for stationed nonresidents.

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2026 VA Disability Compensation Rates

Monthly payment amounts effective December 1, 2025. These federal rates apply to all Massachusetts veterans.

RatingVeteran AloneWith Spouse
10%$180.42$180.42
20%$356.66$356.66
30%$552.47$617.47
40%$795.84$882.84
50%$1,132.90$1,241.90
60%$1,435.02$1,566.02
70%$1,808.45$1,961.45
80%$2,102.15$2,277.15
90%$2,362.30$2,559.30
100%$3,938.58$4,158.17

Rates for 10-20% are the same regardless of dependents. Dependent additions apply at 30%+. View complete rate tables →

Frequently Asked Questions — Massachusetts Veteran Benefits

How many state veteran benefits does Massachusetts offer?
Massachusetts offers 28 state-level veteran benefits across categories including tax exemptions, education, housing, healthcare, employment assistance, and more. Benefits range from programs available to all veterans to those requiring a 100% VA disability rating.
What disability rating do I need for Massachusetts veteran benefits?
Massachusetts veteran benefits are available at various disability rating levels. 20 benefits are available to any veteran regardless of rating. Others require ratings of 10% to 100%. Use VetUnlock's free tool to see exactly which benefits match your specific rating.
Does Massachusetts offer property tax exemptions for disabled veterans?
Yes, Massachusetts offers 13 tax-related benefits for veterans. Military Retirement Pay Income Tax Exemption: Military retirement pay is fully exempt from Massachusetts state income tax.
What education benefits are available to Massachusetts veterans?
Massachusetts offers 3 education benefits for veterans and their families. These include: Categorical Tuition Waiver for Veterans, National Guard Education Assistance Program, Children/Spouse of KIA/MIA/POW Scholarship.
How do I apply for Massachusetts veteran benefits?
Each Massachusetts veteran benefit has its own application process. Most require a DD-214 (discharge paperwork) and proof of Massachusetts residency. Use VetUnlock to see which benefits you qualify for and get direct links to each application.

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