Massachusetts Veteran Benefits

Massachusetts offers 28 state-level veteran benefits in 2026, spanning 13 tax programs, 3 education programs, 2 housing programs, 1 healthcare program, 1 recreation program, and 1 employment program. 20 are available to any honorably discharged veteran regardless of rating; 5 are reserved for veterans rated 100% disabled by the VA. These stack with federal VA benefits.

Massachusetts offers 5 state benefits specifically for veterans rated 100% disabled by the VA, including: Property Tax Exemption -- Clause 22E (100% Disability), Disabled Veteran Annuity ($2,500/year), Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Exemption (100% Disabled), and 2 more. These typically include enhanced property tax exemptions, free hunting/fishing licenses, free state park access, and registration fee waivers. 100% disabled Massachusetts veterans also qualify for the 23 broader benefits available at lower rating thresholds — 28 total.

Veterans rated 50% or higher qualify for 23 Massachusetts state benefits — every benefit available to any veteran (20) plus benefits gated at 10-49% (1) plus 2 additional benefits gated at the 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% threshold. These typically include partial property tax credits, hunting/fishing license discounts, and tuition assistance. A 100% rating unlocks 5 additional benefits on top.

Yes. Massachusetts offers 13 tax-related benefits for veterans. The headline program is Military Retirement Pay Income Tax Exemption: Military retirement pay is fully exempt from Massachusetts state income tax. Estimated value: Full retirement pay exemption. Whether Massachusetts also exempts military retirement pay and VA disability compensation from state income tax varies by program — see the Tax Benefits section above for the full list.

Massachusetts offers 3 state education benefits: Categorical Tuition Waiver for Veterans; National Guard Education Assistance Program; Children/Spouse of KIA/MIA/POW Scholarship. Some are tuition waivers at state public universities; others are scholarships for surviving spouses and children of veterans who died in service or were rated permanently and totally disabled. These supplement (and in many cases stack with) the federal Post-9/11 GI Bill.

Massachusetts's veteran license plate / registration benefit: Special Veteran License Plates and Decals. Specialty veteran-designated license plates by branch of service and wartime era. Apply through your local DMV / county tax assessor with your VA disability rating letter and DD-214.

Yes — Massachusetts offers 1 recreation-related veteran benefit, including: Free Hunting and Fishing Licenses (Blind/Paraplegic). Most state park, hunting, and fishing license discounts are tied to a minimum VA disability rating (typically 50% or 100%) and require Massachusetts residency.

Each Massachusetts state benefit has its own application — there is no single application that covers them all. Most require: (1) DD-214 or equivalent discharge document, (2) proof of Massachusetts residency, and (3) VA disability rating letter if the benefit is rating-gated. Use the application URL listed on each benefit's detail page on this site. For complex cases (claims appeals, dependent benefits), contact your county Veterans Service Officer (VSO) for free assistance.

Yes. Massachusetts state benefits are administered separately from federal VA benefits and the two are designed to stack. A Massachusetts veteran can simultaneously receive federal VA disability compensation, VA healthcare, GI Bill education benefits, AND any Massachusetts state programs they qualify for. Some specific overlaps (e.g., state tuition assistance) may require exhausting federal GI Bill benefits first; check each benefit's eligibility notes.

Massachusetts benefits unlock at every VA rating tier. 20 benefits require no disability rating (available to any honorably discharged veteran). 1 are gated at 10-40%. 2 are gated at 50-90%. 5 require a 100% rating. Veterans rated 100% qualify for ALL 28 Massachusetts state benefits.