State file · MA
Veteran benefits in Massachusetts
Massachusetts exempts military retirement pay from state income tax and layers on a disabled veteran annuity, property tax exemptions, and generous tuition waivers. Here is how the benefits break down.
Back to the state mapMassachusetts file
Financial benefits
Income tax on retirement pay
Military retirement pay is tax-free at the state level in Massachusetts.
Property tax exemption
Veterans rated at least 10% disabled by the VA may qualify for a property tax exemption of $400 to $1,500. Applicants must be legal Massachusetts residents occupying the property as their domicile on July 1st, and must either have lived in Massachusetts for at least six months before entering service or for five consecutive years immediately before filing.
Vehicle sales tax exemption
Qualifying disabled veterans are exempt from sales tax on one motor vehicle for personal, non-commercial use.
Disabled veteran annuity
Veterans with a 100% disability rating may receive a $2,000 annuity, payable in two $1,000 installments on August 1st and February 1st.
Welcome Home Bonus & combat zone extensions
A Welcome Home Bonus is available to veterans who lived in Massachusetts immediately before entry into service. Tax filing deadlines are also extended by the time served in a combat zone (or related hospitalization) plus 180 days.
Sales tax picture
Statewide sales tax is listed at about 6%, with prescription medicines and unprepared foods exempt.
Recreation
Hunting & fishing licenses
Non-resident military personnel stationed in Massachusetts can buy licenses at resident rates, and qualifying disabled residents may receive a free freshwater fishing license or free hunting license.
Free state park parking
Parking fees at state parks are waived for vehicles displaying a disabled veteran license plate or placard, or a Purple Heart recipient license plate.
Education programs
Categorical tuition waiver
Eligible veterans can receive a tuition waiver at Massachusetts state and community colleges and universities.
National Guard tuition & fee waiver
Massachusetts National Guard members are eligible for a 100% tuition and fee waiver for up to 130 semester hours.
Veterans Upward Bound
UMass Boston and Suffolk University host the Veterans Upward Bound Program, offering college preparation and career training for veterans.
Veteran housing
Massachusetts State Veterans Homes
State veterans homes at Holyoke and Chelsea serve veterans with an honorable discharge who served at least 90 consecutive days in the Armed Forces during wartime.
Employment & job training
State hiring preference
Honorably discharged veterans receive 5 points added to state employment examination scores, and disabled veterans receive 10 points. Candidates scoring 70% or higher are placed at the top of the hiring list.
Burials & memorials
National cemeteries in Massachusetts
The state's national cemetery options include the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne and the Woodlawn Cemetery Soldiers' Lot in Ayer.
VA resources in Massachusetts
Boston Regional Benefits Office
The VA regional office serving Massachusetts for benefits claims and questions.
Official siteVA Boston Healthcare System
VA medical care through campuses in Brockton, Jamaica Plain, and West Roxbury.
Official siteVA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System
VA medical care for the western part of the state, based in Leeds.
Official siteBefore you apply
- First-time applicants generally need a copy of their DD-214 or discharge paperwork — keep certified copies somewhere safe.
- Most programs require a discharge under other than dishonorable conditions; a dishonorable or bad-conduct discharge may bar eligibility.
- “Active service” has a specific definition for many programs — training periods don’t always count. When in doubt, ask the agency directly.
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