Q. Who is a veteran?
A. For veterans in Massachusetts, you are a veteran if you received a discharge under honorable conditions and served for at least 90 days of regular active duty, one day of which was during wartime, or you served for 180 days during peacetime, and you received a discharge under honorable conditions.
Q. What is a Welcome Home Bonus?
A. Veterans returning from active duty are entitled to a Welcome Home bonus. For veterans returning from Iraq or Afghanistan, the bonus is $1,000. Check with your veterans agent to find out what type of bonus you are entitled to.
Q. What if I have limited income?
A. Veterans who have a limited income may be eligible for Chapter 115 funding, which is a needs-based program that provides financial support to qualified veterans. Every community has a veterans agent who can administer the program. For more information, go to www.mass.gov/veterans.
Q. Are there waivers for tuition?
Veterans qualify for tuition waivers from any Massachusetts state college or university. For more information go to, www.osfa.mass.edu.
The University of Massachusetts at Boston provides a special Upward Bound Program that allows veterans to get information about colleges, careers and academic skills. The program holds workshops, computer tutorials, tutoring and classroom instruction. The program is free to qualified veterans. For more information, go to www.veterans-ub.umb.edu.
For information on education and training benefits, go to [Link]www.gibill.va.gov or call (888) 442-4551 or visit the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education Web site, www.osfa.mass.edu.
Q. Are there any property tax exemptions?
A. Eligible veterans may be entitled to property tax exemptions. For more information, go to www.mass.gov/dor.
Q. Is there a preference in civil service positions?
A. Veterans may be qualified for preference in civil service positions. For more information, contact the Human Resource Division at (617) 878-9757.
Q. Is there a seperate women’s veteran network?
A. There is a women’s veteran network within the department of veteran’s services. For more information go to www.mass.gov/veterans.
Q. Who is considered a dependent?
A.
* Spouse of veteran.
* Widow or widower of the veteran.
* Dependent parent of veteran.
* Child of veteran if less than 19 years old.
* Child of veteran between 19 and 24 years old if enrolled high school or college.
* Child of veteran older than 19 years old if mentally or physically unable to support himself or herself and was affected by the disability prior to his or her 18th birthday.
* Legally adopted children of veteran.
Contact your veterans agent to find out about dependents and what they are entitled to.
Q. What are my rights as a veteran?
A.
File an application for benefits at any time.
Receive assistance from local veterans agent
Receive an explanation of services and benefits
Receive explanation of approval or denial of benefits application
Talk to your veterans agent about all of your rights.
Q. Where can veterans apply for health care?
A. Veterans can obtain application forms to enroll in the VA healthcare system at any VA health care facility or regional benefits office, or online at www.va.gov/1010ez.htm or by calling (877) 222-VETS.
Q. What type of loan programs are veterans eligible to receive?
Q. What other Helpful publications are there?
A. Your veterans’ agent should have copies of the following publications, which all provide detailed information about benefits and programs offered on the state and federal levels:
Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents
Welcome Home: Your Guide to Veterans’ Benefits and Rights
Veterans’ Laws and Benefits
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