Chapter 115 Benefits

About Massachusetts General Law (MGL) Chapter 115 Veteran's Benefits

Who is eligible to receive MGL Chapter 115 Benefits?

The Department of Veterans's Services and your local VSO
The History of Veterans Benefits in MassachusettsWhat types of benefits are available?
How long can I expect to receive financial assistance?

What are my responsibilities as a recipient of GL Chapter 115 Benefits?

How do I file claims for medical expenses? 

Who is eligible to receive MGL Chapter 115 Benefits?

Anyone qualifying as a veteran under the MGL Chapter 4, Section 7, clause 43, as amended by the Acts of 2005, Chapter 130, may be eligible for veterans' benefits from the community in which they reside, provided they meet the Income and Asset Limits for this need based program. For the year 2023, the maximum monthly income allowed for an individual is $2,430.00, and for a couple is $3,287.00. Additional family members would change these amounts. However, applicants whose income is slightly above allowable limits may be eligible for medical benefits at a "spend down" adjustment amount. Asset limits for 2023 are $8,400.00 for and individual and $16,600.00 for a couple. Note that even if your income is higher than the specified amounts you still may qualify for reimbursements of medical expenses. Unlike many states, Massachusetts extends the coverage for Veterans' Benefits beyond the veteran and his or her eligible dependents. These eligible dependents may also apply for veterans' benefits. The surviving spouse of a deceased veteran, provided that the spouse was married to the veteran at the time of his or her death, is considered an eligible dependent. Living spouses, children, and parents might also qualify to receive benefits. For more information on program financial limits see About income and Assets.

Chapter 115 Income and Asset Eligibility Chart
For 1 in household$2,430 max monthly income, $8,400 asset limits (single)
For 2 in household$3,287 max monthly income, $16,600 asset limits (married)

The History of Veterans Benefits in Massachusetts

In the 18th century, towns in the Massachusetts Bay Colony provided assistance to their needy veterans of the French and Indian War (1754-1763), fought between France and Great Britain in North America. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts began providing for its veterans immediately following the Revolutionary War. At the start of the Civil War in 1861, the state legislature formalized the assistance provided to veterans by establishing MGL Chapter 115 and the Department of Veterans Services (DVS).

The Department of Veterans Services and your local Veterans Service Officer

MGL Chapter 115 requires each town or city to provide a Veterans Service Officer (VSO), as well as a Burial Agent and Graves Officer. These town/city employees support the needs of local veterans within the city/town limits. Larger towns and cities are required to provide a full time VSO, while less populated towns and cities are given the option of having a part time VSO, or joining together with other towns/cities to form a district, which would be serviced by a VSO who would be responsible for serving the multiple towns/cities within the formed district.
Back to top

What types of benefits are available?

Benefits may be available in several forms. The most frequently asked about benefits are provided in the form of financial assistance to aid in meeting the cost of shelter, sustenance, and medical expenses. To determine the eligibility to receive such financial assistance, the VSO will ask the applicant to provide proof of certain expenses, as well as proof of income and assets. The VSO may require other supporting documents such as Marriage, Birth, Death Certificates, and Discharge papers, depending on the situation. Ceilings are set for income and benefits based on the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) at 200%. Using the documents provided, the VSO will determine an allowable budget as outlined in 108 Code of Massachusetts Regulations (108 CMR). Once the applicants budget has been established, the VSO will determine if the applicant is eligible for any financial assistance. Other types of benefits may be available depending on certain qualifying criteria.
Back to top

How long can I expect to receive financial assistance?

Recipients of financial assistance under MGL Chapter 115 Veterans' Benefits may fall into several categories, which affect the status of their claims. For instance, a recipient who is not totally and permanently disabled or retired, would be expected to seek full time employment and might expect to receive assistance for a brief period of time while they secure a job. A recipient who is totally and permanently disabled, or who is retired, might find themselves in a financial situation whereby their needs dictate that they continue to receive benefits indefinitely.
Back to top

What are my responsibilities as a recipient of GL Chapter 115 Benefits?

Full disclosure and timely updates for changes in circumstances are key responsibilities. For starters, during the application process you must fully disclose to the VSO the financial information and documents requested. You must declare all income and all possessed assets, to include bank accounts, IRAs, Certificates of Deposit, and available on hand cash. If you generate income from self-employment efforts, even if not on a regular basis, you must report  this income when it is generated.  You may be required to provide forms such as the IRS 1099 or Schedule C Form 1040 tax claim.

Once enrolled, you must report any changes in circumstances to the VSO, to include any changes in the amount received from a reported income source, or any new sources of income. You must report any changes in medical or shelter expenses. This includes changes in rent, fees, mortgage, fire insurance, or taxes that are charged to you; or changes in your share of such expense if you begin sharing this cost with another. You must report increases or decreases in medical insurance premiums or other health care costs.  These changes must be reported within one month from the change occurring.

When eligible, you must seek alternate sources of income and benefits such as VA Health Care, VA Compensation, VA Pension, Social Security Disability Income, Supplemental Security Income, or benefits from MGL Chapter 118, such as MassHealth and Prescription Advantage.

All recipients of MGL Chapter 115 Veterans' Benefits are eligible to file for medical reimbursement for co-pays associated with doctor visits, hospital visits, and most medication expenses. Reimbursement for dental and eye care may be available at the Division of Health Care Finance and Policy (DHCFP) allowable levels.

The bottom line is to  keep the VSO in the know.  The VSO can't help you with things he or she doesn't know. Although most recipients do not intentionally attempt to defraud the community and state, failure to disclose information about assets and/or income, or changes in reimbursed expenses can lead to benefits being discontinued, and possible action to recover benefits already paid.
Back to top

How do I file claims for medical expenses?

One of the most used and beneficial aspects of Massachusetts General Laws (MGL) Chapter 115 Veterans' Benefits program is the filing of claims for reimbursement of medical costs.  Most medical costs are reimbursed at 100% of the out of pocket expenses to the claimant, after all other payers, discounts, deductions, and rebates have been applied (e.g. insurance, assistance programs, etc.). However, certain items such as dental and vision are reimbursed based on tables created by the Division of Health Care Finance and Policy (DHCFP) of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This benefit is not guaranteed for Unemployed/Employable veterans.

Some examples of medical costs that are reimbursable are doctor, hospital, dental, and prescription co-pays.  Also, reimbursable are medical insurance premiums, however, dental insurance premiums are NOT reimbursable. Medical insurance premiums include premiums for Medicare Supplemental Insurance. Some plans include Medicare Part B and Part D Supplemental Insurance in a combined premium, while others provide only one or the other; both are reimbursable. Also reimbursable, is the premium for Medicare Part B enrollment ($104.90 in 2015 for a majority of first time enrollees).

No matter what the source of the medical cost, when filing medical claims you must provide supporting documentation. The supporting documentation must include certain items,  depending on the type of medical cost to be reimbursed.

Medical insurance premiums may be claimed by providing a copy of the paid monthly or quarterly bill, or by providing proof of an auto-debit from a banking account for premium amount. When providing copies of bills, the bills must include the insured's name, the coverage period, and the amount of the premium after all other payers, discounts, deductions, and rebates have been applied (e.g. assistance by the state or federal programs). For more detailed info on filing medical claims, see About Filing Medical Claims.

Questions for any topics not covered herein should be directed to your VSO.
Back to top