Massachusetts Veteran Benefits (2026 Guide)
A complete guide to state-level benefits for veterans living in Massachusetts, including property tax exemptions, education programs, employment preference, and more. These benefits are in addition to your federal VA benefits.
Official source: Massachusetts veterans affairs agency — applications, forms, and current filing deadlines come from the state directly.
Benefits at a Glance
Massachusetts' state-level veteran benefits cover everything from a local-option property tax work-off program worth up to $1,500 a year to an annuity for veterans who are blind, paraplegic or lost both legs from service, or who are rated 100% disabled as a result of enemy action or a service-connected accident.
Getting help in Massachusetts
Accredited claims help
Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services
Phone: (617) 210-5480
15 New Chardon Street, Suite 400, Boston, MA 02114
www.mass.gov/orgs/executive-office-of-veterans-services
Verified September 2026. Call to confirm before you travel.
Local veterans offices
Massachusetts cities and towns are required by law to establish and maintain a veterans services department. Massachusetts runs this at city and town level, not county level.
Find Your Local Veterans Service Officer
Financial help: veterans' benefits under M.G.L. c. 115 (paid by the city or town)
Verified September 2026.
Not sure what you qualify for yet? The briefing takes about three minutes and needs no signup.
Start the briefingProperty Tax Exemption
$400-$1,500 exemptions by disability; $1,000 at 100%; full exemption for paraplegic or 100% service-connected blind veterans
Massachusetts provides property tax exemptions under M.G.L. c. 59 § 5: Clause 22, $400 (or $2,000 of valuation) for a rating of 10% or more; Clause 22A, $750, for loss or loss of use of one hand or foot, loss of sight of one eye, certain valor medals, or former prisoners of war; Clause 22B, $1,250, for loss of both hands, both feet, one hand and one foot, or sight of both eyes; Clause 22C, $1,500, for permanent and total disability with a VA specially adapted housing grant; Clause 22E, $1,000 (or $6,000 of valuation), for a 100% rating. Clause 22F fully exempts the home of a veteran who is a paraplegic or rated 100% for service-connected blindness, and Clause 22D fully exempts surviving spouses of service members whose service injury or illness caused their death. Cities and towns that accept Clause 22J can add up to 100% of these amounts. Veterans must meet a residency test (domiciled in Massachusetts for 6 months before entering service, or 2 consecutive years before filing). Apply to your local board of assessors by April 1 or within 3 months after the tax bill is sent.
Income Tax Benefits
Military retirement pay fully exempt
Massachusetts fully exempts military retirement pay from state income tax. VA disability compensation is also tax-free.
Hunting & Fishing Licenses
No veteran-specific hunting or fishing license
The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife does not offer a veteran-specific license. Its free licenses are for people who are blind, have an intellectual disability or have paraplegia.
Education Benefits
Free tuition at state schools for all veterans; Guard 100% waiver
All Massachusetts veterans receive tuition waivers at state colleges and universities. National Guard members receive 100% tuition and fee waivers.
Employment & Hiring Preference
Veterans preference in state civil service; civil service exam waivers
Massachusetts grants veterans preference in state and municipal civil service — disabled veterans and Gold Star family members receive absolute preference (placed at top of eligible list). Non-disabled veterans receive preference over non-veterans with equal scores. Civil service exam fee is waived for veterans.
Vehicles & DMV
Free disabled veteran license plates
Free "Disabled Veteran" license plates for veterans with service-connected disability.
State Parks
Free state parks pass for disabled veterans
Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation provides free parking passes at state parks for veterans with service-connected disability.
Housing & Veterans Homes
Massachusetts Veterans Homes (Chelsea and Holyoke)
Massachusetts operates two Veterans Homes — Chelsea and Holyoke — providing long-term care for eligible veterans; the Chelsea home also offers residential (domiciliary) care.
Additional Benefits
- $2,500 annual annuity for disabled veterans, Gold Star parents, and surviving spouses (paid Aug 1)
- Welcome Home Bonus: $500-$1,000 one-time for post-9/11 veterans (varies by deployment)
Veterans in Massachusetts
Massachusetts is home to roughly 250,000 veterans and has a storied military history stretching back to the American Revolution. Joint Base Cape Cod, Hanscom Air Force Base, and the Natick Soldier Systems Center maintain an active military presence. The VA Boston Healthcare System and the Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital in Bedford provide comprehensive care. Massachusetts also operates two state veterans homes (Holyoke and Chelsea), and its cities and towns are required by law to maintain a department of veterans' services, led by a director the mayor or selectmen appoint.
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts Veteran Benefits
Does Massachusetts offer property tax exemptions for veterans?
$400-$1,500 exemptions by disability; $1,000 at 100%; full exemption for paraplegic or 100% service-connected blind veterans. Massachusetts provides property tax exemptions under M.G.L. c. 59 § 5: Clause 22, $400 (or $2,000 of valuation) for a rating of 10% or more; Clause 22A, $750, for loss or loss of use of one hand or foot, loss of sight of one eye, certain valor medals, or former prisoners of war; Clause 22B, $1,250, for loss of both hands, both feet, one hand and one foot, or sight of both eyes; Clause 22C, $1,500, for permanent and total disability with a VA specially adapted housing grant; Clause 22E, $1,000 (or $6,000 of valuation), for a 100% rating. Clause 22F fully exempts the home of a veteran who is a paraplegic or rated 100% for service-connected blindness, and Clause 22D fully exempts surviving spouses of service members whose service injury or illness caused their death. Cities and towns that accept Clause 22J can add up to 100% of these amounts. Veterans must meet a residency test (domiciled in Massachusetts for 6 months before entering service, or 2 consecutive years before filing). Apply to your local board of assessors by April 1 or within 3 months after the tax bill is sent.
Are military retirement benefits taxed in Massachusetts?
Military retirement pay fully exempt. Massachusetts fully exempts military retirement pay from state income tax. VA disability compensation is also tax-free.
What education benefits does Massachusetts offer veterans?
Free tuition at state schools for all veterans; Guard 100% waiver. All Massachusetts veterans receive tuition waivers at state colleges and universities. National Guard members receive 100% tuition and fee waivers.
Do veterans get free or discounted hunting and fishing licenses in Massachusetts?
No veteran-specific hunting or fishing license. The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife does not offer a veteran-specific license. Its free licenses are for people who are blind, have an intellectual disability or have paraplegia.
Does Massachusetts give veterans hiring preference for state jobs?
Veterans preference in state civil service; civil service exam waivers. Massachusetts grants veterans preference in state and municipal civil service — disabled veterans and Gold Star family members receive absolute preference (placed at top of eligible list). Non-disabled veterans receive preference over non-veterans with equal scores. Civil service exam fee is waived for veterans.
Are there veterans homes or housing programs in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts Veterans Homes (Chelsea and Holyoke). Massachusetts operates two Veterans Homes — Chelsea and Holyoke — providing long-term care for eligible veterans; the Chelsea home also offers residential (domiciliary) care.
Do veterans get free or discounted state park access in Massachusetts?
Free state parks pass for disabled veterans. Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation provides free parking passes at state parks for veterans with service-connected disability.
Want the full picture?
Massachusetts benefits sit alongside federal compensation, healthcare, education, housing, and employment benefits. The optional briefing walks through what may apply to your specific service.
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