Veterans' Guide to Benefits
Other Sources of Assistance
Operation Enduring Freedom - Operation Iraqi Freedom Veterans
Every U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) has a Returning Veteran Coordinator to assist those returning from service in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
Bedford VAMC (781) 687-2000
Boston VAMC* (617) 232-9500
Northampton VAMC (413) 584-4040
*serving Brockton, Jamaica Plain, and West Roxbury campuses
For more information on the VA’s programs for returning veterans, visit www.oefoif.va.gov.
The Department of Veterans’ Services has produced a publication with information about rights and benefits specifically for OEF/OIF veterans. The publication, entitled “Welcome Home: Your Guide to Veterans’ Benefits and Rights” can be accessed on the DVS website or you can call to request a copy.
Department of Veterans’ Services
600 Washington Street, Suite 1100
Boston, MA 02114
(617) 210-5480
Fax: (617) 210-5755
www.mass.gov/veterans
Email: mdvs@vet.state.ma.us
Canines for Combat Veterans
Canines for Combat Veterans is a project of New England Assistance Dog Services (NEADS) based in Princeton, MA. NEADS provides extensive training for service dogs to assist veterans with physical disabilities so that they can maintain their independence. NEADS dogs are granted public access rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
To be eligible to receive a dog, individuals must spend two weeks attending a training course with their dog and pay a fee. NEADS offers fundraising assistance and flexible payment options. It is NEADS’ policy not to deny any application on the basis of the applicant’s ability to pay.
Contact information
NEADS, Dogs for Deaf and Disabled Americans
P.O. Box 213
West Boylston, MA 01583
(978) 422-9064 voice or TDD
www.neads.org
Agent Orange and Gulf War Helpline
VA and many other government departments and agencies have conducted research studies on the possible health effects of Agent Orange exposure on U.S. veterans. VA has recognized certain cancers and other health problems as associated with exposure to Agent Orange. The VA has a toll-free helpline for Vietnam veterans to answer their questions about Agent Orange exposure, healthcare, and benefits. This same toll-free number (800-749-8387) connects callers with a special Persian Gulf War helpline to inform those veterans about medical care and benefits available to them. For more information call the Agent Orange and Gulf War Helpline (800) 749-8387 and visit the website www.va.gov/agentorange.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides a wide range of benefits to U.S. veterans and their families. It offers its benefit system through three major units: the Veterans Benefits Administration, the Veterans Healthcare System, and the National Cemetery Administration. Among the types of benefits that veterans receive through the VA are education and job training, disability compensation, pension payments, life insurance programs, a loan guarantee program, and hospital and medical care services. In addition to medical centers, the healthcare system includes nursing homes, domiciliary, and Vet Centers offering readjustment counseling.
Contact Information
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Regional Office
JFK Federal Building, Room 1525
Boston, MA 02203
(800) 827-1000
www.va.gov
Toll-free numbers for contacting VA
VA Benefits: (800) 827-1000
Life Insurance: (800) 669-8477
Education (GI Bill): (888) 442-4551
Healthcare Benefits: (877) 222-8387
Gulf War/Agent Orange Helpline: (800) 749-8387
Status of Headstones and Markers: (800) 697-6947
Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD): (800) 829-4833
For health care services, contact your nearest VA medical facility
Bedford VA Medical Center: (781) 687-2000
Brockton VA Medical Center: (508) 583-4500
Jamaica Plain (Boston) VA Medical Center: (617) 232-9500
Northampton VA Medical Center: (413) 584-4040
West Roxbury (Boston) VA Medical Center: (617) 323-7700
State park parking fee waiver
There is no charge for parking a vehicle with disabled veteran license plates at any state park. For more information contact:
Department of Conservation and Recreation
251 Causeway Street, Suite 600
Boston, MA 02114-2104
(617) 626-1250
www.mass.gov/dcr
Email: mass.parks@state.ma.us
Hanscom AFB Commissary
Active duty military personnel and retirees, members of the Reserve and National Guard, and their families can shop at the Hanscom AFB Commissary to buy quality grocery products at cost.
Store services:
- ATM
- Bakery (including party cakes and photo cakes)
- Deli (including sandwiches to go)
- Hot Foods Department
- Plants
Contact information
Hanscom AFB Commissary
1709 Building A - Griffiss Street
Hanscom AFB, MA 01731-6290
(781) 377-4210
www.commissaries.com
Veterans’ organizations
Veterans’ organizations provide assistance directly to veterans as well as advocate for legislative and policy issues important to veterans.
Organization |
Telephone |
Website |
American Legion |
(617) 727-2966 |
|
American Legion National Service Office |
(617) 303-5693 |
|
American Legion Auxiliary |
(617) 727-2958 |
|
AMVETS |
(617) 727-2972 |
|
AMVETS National Service Office |
(617) 565-5698 |
|
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) |
(617) 727-2974 |
|
DAV National Service Office |
(617) 565-5675 |
|
Gold Star Wives of America, Inc. |
|
|
Italian American War Veterans |
(617) 720-0414 |
|
Jewish War Veterans |
(617) 727-2963 |
|
Korean Veterans of America |
(617) 523-1441 |
|
Korean War Veterans |
(617) 723-1783 |
|
Marine Corps League |
(617) 720-0414 |
|
Marine for Life |
|
|
Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) |
(617) 303-5696 |
|
MOPH National Service Office |
(617) 303-5688 |
|
New England Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America |
(800) 660-1181 |
|
OIF/OEF Veterans of Massachusetts |
(617) 372-8200 |
|
Persian Gulf Era Veterans |
(617) 263-7438 |
|
Polish Legion of American Veterans |
(617) 720-0414 |
|
Puerto Rican Veterans Association |
(877) 280-5595 |
|
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) |
(617) 727-2612 |
|
Vietnam Veterans of America |
(617) 303-5687 or (800) VVA-1316 |
|
Legal Assistance by Counties
If you need help with legal matters, contact one of the legal services below, which may offer sliding fee and pro bono services.
Legal Service |
Contact |
Massachusetts Bar Association, Boston Office |
(617) 338-0500 |
Massachusetts Bar Association, Western Mass Office |
(413) 731-5134 |
Barnstable, Dukes, Nantucket County |
Legal Services for Cape Cod and Islands (includes part of Plymouth County) |
(508) 775-7020; toll-free: (800) 742-4107 Senior citizens: (508) 771-7458 |
Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire County |
Massachusetts Justice Project, Holyoke Office |
(413) 533-2660; toll-free: (800) 639-1209 |
Western Mass. Legal Services, Pittsfield Office |
(413) 499-1950; toll-free: (800) 639-1509 |
Western Mass. Legal Services, Greenfield Office |
(413) 584-4034 |
Bristol, Norfolk County |
New Center for Legal Advocacy, New Bedford Office |
(508) 979-7160; toll-free: (800) 244-9023 |
Southeastern Mass. Legal Services, Fall River Office |
(508) 676-6265; toll-free: (800) 287-3777 |
Southeastern Mass. Legal Services, New Bedford Office |
(508) 979-7150; toll-free: (800) 929-9721 |
Essex County |
Merrimack Legal Services—Lawrence |
(978) 687-1177 |
Hampden County |
Massachusetts Justice Project, Holyoke Office |
(413) 533-2660; toll-free: (800) 639-1209 |
Western Mass. Legal Services, Springfield Office |
(413) 781-7814; toll-free: (800) 639-1109 |
Middlesex County |
Community Legal Services and Counseling Center (Cambridge) |
(617) 661-1010 |
Greater Boston Legal Services (Boston) |
(617) 371-1234; toll-free: (800) 323-3205 |
Cambridge/Somerville Legal Services (Cambridge, surrounding towns) |
(617) 494-1800 |
Legal Assistance Corporation of Central Mass. (Worcester County) |
(508) 752-3718); toll-free: (800) 649-3718 |
South Middlesex Legal Services (Framingham, Marlboro, Dedham, surrounding towns) |
(508) 620-1830; toll-free: (800) 696-1501 |
Tri-City Community Action Program Inc. (Malden, Medford, Everett, Melrose, Wakefield) |
(781) 322-4125 |
Boston College Legal Assistance Bureau |
(781) 893-4793 |
Merrimack Legal Services, Lowell Office |
(978) 458-1465 |
Plymouth County |
Southeastern Mass. Legal Services (Senior Law Project), Brockton Office |
(508) 586-2110; toll-free: (800) 244-8393 |
New Center for Legal Advocacy, New Bedford Office |
(508) 979-7160; toll-free: (800) 244-9023 |
Legal Services for Cape Cod and Islands (includes part of Plymouth County) |
(508) 775-7020; toll-free: (800) 742-4107 Senior Citizens: (508) 771-7458 |
Greater Boston Legal Services |
(617) 371-1234; toll-free: (800) 323-3205 |
Law Advocate Resource Center (LARC) |
(617) 742-9179; toll-free: (800) 342-5297 |
Volunteers Lawyer Project (Boston) |
(617) 423-0648 |
Suffolk County |
Greater Boston Legal Services |
(617) 371-1234; toll-free: (800) 323-3205 |
Harvard Legal Aid Bureau (Cambridge) |
(617) 495-4408 |
Community Legal Services and Counseling Center |
(617) 661-1010 |
Law Advocate Resource Center (LARC) |
(617) 742-9179; toll-free: (800) 342-5297 |
Volunteers Lawyer Project (Boston) |
(617) 423-0648 |
Worcester County |
Legal Assistance Corporation of Central Mass. |
(508) 752-3718); toll-free: (800) 649-3718 |
Western Mass. Legal Services, Northampton Office |
(413) 584-4034; toll-free: (800) 639-1309 |
Massachusetts Justice Project, Worcester Office |
(508) 831-9888; toll free: (888) 427-8989 |
Veterans’ Service Officers
Veterans’ Service Officers (VSOs) are appointed by the mayors in cities and by the board of selectmen in towns to administer Chapter 115 benefits to veterans. One person may serve as a VSO for two or more communities. VSOs process applications for emergency assistance benefits that are paid to veterans and/or their dependents for periods of time when they may not be able to support themselves. They also administer benefits for burial expenses of veterans and their dependents who die without sufficient means to pay for funeral expenses. For the most up-to-date listing of VSOs contact:
Department of Veterans’ Services
600 Washington Street, Suite 1100
Boston, MA 02114
(617) 210-5480
www.mass.gov/veterans
Email: mdvs@vet.state.ma.us
Veterans’ agents listing by municipality
Municipalities (in parentheses) are where the office is actually located; capital letters indicate a city:
A
Abington (781) 982-0056
Acton (978) 264-9603
Acushnet (508) 998-0207
Adams (413) 743-8300
Agawam (413) 786-0400, x1237
Alford (413) 528-1580
Amesbury (978) 388-8136
Amherst (413) 259-3028
Andover (978) 623-8218
Aquinnah (Vineyard Haven) (508) 693-6887
Arlington (781) 316-3166
Ashburnham (978) 630-4017
Ashby (978) 345-9566
Ashfield (413) 863-3205
Ashland (508) 881-0100, x673
Athol (978) 249-6935
ATTLEBORO (508) 223-2222, x 3281
Auburn (508) 832-7706
Avon (508) 584-1945
Ayer (978) 772-8220
B
Barnstable (508) 778-8740/888-778-8701
Barre (978) 355-5024, x8
Becket (Lee) (413) 243-5519
Bedford (781) 275-1328
Belchertown (413) 323-0409
Bellingham (508) 966-5800
Belmont (617) 993-2725
Berkley (Dighton) (508) 669-5027
Berlin (Clinton) (978) 838-2442
Bernardston (413) 863-3205
BEVERLY (978) 921-6018
Billerica (978) 671-0968
Blackstone (508) 883-1624
Blandford (413) 527-6294
Bolton (Clinton) (978) 838-2442
BOSTON (617) 635-3037
Bourne (Barnstable) (508) 778-8740/888-778-8701
Boxborough (978) 263-1116
Boxford (North Andover) (978) 688-9525
Boylston (508) 869-2774
Braintree (781) 794-8217, x 8217
Brewster (508) 778-8740/888-778-8701
Bridgewater (508) 697-0908
Brimfield (Monson) (413) 283-2610
BROCKTON (508) 580-7850
Brookfield (413) 436-9615
Brookline (617) 730-2112
Buckland (Montague) (413) 863-3205
Burlington (781) 270-1960
C
CAMBRIDGE (617) 349-4761
Canton (781) 821-5005
Carlisle (Billerica) (978) 671-0968
Carver (508) 866-3406
Charlemont (413) 863-3205
Charlton (508) 248-2244
Chatham (508) 778-8740/888-778-8701
Chelmsford (978) 250-5238
CHELSEA (617) 466-4250
Cheshire (413) 743-1690
Chester (Westfield) (413) 572-6247
Chesterfield (413) 296-0313
CHICOPEE (413) 594-3470
Chilmark (Vineyard Haven) (508) 693-6887
Clarksburg (413) 663-8624
Clinton (978) 365-4112
Cohasset (781) 383-0505
Colrain (Turners Falls) (413) 863-3205
Concord (978) 318-3038
Conway (Turners Falls) (413) 863-3205
Cummington (413) 634-5354
D
Dalton (413) 684-6111, x19
Danvers (978) 777-0001
Dartmouth (508) 910-1818
Dedham (781) 751-9265
Deerfield (Turners Falls) (413) 863-3205
Dennis (508) 778-8740/1-888-778-8701
Dighton (508) 669-5027
Douglas (Whitinsville) (508) 234-9808
Dover (Needham) (781) 455-7532
Dracut (978) 453-9492
Dudley (508) 949-8010, x2
Dunstable (978) 649-3919
Duxbury (781) 910-4747
E
East Bridgewater (508) 378-1603
East Brookfield (508) 885-7500, x115
East Longmeadow (413) 525-5427
Eastham (508) 778-8740/1-888-778-8701
Easthampton (413) 529-1415
Easton (508) 230-0550
Edgartown (508) 693-6887
Egremont (413) 528-1580
Erving (Turners Falls) (413) 863-3205
Essex (Ipswich) (978) 356-3915
EVERETT (617) 394-2321
F
Fairhaven (508) 979-4024
FALL RIVER (508) 324-2432
Falmouth (508) 495-7450
FITCHBURG (978) 345-9566
Florida (413) 663-6353
Foxborough (508) 543-1204
Framingham (508) 532-5515
Franklin (508) 520-4973
Freetown (508) 644-3029
G
GARDNER (978) 630-4017
Gay Head (Vineyard Haven) (508) 693-6887
Georgetown (978) 356-3915
Gill (Turners Falls) (413) 863-3205
GLOUCESTER (978) 281-9740
Goshen (413) 268-8236
Gosnold (Vineyard Haven) (508) 693-6887
Grafton (508) 839-5335, x123
Granby (South Hadley) (413) 529-1415
Granville (413) 786-0400, x236
Great Barrington (413) 528-1580
Greenfield (413) 772-1571
Groton (978) 448-1175
Groveland (Haverhill) (978) 374-2351, x32
H
Hadley (413) 584-5436
Halifax (781) 293-1724
Hamilton (Ipswich) (978) 356-3915
Hampden (Monson) (413) 267-4140
Hancock (Williamstown) (413) 738-5225
Hanover (781) 829-0968
Hanson (781) 293-2772, x106
Hardwick (413) 477-6197
Harvard (978) 456-4100, x25
Harwich (508) 778-8740/888-778-8701
Hatfield (413) 587-1299
HAVERHILL (978) 374-2351, x32
Hawley (Turners Falls) (413) 863-3205
Heath (Turners Falls) (413) 863-3205
Hingham (781) 741-1440
Hinsdale (413) 655-8110
Holbrook (781) 767-9051
Holden (508) 799-1041
Holland (Monson) (413) 267-4140
Holliston (Mendon) (508) 478-6175
HOLYOKE (413) 322-5630
Hopedale (Mendon) (508) 478-6175
Hopkinton (Mendon) (508) 478-6175
Hubbardston (978) 630-4017
Hudson (978) 568-9635
Hull (781) 925-0305
Huntington (Westfield) (413) 323-0409
I
Ipswich (978) 356-3915
K
Kingston (781) 585-0515
L
Lakeville (508) 947-7224
Lancaster (Berlin) (978) 838-2442
Lanesborough (413) 743-0573
LAWRENCE (978) 620-3281
Lee (413) 243-5519
Leicester (508) 892-7025
Lenox (413) 822-4343
LEOMINSTER (978) 534-7538
Leverett (Turners Falls) (413) 863-3205
Lexington (781) 861-0194
Leyden (Greenfield) (413) 772-1571
Lincoln (781) 259-4472
Littleton (978) 952-2325
Longmeadow (413) 567-3046
LOWELL (978) 970-4068
Ludlow (413) 583-5600 x290
Lunenburg (978) 582-4130
LYNN (781) 586-6911
Lynnfield (781) 334-2252
M
MALDEN (781) 397-7139
Manchester (978) 526-2014
Mansfield (508) 851-6411
Marblehead (781) 631-0990
Marion (508) 748-1059
MARLBOROUGH (508) 460-3782
Marshfield (781) 834-5576
Mashpee (508) 778-8740/1-888-778-8701
Mattapoisett (508) 758-4114, x212
Maynard (978) 897-0561
Medfield (508) 359-8505
MEDFORD (781) 393-2504
Medway (Mendon) (508) 478-6175
MELROSE (781) 979-4186
Mendon (508) 478-6175
Merrimac (978) 465-4418
Methuen (978) 983-8585
Middleborough (508) 946-2407
Middlefield (413) 684-1956
Middleton (978) 762-0611
Milford (508) 634-2311
Millbury (Gardner) (508) 630-4017
Millis (508) 376-7059
Millville (508) 883-1186
Milton (617) 898-4939
Monroe (Turners Falls) (413) 863-3205
Monson (413) 267-4140
Montague (413) 863-3205
Monterey (413) 528-1580
Montgomery (413) 862-8095
Mt. Washington (Great Barrington) (413) 528-1580
N
Nahant (781) 581-0088
Nantucket (508) 228-6149
Natick (508) 647-6545
Needham (781) 455-7532
New Ashford (413) 458-5671
NEW BEDFORD (508) 991-6184
New Braintree (West Brookfield) (413) 867-9179
New Marlborough (Gt. Barrington) (413) 528-1580
New Salem (978) 863-3205
Newbury (Newburyport) (978) 465-4418
NEWBURYPORT (978) 465-4418
NEWTON (617) 796-1090
Norfolk (508) 473-3407
NORTH ADAMS (413) 662-3040
North Andover (978) 688-9525
North Attleborough (508) 699-0120
North Brookfield (508) 867-0205
North Reading (978) 664-6011
NORTHAMPTON (413) 587-1299
Northborough (508) 393-5024
Northbridge (508) 234-9808
Northfield (413) 863-3205
Norton (508) 285-0218
Norwell (781) 659-8004
Norwood (781) 762-1240, x208
O
Oak Bluffs (Vineyard Haven) (508) 693-6887
Oakham (508) 882-5217
Orange (Turners Falls) (413) 863-3205
Orleans (Hyannis) (508) 778-8740/1-888-778-8701
Otis (Gt. Barrington) (413) 528-1580
Oxford (508) 987-6034
P
Palmer (413) 283-2610
Paxton (508) 755-1477
PEABODY (978) 538-5925
Pelham (413) 259-3028
Pembroke (781) 293-4651
Pepperell (978) 433-0342
Peru (Dalton) (413) 684-6111, x19
Petersham (978) 249-6935
Phillipston (Winchendon) (978) 249-6935
PITTSFIELD (413) 499-9433
Plainfield (Turners Falls) (413) 863-3205
Plainville (508) 699-4647
Plymouth (508) 747-1620 x173
Plympton (781) 888-4820
Princeton (Worcester) (978) 799-1041
Provincetown (508) 487-7099
Q
QUINCY (617) 376-1192
R
Randolph (781) 961-0930
Raynham (508) 828-4527
Reading (781) 942-9072
Rehoboth (508) 252-4467
REVERE (781) 286-8119
Richmond (413) 698-3355
Rochester (Mattapoisett) (508) 758-4114, x3
Rockland (781) 871-1393 x180
Rockport (978) 546-5007
Rowe (413) 339-5520
Rowley (Ipswich) (978) 356-3915
Royalston (Athol) (978) 249-6395
Russell (Westfield) (413) 572-6247
Rutland (508) 885-7508, x115
S
SALEM (978) 745-0883
Salisbury (603) 760-2265
Sandisfield (413) 528-1580
Sandwich (508)778-8740/1-888-778-8701
Saugus (781) 246-6377
Savoy (413) 743-4187
Scituate (781) 545-8715
Seekonk (508) 336-1481
Sharon (781) 784-1504, x204
Sheffield (Gt. Barrington) (413) 528-1580
Shelburne (413) 863-3205
Sherborn (508) 655-1045
Shirley (978) 425-2600 x280
Shrewsbury (508) 841-8386
Shutesbury (413) 863-3205
Somerset (508) 646-2827
SOMERVILLE (617) 625-6600, x4700
South Hadley (Easthampton) (413) 529-1415
Southampton (413) 527-6294
Southborough (508) 485-0710
Southbridge (508) 764-5436
Southwick (413)786-0400, x1237
Spencer (508) 885-7508, x6115
SPRINGFIELD (413) 787-6144
Sterling (978) 422-2349
Stockbridge (413) 528-1580
Stoneham (Saugus) (781) 246-6377
Stoughton (781) 341-1300, x220
Stow (978) 897-4514, x1
Sturbridge (508) 347-3386
Sudbury (978) 443-8891, x3357
Sunderland (413) 863-3205
Sutton (508) 234-9808
Swampscott (781) 596-8853
Swansea (508) 673-9814
T
TAUNTON (508) 821-1038
Templeton (978) 249-6935
Tewksbury (978) 640-4485
Tisbury (508) 693-6887
Tolland (413) 786-0400, x1236
Topsfield (978) 887-1500
Townsend (978) 597-1700, x1729
Truro (508) 778-8740/1-888-778-8701
Tyngsborough (978) 649-2300, x132
Tyringham (413) 528-1580
U
Upton (508) 529-6191
Uxbridge (Whitinsville) (508) 234-9808
W
Wakefield (Saugus) (781) 246-6377
Wales (Monson) (413) 267-4140
Walpole (508) 660-7325
WALTHAM (781) 314-3415
Ware (413) 967-9635
Wareham (Hyannis) (508) 778-8740
Warren (413) 436-5701
Warwick (Turners Falls) (413) 863-3205
Washington (Chester) (413) 623-8767
Watertown (617) 972-6416
Wayland (508) 358-3787
Webster (508) 949-3855
Wellesley (781) 431-1019, x2209
Wellfleet (508) 778-8740/1-888-778-8701
Wendell (Turners Falls) (413) 863-3205
Wenham (Ipswich) (978) 356-3915
West Boylston (508) 835-6340
West Bridgewater (508) 894-1200, x20
West Brookfield (508) 867-0353
West Newbury (Ipswich) (978-356-3915
West Springfield (413) 263-3019
West Stockbridge (413) 528-1580
West Tisbury (508) 693-6887
Westborough (508) 366-3085
WESTFIELD (413) 572-6247
Westford (978) 392-1170
Westhampton (413) 572-6247
Westminster (978) 874-7461
Weston (781) 259-2114
Westport (508) 636-1028
Westwood (617) 320-1008
Weymouth (617) 340-2405
Whately (Turners Falls) (413) 863-3205
Whitman (781) 618-9750
Wilbraham (413) 596-8111
Williamsburg (413) 587-1299
Williamstown (413) 458-4106
Wilmington (978) 694-2040
Winchendon (978) 297-0500
Winchester (781) 721-7116
Windsor (Dalton) (413) 684-6111, x19
Winthrop (617) 846-3065
WOBURN (781) 897-5825
WORCESTER (508) 799-1041
Worthington (Dalton) (413) 684-6111, x19
Wrentham (508) 384-8233
Y
Yarmouth (Hyannis) (508)778-8740/1-888-778-8701
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