Am I Eligible?
NOTE: Glossary words are highlighted. Click on any glossary word to see its definition.
Who is eligible for Veterans' Services?
You may be eligible if you are:
- a veteran who served during wartime and who meets the minimum service and discharge requirements
- OR the married spouse of a veteran
- OR the widow or widower of a veteran
- OR the parent of a veteran
- OR the child (adopted or natural) of a veteran including children who are 18-23 years old and in high school or college
- OR a person acting as a parent to a veteran for 5 years prior to the veteran’s military service
AND you meet financial eligibility requirements
AND you are a resident of the town or city in which you are applying.
Who is not eligible for Veterans' Services?
You might not be eligible for Veterans' Services if you:
- are a veteran and you neglected to care for your dependents
- are an ex-offender and your crime has caused your lack of income
- are a veteran or a dependent of a veteran who is able to support himself but voluntarily chooses not to
- are a divorced spouse of a veteran
- were dishonorably discharged
- moved to Massachusetts solely for the purpose of getting VS benefits.
Your local Veterans' Service Officer and the state Commissioner make the final decision in these cases.
What is the definition of veteran?
In general, a veteran is any person, male or female:
- who served in the United States Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, or Coast Guard,
- who served at least 90 days active duty,
- who served at least 1 day during wartime, and
- whose discharge from wartime service was under honorable conditions.
Wartime service means service during specific time periods including the Civil War, American Indian Wars, Spanish American War, WWI, WWII, Korean Conflict, Vietnam Conflict, Lebanese Peace Keeping Force, Grenada Rescue Mission, Panamanian Intervention Force, and Persian Gulf Operation Desert Shield/Storm.
The Eligibility Chart on the Veterans' Services web site lists detailed requirements for veterans and dependents of veterans. Your local Veterans' Service Officer can also give you more information.
Can noncitizens get Veterans' Services?
You do not have to be a citizen to be eligible for Veterans' Services. Noncitizens who meet all of the eligibility requirements can get Veterans' Services benefits.
Can disabled veterans get Veterans' Services?
Being a disabled veteran does not automatically make you eligible for Veterans' Services. You must be in need of financial help and meet all other eligibility requirements to get benefits.
Note: The Department of Veterans Affairs, a federal program, provides medical treatment for veterans with service-related injuries and illnesses. See VA Health Care Eligibility on the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs web site.
What are the financial requirements?
Veterans' Services is a need-based program. It is for veterans and their families whose income and assets are not enough to provide basic food, shelter, clothing, housing supplies, and medical care. Your local Veterans' Service Officer (VTO) will let you know the income and asset limits that apply to you.
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