What Benefits Will I Get?
NOTE: Glossary words are highlighted. Click on any glossary word to see its definition.
How much cash assistance will I get per month?
Your Veterans’ Services cash benefits depend on your living arrangements, shelter expenses, ages of children, disability needs, etc.
What other benefits will I get?
In addition to cash assistance, Veterans’ Services provides:
- medical coverage to pay for doctors, dentists, hospitals, prescriptions, etc. when needed,
- referrals to other sources of possible income such as the Social Security Administration and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs,
- referrals to agencies that can help with housing, employment, education, substance abuse treatment, and other needs.
The local Veterans’ Agent can also grant these benefits:
- Catastrophe or disaster benefits. If your family suffers a fire, flood, or other natural disaster, your local agent is required to provide you with food, shelter and clothing.
- Back rent. If you are eligible for VS benefits and you are facing eviction for non-payment of rent, you may be entitled to 4 months rent.
- Moving expenses. The amount depends on the estimate from the moving company for moving your furniture and household belongings.
Are there emergency benefits that I can get the same day?
If you are facing a financial emergency, your local Veterans’ Agent can approve the following:
- Advance on benefits for food, rent, etc. if your application is pre-approved by the local office
- Emergency cash assistance payment of $50 if your military service and your residence in Massachusetts have been verified
- Emergency residence repair payment of $50, if an emergency repair is needed in order to avoid a health hazard.
For how long can I get benefits?
The length of time you can get VS benefits varies, usually from 6 months to a year, depending on your situation.
If I get Veterans' Services, can I still get other benefits such as SNAP food stamps?
Since Veterans' Services benefits tend to be temporary, your Veterans' Agent will encourage you to apply for other types of benefits (such as SSI, Social Security, cash assistance, and SNAP food stamps) for which you may be eligible. You will continue to receive VS benefits even if you receive other forms of assistance as long as you still meet the VS eligibility requirements. However, if the other benefits bring you over the VS income limits, you will no longer be eligible for Veterans' Services.
Are benefits retroactive to the date of the application?
Yes, your benefits start from the date on your application.
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