Veterans, you have a right to:

• File a written application for veterans' benefits at anytime. You can insist upon this right even if told that you are ineligible.
• Get help from your local city or town veterans' agent or town clerk in completing your application.
• Receive a full explanation of the services and veteran's benefits available under M.G.L., Chapter 115, as well as other available benefits.
• Receive a written notice and explanation of the approval or denial of your application for benefits.
• Be treated with dignity and respect and to receive accurate, courteous, and timely service.
• Appeal and request a hearing if you disagree with any action taken in your case.
• Expect confidentiality; personal information will not be collected or used except for the purpose of determining your eligibility for benefits.
• Receive fair and equal treatment without regard to veterans' status, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex or handicap.
• Preference in public employment.

For additional information on your rights, speak to your local city or town Director of Veterans' Services/Veterans' Service Officer by calling your local city or town hall, or call the Department of Veterans' Services at (888) 844-2838.

State Benefits

Chapter 115 Benefits: The Commonwealth is the only state in the Union that has made generous provisions by state law by providing to veterans in need of financial assistance with food, housing, clothing, employment, and medical and burial assistance. Contace your local city or town Director of Veterans' Service/Veterans' Service Officer.

Bonuses: Currently, a Gulf War Bonus is available to certain veterans who served during the period 08/02/90 and 04/11/91. More information is available at http://www.mass.gov/treasury/veteransbonus.

Property Tax: There are a number fo exemptions available to certain disabled veterans or their survivors. Contact your local Veterans' Service Officer or city/town assessor.

Sales & Excise Tax: Certain disabled veterans are eligible for a motor vehicle sales & excise tax exemptions. More information is available at http://www.mass.gov/rmv/veteran/taxexempt.htm.

VA National cemetery: Massachusetts' National Cemetery is located in Bourne on Cape Cod. The telephone # is (508) 563-7113. More information is available at http://www.cem.va.gov/CEM/cems/nchp/massachuetts.asp.

Annuitys: There is a $2000.00 annuity available for 100% service connected disabled veterans, parents of a son or daughter whose death occurred as a result of injury sustained or disease contracted during active service in time of war, insurrection, or combat, and to a spouse whose husband or wife died as a result of injury sustained or disease contracted during active service in time of war, insurrection or combat. Please see your local Veterans Agent.

Public Housing: Veterans and their families are given preference for state-aided public housing through their local housing authority.

Employment: Veterans are given preference for employment on the eligibility list for civil service positions.

Veterans' License Plates: A variety of veterans license plates are available throught the Registry of Motor Vehicles (http://www.mass.gov/rmv/veteran/disvet.htm).

Woman Veterans: DVS has a Women's Veterans Network Program whose mission is to provide these women with information on benefits; expand awareness of the needs of women veterans and identify available health and human resources to meet those needs; and to advocate on behalf of woman veterans. More information is available at http://www.sec.state.ma.us/cis/cisvet/vetwomen.htm.

Recording Retention: The local Department of Veterans' Services/Veterans' Service Officer provides a repository for local records. Veterans are urged to provide copies of their service records (DD-214 ro Separation Documents) to their Veterans' Service Officer for safe storage and future reference.

Educational Assistance: Veterans can be eligible to attend state colleges tuition free on a space available basis. Contact the Veterans' Representative at the State College of your choice.

Soldiers' Homes: The Soldiers' Homes provide a variety of services, such as, acute hospital, domiciliary, and long-term care, physical and occupational therapy and more. Please call(413) 532-9475 ext. 126 for Holyoke, or (617) 884-5660 ext. 210 for Chelsea. More information is available at http://www.angelfire.com/ma/ChelseaSoho.

Outreach and Housing: A network of 15DVS-sponsored Outreach Centers and Housing facilities provide graduated levels of shelter, care, guidance and council.

1. Homeless Prevention/Outreach Centers provide:
   Extensive counseling and a network of assistance to veterans and their families who are in danger of becoming homeless.
2. Emergency Shelters provide:
   A safe environment, a bed for the night, meals, bathing facilities, basic clothing, medical assesment, and assistance with identifying income support, and a variety of counseling.
3. Transitional Housing provides:
   Single rooms, shared meals, family-style atmosphere and a variety of services and counseling up to 24 months. During this time individuals enjoy responsibilities and some structure leading to permanent housing and a return to independence.
4. Permanent Housing:
   There are about 123 units of permanent housing, otherwise known as a Graduate Housing, run by veterans. These houses are there to cintinue the level of support experienced by veterans in more temporary housing. Often people have come so far, it is a top goal to lend strong support to prevent any falling back or relapses of earlier days.