REPRESENTATIVE KATE HOGAN'S
JULY 2009 STATE HOUSE NEWS
Veterans Information
As a legislator, I am proud to say that our state offers the most comprehensive Veteran’s Services in the country. Historically, our strong commitment to helping our veterans began with the Massachusetts Bay Colony providing “shelter” to needy veterans after the French & Indian Wars in the mid 18th century. Our current system of having one Veterans Service Officer per town in the Commonwealth is also unique, and dates to the Civil War.
At a recent veterans’ services briefing at the state house we also learned that the majority of Massachusetts Veterans are from the Korean War and WWII, and many do not know of or use the services available. I have listed the main benefits that Veterans are eligible for below, and please don’t hesitate to call my office with any questions.
Chapter 115, general financial assistance
The veteran has to file a claim to get these benefits, but both the VA (federal) and the Veterans Services Administration (MA) are required to help with the application. The best way to apply is to seek the assistance of your local Veterans’ Service Officer
Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans
Eligibility is determined by disability level, must be designated as at least 10% disabled in order to qualify for $400 property tax credit
Contact the Department of Revenue, Division of Local Services (617) 626-2300 or mass.gov/dor
Veterans’ Bonuses
When a veteran dies their surviving spouse and children, mother or father, brother or sister (in that order) are eligible for the following benefits:
For WWII Veterans and Korean War Veterans, $100, $200 or $300 depending on length of service.
Burial Benefits
Any veteran who was discharged under honorable conditions and a MA resident at the time of discharge is eligible for burial free of cost at one of the two State Veterans Cemeteries, in Agawam and Winchendon
Spouses of veterans are also eligible for burial at a nominal fee
Visit www.cem.va.gov for more detailed information on burial eligibility at one of the national veterans’ cemeteries.
SAVE THE DATE : Monday, September 14th in Stow: Rep Hogan’s 1st Annual Senior Town Meeting - Watch for details in next month’s newsletter.
Office Hours for August: Rep Hogan’s Meeting with Hudson Seniors: Friday, September 4th, 2009 11am-12pm, Hudson Town Hall, or by appointment.
Representative Kate Hogan
617-722-2060
State House, Room 33, Boston, MA, 02133
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