Massachusetts
Massachusetts offers a tiered property tax exemption (Clause 22 and 22A-22E) scaling by rating and circumstance, free hunting and fishing licenses for veterans rated 60 percent or higher, in state tuition at state universities and community colleges, and reduced state park fees.
Massachusetts Department of Veterans AffairsProperty tax exemption
Clause 22 series tiered exemption: base $400 (10 percent or higher); additional amounts for loss of limb, paraplegia, blindness, or 100 percent permanent and total. Towns may grant additional local-option exemption.
| Rating tier | Exemption |
|---|---|
| 10 percent or higher (Clause 22) | $400 minimum |
| Loss of limb / paraplegia (22C-D) | $750 to $1,250 |
| 100 percent specially adapted housing | $1,500 |
State income tax
Massachusetts does not tax VA disability compensation, and military retirement pay is fully exempt from Massachusetts income tax.
Source: Massachusetts Department of RevenueDisabled veteran plates & registration
Massachusetts issues free Disabled Veteran plates to veterans rated 60%+ (with at least 60% affecting ambulation), with a free driver's license, free biennial registration, and exemption from the auto excise and sales tax on one vehicle.
Source: Massachusetts RMV - Veteran informationPublic employment preference
Massachusetts adds 5 points on state civil-service exams for wartime/campaign veterans and 10 points for veterans with a 30%+ compensable service-connected disability, with strong preference rules for many municipal jobs.
Source: Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans ServicesIn state tuition
Under 38 USC 3679(c) (the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act Section 702), every public college that accepts Post-9/11 GI Bill or Montgomery GI Bill students must charge in state tuition to veterans using their GI Bill, regardless of state residency, if the veteran enrolled within 3 years of separation. State specific extensions to this rule are noted below where applicable. Massachusetts also offers full tuition waivers at state universities and community colleges for qualifying veterans.
Source: Massachusetts DVS, College BenefitsDependent / survivor education
Massachusetts waives tuition at state colleges and universities for eligible veterans; the dependents of permanently disabled or deceased veterans receive education aid through federal Chapter 35 (DEA).
Source: Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services - EducationHunting and fishing license
Free Massachusetts hunting and fishing licenses; paraplegic veterans receive lifetime licenses regardless of rating.
Source: Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, LicensesState park entrance
Reduced or waived parking fees at most Massachusetts state parks.
Source: Massachusetts DCR, State ParksCamping & recreation
Veterans rated 60% or higher (with a DV plate or ID) get free access to all Massachusetts state parks, beaches, and historic sites managed by DCR.
Source: Massachusetts DCR - Veteran accessState veterans cemetery
Massachusetts runs two state veterans cemeteries (Agawam and Winchendon) offering a free grave and opening/closing for eligible veterans and their spouses and children.
Source: Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services - State CemeteriesEmail me the Massachusetts benefit checklist
A clean, printable checklist of every Massachusetts benefit on this page - with the eligibility threshold and official source for each - sent straight to your inbox.
State legislatures revise thresholds and dollar amounts every session. The figures above are sourced from the state agency that administers each program, but the latest year is the state's word, not ours. Before you file an application, click the source link in each section and verify the current threshold.
Writing about Massachusetts veteran benefits? You are welcome to reference this guide. Copy the citation below and link back so your readers can verify each program against the state source, or download the benefits table.