Massachusetts Veteran Benefits

Massachusetts offers state-level benefits that complement your federal VA benefits. Below is a clear breakdown of what you may qualify for and where to apply.

Quick Facts

• Property Tax: Local “Clause 22” exemptions (generally $400–$1,500 by category) and full exemptions in specific cases (e.g., paraplegic or 100% service-connected blindness; certain survivors). Municipal acceptance required; HERO Act lets towns double or index amounts. Apply with your city/town assessor.
• DMV: “Veteran” indicator on MA license/ID; Disabled Veteran plates. Under the HERO Act, veterans who are 100% service-connected or IU receive excise-tax and many RMV fee waivers (registration and license transaction fees; special plate fees still apply).
• Education: Tuition waiver for eligible Massachusetts veterans at public colleges/universities; additional programs exist for National Guard members (confirm with your school’s veterans office).
• Income Tax Notes: VA disability compensation isn’t taxed. Massachusetts excludes military retirement pay from state income tax.

Property Tax Relief

Cities and towns that accept the law may grant veteran property-tax exemptions under the Clause 22 series. Typical tiers include $400 (10% SC/Purple Heart/Gold Star parents), $750 (MOH/DSC/POW/one foot/hand/eye), $1,000 (100% SC), $1,250 (loss of both feet/hands/eyes), and $1,500 (totally disabled requiring specially adapted housing), plus full exemptions for paraplegic veterans, 100% service-connected blind, and certain unremarried surviving spouses/parents. The HERO Act allows municipalities to double or index these amounts. Apply with your local assessor; residency rules apply.

DMV & License Benefits

Add a Veteran indicator to your MA license/ID with proof of honorable service. Massachusetts offers Disabled Veteran plates. If you are 100% SC or IU, the HERO Act waives many RMV fees (registration and license transaction fees) and exempts you from motor-vehicle excise tax on one non-commercial passenger vehicle. Special/vanity plate fees and sales tax still apply.

Education Benefits

Massachusetts provides a tuition waiver for eligible veterans at state colleges, universities, and community colleges (undergraduate and approved certificate programs). National Guard members receive a separate tuition and fee waiver. Coordinate with your campus veterans office to stack with federal VA education benefits.

Hunting & Fishing

MassWildlife offers free freshwater hunting and fishing licenses for individuals with qualifying disabilities (application required). Veterans with qualifying disabilities may be eligible; check documentation and residency requirements.

Spouse & Dependent Benefits

Certain surviving spouses and Gold Star parents may qualify for Clause 22 exemptions (including full exemptions in specific cases). Many municipalities offer additional local credits—check with your city/town assessor and your local Veterans’ Service Officer (VSO).

Massachusetts Veterans Agency

Executive Office of Veterans’ Services (EOVS)

VA Regional Office

Boston VA Regional Benefit Office
15 Sudbury Street, JFK Federal Building, Boston, MA 02203

VA Medical Centers & Key Clinics

• Jamaica Plain VA Medical Center — Boston
• West Roxbury VA Medical Center — West Roxbury
• Brockton VA Medical Center — Brockton
• Lowell VA Clinic — Lowell
• Framingham VA Clinic — Framingham

Not sure what you qualify for in Massachusetts?

We’ll map your benefits and build your VA claim strategy — fast.

Book Your Free Strategy Call
 | 
Contact Us

Sources

• Mass.gov — Local Property Tax Exemptions for Veterans (Clause 22 series; HERO Act)
• Mass.gov RMV — Disabled Veteran Fee & Tax Exemptions (HERO Act updates)
• Mass.gov — Veteran Educational Benefits (tuition waivers)
• MassWildlife — Free Licenses for People with Disabilities
• VA — Boston Regional Benefit Office (address)

Last verified: August 26, 2025