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Veterans Services
The Watertown Veterans' Services Department offers assistance to veterans and their dependents in all Federal and State benefits and services.
Veterans Services Officer
Financial and Medical Assistance Available
Under Chapter 115 of Massachusetts General laws (M.G.L. c. 115), the Commonwealth provides a uniform program of financial and medical assistance for indigent veterans and their dependents. Qualifying veterans and their dependents receive necessary financial assistance for food, shelter, clothing, housing supplies, and medical care. The pre-screening checklist and application can be found here: Chapter 115 Checklist & Application
Low-income wartime veterans may be eligible to receive a pension from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Eligibility is income-based, and veterans must be 65 years of age or older or be totally and permanently disabled.
Veterans can receive health care services from a number of local VA Medical Facilities. Applications are filled out and sent to the desired facility’s eligibility office. Inpatient, outpatient, dental, pharmacy, prosthetic, women’s health services and many others can be received through the VA Health Care System.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers a tax-free benefit to veterans who currently have a disability that is the result of an injury, disease, or an event in military service. Applications and guidance are offered in the Watertown Veterans’ Services Department for those who are eligible. Veterans interested in doing a VA Claim should contact the Veterans' Services office as soon as possible to begin the process by completing an "Intent to File" form.
Aid and Attendance & Housebound Benefits
In some cases, a veteran or surviving spouse requires the aid of another person in order to perform his or hers activities of daily living, and/or are housebound due to their medical condition. The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs may issue an additional payment for those who meet set criteria. The benefit is contingent upon eligibility of the basic pension benefit.
Dependents’ and Survivors Benefits
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs may issue monetary benefits to survivors of service members who died on active duty, died from service-related disabilities, or certain veterans who were being paid 100% disability compensation at the time of death.
Certain low-income surviving spouses and children of deceased wartime veterans may be entitled to receive a Death Pension from the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
Education Benefits
Various education benefits are available to veterans through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as programs specific to Massachusetts. Applications and information for the Post 9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD), Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR), Tuition Waivers for Massachusetts Veterans, and all other programs are provided in the Watertown Veterans' Services Office.
Burial Benefits
Applications are available to receive Government-issued headstones and markers to eligible veterans through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Reimbursement for Burial Expenses
Eligible veterans may be entitled to reimbursement of up to $2,000 towards expenses for funeral and burial expenses.
Additional Programs
Information regarding all State and Federal Programs related to veterans can be sought through the Watertown Veterans’ Services Department. Massachusetts is at the forefront of veterans' benefits and offers a vast array of benefits and services such as tax exemptions, education programs, bonuses and annuities, employment opportunities, and housing options. Applications are available for VA programs such as Home Loans, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, and Life Insurance.