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Who is considered a veteran?

To be eligible for veterans’ benefits, one must be a “veteran” or a dependent of a “veteran” under M.G.L. c. 4, sec. 7, cl. 43rd as amended by the Acts of 2005, Ch. 130.

Veterans, dependents of Veterans, and survivors of Veterans of any of the following wars or campaigns may be eligible to receive benefits and/or services provided by Federal or State statutes:

  • World War I April 6, 1917 – November 11, 1918, 90 days service of which one day was wartime
  • World War II September 16, 1940 – December 31, 1946, 90 days service of which one day was wartime
  • Korean War June 25, 1950 – January 31, 1955, 90 days service of which one day was wartime
  • Vietnam War, Part 1 February 1, 1954 – August 4, 1964, Served at least 180 days active duty
  • Vietnam War, Part 2 August 5, 1964 – May 7, 1975, 90 days service of which one day was wartime
  • Lebanon August 25, 1982 – Date to be determined 90 days service one day of which was wartime Campaign Medal required
  • Grenada October 25, 1983 – December 1983 90 days service one day of which was wartime Campaign Medal required
  • Panama December 20, 1989 – January 31, 1990, 90 days service one day of which was wartime Campaign Medal required
  • Persian Gulf War August 2, 1990 – Date to be determined 90 days service one day of which was wartime

Not considered a Veteran:

  • Active service in the armed forces as used in this clause shall not include active duty for training in the army or Air National Guard or active duty for training as a reservist in the armed forces of the United States.

Chapter four, section seven, clause forty-third M.G.L. 

For more information visit: State Veterans Laws and Benefits

What is Chapter 115?

Anyone qualifying as a veteran under the MGL Chapter 4, Section 7, clause 43, as amended by the Acts of 2005, Chapter 130, may be eligible for veterans' benefits from the community in which they reside, provided they meet the income and asset limits for this need-based program. For the year 2023, the maximum monthly income allowed for an individual is $2,265.00, and for a couple is $3,052.00. Additional family members would change these amounts. However, applicants whose income is slightly above allowable limits may be eligible for medical benefits at a "spend down" adjustment amount. Asset limits for 2023 are $8,400.00 for and individual and $16,600.00 for a couple.

To check if you qualify, use the Chapter 115 Eligibility Calculator or contact your local VSO for assistance.

Ask us about other benefits available, such as:

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