Veterans' Services

Financial and Medical Assistance Available

Chapter 115 Public Assistance

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.

Pensions

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.

VA Boston Health Care System

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.

Disability Compensation

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 Lexington Veterans’ Services Department for those who are eligible.

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 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 time of death.

Death Pension

Certain low-income surviving spouses and children of deceased wartime veterans maybe 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, Tuition Waivers for Massachusetts Veterans, and all other programs are provided in the Lexington Veterans' Services Office.

Additional information about financial assistance for service members and veterans can be found at http://www.bestcolleges.com/financial-aid/military/ 

Burial Benefits

Headstones and Markers

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 maybe entitled to reimbursement of up to $2000 towards expenses for funeral and burial expenses.

Additional Programs

Information regarding all State and Federal Programs related to veterans can be sought through the Lexington Veterans’ Services Department.

Lexington offers a property tax exemption for disabled veterans.

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.