Veterans Services
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Chapter 115 Veterans Benefits
Financial and medical assistance programs for veterans and their dependents in Massachusetts.
Commonwealth Veterans Bonuses
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts provides bonus payments to veterans and their families.
Veterans Exemptions
Tax exemptions for eligible veterans, spouses, and parents.
VA Health Care
VA Disability Compensation
VA Non-Service Pension
VA Aid & Attendance
Chapter 115 Benefits Estimator
Veterans Benefits & Services
Veterans State Annuity Benefit
Bonus Payments for Veterans and their Families
The Department of Veterans Services (DVS) serves as an advocate for all Cambridge veterans and their dependents. DVS advises clients as to the availability of benefits, services, and provides financial assistance to those veterans/dependents who are in need. The department assists veterans and their families in processing applications for federal Veterans Affairs claims for pensions, disability and death benefits, burial plots, grave markers, home loans, educational benefits, medical services, and life insurance benefits.
Additionally, the department coordinates public events on Patriots, Veterans, and Memorial Days, including a Memorial Day Parade. On Memorial Day, over 9,000 flags are placed on the graves of veterans interred in Cambridge cemeteries. DVS also coordinates the dedication of streets, squares and parks named after veterans who were killed in action.
What's New
2026 Patriots Day Observance and future events
Cambridge & MA250 Campaign Celebrates 250 years of America’s Independence and Massachusetts’ Revolutionary Legacy
Technical Assent, LLC, in partnership with the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, hosts confidential virtual focus groups to examine how gambling affects their well-being and access to services, with the goal of strengthening prevention and support efforts.
Contacts
PHONE:
617-349-4760
Email Us
51 Inman St., 2nd Floor
Cambridge, MA 02139
Coming Up
May
23
Sat
Memorial Day Weekend Grave Flag Decoration and Other Observance Events
10:00 AM
The Cambridge community is invited to join Cambridge Little League and Scout members in the decoration of veterans’ graves with flags on Saturday, May 24, at 10 a.m., at Cambridge Cemetery, 76 Coolidge Avenue.
May
23
Sat
Memorial Day Observance for Maritime Military Members
12:30 PM
Join the City of Cambridge Department of Veterans Services (DVS) to to commemorate military members lost due to maritime battles/ disasters. We will release flowers, have a moment of silence, and reflect while listening to a recording of the Navy Academy Choir.
May
25
Mon
City of Cambridge Department of Veterans Services (DVS) Memorial Day Observance Event
10:30 AM
DVS Director Cynthia Harris will emcee the observance event to commemorate the lives of our military members along with Cambridge Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Burhan Azeem along with Marc McGovern, Co-Chair of the Human Services and Veterans Committee.
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Tips and FAQs
Am I a Veteran?
The Massachusetts definition of a Veteran is any person who was a veteran as defined in
M.G.L. Chapter 4, Section 7, Clause 43
; or served on active duty, to include active duty solely for training purposes, in the armed forces for at least 90 days and whose last discharge or release was under conditions other than dishonorable; or served on active duty, to include active duty solely for training purposes, in the armed forces, and was awarded a service-connected disability or who died in such service under conditions other than dishonorable; or served in the national guard or as a reservist in any branch of the armed forces, including active duty solely for training purposes, and was awarded a service-connected disability or who died in such service under conditions other than dishonorable; or is determined to be a veteran according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; provided that, in any case, the service of such person was entered into or served in Massachusetts, or such person has resided in the commonwealth for 1 day except for the purpose of determining the residential eligibility of a deceased veteran’s dependents.
Can you help me file a Disability Claim with the VA?
Yes. Cambridge Veterans Services can help you file a claim with the VA. Navigating the VA system can be difficult, we’re here to help.
How can I obtain a copy of my DD214?
Cambridge Veterans Services has access to the Massachusetts Military Records Database and can look up a DD214/discharge record if the Veteran enlisted in the military while living in Massachusetts. If a record isn’t in the database, Veterans Services can assist in completing a request for records from the National Archives in St. Louis, Missouri.
What is Aid and Attendance?
Veterans and survivors who are eligible for a VA pension and require the aid and attendance of another person, or are housebound, may be eligible for additional monetary payment. These benefits are paid in addition to monthly pension, and they are not paid without eligibility to Pension. Please visit the Veterans Service office for assistance with the Aid and Attendance application process.
What other phone numbers can I use for help?
VA Numbers
VA Healthcare Boston: (800) 865-3384 (follow the prompts)
VA Health Care Benefits: (877) 222-VETS (877-222-8387)
VA Benefits: (800) 827-1000 For information about: Education, Home Loan, Disability, Medical Care, Burial, Life Insurance and Sexual Trauma
VA Caregiver Support Line: (855) 260-3274 (are you caring for a veteran at home?)
VA Life Insurance: (800) 669-8477
VA Education (GI Bill): (888) 442-4551
VA Income Verification and Means Testing: (800) 929-8387
VA Gulf War/Agent Orange Helpline: (800) 749-8387
TBI Helpline (traumatic brain injury): (888) VET-1TBI (888-838-1824)
VA Status of Headstones and Markers: (800)-697-6947
VA Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD): (800) 829-4833
Social Security: (800) 772-1213
Medicare: (800) 638-6833
The White House: (202) 456-1414
Unites States Senate: (202) 224-3121
United States Congress: (202) 225-3121
How can we help?
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