Veterans' Services Department

Mission

The mission of the Southbridge Department of Veterans Services is to advocate on behalf of all the Commonwealth's Veterans, their spouses and dependent children by providing them with quality support with financial and medical assistance in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 115 and CMR 108.

State Benefits

Chapter 115 Veterans Benefits

Provides veteran in need of financial assistance with food, housing, clothing, employment, medical assistance, and burial assistance.

Additionally, we provide referrals and assistance with housing, alternate sources of income, such as Social Security and the VA, employment opportunities, fuel assistance programs, area food banks, shelters, and employment services. We are committed to ensuring that the veterans and their families receive the assistance that they are eligible for and to encouraging them to seek permanent, life-long solutions to their needs.

Bonuses

Currently, the Persian Gulf War Bonus is available to certain disabled veterans or their survivors.

Property Tax

There are a number of exemptions available to certain disabled veterans or their survivors.

Sales and Excise Tax

Certain disabled veterans are eligible for motor vehicle sales and excise tax exemptions. Contact the Assessor's office.

Massachusetts Veterans' Cemeteries

There are two State cemeteries (Agawam and Winchendon) that are available for the commonwealth's deceased veterans, spouses, and dependents.

VA National Cemetery

Massachusetts National Cemetery is located in Bourne, MA. Phone contact is 508-563-7113.

Annuity

There is a $2000 annuity available for 100% service-connected disabled veterans, parents of a son or daughter and to a spouse whose husband or wife died as a result of injury sustained or disease contracted during active service in time of war, insurrection or combat.

Employment

Veterans are given preference for employment for civil service positions or appointment to eligible Federal positions.

Women Veterans

Department of Veterans Services has a Women's Veterans Network Program whose mission is to provide women veterans with information on benefits, expand awareness of the needs of woman veterans, and to identify available health and human resources to meet those needs, and to advocate on behalf of women veterans.