Massachusetts Veteran Benefits: Complete Guide for 2026
Massachusetts provides 11 documented state-level benefits for disabled veterans across 5 categories. Notable programs include property tax relief for disabled veterans, Categorical Tuition Waiver (State Colleges & Universities), 4 vehicle-related benefits including Motor Vehicle Sales Tax Exemption (DV Plates). MA also provides financial benefits, small business benefits. Below is a detailed breakdown of every verified benefit available to disabled veterans in Massachusetts as of 2026.
Key Takeaways for MA Veterans
- Massachusetts offers 11 documented state-specific veteran benefits as of 2026
- Property tax exemptions available starting at 10% disability rating
- Education: Categorical Tuition Waiver (State Colleges & Universities)
- Vehicle benefits: Motor Vehicle Sales Tax Exemption (DV Plates), Disabled Veteran (DV) License Plates
- Small business: Massachusetts Veteran Business Benefits
11
State Benefits
5
Categories
50+
Federal Benefits
427+
Discounts
See exactly what Massachusetts benefits add up to for you.
Get StartedMassachusetts State-Specific Benefits
Massachusetts Education Benefits (1)
Categorical Tuition Waiver (State Colleges & Universities)
Tuition waiver for eligible Massachusetts veterans (and qualifying active-duty members) enrolled in at least 3 undergraduate credits at state-supported public colleges and universities, on a space-available basis.
Massachusetts Financial Benefits (2)
Chapter 115 Financial & Medical Assistance
Means-tested financial and medical assistance (M.G.L. c. 115) helping eligible low-income veterans and dependents with food, shelter, clothing, fuel, and medical care; HERO Act added outpatient behavioral health coverage.
Veterans Annuity ($2,500/yr — 100% SC Disabled)
A non-means-tested annual annuity for veterans with a 100% service-connected disability, Gold Star parents, and unmarried surviving spouses of veterans who died in service. Raised to $2,500/yr under the 2024 HERO Act.
Massachusetts Property Tax Exemptions (2)
Clause 22 Tiered Property Tax Exemption ($400–$1,500)
Tiered property tax exemptions (M.G.L. c. 59, § 5) for veterans by disability and service honors: $400 (10%+ disability / Purple Heart), $750, $1,000 (100% disabled), $1,250, and $1,500 (specially adapted housing).
Full Property Tax Exemption (Paraplegic / 100% Blind)
Complete property tax exemption on the domicile for veterans who are paraplegic or have 100% service-connected blindness, and for certain qualifying surviving spouses and Gold Star parents.
Massachusetts Small Business Benefits (2)
Massachusetts Veteran Business Benefits
Massachusetts offers procurement preferences, license fee waivers, tax exemptions, and other benefits for veteran-owned businesses. Visit the Massachusetts veterans affairs website for complete state-specific programs and eligibility.
SDVOBE Program — 3% State Contracting Goal
The Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Enterprise program (Supplier Diversity Office) sets a 3% participation benchmark for commodities/services, design services, and public construction contracts.
Massachusetts Vehicle Benefits (4)
Motor Vehicle Sales Tax Exemption (DV Plates)
Sales tax exemption (M.G.L. c. 64H, § 6) on one non-commercial vehicle for disabled veterans who have obtained Disabled Veteran (DV) plates. HERO Act extends it to Purple Heart recipients with 60%+ rating and DV plates.
Disabled Veteran (DV) License Plates
DV license plates for Massachusetts resident veterans with a 60%+ service-connected disability rating that affects ambulation. Requires permanent disabled-parking eligibility and certification of a mobility-affecting service-connected disability. The...
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Exemption (100% / Unemployable)
Exemption from motor vehicle excise tax on one non-commercial passenger vehicle or pick-up for veterans rated 100% disabled or deemed unemployable by the VA (HERO Act, 2024).
RMV Fee Waivers (100% / Unemployable — HERO Act)
Massachusetts veterans rated 100% service-connected disabled or receiving Individual Unemployability (IU) are exempt from RMV registration fees and driver's license transaction fees under the HERO Act. This is separate from the DV license plate (whic...
How Massachusetts Benefits Stack With Federal VA Compensation
Massachusetts state benefits are separate from and stack on top of your federal VA disability compensation. The federal compensation rate table below shows what you receive from the VA — your MA state benefits add to that total. For a 100%-rated veteran in MA, this means federal compensation plus the Veterans Annuity ($2,500/yr — 100% SC Disabled) (up to $2,500/year) and 10 other state benefits — all at no additional cost. Some MA benefits are available to all veterans regardless of disability percentage, while others require a rating of up to 100%. To see your personalized combined federal-plus-Massachusetts benefits package, create a free account.
2026 Federal Compensation Rates (Veteran Alone)
These federal rates apply to all Massachusetts veterans with service-connected disabilities. Massachusetts state benefits are received in addition to these amounts.
Compare Property Tax Exemptions
See how Massachusetts's property tax exemptions compare to other veteran-friendly states:
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts Veteran Benefits
What veteran benefits does Massachusetts offer in 2026?
Massachusetts offers 11 state-specific veteran benefits across 5 categories, such as Veterans Annuity ($2,500/yr — 100% SC Disabled). These cover education benefits, financial benefits, property tax exemptions, small business benefits, and more — all in addition to federal VA disability compensation and healthcare.
Does Massachusetts offer property tax exemptions for disabled veterans?
Yes. Massachusetts offers 2 property tax benefits for disabled veterans. Veterans rated 100% disabled or with Permanent & Total (P&T) status may qualify for a full property tax exemption. The minimum VA disability rating required is 10%. Contact your county assessor for filing instructions.
What education benefits are available for veterans in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts provides 1 education benefit, including Categorical Tuition Waiver (State Colleges & Universities). These can be combined with federal programs like the GI Bill and Vocational Rehabilitation (VR&E Chapter 31) to reduce or eliminate education costs.
Does Massachusetts offer vehicle-related benefits for disabled veterans?
Yes. Massachusetts provides 4 vehicle-related benefits: Motor Vehicle Sales Tax Exemption (DV Plates), Disabled Veteran (DV) License Plates, Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Exemption (100% / Unemployable). Eligibility varies by disability rating and benefit type.
How do I apply for Massachusetts veteran benefits?
Most Massachusetts benefits require proof of your VA disability rating, available through VA.gov or your eBenefits account. Certain benefits require a rating of 100% or higher. Contact your local MA Department of Veterans Affairs or county veterans service office for application help.
Can I receive both Massachusetts state and federal VA benefits at the same time?
Absolutely. Massachusetts state veteran benefits are separate from and stack on top of federal VA disability compensation, healthcare, and other federal programs. For example, a 100%-rated veteran in MA receives federal compensation plus the Veterans Annuity ($2,500/yr — 100% SC Disabled) (up to $2,500/year) and all other eligible state programs.
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Benefits by VA Disability Rating
Your disability rating determines which federal and Massachusetts state benefits you qualify for: