w.mass.gov/veterans
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Veterans' Guide to Benefits
Other Sources of Assistance
Operation Enduring Freedom - Operation Iraqi Freedom Veterans
Every U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) has a Returning Veteran Coordinator to assist those returning from service in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
Bedford VAMC (781) 687-2000 Boston VAMC* (617) 232-9500 Northampton VAMC (413) 584-4040 *serving Brockton, Jamaica Plain, and West Roxbury campuses
For more information on the VA’s programs for returning veterans, visit www.oefoif.va.gov.
The Department of Veterans’ Services has produced a publication with information about rights and benefits specifically for OEF/OIF veterans. The publication, entitled “Welcome Home: Your Guide to Veterans’ Benefits and Rights” can be accessed on the DVS website or you can call to request a copy.
Department of Veterans’ Services 600 Washington Street, Suite 1100 Boston, MA 02114 (617) 210-5480 Fax: (617) 210-5755 www.mass.gov/veterans Email: mdvs@vet.state.ma.us
Canines for Combat Veterans
Canines for Combat Veterans is a project of New England Assistance Dog Services (NEADS) based in Princeton, MA. NEADS provides extensive training for service dogs to assist veterans with physical disabilities so that they can maintain their independence. NEADS dogs are granted public access rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
To be eligible to receive a dog, individuals must spend two weeks attending a training course with their dog and pay a fee. NEADS offers fundraising assistance and flexible payment options. It is NEADS’ policy not to deny any application on the basis of the applicant’s ability to pay.
Contact information
NEADS, Dogs for Deaf and Disabled Americans P.O. Box 213 West Boylston, MA 01583 (978) 422-9064 voice or TDD www.neads.org
Agent Orange and Gulf War Helpline
VA and many other government departments and agencies have conducted research studies on the possible health effects of Agent Orange exposure on U.S. veterans. VA has recognized certain cancers and other health problems as associated with exposure to Agent Orange. The VA has a toll-free helpline for Vietnam veterans to answer their questions about Agent Orange exposure, healthcare, and benefits. This same toll-free number (800-749-8387) connects callers with a special Persian Gulf War helpline to inform those veterans about medical care and benefits available to them. For more information call the Agent Orange and Gulf War Helpline (800) 749-8387 and visit the website www.va.gov/agentorange.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides a wide range of benefits to U.S. veterans and their families. It offers its benefit system through three major units: the Veterans Benefits Administration, the Veterans Healthcare System, and the National Cemetery Administration. Among the types of benefits that veterans receive through the VA are education and job training, disability compensation, pension payments, life insurance programs, a loan guarantee program, and hospital and medical care services. In addition to medical centers, the healthcare system includes nursing homes, domiciliary, and Vet Centers offering readjustment counseling.
Contact Information
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office JFK Federal Building, Room 1525 Boston, MA 02203 (800) 827-1000 www.va.gov
Toll-free numbers for contacting VA
VA Benefits: (800) 827-1000 Life Insurance: (800) 669-8477 Education (GI Bill): (888) 442-4551 Healthcare Benefits: (877) 222-8387 Gulf War/Agent Orange Helpline: (800) 749-8387 Status of Headstones and Markers: (800) 697-6947 Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD): (800) 829-4833
For health care services, contact your nearest VA medical facility
Bedford VA Medical Center: (781) 687-2000 Brockton VA Medical Center: (508) 583-4500 Jamaica Plain (Boston) VA Medical Center: (617) 232-9500 Northampton VA Medical Center: (413) 584-4040 West Roxbury (Boston) VA Medical Center: (617) 323-7700
State park parking fee waiver
There is no charge for parking a vehicle with disabled veteran license plates at any state park. For more information contact:
Department of Conservation and Recreation 251 Causeway Street, Suite 600 Boston, MA 02114-2104 (617) 626-1250 www.mass.gov/dcr Email: mass.parks@state.ma.us
Hanscom AFB Commissary
Active duty military personnel and retirees, members of the Reserve and National Guard, and their families can shop at the Hanscom AFB Commissary to buy quality grocery products at cost.
Store services:
- ATM
- Bakery (including party cakes and photo cakes)
- Deli (including sandwiches to go)
- Hot Foods Department
- Plants
Contact information
Hanscom AFB Commissary 1709 Building A - Griffiss Street Hanscom AFB, MA 01731-6290 (781) 377-4210 www.commissaries.com
Legal Assistance by Counties
If you need help with legal matters, contact one of the legal services below, which may offer sliding fee and pro bono services.
Legal Service |
Contact |
Massachusetts Bar Association, Boston Office |
(617) 338-0500 |
Massachusetts Bar Association, Western Mass Office |
(413) 731-5134 |
Barnstable, Dukes, Nantucket County |
Legal Services for Cape Cod and Islands (includes part of Plymouth County) |
(508) 775-7020; toll-free: (800) 742-4107 Senior citizens: (508) 771-7458 |
Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire County |
Massachusetts Justice Project, Holyoke Office |
(413) 533-2660; toll-free: (800) 639-1209 |
Western Mass. Legal Services, Pittsfield Office |
(413) 499-1950; toll-free: (800) 639-1509 |
Western Mass. Legal Services, Greenfield Office |
(413) 584-4034 |
Bristol, Norfolk County |
New Center for Legal Advocacy, New Bedford Office |
(508) 979-7160; toll-free: (800) 244-9023 |
Southeastern Mass. Legal Services, Fall River Office |
(508) 676-6265; toll-free: (800) 287-3777 |
Southeastern Mass. Legal Services, New Bedford Office |
(508) 979-7150; toll-free: (800) 929-9721 |
Essex County |
Merrimack Legal Services—Lawrence |
(978) 687-1177 |
Hampden County |
Massachusetts Justice Project, Holyoke Office |
(413) 533-2660; toll-free: (800) 639-1209 |
Western Mass. Legal Services, Springfield Office |
(413) 781-7814; toll-free: (800) 639-1109 |
Middlesex County |
Community Legal Services and Counseling Center (Cambridge) |
(617) 661-1010 |
Greater Boston Legal Services (Boston) |
(617) 371-1234; toll-free: (800) 323-3205 |
Cambridge/Somerville Legal Services (Cambridge, surrounding towns) |
(617) 494-1800 |
Legal Assistance Corporation of Central Mass. (Worcester County) |
(508) 752-3718); toll-free: (800) 649-3718 |
South Middlesex Legal Services (Framingham, Marlboro, Dedham, surrounding towns) |
(508) 620-1830; toll-free: (800) 696-1501 |
Tri-City Community Action Program Inc. (Malden, Medford, Everett, Melrose, Wakefield) |
(781) 322-4125 |
Boston College Legal Assistance Bureau |
(781) 893-4793 |
Merrimack Legal Services, Lowell Office |
(978) 458-1465 |
Plymouth County |
Southeastern Mass. Legal Services (Senior Law Project), Brockton Office |
(508) 586-2110; toll-free: (800) 244-8393 |
New Center for Legal Advocacy, New Bedford Office |
(508) 979-7160; toll-free: (800) 244-9023 |
Legal Services for Cape Cod and Islands (includes part of Plymouth County) |
(508) 775-7020; toll-free: (800) 742-4107 Senior Citizens: (508) 771-7458 |
Greater Boston Legal Services |
(617) 371-1234; toll-free: (800) 323-3205 |
Law Advocate Resource Center (LARC) |
(617) 742-9179; toll-free: (800) 342-5297 |
Volunteers Lawyer Project (Boston) |
(617) 423-0648 |
Suffolk County |
Greater Boston Legal Services |
(617) 371-1234; toll-free: (800) 323-3205 |
Harvard Legal Aid Bureau (Cambridge) |
(617) 495-4408 |
Community Legal Services and Counseling Center |
(617) 661-1010 |
Law Advocate Resource Center (LARC) |
(617) 742-9179; toll-free: (800) 342-5297 |
Volunteers Lawyer Project (Boston) |
(617) 423-0648 |
Worcester County |
Legal Assistance Corporation of Central Mass. |
(508) 752-3718); toll-free: (800) 649-3718 |
Western Mass. Legal Services, Northampton Office |
(413) 584-4034; toll-free: (800) 639-1309 |
Massachusetts Justice Project, Worcester Office |
(508) 831-9888; toll free: (888) 427-8989 | |