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Western Massachusetts Veterans Outreach Project
Community Resources
Military members and veterans have access to many community resources. Some are for families too. For veterans and family members living in Massachusetts, each community has a Veterans Service Officer to help with the applications for benefits, including financial assistance.
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Veterans, for example, may be eligible for benefits which include:
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Daily living expenses
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Medical costs
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Rent assistance
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Support of dependents
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Prevention of veteran homelessness
To help determine your eligibility and see what you may qualify for, please use the Mass Vet Benefit Calculator.​
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Please call your local community’s Veterans Service Officer in your town or city to discuss and apply for these benefits. You can locate his/her telephone number and email address by visiting the Mass Vet Benefit Calculator.
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If you are unable to reach your local veterans service officer then please contact the MA Department of Veterans Services directly by calling: (617) 210-5480.
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In addition to state programs, there are several federal and other community-based resources for Veterans. Below is a list of available programs:
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Health Care - The Military Health System provides care for members, retirees, and dependents. The Veterans Health Administration provides health care for eligible Veterans.
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Housing - As a veteran or family member of a veteran, you can apply for home loans and grants from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
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Education - You may qualify for education benefits through military and veterans programs. You might even be able to transfer your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to your spouse or children.
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Life Insurance - All qualifying active duty members are enrolled in Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI). Veterans may be eligible for the Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI).
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Job Training and Help - Service members leaving the military can get help finding a civilian job.
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Retirement - Members who retire with at least 20 years of service get a monthly annuity for life.
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Military Assistance Programs for Veterans, Service Members, and Families
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If you're a service member, veteran, or spouse, you’re not alone. The military and federal agencies have resources to help you manage life. Use these tools to get help with finances, health care, jobs, moving, and other challenges.
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Manage Your Benefits and Records with milConnect
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If you're a military member or a veteran, you can use milConnect to manage many of your benefits and records:
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Get copies of your Official Military Personnel File
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Update your family members in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS)
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Transfer your GI Bill education benefits to family members
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View your health care coverage
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Update your work and personal contact information
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Find all the latest information and resources to manage your benefits
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National Resource Directory for Service Members and Veterans
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The National Resource Directory connects the military and veterans with local support resources, such as:
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Jobs
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Health
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Homelessness
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Housing
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Caregiver support
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Financial Assistance for Service Members and Veterans
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The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) helps military families and veterans with financial issues:
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Filing complaints
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Avoiding scams targeting military and veterans
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Improving money management skills
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Free Credit Monitoring for Active Duty and National Guard
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If you’re active duty or in the National Guard, you can get free credit monitoring under a new Federal Trade Commission rule. To enroll in the program, visit the military monitoring web page for each nationwide credit monitoring agency:
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Credit monitoring services alert you to changes in your credit file like a new credit card or loan in your name. These might signal fraudulent charges and/or identity theft. Now that you're aware, you can dispute the charges or take corrective action by accessing the Federal Trade Commission's Identity Theft website.
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Military OneSource
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Military OneSource offers help with all aspects of military life. Counseling for service members and families is free and confidential.​ Find information and resources in areas such as:
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Military financial and legal assistance
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Job and education help for military spouses
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Parenting and military child care assistance
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Deployment help for military families
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Moving assistance for military families
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Military health and wellness, including:
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Preventing training injuries
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Dealing with family violence
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Managing stress and suicidal thoughts
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You can also call Military OneSource at 1-800-342-9647 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Visit their contact page to learn how to call from outside the U.S. or from your computer.
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