Massachusetts is the only State in the USA to dedicate a program of services to its' resident, eligible, veteran population. In accordance with Massachusetts General Law, MGL Chapter 115, each city and town in the Commonwealth is represented by a resident Veterans Service Officer also known as a Veterans' Agent. Smaller communities are combined into a district and administered accordingly. Merrimac along with Newburyport and Newbury form a district.
There are two sources of benefits and services available to eligible veterans in Massachusetts. The first, which is familiar to all veterans, is the Federal Program commonly known as VA benefits. The second source is a State sponsored program which provides needy, eligible veterans and their dependents with financial and/or medical assistance. Additional information is outlined on this website under Programs.
The primary mission and responsibility of the local veterans' agent is to advise and assist resident veterans and their dependents in availing themselves of Federal and/or State benefits for which they may be eligible; also, perform varied duties in disbursing and administering the State veterans services program of financial and/or medical benefits referred to above.
The eligibility criteria for State and Federal benefits vary according to source and type of benefit. Inquires pertaining to eligibility should first be directed to the local agent who will provide particulars or refer the matter to a more knowledgeable source. Inquiries are recommended and encouraged either by telephone or E-mail as noted on this website. Personal appointments are also available, preferably, on a call-first basis. All personal data is considered highly confidential.
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The Veteran's Service Officer aids and assists veterans and their dependents under Mass. General Law Chapter 115. The Service Officer performs varied duties including disbursing and administering a program of cash benefits, medical care, and all other assistance services. The Service Officer also manages and participates in the administration of various other veteran's benefits to eligible veterans and their dependents, including but not limited to annuities, bonuses, license plates and flags for veterans graves. The Service Officer also dispenses forms and applications for the United States Veterans Administration including service and non-service connected pensions, disability compensation, hospitalization, long-term care, outpatient treatment, education, loan guarantee forms, grave markers and other benefits available under federal laws.
Veterans can enroll for benefits with the Veterans Administration Health Care Program. Call the V.A. Clinic at the Hale Hospital in Haverhill for more information: (978) 372-5207. Veterans "no other group in America is more deserving of assistance toward and improved quality of life; they are the ones who secured such a life for the rest of us."
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