The Commonwealth of Massachusetts just rolled out the MassVets Benefit Estimator, a new digital aid designed to assist veterans in quickly finding out if they can get monthly financial help. This is an initiative by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services (EOVS), which aims to streamline the process for vets trying to navigate the financial aid terrain offered by the state's Chapter 115 Safety Net Program.

In a move the Healey-Driscoll Administration is calling an expansion of its commitment to those who've served, Governor Maura Healey, highlighted the importance of accessibility: "Our administration was proud to expand benefits for veterans and their families under the HERO Act, but we need to make sure that they know about and can access them," the governor stated in an article on the state's official website. Helping veterans figure out their entitlements and the process of getting them are the key goals of this new platform.

Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that no service member should face hardship in paying for essential needs such as housing, groceries, or healthcare. Veterans Services Secretary Jon Santiago expressed that the tool is part of making Massachusetts a welcoming place for veterans and their families, saying, "With a more accessible and user-friendly benefit estimator, we are ensuring that no veteran in need is left without access to critical financial assistance," as reported by the state's official website.

The Chapter 115 program is comprehensive, offering financial support for daily living, medical costs, rent, dependent care, and even homelessness prevention and behavioral health services. Since the enactment of the 2024 HERO Act, the program has been adjusted to protect veterans' eligibility in light of annual state or federal benefit increases, otherwise known as cost-of-living adjustments (COLA). Municipalities also now have the option to disburse benefits via direct deposit for quicker and simpler transactions.

To dive into the specifics of what monthly benefits they might receive, veterans and their kin can turn to the MassVets Benefit Estimator with just a few clicks. It lays out a straightforward path to understanding state financial aid for those who served. Those eligible can then proceed to apply through their local Veterans' Service Officer (VSO). There is also a helpful tool on the EOVS website for locating a local VSO or, if needed, veterans can reach out directly to the EOVS office for further assistance.