Chapter 115 Veterans Benefits
Financial and medical assistance programs for veterans and their dependents in Massachusetts.
The Department of Veterans Services (DVS) serves as an advocate for all Cambridge veterans and their dependents. DVS advises clients as to the availability of benefits, services, and provides financial assistance to those veterans/dependents who are in need. The department assists veterans and their families in processing applications for federal Veterans Affairs claims for pensions, disability and death benefits, burial plots, grave markers, home loans, educational benefits, medical services, and life insurance benefits.
Additionally, the department coordinates public events on Patriots, Veterans, and Memorial Days, including a Memorial Day Parade. On Memorial Day, over 9,000 flags are placed on the graves of veterans interred in Cambridge cemeteries. DVS also coordinates the dedication of streets, squares and parks named after veterans who were killed in action.
News
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Meet and Greet Opportunities with Cambridge Veterans Services in 2025
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Council on Aging’s Veterans and Friends Support Group Provides Connection, Camaraderie Year-Round
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Supporting Veterans through PGA Hope Cambridge
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Veterans Day Observance Event 11-11-24
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Cambridge Honors Those Who Were Wounded or Died in Service to Our Country on National Purple Heart Day
Upcoming Events
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Farm Girl on the Front Lines: Deborah Sampson’s Secret
March 20, 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM
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Meet and Greet Opportunities with Cambridge Veterans Services
March 28, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Meet and Greet Opportunities with Cambridge Veterans Services
April 25, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Tips and FAQs
Am I a Veteran?
The Massachusetts definition of a Veteran is any person who was a veteran as defined in M.G.L. Chapter 4, Section 7, Clause 43; or served on active duty, to include active duty solely for training purposes, in the armed forces for at least 90 days and whose last discharge or release was under conditions other than dishonorable; or served on active duty, to include active duty solely for training purposes, in the armed forces, and was awarded a service-connected disability or who died in such service under conditions other than dishonorable; or served in the national guard or as a reservist in any branch of the armed forces, including active duty solely for training purposes, and was awarded a service-connected disability or who died in such service under conditions other than dishonorable; or is determined to be a veteran according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; provided that, in any case, the service of such person was entered into or served in Massachusetts, or such person has resided in the commonwealth for 1 day except for the purpose of determining the residential eligibility of a deceased veteran’s dependents.
Can you help me file a Disability Claim with the VA?
Yes. Cambridge Veterans Services can help you file a claim with the VA. Navigating the VA system can be difficult, we’re here to help.
How can I obtain a copy of my DD214?
Cambridge Veterans Services has access to the Massachusetts Military Records Database and can look up a DD214/discharge record if the Veteran enlisted in the military while living in Massachusetts. If a record isn’t in the database, Veterans Services can assist in completing a request for records from the National Archives in St. Louis, Missouri.
What is Aid and Attendance?
Veterans and survivors who are eligible for a VA pension and require the aid and attendance of another person, or are housebound, may be eligible for additional monetary payment. These benefits are paid in addition to monthly pension, and they are not paid without eligibility to Pension. Please visit the Veterans Service office for assistance with the Aid and Attendance application process.
What other phone numbers can I use for help?
VA Numbers
- VA Healthcare Boston: (800) 865-3384 (follow the prompts)
- VA Health Care Benefits: (877) 222-VETS (877-222-8387)
- VA Benefits: (800) 827-1000 For information about: Education, Home Loan, Disability, Medical Care, Burial, Life Insurance and Sexual Trauma
- VA Caregiver Support Line: (855) 260-3274 (are you caring for a veteran at home?)
- VA Life Insurance: (800) 669-8477
- VA Education (GI Bill): (888) 442-4551
- VA Income Verification and Means Testing: (800) 929-8387
- VA Gulf War/Agent Orange Helpline: (800) 749-8387
- TBI Helpline (traumatic brain injury): (888) VET-1TBI (888-838-1824)
- VA Status of Headstones and Markers: (800)-697-6947
- VA Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD): (800) 829-4833
- Social Security: (800) 772-1213
- Medicare: (800) 638-6833
- The White House: (202) 456-1414
- Unites States Senate: (202) 224-3121
- United States Congress: (202) 225-3121