Vet Pay ChartMassachusetts disabled veteran benefits
Official state programs, rating thresholds and other eligibility conditions. Checked September 30, 2026.
| Program | Benefit | Who may qualify |
|---|---|---|
| Property taxVeteran property tax exemptions | Base relief includes $400 for 10% or more service-connected disability and $1,000 for 100%; specified severe-disability and family categories differ. | Own and occupy the domicile July 1; qualifying discharge and pre-service residence or two consecutive years of state residence. Municipal HERO Act options can increase and index relief; ask the assessor.Official program detailsAdditional eligibility rules |
| Vehicle registrationDisabled veteran fee exemptions | Qualifying disabled veteran plates waive registration and driver-license fees. Separate excise-tax relief includes 100% service-connected disability or individual unemployability. | DV plates require at least 60% qualifying service-connected impairments and disability-parking medical eligibility. Apply for excise relief through the local assessor; plate and excise rules differ.Official program detailsAdditional eligibility rules |
| Hunting and fishingDisability fishing and hunting licenses | Free freshwater fishing or hunting licenses are available under functional-disability rules. | Qualifying resident and approved paraplegia or other listed disability; blindness is a fishing-only route. A VA percentage alone does not qualify.Official program details |
| State parksState park parking waiver | Vehicles displaying qualifying Disabled Veteran or Purple Heart plates receive free day-use parking. | Display the eligible plate or approved disability placard. Camping, reservations and other charges follow separate rules.Official program details |
| EducationVeteran categorical tuition waiver | Eligible veterans and active-duty members can receive tuition waivers at public colleges. | One-year state residence and qualifying wartime or peacetime service, discharge and student-aid requirements; fees are separate.Official program details |
| Income taxMilitary retirement exemption | Military retired pay is exempt from Massachusetts income tax. | Other retirement distributions, including TSP, follow their own rules.Official program details |
| EmploymentCivil-service hiring preference | Qualified disabled veterans precede other veterans on covered civil-service eligibility lists. | Meet statutory veteran status, examination and job qualifications; competitive and noncompetitive positions have different rules.Official program details |
Property tax rating thresholds
Before you apply
Bring your current VA benefit or award letter and the documents required by the administering agency. Exemptions may require an application, county approval and renewal. Federal compensation and state benefit eligibility are separate.
Keep exploring
Sources for this page
- myarmybenefits.us.army.mil — Benefit Library/State/Territory Benefits/Massachusetts
- malegislature.gov — Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleIX/Chapter59/Section5
- www.mass.gov — info details/reviewing changes in massachusetts veteran property tax exemptions
- www.sec.state.ma.us — divisions/cis/veterans/vet law.htm
- www.mass.gov — info details/ask dls hero act
- www.mass.gov — info details/license types and fees
- www.mass.gov — guides/visiting massachusetts state parks guide
- www.mass.edu — osfa/programs/categorical.asp
- www.mass.gov — info details/ma tax information for military personnel and their spouses
Retrieved September 30, 2026. Published VA rates, official rules and eligibility terms control.