Massachusetts veterans and their households in search of monetary help can now use a software that state officers say is designed to assist them “quickly determine their eligibility” for the month-to-month advantages.
The Healey administration has launched a brand new MassVets Profit Estimator, developed below the state Govt Workplace of Veterans Companies, to “provide a more seamless experience for veterans seeking financial relief through the Chapter 115 Safety Net Program.”
Officers unveiled the brand new software, a part of the so-called HERO Act that acquired State Home approval final 12 months, on Friday.
A provision in what state lawmakers described because the “most comprehensive piece of veterans legislation” thought-about in many years consists of safety for veterans receiving state Chapter 115 advantages from shedding these entitlements when their federal advantages change.
Chapter 115, a state-funded program, offers direct monetary help to veterans and households dealing with monetary hardship, with advantages serving to cowl “essential needs” – every day residing bills, medical and dental prices, hire and housing assist, and so on.
“This new tool reaffirms our commitment to making Massachusetts the best state for veterans and their families,” Veterans Companies Secretary Jon Santiago stated in an announcement. “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.”
Native veteran providers workplaces confirm eligibility for Chapter 115 throughout the utility course of, contemplating veteran standing, Massachusetts residency, private property, earnings sources and bills.
The brand new software additionally permits veterans to achieve an estimate of how a lot they’re owed in month-to-month advantages.
Final 12 months, the state Govt Workplace of Veterans Companies helped 5,998 people and households obtain advantages amounting to $36,933,479.49, an company spokesperson informed the Herald.
The HERO Act additionally consists of greater than a dozen completely different spending and coverage initiatives masking the modernization of state veterans providers and commitments to “inclusivity and greater representation.”
“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,” Gov. Maura Healey stated in an announcement. “This new tool makes it easier for veterans to determine what they are eligible for, how much and how to get it. We encourage everyone to use the Benefit Estimator to make sure they receive the benefits and resources they deserve.”
