Financial Security Resource Network

Key topics

  • Promoting available resources to meet urgent needs of veterans and families experiencing financial insecurity or crises

  • Encouraging information sharing and the development of a common access point and directory of free financial counseling, estate planning, and tax preparation services available

  • Recognizing the unique challenges with housing affordability and cost of living in the region lead to gaps for individuals and families with incomes above the threshold for many services

  • Connecting veterans and survivors who may be eligible for MassVets financial benefits to their local veterans’ services office or veterans’ services district (if applicable) to apply

  • Connecting veterans and survivors who may be eligible for VA compensation and pensions to a VA-accredited VSO representative, agent, or attorney for help with VA claims and appeals

  • Forming affinity groups to organize and facilitate community summits and financial information- and resource-sharing

  • Submitting events to the shared calendar using the tag #financial and other tags so they appear above and on relevant resource or regional pages

Sue Katz is the Chair of the Financial Security Resource Network. Organizations aligned with our Financial Security Resource Network offer financial support ranging from financial counseling to emergency grants and direct income support, and help gaining access to financial benefits and long-term support, including with VA Home Loans, etc.

  • On February 7, 2019, GBVC convened a community summit on Financial Health & Issues Impacting Service Members, Veterans & Families, hosted by Casa Cana Restaurant. This summit focused on financial health-related topics and issues impacting service members, veterans and their families with presentations by:

    • Sue Katz, American Consumer Credit Counseling

    • Robert Cormier, CIMA, CPRS, Vice President & Financial Advisor, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management

    • Kristen Alberino, Social Security Administration

    • Jill Lahey, Internal Revenue Service

Community Strategies for Suicide Prevention support a public health approach that uses data to drive decision-making; implements and evaluates multiple strategies to enhance resilience and improve well-being based on the best available evidence; and works to prevent people from becoming suicidal. A core strategy to increase protective factors for veterans and families is to strengthen their financial security.

Developed by Swords to Plowshares, TOOLBOX.vet is an online library; Understand Your Role in Getting Veterans Connected to the VA will help you understand why you should tell veterans to enroll in VA healthcare or pursue VA benefits claims.

Financial Resource Network

VA Compensation & Pension Benefits

  • Veterans may be eligible to receive VA disability compensation. A veteran must file a claim for the VA to make a determination as to whether a veterans’ disability is service-connected. A condition is service-connected if VA determines the condition claimed resulted from the veterans’ military service (such as due to an in service event, exposure, illness, or injury).

    Eligibility for service-connection may also be established for conditions when its signs and symptoms emerged (or the condition was diagnosed) while on active duty or within an applicable time period in which service-connection is presumed. For example:

    • Veterans may be eligible if they develop an illness that’s at least 10% disabling that appears within 1 year of discharge and they are diagnosed with an illness is listed in 38 CFR 3.309(a).

    • Veterans of the Gulf War, including since 2001, may be compensated for disabling signs or symptoms of any undiagnosed illness(es) emerging during or after active service in the Gulf.

    • Veterans may also be compensated for pre-existing conditions that are exacerbated due to service or service-connected disabilities, or which occur secondary to service-connected conditions or their treatment.

  • Surviving spouses, children, and parents may qualify for Dependency & Indemnity Compensation (DIC) if the veteran’s death certificate indicates the veteran’s death resulted from a service-connected disability or the veteran was 100% service-connected for a certain period of time (regardless of the survivors’ income).

  • Veterans of the Gulf War may qualify to receive compensation for signs and symptoms of undiagnosed illnesses, at least until such time as the condition is diagnosed and can be properly adjudicated. All other situations require a veteran’s condition be diagnosed.

    The Gulf War provisions are intended to ensure combat veterans in these theaters receive access to compensation and healthcare for conditions potentially related to their service, regardless of whether anyone has formally diagnosed the underlying condition for any reason.

    • All possible conditions do not need to have been ruled out for a veteran to qualify for compensation. Undiagnosed illnesses are rated analogously to conditions in the rating schedule which most closely approximate the signs and symptoms (for example, signs and symptoms of anxiety and insomnia may be rated analogously to other diagnosed mental health disorders).

    • If a veteran receiving compensation for an undiagnosed illness or illnesses, the VA must then determine if the now-diagnosed condition is service connected and re-evaluate and rate the condition (including whether it is service-connected) under the appropriate rating schedule for the diagnosed condition.

  • Low-income veterans age 65 or older with 90 days of active service (including at least one day of qualifying active service during a wartime period) who meet net worth and income limits may qualify for a veterans’ pension.

    Low-income wartime veterans under age 65 may be eligible for the pension if they have a permanent and total disability; are a patient in a nursing home; or are receiving SSDI––regardless of whether the underlying disability is service-connected.

    Low-income wartime veterans over age 65 do not have to meet disability requirements. If veterans also have a service-connected disability, the pension would only be paid if it offers a greater benefit to the veteran than service-connected disability (such as where a veteran has a very low rating).

  • Surviving spouses of wartime veterans may be eligible for a Survivors’ Pension if they meet basic eligibility and income requirements and do not remarry, without regard to whether the veterans’ death was service-connected.

    Other unmarried low-income surviving dependents of wartime veterans may be eligible if they meet basic eligibility requirements and are under age 18, under age 23 and attending a VA-approved school (visit the Education page for information about VA-approved schools), or who are unable to care for themselves due to a disability that happened before turning 18.

  • Veterans and survivors who qualify for a VA pension and require assistance with daily living may receive an additional allowance for Aid & Attendance with their pension if any of the following apply:

    • They require assistance performing activities of daily living (bathing, feeding, dressing, etc).

    • They have to stay in bed or spend a large portion of the day in bed due to illness.

    • They are a patient in a nursing home due to the loss of mental or physical abilities related to a disability.

    • Their eyesight is limited with only 5/200 or less in both eyes or concentric contraction of the visual field to 5 degrees or less that cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses.

    Veterans and survivors who pay caregivers (including in-home family caregivers) to assist them with activities of daily living may deduct this expense and other qualifying medical expenses from their countable income above a certain amount for the purpose of qualifying for the low-income wartime veteran or survivor pension.

    Expenses for Aid & Attendance expenses cannot be projected as future expense to qualify––payments have to have to have already been made to the caregiver in the relevant time period when applying in order to qualify for deduction from their countable income.

  • Veterans and survivors may be eligible for an additional Homebound Allowance if they receive a VA pension and spend most of their time in their home because of a permanent disability. Beneficiaries can only receive either a Homebound Allowance or Aid & Attendance allowance, not both.

Veterans in need of direct assistance with their VA benefit claims can get help through a VA-accredited Veteran Service Organization (VSO) representative, agent, or attorney. VSO representatives cannot charge fees. Agents and attorneys may charge reasonable fees (up to 20% of retroactive benefits). Fees are only payable if the VA grants the appeal of a denied VA claim.

The r/VeteransBenefits subreddit’s Knowledge Base was created by veterans to help veterans help themselves access the benefits they have earned and are entitled to. The wikis cover just about everything veterans and advocates need to understand what VA benefits they may be eligible for and how to access them and navigate the associated processes, including:

Advice for Separating Service Members | Recoupment of Separation Benefits | Disability | Pension | Dependents | Death & Survivor Benefits | Aid & Attendance | Housebound | Education & Employment | Divorce & Creditors | M21-1 Compensation & Pension Manual | Federal Benefits by Combined Ratings

MassVets Financial Benefits

Federal VA benefits are distinct from MassVets financial benefits, which are offered through the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and administered by local veterans’ agents. Low-income veterans and spouses may qualify for one-time or ongoing financial support.

Those seeking MassVets financial benefits can use the Mass Vet Benefit Calculator created by Harvard Law School’s Veterans Legal Clinic to learn about their potential eligibility and then apply through their local veterans’ service office.

Local veterans’ agents also typically meet 1:1 with local veterans and survivors to discuss state or VA claims, including to refer them VA-accredited representatives if they are unable to assist.

Events tagged with #benefits below include office hours for local veterans’ agents and VA-accredited VSOs who can assist with questions and benefit claims. Check the links to the local veterans’ services offices in the listing for the most current information.

Military Friends Foundation

  • Basic Needs Grants – Actively serving Massachusetts National Guard and Reserve members residing in Massachusetts who have deployed overseas since 9/11 and Massachusetts Gold Star Families of any era experiencing financial hardship related to their service or the death of their service member can apply for assistance with food, clothing, shelter, and/or medical expenses. MFF will respond within 14 days of submitting an application. To be eligible, the household must have a gross income that does not exceed 30% of the AMI or an extenuating circumstance.

  • Crisis Response Grants – Massachusetts military families impacted by an unexpected emergency such as a fire, severe debilitating illness, natural disaster, severe medical injury or accident, or other crisis situation may submit an application to determine if they qualify for assistance.

  • Hero's Salute Casualty Grant – Massachusetts families whose loved one was killed in action or died while serving on active duty may receive immediate support including:

    • assistance with funeral/burial expenses,

    • travel arrangements and travel costs for family members,

    • lodging arrangements and lodging costs for family members,

    • memorial photo pins for wake/funeral services, and

    • handheld flags for local communities to honor the Fallen.

    These funds can be accessed by the family's primary contact or the Casualty Assistance Officer by submitting an application or calling (844) 357-8387.

  • Warrior Travel Grants – MFF flies home Massachusetts service members for surprise homecomings for their families to have a final visit before a deployment or other special occasion. Complete the application to determine eligibility. Grants are awarded based on available funds. Deploying service members and surprise homecomings are given priority.

Military Friends Foundation offers grant programs to support families facing hardships related to military service. Funding to support families comes in part from voluntary contributions made through Question 32E on the Massachusetts State Tax Form.

Resources for Tax Time

DoD offers free MilTax software through Military OneSource.

IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service

The Taxpayer Advocate Service is an independent organization within the IRS. Local Taxpayer Advocates in Massachusetts can help ensure you are treated fairly and that you know and understand your rights as a taxpayer. The TAS is independent of the local IRS office and reports directly to the National Taxpayer Advocate.

  • Andover Office: 310 Lowell St, Stop 120 – (978) 805-0745

  • Boston Office: JFK Building, 15 New Sudbury St, Rm 725, Boston – (617) 316-2690

Massachusetts has two Local Taxpayer Advocate offices. Taxpayers can also connect to the service by calling (877) 777-4778. The TAS is independent of the local IRS office and reports directly to the National Taxpayer Advocate.

TAS offers free help to guide taxpayers through the often-confusing process of resolving tax problems. Taxpayers can contact the TAS if they haven't been able to solve a problem on their own and:

  • the problem is causing financial difficulties for you, your family, or your business;

  • the taxpayer (or their business) is facing an immediate threat of adverse action; or

  • the taxpayer tried repeatedly to contact the IRS but no one has responded or hasn't responded by the date promised.

VA Caregiver Financial Planning Services

The VA now offers no cost Legal & Financial Planning Services to Designated Primary Family Caregivers enrolled in VA’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. A Call Center is available 24/7 at (833) 422-7382 or caregivers can register here and follow the prompts to receive a call to set up an appointment to discuss individualized services with a Concierge for.

  • household budgeting, college expense planning and student loans, retirement planning, and a 90-day financial coaching program;

  • debt dispute resolution, debt management, and credit management;

  • creation of simple wills, advanced directives, and power of attorney and drafting instruments and documents pertaining to guardianship, credit reporting agencies, businesses, and debt collector notifications; and

  • education on state regulations on relevant topics including insurance review and education, mortgage loans and refinancing, identity theft and preventative steps in cases of personal data compromise and 90-day restorative services support for those experiencing identity theft.

Concierges are certified financial planners and paralegals who can provide guidance and education on routine issues and make referrals for the services outlined above. The Concierge handles the details of each inquiry, providing guidance and support throughout the process, as well as referrals and appointments with a national network of attorneys.

Financial Planning Association

  • The Financial Planning Association’s pro bono financial planners below may be contacted for assistance in Massachusetts. They will ask you to complete a letter of engagement that outlines what is entailed in the pro bono relationship and the expectations of all parties.

Covid-19 Financial Resource Tracker

Access to Benefits

Many veterans do not apply for benefits they may be eligible for. Veterans are also less likely to participate in SNAP. Some veterans may not understand eligibility requirements for a particular benefit; others may say they have just not have gotten around to it, don’t want to take assistance from other more deserving veterans, their condition isn’t that bad, etc.

VA disability compensation is an entitlement that has to be paid to each veteran who qualifies for it. One veteran receiving VA compensation or VA healthcare does not limit another veteran’s access to it. Veterans are generally awarded compensation based on their disability, its impact on their functioning, and if it is “at least as likely as not” related to their military service (if not presumed).

Veterans who need assistance applying may be reluctant to disclose information to a person they don’t know due to stigma, including veterans who received an Other Than Honorable discharge, minority veterans, or veterans who have experienced combat trauma, military or other sexual trauma, moral injury, cultural betrayal, institutional betrayal, or other interpersonal trauma.

Compensation for PTSD

Veterans who have been diagnosed with PTSD that was caused by a traumatic experience (or made worse by it) during active military service may be eligible to receive VA compensation for PTSD. PTSD claims may be denied in the absence of a diagnosis or demonstrable military-related stressor. Detailed information about the adjudication of PTSD claims by VA is available here.

In 2010, researchers published their findings from an evaluation of the long-term outcomes of veterans who applied for service-connected disability compensation for PTSD between 1994 and 1998. Regardless of whether the PTSD claims were granted by the VA, veterans who filed PTSD claims were highly impaired overall at the time of their claim and most were diagnosed with PTSD.

Veterans experienced long and chronic courses involving ongoing, clinically relevant PTSD symptoms, poor functioning, and similarly low labor force participation in both groups despite clinically relevant improvements in functioning 10 years after filing PTSD claims. However, there were differences in outcomes related to veterans’ access to care and benefits for PTSD specifically.

Veterans whose PTSD claims were granted experienced clinically meaningful PTSD symptom reduction and substantially less poverty and homelessness over time. Veterans whose PTSD claims were granted also had more protection from poverty compared to veterans who received service-connection for other conditions with PTSD being denied.

Veterans whose PTSD claims were denied by VA were 3x as likely to experience poverty and 2x as likely to experience homelessness over time.

Black veterans are overrepresented among homeless veterans. Black veterans are also more likely to have their PTSD claims denied, a trend previously observed back in 2003 that persists in 2023 based on new VA data. Black veterans were also less likely to be diagnosed with PTSD by VA examiners and more likely to be given OTH discharges, further limiting access to VA benefits.

Compared to men, women veterans are four times more likely to become homeless; even as the overall rate of veteran homelessness decreased by 50% from 2009 to 2019, the number of women veterans experiencing homelessness grew by 135%. At the direction of Congress in 2010, a review by VA OIG found a lower proportion of women veterans being compensated for PTSD.

VA OIG’s Review of Combat Stress in Women Veterans Receiving VA Health Care and Disability Benefits evaluated whether the VA properly diagnosed, cared for, and provided compensation to women who experienced combat stress (TBI or PTSD) and/or military sexual trauma, describing the transition of around 500,000 service members leaving active duty between 2005–2006 until 2010.

  • Although women were more likely to have been diagnosed and compensated by VA for any mental health condition, women veterans were less likely to be diagnosed with TBI or PTSD.

  • OIF/OEF Reserve women veterans were uniquely less likely to be diagnosed or compensated for any mental health condition despite having been deployed to combat.

The response to the 2011 review of combat stress have focused on denied PTSD claims related to MST with no specific follow up or review of combat stress. In 2021, researchers evaluated whether improvements in MST claims impacted gender discrepancies in reversals of denied PTSD claims after 2011. Women were less likely than men to have had their PTSD denials reversed on appeal.

Massachusetts Veterans Disability & Poverty Status

  • The most current information about the Massachusetts veteran population by age, disability, and poverty status from the 2022 American Community Survey is available at the county level with 1-year estimates (most current).

    • Estimates regarding age, gender, and veteran status is available at the city/town and county level with 1-year estimates.

    • Estimates regarding disability and poverty status is available at the county level with 1-year estimates.

    • Estimates regarding veterans’ service era is available at the city and town and county level with 1-year estimates.

    The Census Reporter offers a Military & Veterans portal to access and explore data collected about current and past members of the US armed forces current and past members of the US armed forces at the city/town and county levels.

Massachusetts veterans with disabilities and/or incomes below the poverty line are potentially eligible for VA or state-based veterans’ benefits. Veterans with chronic or emerging financial challenges may not be aware of the financial benefits specific to veterans that are available. The demographics of veterans in Massachusetts are quickly shifting, including based on wartime service.

  • Veterans with or without wartime service may qualify for MassVets financial benefits or VA compensation benefits. Low-income wartime veterans residing in Massachusetts must have 90 days of active duty service to qualify; those with peacetime service only must have served more than 180 days on active duty.

  • Veterans with wartime service may be qualify for the VA pension. Veterans over age 65 with wartime service may qualify whether or not they have a qualifying disability. 

2021

2022