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H 4002

An Act relative to expanding benefits for disabled veterans and their families

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Kip Diggs and 1 co-sponsor

Bill H 4002 expands benefits for disabled veterans and their families in Massachusetts, offering financial aid, healthcare, education, and housing support to improve their lives.

Accompanied a study order, see H5466 (under House Rule 27)
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Bill Summary · H 4002

Summary of Bill H 4002: An Act Relative to Expanding Benefits for Disabled Veterans and Their Families

Purpose and Intent

Bill H 4002 aims to enhance the benefits available to disabled veterans and their families in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The legislation seeks to provide a broader range of support services and financial assistance to improve the quality of life for disabled veterans, their surviving spouses, and dependents.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces several significant changes to Chapter 115 of the General Laws, specifically targeting benefits for disabled veterans and their families:

1. Eligibility and Definitions

  • Disabled Veteran: Defined as a veteran with a service-connected disability recognized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, regardless of the disability percentage.
  • Dependents: Legal dependents of the disabled veteran who are of driving age at the time of the veteran's death.
  • Surviving Spouse: The spouse of a disabled veteran at the time of the veteran’s death, provided they have not remarried.

2. Benefits for Disabled Veterans

  • Proportional State Benefits: Veterans with service-connected disabilities rated less than 100% will receive benefits scaled to their disability rating, including:
    • Property tax exemptions
    • Partial healthcare assistance (medical, behavioral health, and dental)
    • Tuition waivers or reductions at state colleges and universities
    • Priority placement in state job training and employment programs
  • Home Modification Grants: Veterans rated at 50% or higher may apply for state-funded grants for home accessibility modifications.
  • Rental Assistance: Eligible veterans may receive rental assistance or partial housing vouchers based on financial need.
  • Fee Exemptions: Disabled veterans and their surviving spouses will be exempt from state-imposed fees for business licenses, professional certifications, and occupational licenses.

3. Benefits for Surviving Spouses

  • Surviving spouses will retain eligibility for benefits after the veteran’s death, including:
    • Enrollment in state-sponsored health insurance plans
    • Tuition-free education at state colleges and universities
    • Access to state-funded behavioral health and counseling services
  • Monthly Pension: Surviving spouses will receive a monthly pension equal to 50% of the veteran’s eligible benefits, adjusted annually for inflation.

4. Benefits for Dependents

  • Dependents of disabled veterans will be eligible for:
    • Financial assistance for education and living expenses until age 24
    • Enrollment in state health insurance programs

5. Implementation and Oversight

  • The Secretary of Veterans’ Services will act as a liaison to assist surviving spouses and dependents in accessing benefits.
  • The Department of Veterans’ Services will oversee the implementation of these provisions and establish guidelines for application and eligibility verification.

6. Annual Reporting

  • The Department of Veterans’ Services is required to prepare an annual report detailing:
    • The number of veterans and survivors benefiting from the provisions
    • Total expenditures and cost projections for the upcoming fiscal year
    • Recommendations for improvements or adjustments to the benefits
  • This report will be submitted to relevant legislative committees and made publicly available.

Impact

This bill is expected to significantly enhance the support system for disabled veterans and their families in Massachusetts, providing them with essential resources and financial assistance. By expanding eligibility and benefits, the legislation aims to improve the overall well-being of those who have served the country and their dependents.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced: April 3, 2025
  • Hearing Rescheduled: The next hearing is set for November 13, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 3:50 PM.
  • Committee Referral: The bill has been referred to the Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs.

This summary provides an overview of Bill H 4002, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and the anticipated impact on disabled veterans and their families in Massachusetts.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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