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1. How do I Get a Veterans ID Card?

As of 2012, Massachusetts driver's licenses can now indicate that your are a veteran. The military provides all veterans with a DD-214, i.e., your discharge papers as proof of service. This document should be safe-guarded. It is recommended that you make copies of your original and only use those copies and a photo ID (like a driver's license) as proof for those that seek it. The VA has started issuing Veterans ID cards. Instructions will be provided shortly.

more information.

2. Who do I call for transportation to my VA medical appointment?

Please click on this link to get information on how to arrange for transportation to scheduled VA medical appointments at the VA medical facilities in Bedford, Lowell, Jamaica Plain and West Roxbury.

If link is not displayed, copy and paste this URL: https://www.westfordma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1107/Who-to-Contact-Regarding-Transportation-for-Veterans-Their-Families-PDF

3. Can I get hearing aids or glasses from the VA?

The VA will provide eyeglasses and hearing aids to veterans with any compensable service-connected disability, former Prisoners of War and Purple Heart recipients. This benefit is generally not available for the spouse of a veteran, other assistance may be available, please call your community VSO. Find more information.

4. How do I get a cemetery marker for a veteran?

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) furnishes upon request, at no charge to the applicant, a Government headstone or marker for the unmarked grave of any deceased eligible veteran in any cemetery around the world, regardless of their date of death.   For eligible veterans that died on or after Nov. 1, 1990, VA may also provide a headstone or marker for graves that are already marked with a private headstone or marker. When the grave is already marked, applicants will have the option to apply for either a traditional headstone or marker, or a medallion. 

Flat markers in granite, marble, and bronze and upright headstones in granite and marble are available. The style chosen must be consistent with existing monuments at the place of burial. Niche markers are also available to mark columbaria used for inurnment of cremated remains.

When burial or memorialization is in a national cemetery, state veterans' cemetery, or military post/base cemetery, a headstone or marker will be ordered by the cemetery officials based on inscription information provided by the next of kin or authorized representative.

Spouses and dependents are not eligible for a Government-furnished headstone or marker unless they are buried in a national cemetery, state veteran's cemetery, or military post/base cemetery.

Note: There is no charge for the headstone or marker itself, however arrangements for placing it in a private cemetery are the applicant's responsibility and all setting fees are at private expense.

5. Am I eligible for financial aid? Can I get help with my medical bills?

If you are a veteran, dependent of a veteran, or a widow/widower of a veteran and struggling financially, you may be entitled to assistance.

6. How can I support veterans and active duty service members?

Looking to honor the brave men and women who served our country in the armed forces? Wondering how you can find a charity helping our veterans that you can trust? Charity Navigator can help! They've rated dozens of military-related charities so you can make an informed decision. Check out their list now.

7. Do you qualify for a utility or telephone discount?

If you are receiving Massachusetts Chapter 115 benefits, or VA DIC/disability compensation, you are probably eligible! Utility and telephone discounts are lower rates charged to low-income customers for gas, electricity, and telephone service. Massachusetts Law requires regulated gas and electric utility companies to offer discounted rates to customers who receive public assistance benefits and meet income limits. Customers with low-income rates get the same level of service as customers paying the standard rate.

Most utility discount programs use a gross annual income limit equal to 60% of the state median income (SMI), the income limits used by the LIHEAP fuel assistance program. Some utility companies may still use 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG). Check with your utility company for their income eligibility rules. Read more about eligibility.

8. I have a Service Connected Disability rating from the VA, what am I entitled to?

Besides getting the healthcare that is specific to your "disability, there maybe other VA, local and state level benefits you are entitled to:

For VA benefits, take a look at the VA Benefit Eligibility Matrix

Take a look at the document What Every Veteran Should Know for some other benefits to check with your local VSO on.