Military veterans and their families will get more money from the state beginning this month with increased annuities going into effect.
On Feb. 1, the Disabled Veteran Annuity and the annual annuity for veterans with a 100% service-connected disability, surviving spouses, or Gold Star Parents increased from $2,000 to $2,500, according to the Healey administration.
The annuity increase will be phased in “to ensure a smooth transition.” Eligible recipients will get an initial payment of $1,250 in February. Beginning in August recipients will receive a single annual payment of $2,500 every year, officials said.
“By increasing this annuity, we are reaffirming our commitment to the veterans, Gold Star families, and service members who have given so much for our state and our country,” Gov. Maura Healey said in a prepared statement.
Most eligible recipients will receive a direct deposit of the increased annuity early this week, according to the Healey administration. Others will receive a paper check in the mail that will be send out this week.
“This increase is more than just a financial adjustment — it’s a promise kept to those who have given so much,” Veterans Services Secretary Jon Santiago said in a statement. “We are proud to deliver tangible support to ensure veterans and their families can thrive in Massachusetts.”
The increased annuities were a key provision of the HERO Act, or Honoring, Empowering and Recognizing Our Service Members and Veterans, signed by Healey in August.
The act expands state benefits for disabled veterans and Gold Star family members and includes new and existing policies for municipalities and businesses to help veterans.
It also expands access for veterans to receive behavioral health treatment and creates a pilot program to support same-sex couples and women veterans, among other provisions.
Another key provision increases the vet-for-hire tax credit to $2,500 for small businesses that hire chronically unemployed or low-income veterans.
Eligible veterans include those receiving SNAP benefits, chronically unemployed veterans, and unemployed service-connected disabled veterans.
The move to increase benefits was praised by veterans groups, who say it will go a long way towards improving the lives of military service members past and present.
Peggy Griffin, chairwoman of the Boston chapter of Gold Star Wives of America, said the “long-overdue” increase to the annuity “recognizes the sacrifices made by those who have served and the families they leave behind.
“This additional financial support will provide meaningful relief to Gold Star spouses and parents who have endured profound loss, continue to face financial hardship.”
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