Massachusetts Veterans: Healthcare Facilities, Education Benefits & Job Resources

Massachusetts serves approximately 380,000 veterans - about 5.5% of the state's adult population. Whether you're transitioning to civilian life or already living in Massachusetts, you need to know what healthcare facilities, education benefits, and job opportunities are available.

This guide provides actual addresses, phone numbers, and actionable information for Massachusetts veterans.

Bottom Line Up Front

Healthcare: Massachusetts has 2 VA medical centers, 8+ community-based clinics, 7 Vet Centers, and 2 state veterans homes

Education: Free tuition at Mass Maritime for resident veterans, unlimited Yellow Ribbon at Northeastern, Purple Heart tuition waiver, and strong GI Bill support at 100+ institutions

Employment: State hiring preference, major defense contractors (Raytheon, General Dynamics, L3Harris), tech companies, and veteran-focused job programs

Veteran Population Hotspots: Middlesex County (100,000+), Worcester County (significant), Essex County (large population), Suffolk County (Boston metro)

VA Healthcare Facilities in Massachusetts

VA Medical Centers

1. VA Boston Healthcare System - Jamaica Plain Campus

Address: 150 South Huntington Avenue, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 Phone: (617) 232-9500 Main line: 1-800-865-3384 Emergency Care: 24/7 emergency department

Bed count: 361 beds (acute tertiary care)

Services:

• Primary care
• Mental health services
• Surgery (general, orthopedic, vascular)
• Cardiology
• Oncology
• Neurology
• Gastroenterology
• Women's health
• Prosthetics and rehabilitation
• Pharmacy
• Spinal cord injury care
• Blind rehabilitation

Specialty programs:

• PTSD treatment
• Substance abuse treatment
• Homeless veteran services
• Polytrauma care
• Military sexual trauma treatment

Parking: Available on-site, limited

Note: The Causeway Street clinic in downtown Boston consolidated with Jamaica Plain in October 2024. All services previously at Causeway are now at JP or virtual.

2. Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital - Bedford

Address: 200 Springs Road, Bedford, MA 01730 Phone: (781) 687-2000 Main line: 1-800-838-6331

Bed count: 399 beds

Services:

• Primary care
• Mental health (inpatient and outpatient)
• Geriatrics and extended care
• Long-term care
• Hospice care
• Domiciliary residential rehabilitation
• Pharmacy
• Physical therapy
• Audiology
• Optometry
• Dental

Specialty programs:

• Domiciliary care (residential treatment for homeless veterans)
• Mental health residential rehabilitation
• PTSD residential program
• Substance abuse residential treatment
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Clinical Team (PCT)

Parking: Available on-site

Bedford specializes in mental health and extended care, making it one of the premier mental health VA facilities in New England.

3. VA Central & Western Massachusetts Healthcare System - Leeds

Address: 421 North Main Street, Leeds, MA 01053 Phone: (413) 584-4040 Main line: 1-800-893-1522

Services:

• Primary care
• Mental health
• Women's health
• Specialty clinics
• Pharmacy
• Laboratory
• Radiology

Counties served: Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, Berkshire (western Massachusetts)

Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs)

Brockton VA Medical Center

Address: 940 Belmont Street, Brockton, MA 02301 Phone: (508) 583-4500

Services: Primary care, mental health, specialty care, laboratory, radiology, pharmacy

Counties served: Plymouth, Bristol (southeastern Massachusetts)

Lowell VA Clinic

Address: 130 Marshall Road, Lowell, MA 01852 Phone: (978) 671-9000

Services: Primary care, mental health, telehealth

Counties served: Middlesex, northern Essex

Framingham VA Clinic

Address: Part of VA Boston Healthcare System Phone: (508) 628-0205

Services: Primary care, mental health

Counties served: MetroWest, western suburbs of Boston

Plymouth VA Clinic

Address: Part of VA Boston Healthcare System Phone: Contact VA Boston at 1-800-865-3384

Services: Primary care, mental health

Counties served: Plymouth County, Cape Cod region

Quincy VA Clinic

Address: Part of VA Boston Healthcare System Phone: Contact VA Boston at 1-800-865-3384

Services: Primary care, mental health, specialty care

Counties served: Norfolk County, South Shore

Hyannis VA Clinic (Cape Cod)

Address: Cape Cod area Phone: Contact VA Boston at 1-800-865-3384

Services: Primary care, mental health

Counties served: Barnstable County, Cape Cod and Islands

Martha's Vineyard VA Clinic

Address: Martha's Vineyard Phone: Contact VA Boston at 1-800-865-3384

Services: Primary care (limited schedule)

Nantucket VA Services

Phone: Contact VA Boston for telehealth options

Vet Centers (Readjustment Counseling)

Vet Centers provide confidential counseling for combat veterans, military sexual trauma survivors, and bereaved family members at no cost.

Boston Vet Center Address: 7 Drydock Avenue, Suite 2070, Boston, MA 02210 Phone: (857) 203-6461

Brockton Vet Center Address: 1041L Pearl Street, Brockton, MA 02301 Phone: (508) 580-2730

Hyannis Vet Center (Cape Cod) Address: 474 West Main Street, Hyannis, MA 02601 Phone: (508) 778-0124

Lowell Vet Center Address: 10 George Street, Gateway Center, Lowell, MA 01852 Phone: (978) 453-1151

New Bedford Vet Center Address: 73 Huttleston Avenue, Unit 2, Fairhaven, MA 02719 Phone: (508) 999-6920

Springfield Vet Center Address: 95A Ashley Avenue, Suite A, West Springfield, MA 01089 Phone: (413) 737-5167

Worcester Vet Center Address: 255 Park Avenue, Suite 900, Worcester, MA 01609 Phone: (508) 753-7902

Services at all Vet Centers: PTSD counseling, depression treatment, substance abuse counseling, marriage and family counseling, military sexual trauma counseling, bereavement counseling, employment counseling, referrals

Wait Times and Quality Ratings

VA Boston Healthcare System: Rated above average for most specialty care services. Average wait times of 7-14 days for primary care appointments.

Bedford VA: Highly rated for mental health services. Known for excellent PTSD and substance abuse residential programs.

VA Central & Western Massachusetts: Average wait times of 10-20 days for primary care, varies by specialty.

Best practice: Enroll in VA healthcare as soon as you separate from active duty, even if you don't plan to use it immediately. This locks in your eligibility and priority group.

How to Enroll in VA Healthcare

Online: va.gov/health-care/apply Phone: 1-877-222-VETS (8387) In person: Visit any VA medical center or CBOC with your DD-214

Documents needed:

• DD-214 (discharge paperwork)
• Social Security card
• Insurance information (if you have other coverage)

State Veterans Homes (Nursing Care)

Massachusetts operates two state veterans homes providing skilled nursing and long-term care:

1. Massachusetts Veterans Home at Chelsea (Soldiers' Home)

Address: 91 Crest Avenue, Chelsea, MA 02150 Phone: (617) 884-5660 Beds: 240+ Services: Skilled nursing, long-term care, memory care, respite care

History: Established in 1882, one of the oldest veterans homes in the nation

Eligibility: Honorably discharged veterans who served during wartime or peacetime. Some accommodations for spouses.

Cost: Sliding scale based on income. VA Aid and Attendance benefits can help cover costs.

2. Massachusetts Veterans Home at Holyoke (Soldiers' Home)

Address: 110 Cherry Street, Holyoke, MA 01040 Phone: (413) 532-9475 Beds: 247 Services: Skilled nursing, long-term care, memory care, rehabilitation services

History: Established in 1952

Eligibility: Same as Chelsea

Cost: Sliding scale, accepts VA benefits

How to apply: Contact facilities directly or download applications at mass.gov/veterans-homes

Education Benefits for Massachusetts Veterans

Massachusetts Maritime Academy - Free Tuition for Veterans

This is Massachusetts' flagship education benefit for veteran residents.

Eligibility:

• Veterans who are permanent and legal residents of Massachusetts
• Active duty service members stationed in Massachusetts
• Must be officially enrolled in an undergraduate degree program

Benefit amount:

• 100% tuition waiver for Massachusetts resident veterans
• 50% fee waiver
• Can be used for any undergraduate credit-based course

Annual value: Approximately $10,000-$14,000 per year in tuition savings

Application: Submit DD-214 to Office of Student Financial Services

Contact: Massachusetts Maritime Academy Phone: (508) 830-5000 Website: maritime.edu

Massachusetts National Guard Tuition Waiver

Eligibility: Active Massachusetts National Guard members

Benefit: 100% tuition and fee waiver at Massachusetts state universities and colleges

Applies to: UMass system, state universities, community colleges

Does not cover: Books, room and board, enrollment fees

Purple Heart Tuition Waiver

Eligibility: Purple Heart recipients

Benefit: Tuition waiver for up to 125% of required credit hours for degree/certificate programs

Usage rules: Apply this benefit after using GI Bill and other VA benefits

Schools: All Massachusetts public institutions (UMass system, state universities, community colleges)

Value: Can save $30,000-$60,000+ for a bachelor's degree depending on institution

Post-9/11 GI Bill - Yellow Ribbon Schools

Several Massachusetts schools participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, covering 100% of out-of-state tuition for qualifying veterans:

Northeastern University - UNLIMITED Yellow Ribbon

Yellow Ribbon: Unlimited slots, unlimited contribution Result: 100% of tuition and fees covered for eligible Post-9/11 GI Bill recipients BAH rate: ~$3,279/month (Boston 2025 rate) Veteran enrollment: 1,500+ student veterans

Additional benefits:

• Fully subsidized parking permit at Boston campus
• Book reimbursement if costs exceed $1,000 GI Bill stipend
• Automatic enrollment for 100% Post-9/11 GI Bill beneficiaries

Contact: Northeastern University Military & Veterans Services Phone: (617) 373-2000 Website: military.northeastern.edu

Why this matters: Northeastern's unlimited Yellow Ribbon is one of the most generous in the United States. Most schools cap slots at 10-50 students. Northeastern removed all limits in 2019.

Boston University - Limited Yellow Ribbon

Yellow Ribbon: 52 all-university awards + 50 Metropolitan College awards per year Contribution: $7,000/year all-university ($3,500 BU, $3,500 VA match); $4,000/year Met College BAH rate: ~$3,279/month (Boston) Veteran enrollment: 800+

Application: Opens in March, first-come first-served

Important: BU's Yellow Ribbon does not cover full tuition - it provides a discount. Total cost remains significant.

Contact: Veterans & Military Services Phone: (617) 353-2000 Website: bu.edu/veterans

University of Massachusetts - Amherst

Yellow Ribbon: Limited slots (varies by year) Benefit: Covers difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition BAH rate: ~$1,602/month (Amherst area) Veteran enrollment: 600+

Contact: Veterans Services Phone: (413) 545-0111 Website: umass.edu/veterans

University of Massachusetts - Boston

Yellow Ribbon: Participating (check current year slots) BAH rate: ~$3,279/month (Boston) Veteran enrollment: 500+

University of Massachusetts - Lowell

Yellow Ribbon: Participating BAH rate: ~$2,565/month (Lowell area) Veteran enrollment: 400+

Harvard University

Yellow Ribbon: Limited slots at graduate schools (Kennedy School, Law School, etc.) Note: Highly competitive, limited availability

MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)

Yellow Ribbon: No participation Note: MIT does not participate in Yellow Ribbon, but offers institutional aid for veterans

In-State Tuition for Veterans

Veterans using GI Bill benefits qualify for in-state tuition at Massachusetts public schools under the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act (VACAA), regardless of residency status.

Eligibility:

• Using Post-9/11 GI Bill or Montgomery GI Bill
• Living in Massachusetts while attending school
• Enrolling within 3 years of discharge

This removes a major barrier for veterans relocating to Massachusetts for school.

Top GI Bill Schools in Massachusetts (by Veteran Enrollment)

1. Northeastern University - 1,500+ student veterans
2. University of Massachusetts Amherst - 600+
3. Boston University - 800+
4. University of Massachusetts Boston - 500+
5. University of Massachusetts Lowell - 400+
6. Worcester Polytechnic Institute - 300+
7. Suffolk University - 250+
8. Boston College - 200+
9. Harvard University - 150+ (mostly graduate)
10. Massachusetts Maritime Academy - 100+

Community Colleges (All GI Bill Approved)

Massachusetts has 15 community colleges, all approved for GI Bill:

• Berkshire Community College (Pittsfield)
• Bristol Community College (Fall River)
• Bunker Hill Community College (Boston) - 500+ veterans
• Cape Cod Community College (West Barnstable)
• Greenfield Community College
• Holyoke Community College
• Mass Bay Community College (Wellesley)
• Massasoit Community College (Brockton)
• Middlesex Community College (Bedford/Lowell)
• Mount Wachusett Community College (Gardner)
• North Shore Community College (Danvers)
• Northern Essex Community College (Haverhill)
• Quinsigamond Community College (Worcester) - 400+ veterans
• Roxbury Community College (Boston)
• Springfield Technical Community College - 300+ veterans

Average BAH for community colleges: $2,000-$3,279/month depending on location

Employment Resources for Massachusetts Veterans

State Hiring Preference

Massachusetts law provides hiring preference to qualified veterans for state government jobs.

Who qualifies:

• Honorably discharged veterans
• Disabled veterans receive additional preference
• Certain family members of deceased or disabled veterans

How it works: Veterans who meet minimum qualifications receive preference points in the civil service hiring process.

Where to apply: mass.gov/jobs

Massachusetts Department of Career Services - Veterans Services

Phone: (617) 626-5400 Services:

• Job search assistance
• Resume writing workshops
• Interview preparation
• Referrals to veteran-friendly employers
• Apprenticeship programs
• On-the-job training programs

Local offices: Available in all major Massachusetts cities

Major Employers Hiring Veterans

Defense Contractors (Boston/Eastern Massachusetts)

Raytheon Technologies (RTX) Primary locations: Andover, Waltham, Tewksbury Veteran programs: SkillBridge partnership, Veteran hiring initiative Typical roles: Engineering, program management, cybersecurity, systems engineering Website: careers.rtx.com

General Dynamics Primary locations: Pittsfield, Taunton Programs: Naval systems, land combat systems Veteran programs: Active veteran recruiting Typical roles: Engineering, manufacturing, program management

L3Harris Primary location: Various Massachusetts sites Programs: Communications systems, defense electronics Typical roles: Engineering, software development, systems integration

MITRE Corporation Primary location: Bedford (near Hanscom AFB) Programs: Government-funded research and development Typical roles: Systems engineering, cybersecurity, research, analysis

The MITRE Corporation actively recruits veterans and maintains security clearances

Technology Companies

Bose Corporation Location: Framingham Veteran programs: Military hiring initiative Typical roles: Engineering, manufacturing, operations

iRobot Location: Bedford Typical roles: Robotics engineering, software development, manufacturing

Boston Dynamics Location: Waltham Typical roles: Robotics engineering, AI/ML, mechanical engineering

HubSpot Location: Cambridge Typical roles: Software engineering, sales, customer success, marketing

Wayfair Location: Boston Typical roles: Technology, logistics, operations, customer service

DraftKings Location: Boston Typical roles: Software engineering, operations, analytics

Healthcare Employers

Mass General Brigham (Partners HealthCare) Locations: Boston, across Massachusetts Veteran programs: Veteran hiring initiative Typical roles: Healthcare, IT, administration, facilities

UMass Memorial Health Care Location: Worcester Typical roles: Healthcare, IT, facilities management

Boston Medical Center Location: Boston Typical roles: Healthcare, administration, security

Beth Israel Lahey Health Locations: Multiple across Massachusetts Typical roles: Healthcare, IT, administration

Financial Services

Fidelity Investments Locations: Boston, Smithfield Veteran programs: Strong military recruiting Typical roles: Financial services, technology, customer service

State Street Corporation Location: Boston Typical roles: Financial services, technology, operations

Liberty Mutual Insurance Location: Boston Veteran programs: Military hiring initiative Typical roles: Insurance, technology, claims, underwriting

Manufacturing and Industrial

GE Aviation (now part of GE Aerospace) Location: Lynn Typical roles: Aerospace engineering, manufacturing, quality

Eversource Energy Locations: Across Massachusetts Veteran programs: Military skills translator Typical roles: Utility operations, line work, engineering, IT

Boston Scientific Locations: Marlborough, Natick Typical roles: Medical device manufacturing, engineering, quality

Pratt & Whitney (RTX) Location: North Berwick (ME border) Typical roles: Aerospace engineering, manufacturing

Government and Federal Contractors

Hanscom Air Force Base Location: Bedford Civilian opportunities: Civil service, contractor positions Typical roles: IT, cybersecurity, intelligence, engineering, administration

SAIC CACI International Leidos Booz Allen Hamilton Lockheed Martin

These federal contractors maintain significant Massachusetts presence, particularly around Hanscom AFB.

Apprenticeship Programs

Massachusetts Registered Apprenticeship programs offer paid on-the-job training in skilled trades:

• Electrical work
• HVAC
• Plumbing
• Carpentry
• Pipefitting
• Machining
• Information technology
• Cybersecurity

GI Bill can often be used for apprenticeships, providing monthly housing allowance on top of apprenticeship wages.

Contact: Massachusetts Department of Career Services, Division of Apprentice Standards Phone: (617) 626-5409

Veteran Unemployment Benefits

Veterans may qualify for extended unemployment benefits in Massachusetts if they're unemployed due to service-connected disabilities.

Unemployment Compensation for Ex-Servicemembers (UCX): Available if you separated from active duty in the last 18 months.

Contact: Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance Phone: (877) 626-6800

Support Services

Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs)

VSOs provide free assistance with VA claims, appeals, and benefits navigation.

Massachusetts Department of Veterans Services Headquarters: 600 Washington Street, Suite 1100, Boston, MA 02111 Phone: (617) 210-5480 Toll-free: 1-888-844-2838 Website: mass.gov/veterans

Services: VA claims assistance, benefits counseling, state benefits information, Chapter 115 financial assistance

Regional Offices:

• Springfield: (413) 784-1380
• New Bedford: (774) 510-1630

Local Veterans Service Officers: Every Massachusetts city and town has a Veterans Service Officer. Find yours at mass.gov/veterans-services-office-locations

American Legion - Chapters throughout Massachusetts Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) - Posts statewide Disabled American Veterans (DAV) - Chapters in major cities Vietnam Veterans of America - Multiple chapters Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) - Boston chapter

Homeless Veteran Programs

VA Homeless Programs Hotline: 1-877-424-3838

HUD-VASH: Housing vouchers paired with VA case management - available through VA Boston, VA Bedford, VA Central Western Mass

Domiciliary Care: Residential rehabilitation at VA Bedford for homeless veterans

New England Center and Home for Veterans Address: 17 Court Street, Boston, MA 02108 Phone: (617) 371-1800 Services: Transitional housing, job training, case management

Veterans Inc. Address: 69 Grove Street, Worcester, MA 01605 Phone: (508) 791-1213 Services: Emergency housing, transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, employment services

Mental Health Resources

Veterans Crisis Line: 988, then press 1 (24/7) Text: 838255 Online chat: VeteransCrisisLine.net

VA Boston Mental Health Services: (617) 232-9500 VA Bedford Mental Health: (781) 687-2000 (known for excellent residential PTSD program) VA Central Western Mass Mental Health: (413) 584-4040

Vet Centers (listed earlier) provide free confidential counseling for:

• PTSD
• Depression
• Military sexual trauma
• Readjustment issues
• Substance abuse
• Relationship problems

Home Base Program (Red Sox Foundation and Mass General) Address: 73 Mt. Wayte Avenue, Suite 2, Framingham, MA 01702 Phone: (617) 724-5202 Services: Free intensive outpatient care for veterans and families dealing with PTSD, TBI, and related conditions Website: homebase.org

Legal Assistance

Massachusetts Veterans Legal Clinic Free legal services for veterans with discharge upgrades, benefits appeals, housing issues, and other legal matters Contact: Through local bar associations and law schools

Veterans Legal Services Project Phone: Contact Mass DVS at (617) 210-5480 for referrals

County and Regional Veteran Resources

Middlesex County (Lowell, Cambridge, Framingham Metro)

• Veteran population: 100,000+ (largest in Massachusetts)
• VA Facilities: VA Bedford (200 Springs Road, Bedford), Lowell CBOC, Framingham CBOC
• Vet Center: Lowell
• State Veterans Home: None in county
• Major employers: MITRE, Raytheon, iRobot, Bose, tech companies

Suffolk County (Boston Metro)

• Veteran population: Significant
• VA Facilities: VA Boston Jamaica Plain (150 S Huntington Ave)
• Vet Centers: Boston
• State Veterans Home: Chelsea
• Major employers: Financial services, tech, healthcare, defense contractors

Worcester County (Worcester Metro)

• Veteran population: Significant
• VA Facilities: Worcester Vet Center, Quinsigamond Community College veteran services
• State Veterans Home: None
• Major employers: UMass Memorial, healthcare, manufacturing
• Housing: Most affordable major metro in Massachusetts

Essex County (North Shore)

• Veteran population: Large
• VA Facilities: Lowell CBOC (serves northern Essex)
• Vet Center: Lowell
• Major employers: Healthcare, manufacturing, defense contractors

Hampden County (Springfield Metro)

• Veteran population: Significant
• VA Facilities: VA Central Western Mass (Leeds)
• Vet Center: Springfield (West Springfield)
• State Veterans Home: Holyoke (nearby Hampshire County)
• Housing: Affordable compared to eastern Massachusetts

Key Takeaways

1. Enroll in VA healthcare immediately - Three major VA medical centers plus 8+ CBOCs provide comprehensive coverage
2. Use Mass Maritime free tuition - If you're a Massachusetts resident, this is $40,000-$56,000 in free education
3. Target Northeastern for Yellow Ribbon - Unlimited slots mean guaranteed full coverage if you have 100% Post-9/11 GI Bill
4. Defense contractors cluster around Hanscom AFB - Bedford area offers highest concentration of cleared jobs
5. Connect with your local VSO - Every city/town has one - they'll help you claim every benefit you've earned
6. Worcester offers best affordability - For veterans on fixed incomes, Worcester provides strong services at lower cost than Boston

Massachusetts' veteran support infrastructure is among the best in the nation, particularly in healthcare (three VA medical centers, seven Vet Centers), education (unlimited Yellow Ribbon at Northeastern, free tuition at Mass Maritime), and employment (defense contractors, tech companies, state hiring preference).

The Bay State genuinely supports its veteran population with tangible benefits that make a real difference.

Additional Resources

• Massachusetts Department of Veterans Services: (617) 210-5480 | mass.gov/veterans
• VA Boston: (617) 232-9500 | va.gov/boston-health-care
• VA Bedford: (781) 687-2000 | va.gov/bedford-health-care
• VA Central Western Mass: (413) 584-4040 | va.gov/central-western-massachusetts-health-care
• Mass Vet Benefit Calculator: massvetben.org
• GI Bill School Search: benefits.va.gov/gibill/comparison

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Information current as of January 2025. Contact facilities directly to verify hours, services, and eligibility requirements.