Press Release: 8/5/2026
Governor Healey Delivers Record $58.4 Million in Annual Benefits to Massachusetts Veterans and Military Families
More than 23,000 disabled veterans, Gold Star families and surviving spouses to receive the state’s annual $2,500 tax-free payment
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
8/04/2026
BOSTON — Governor Maura Healey today announced that a record number of Massachusetts veterans and military family members will receive the state's annual veteran annuity payment this year following historic investments in veterans' benefits.
More than 23,300 eligible disabled veterans, Gold Star parents and spouses, and surviving spouses will receive the annual $2,500 tax-free benefit, totaling $58.4 million in payments. The number of recipients increased by 10 percent last year, representing the largest ever year-over year increase in the program’s history.
“From day one, we committed to making Massachusetts the best state in the nation for veterans and military families,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We're proud that a record number of veterans, Gold Star families and surviving spouses will receive this year's annuity payment. This increase builds on the HERO Act and the work our Executive Office of Veterans Services is doing to modernize services and expand programs for veterans and their families.”
"This record investment reflects our commitment to standing by veterans and military families long after their service ends," said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. "We're proud to deliver this benefit to more recipients than ever before while continuing to strengthen the programs and services they rely on."
The annual veteran annuity is a $2,500 tax-free benefit available to eligible 100 percent service-connected disabled veterans, Gold Star parents and spouses, and surviving spouses who live in Massachusetts.
The annuity increase was made possible by Governor Healey's signing of the HERO Act, the largest expansion of veterans' benefits in Massachusetts history. The law increased the annual benefit to $2,500 and further statutory changes expanded eligibility so surviving spouses of deceased servicemembers can continue receiving the benefit after remarriage.
Payments have begun arriving to recipients through direct deposit, with paper checks to be mailed later this week.
“Although we can never fully repay a Veteran or Gold Star family member who has made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation, the annual annuity is one way in which the Commonwealth can begin to show our gratitude each year,” said Veterans Services Secretary Eric Goralnick. “I’m proud that more Veterans and Military Families than ever will receive this benefit in 2026 thanks to the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s leadership to ensure Massachusetts offers the best home in the country for former servicemembers and their loved ones.”
Governor Healey has made supporting veterans and military families a top priority. Since taking office, she has created the state's first Executive Office of Veterans Services, signed the HERO Act, the largest expansion of veterans' benefits in Massachusetts history, advanced the opening of two new state-of-the-art veterans' homes in Chelsea and Holyoke this fall, and continued leading efforts to end veteran homelessness.
To learn more about the state annuity payment and how to apply, visit mass.gov/eovs/annuity. New applications or updates for existing annuity benefits must be received and approved by the Executive Office of Veterans Services (EOVS) by June 30, 2027. Existing annuitants do not need to reapply.
Together, these investments are expanding access to benefits, improving care and housing, and ensuring veterans and military families receive the support they deserve.
Statements of Support
State Representative Joseph W. McGonagle, Jr., House Chair of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs:
“This year's record annuity payments demonstrate the Commonwealth's continued commitment to those who have served and the families who have borne the cost of that service. The men and women who dedicated themselves to protecting our nation, along with the families who supported them, deserve our enduring gratitude and support. Every disabled veteran, Gold Star family, and surviving spouse receiving this benefit has made sacrifices on behalf of our Commonwealth and our nation. This annual benefit reflects the Commonwealth's enduring gratitude for their service and sacrifice.”
Senator John C. Velis, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs:
“Our state veterans annuity payment is one of the most impactful and direct benefits our Commonwealth provides to veterans and family members, and it is truly special that a record number of recipients will receive the annuity this year at its new increased level. I am grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for their commitment to our military community and for their leadership on this increase and the many other benefit expansions included in the HERO Act. I am also grateful to my colleagues in the Senate for championing legislation in the FY26 Budget that finally repealed archaic language that continued to restrict Gold Star Family Spouses from receiving the annuity if they remarried. It is incredible to see the HERO Act and these important legislative measures continue to have a significant impact on the lives of those who have earned our recognition and respect.”
Peggy Griffin, Board Chair, Gold Star Wives of America, and President of the Greater Boston Chapter of Gold Star Wives of America:
“Gold Star Wives never stop mourning the husband, wife, or partner they have lost in service to our nation. The state’s annual annuity honors every family’s sacrifice and serves as a reminder that our ongoing wellbeing is a priority of Massachusetts.”
Cory Hasselmann, Massachusetts Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) Association President:
“We would like to thank the Healey-Driscoll Administration for continuing to put veterans’ needs first and expanding the resources that are available to all military families in Massachusetts. The state annuity increase that was achieved through the HERO Act has resulted in a stronger support network for those who have given so much in defense of our nation’s freedoms.”
Lisa A. McPhee, Department Adjutant, American Legion Department of Massachusetts:
“The 30,000 strong American Legion Family continues to honor, support, and recognize the Commonwealth of Massachusetts veterans and their families. The Veterans Annuity increase that the Healey-Driscoll Administration enacted in the HERO Act continues the Commonwealth of Massachusetts's legacy of unyielding support for our veterans and their families. The American Legion and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has and will never forget our veteran heroes and their families.”
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