Benefit for Massachusetts Residents

[Peter North]

On November 11, 2005, the Welcome Home Bonus Bill http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/seslaw05/sl050130.htm
was signed into law. In part, this law establishes a bonus payment for certain veterans, service members and their families, for qualified active service since September 11, 2001. Please review the requirements below to determine your eligibility for this particular bonus.
Eligibility Requirements:

1. Chapter 130 Acts of 2005: Six months domicile in Massachusetts immediately prior to entry into the Armed Forces service beginning September 11, 2001.

2. Discharge must be under Honorable conditions.

Payment Information:

1. Active service in Afghanistan or Iraq:
$1000.00

2. Six months or more active service,
state side or outside the continental
limits of the United States service:
$500.00
* Active service shall not include active duty for training in the Army National Guard or Air National Guard, or active duty for training as a reservist in the armed forces of the United States.

How to Apply:

1. Complete, date, and sign the application.

2. Take or mail to the City or Town Clerk or Election Commissioner to secure Certification of residence where you were domiciled prior to entering the Armed Services.

3. Submit a complete and clear photocopy of ALL DD214s, which have been issued to you from 2001 to present.

If still on Active Duty:

Commanding Officer must complete the following form:
http://www.mass.gov/treasury/veteran...ingofficer.pdf