Best Veterans in Massachusetts — 18 resources

About Veterans

Veteran fathers have access to a parallel system of benefits and services through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Healthcare is provided through VA medical centers and community-based outpatient clinics; mental health services including PTSD, depression, and family therapy are covered. The VA Crisis Line (dial 988, press 1) is staffed 24/7 by veterans for veterans. Disability compensation, GI Bill education benefits, VA home loans, and vocational rehabilitation are administered through regional VA offices. State-level Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) — the American Legion, VFW, DAV, and state VSO offices — help veterans file benefit claims for free. For family law matters, the VA doesn't provide attorneys, but many state bar associations have veteran legal clinics. This directory includes the VA Crisis Line, regional VA centers, state VSOs, and veteran-specific legal and housing services.

18 Resources

1. Massachusetts Department of Veterans' Services — Free

State agency connecting Massachusetts veterans with state benefits, services, annuities, and bonuses (Chapter 115), and coordinating the network of 351 local Veterans Service Officers. Also oversees the state Soldiers' Homes and outreach to homeless veterans. Individual veterans should generally start with their local Veterans Service Officer (at city or town hall) to apply for benefits; bring DD-214, photo ID, and income documentation.

617-210-5480 · 600 Washington St, Suite 1100, Boston, MA 02111 · Mon-Fri 8:45am-5pm · Visit Website

2. VA Boston Healthcare System — Free

Major VA medical center system providing comprehensive healthcare, mental health, specialty care, and emergency services at Jamaica Plain, West Roxbury, and Brockton campuses plus community-based outpatient clinics across eastern Massachusetts. Eligible veterans should enroll at va.gov or call 877-222-8387. Bring DD-214, photo ID, and insurance cards when enrolling or attending a first appointment. Emergency services available 24/7 at the hospital campuses.

617-232-9500 · 150 S Huntington Ave, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 · 24/7 emergency; clinics Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

3. VA Central Western Massachusetts (Leeds) — Free

VA medical center serving western Massachusetts veterans with primary care, mental health, long-term care, and specialty services at the main Leeds (Northampton) campus and community-based outpatient clinics in Pittsfield, Springfield, Worcester, and Greenfield. Eligible veterans should enroll at va.gov or call 877-222-8387. Bring DD-214, photo ID, and insurance cards when enrolling or attending a first appointment.

413-584-4040 · 421 North Main St, Leeds, MA 01053 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

4. Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital (Bedford) — Free

VA medical center north of Boston providing mental health, substance abuse, rehabilitation, and domiciliary (residential) care for Massachusetts veterans, plus specialty outpatient services. Eligible veterans should enroll in VA healthcare at va.gov or call 877-222-8387 to start. Bring DD-214, photo ID, and insurance cards when enrolling or attending a first appointment. Part of the VA Bedford Healthcare System serving northeast MA and southern NH.

781-687-2000 · 200 Springs Rd, Bedford, MA 01730 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

5. Suffolk County Veterans Service Office (Boston) — Free

City of Boston office assisting Boston-area veterans with Chapter 115 state benefits, VA disability and pension claims, discharge upgrades, and referrals to housing, employment, and health resources. Free for all veterans and surviving spouses residing in Boston. Walk in during business hours or call for an appointment; bring DD-214, photo ID, proof of Boston residency, and income documentation (tax return, pay stubs, or benefit letters) to apply for Chapter 115.

617-635-3037 · 1 City Hall Sq, Suite 817, Boston, MA 02201 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

6. Veterans Crisis Line — Free

Dial 988 then press 1 for free, confidential 24/7 crisis support for veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserve, and their families. Also text 838255 or chat online at veteranscrisisline.net. Responders are trained in veteran-specific concerns including combat trauma, military sexual trauma, readjustment, and suicide risk. VA enrollment not required. Crisis responders can connect callers with local VA mental health care and community resources.

988 (press 1) · National (serves all MA veterans) · 24/7 · Visit Website

7. Massachusetts Veterans Service Officers — Free

Network of local Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) in all 351 Massachusetts cities and towns providing free claims assistance for federal VA benefits, Chapter 115 state benefits, discharge upgrades, and referrals to housing, employment, and health resources. Find your local VSO through the state website by city or town. Bring DD-214, photo ID, proof of residency, and income documentation (tax return, pay stubs, or benefit letters) when applying for benefits.

617-210-5480 · In every MA city and town hall · Varies by municipality · Visit Website

8. New England Center and Home for Veterans (Boston) — Free

Transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, job training, clinical services, and case management for homeless and at-risk veterans in the Boston area. Capacity for 250+ veterans at a time. Most beds are accessible through referral from VA or coordinated entry; veterans can also walk in or call for intake. Bring DD-214, photo ID, and income documentation. Accepts veterans of all discharge statuses; staff can assist with discharge upgrades when needed.

617-371-1800 · 17 Court St, Boston, MA 02108 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm; residential 24/7 · Visit Website

9. Boston Vet Center — Free

Free, confidential readjustment counseling for combat veterans, veterans who experienced military sexual trauma, and their families. Offers individual, group, couples, and family counseling plus bereavement services for families of fallen service members. VA enrollment not required; eligibility is based on service rather than discharge character in most cases. Call or visit to schedule an intake; bring DD-214 and photo ID. Not affected by VA copays or insurance.

857-203-6461 · 7 Drydock Ave, Suite 2070, Boston, MA 02210 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

10. Worcester Vet Center — Free

Free readjustment counseling for combat veterans, veterans who experienced military sexual trauma, and their families in central Massachusetts. Offers individual, group, couples, and family counseling plus bereavement services for families of fallen service members. VA enrollment not required. Call or visit to schedule an intake; bring DD-214 and photo ID. Confidential; records are kept separate from the VA medical system. No copays or insurance billing.

508-753-7902 · 691 Grafton St, Worcester, MA 01604 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

11. Springfield Vet Center — Free

Free readjustment counseling for combat veterans, veterans who experienced military sexual trauma, and their families in western Massachusetts. Individual, group, couples, and family counseling plus bereavement services for families of fallen service members. VA enrollment not required. Call or visit to schedule an intake; bring DD-214 and photo ID. Confidential; records are kept separate from the VA medical system. No copays or insurance billing.

413-737-5167 · 95 Ashley Ave, Suite A, West Springfield, MA 01089 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

12. Brockton Vet Center — Free

Free readjustment counseling for combat veterans, veterans who experienced military sexual trauma, and their families in southeastern Massachusetts. Individual, group, couples, and family counseling plus bereavement services for families of fallen service members. VA enrollment not required. Call or visit to schedule an intake; bring DD-214 and photo ID. Confidential; records are kept separate from the VA medical system. No copays or insurance billing.

508-580-2730 · 1041 Pearl St, Brockton, MA 02301 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

13. Lowell Vet Center — Free

Free readjustment counseling for combat veterans, veterans who experienced military sexual trauma, and their families in the Merrimack Valley and northeastern Massachusetts. Individual, group, couples, and family counseling plus bereavement services for families of fallen service members. VA enrollment not required. Call or visit to schedule an intake; bring DD-214 and photo ID. Confidential; records kept separate from the VA medical system. No copays or insurance billing.

978-453-1151 · 10 George St, Suite 101, Lowell, MA 01852 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

14. New Bedford Vet Center — Free

Free readjustment counseling for combat veterans, active duty service members, veterans who experienced military sexual trauma, and their families on the South Coast of Massachusetts. Individual, group, couples, and family counseling plus bereavement services for families of fallen service members. VA enrollment not required. Call or visit to schedule an intake; bring DD-214 (or active duty orders) and photo ID. Confidential and free.

508-999-6920 · 468 North St, New Bedford, MA 02740 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

15. Massachusetts Soldiers' Home (Holyoke) — Free

State veterans home in Holyoke providing long-term care, skilled nursing, domiciliary care, and outpatient services for Massachusetts veterans. Admission is based on service eligibility, MA residency, and clinical and financial criteria. Apply through the state Department of Veterans' Services; bring DD-214, photo ID, current medical records and medication list, and proof of income. Waitlists may apply for residential care. Family visits welcomed with published visitor policies.

413-532-9475 · 110 Cherry St, Holyoke, MA 01040 · 24/7 residential; visitors vary · Visit Website

16. Massachusetts Soldiers' Home (Chelsea) — Free

State veterans home near Boston providing long-term care, skilled nursing, domiciliary care, and outpatient services for Massachusetts veterans. Admission is based on service eligibility, MA residency, and clinical and financial criteria. Apply through the state Department of Veterans' Services; bring DD-214, photo ID, current medical records and medication list, and proof of income. Waitlists may apply. Family visits welcomed with published visitor policies.

617-884-5660 · 91 Crest Ave, Chelsea, MA 02150 · 24/7 residential; visitors vary · Visit Website

17. Veterans Inc (Worcester) — Free

New England's largest veterans services organization providing transitional and permanent housing, employment services, food pantry, and comprehensive supportive services for homeless and at-risk veterans across Worcester and Hampden Counties. Most programs are free to eligible veterans; referrals may come through VA or coordinated entry, and walk-in intake is available. Bring DD-214, photo ID, and income documentation. Accepts veterans of most discharge statuses.

508-791-1213 · 69 Grove St, Worcester, MA 01605 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; residential 24/7 · Visit Website

18. Disabled American Veterans - Massachusetts — Free

Statewide DAV (Disabled American Veterans) chapters providing free accredited claims assistance for VA disability compensation and pension, free transportation to VA facilities for medical appointments, and advocacy for disabled Massachusetts veterans and their families. Services are free; membership is open but not required to receive DAV claim services. Contact the MA state DAV or local chapter; bring DD-214, photo ID, and any existing VA decisions or medical records.

617-727-2978 · Chapters across Massachusetts · Varies by chapter · Visit Website

Frequently Asked

How many veterans resources are in Massachusetts?
Men's Corner tracks 18 veterans resources for men and fathers in Massachusetts.
Are veterans resources in Massachusetts free?
18 of the 18 listed veterans resources in Massachusetts are explicitly free or low-cost.
Which cities in Massachusetts have veterans resources?
Listings span cities including Boston, Jamaica Plain, Leeds, Bedford, Worcester, West Springfield.
What are some examples of veterans resources in Massachusetts?
Featured entries include Massachusetts Department of Veterans' Services, VA Boston Healthcare System, VA Central Western Massachusetts (Leeds), Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital (Bedford), Suffolk County Veterans Service Office (Boston).
Do these listings include phone numbers?
18 of 18 Massachusetts veterans listings include phone numbers.
What do I do in a crisis?
Dial 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line. Text 838255. Chat at veteranscrisisline.net. Staffed 24/7 by veterans. Also visit any VA emergency department — you'll be seen regardless of enrollment status.
I'm not enrolled with the VA — can I still get help?
Yes. Visit any VA medical center to enroll. Most veterans with an honorable or general discharge qualify for free or low-cost care. Combat veterans within 10 years of separation get enhanced eligibility. Bring your DD-214.
Can the VA help with custody cases?
The VA doesn't provide attorneys for family law, but many state bar associations run free Veteran Legal Clinics. The VA Caregiver Support Program and Vet Centers provide counseling, and Veteran Treatment Courts exist in many jurisdictions for justice-involved vets.
What does a VSO do?
A Veterans Service Organization (American Legion, VFW, DAV, state VSO) helps veterans file disability compensation claims, pension claims, and appeals for free. They're accredited by the VA and often get better outcomes than self-filed claims. Always use a VSO before paying for a claims agent.