Life insurance options for Massachusetts veterans
Military life insurance is federal, so the options are the same in every state: convert SGLI to VGLI after separation, apply for VALife if you have a service-connected rating, or buy private coverage. Healthy veterans often compare VGLI against private term life, since VGLI rates rise every five years.
Veterans cemeteries in Massachusetts
VA national cemeteries
- Massachusetts National Cemetery — Bourne
State veterans cemeteries
- Massachusetts State Veterans Cemetery - Agawam — Agawam
- Massachusetts State Veterans Cemetery - Winchendon — Winchendon
Burial in a VA national cemetery, a government headstone or marker, and a burial flag are available to eligible veterans at no cost; see VA burial benefits for current allowances. Source: VA National Cemetery Administration: Find a Cemetery
Massachusetts state benefits for veterans
Under Chapter 115, if a covered veteran's estate cannot pay for the funeral, the local veterans' burial agent may spend up to $4,000, provided the total funeral and burial cost is no more than $5,000. Source: Mass. General Laws c.115 § 8
In cities and towns that accept the veterans' exemptions, veterans with a service-connected disability of 10% or more, or who were awarded the Purple Heart, may receive a $400 property tax exemption, rising to $1,000 for a 100% service-connected disability, with larger amounts for certain severe disabilities; contact your city or town for its current rate. Source: Mass.gov: Local property tax exemptions for veterans
For help applying, contact the Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services.
Planning for final costs too? See final expense insurance in Massachusetts.
Frequently asked questions
Where can veterans be buried in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts has 1 VA national cemetery and 2 state veterans cemeteries, including Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne. Eligibility rules apply; the cemetery or Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services can confirm.
Check veteran optionsCan Massachusetts veterans keep their military life insurance after leaving service?
SGLI can be converted to VGLI within 1 year and 120 days after separation, with no health questions if you apply within 240 days. Veterans with a service-connected rating may also qualify for VA Life Insurance (VALife). These are federal programs, so the rules are the same in every state.
Check veteran optionsDo disabled veterans get a property tax break in Massachusetts?
In cities and towns that accept the veterans' exemptions, veterans with a service-connected disability of 10% or more, or who were awarded the Purple Heart, may receive a $400 property tax exemption, rising to $1,000 for a 100% service-connected disability, with larger amounts for certain severe disabilities; contact your city or town for its current rate.
Check veteran optionsDoes Massachusetts pay a burial benefit for veterans?
Under Chapter 115, if a covered veteran's estate cannot pay for the funeral, the local veterans' burial agent may spend up to $4,000, provided the total funeral and burial cost is no more than $5,000.
Check veteran options