Starting this month, the state will provide more funds to military veterans and their families with increased payments going into impact.
On , Feb. 1, the Disabled Veteran Annuity and the annual income for soldiers with a 100 % service-connected illness, surviving families, or Gold Star Parents increased from$ 2, 000 to$ 2, 500, according to the Healey leadership.
The increase in annuities may be gradually implemented” to guarantee a clean transition.” Eligible consumers will get an initial payment of$ 1, 250 in February. According to authorities, recipients will begin receiving a$ 2,500 yearly payment starting in August.
” By increasing this income, we are reaffirming our devotion to the soldiers,  , Gold Star , people, and support people who have given so much for our condition and our nation”, Gov.  , Maura Healey , said in a prepared speech.
The Healey management has announced that the majority of the ready recipients will get a direct deposit of the elevated income at the beginning of this week. A report test will be sent out this week in the mail for those who don’t already know.
” This increase is more than just a fiscal adjustment — it’s a guarantee kept to those who have given thus much”, Veterans Services Secretary , Jon Santiago , said in a statement. ” We are glad to provide substantial support to ensure soldiers and their families can live in Massachusetts,” the statement reads.
The increased payments were a vital delivery of the HERO Act, or Honoring, Empowering and Recognizing Our Service Members and Veterans, signed by Healey in August.
The action expands the benefits available to disabled veterans, Gold Star members, and family members, and includes both new and existing laws for municipalities and businesses to assist veterans.
Additionally, it expands veterans ‘ access to behavioral health care, establishes a pilot program to assist same-sex people and veterans of war, and makes other arrangements.
Another key provision increases the vet-for-hire tax credit to$ 2, 500 for small businesses that hire chronically unemployed or low-income veterans.
Available veterans include those receiving SNAP benefits, severely poor veterans, and poor service-connected handicapped veterans.
Veterans organizations praised the decision to increase rewards, saying it will greatly improve the lives of former and current military personnel.
Peggy Griffin, director of the , Boston , section of Gold Star Wives of America, said the “long-overdue” boost to the insurance “recognizes the compromises made by those who have served and the people they leave about.
” This more financial support will provide significant relief to , Gold Star , spouses and parents who have endured serious loss, continue to face monetary hardship.”
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