By Paul Sordillo

Hull Veterans Service Officer

This month, I want to discuss VA health care, Death Indemnity Compensation (DIC), the state annuity and tax abatement.

Why VA health care? I’ve had several elderly veterans come into my office seeking benefits from the VA, primarily from VA hospitals, such as hearing aids. For hearing aids and numerous other services through the VA, you must have VA health care. If you have a disability rating of 50% you are automatically enrolled and already have access. If not, you must apply. You can still see your current doctor and keep your current health care insurance and have VA health care.

If you’re the surviving spouse, child, or parent of a service member who died in the line of duty, or the survivor of a veteran who died from a service-related injury or illness, you may be able to get a tax-free monetary benefit called VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (VA DIC). Detailed information in regard to eligibility can be found here.

Veteran annuity benefit is a Commonwealth of Massachusetts benefit for disabled veterans. It is a financial benefit given to 100% disabled veterans, parents of deceased veterans, and unmarried spouses of deceased veterans living in Massachusetts. For more information, click here to view eligibility criteria and application guidelines. You also can email vetsannuity@mass.gov or call 617-210-5480 if you have any questions or concerns about your benefits.

Abatement! For the surviving spouses, after application to the VA for DIC (as talked about above) and approved, and the documentation from the Veterans Affairs stating the veteran passed due to a service connection, and you currently own a home, you could be eligible for 100% abatement for your real estate taxes. See the veterans service office and the town assessors office for more details.