Chapter115

About the Chapter 115 Program:

What is Chapter 115? The Chapter 115 Program provides financial assistance for food, shelter/housing, clothing, and medical care to veterans and their dependents with limited incomes. It is established by state law and run by the Massachusetts Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS) in partnership with local Veterans’ Service Officers (VSOs). You may be eligible for up to $2,2570.

Who can get Chapter 115 Benefits? Chapter 115 is a benefit veterans earn through their service. To qualify, you must be a veteran or a dependent of a veteran, have financial need, and live in Massachusetts. Dependents can include children, spouses, and even some parents. Financial need is determined based on your income and assets.

How does Chapter 115 work? Your city or town’s local VSO takes applications, gets approval from DVS, and distributes benefits. All applications are confidential.

Click here to learn more about Chapter 115, including how to find out if you are eligible, get an estimate of your benefits, and information on how to apply.

Are you having trouble filing an application for Chapter 115 Veterans Benefits? We are working to find solutions to make sure all eligible veterans and their dependents get the benefits they have earned. Your answers will help us.

(If you are having trouble accessing the survey below on your mobile device, please use this link instead).

Chapter 115: Tell Us About Your Experience!

                                                            

Please take 2 to 3 minutes to complete this brief survey. Responses are confidential and leaving your name is optional. Please also note that completing this form does not create an attorney client relationship. 

Have you applied for Chapter 115 benefits (or tried to apply)?

Please select... Yes, I applied (or tried to apply) for Chapter 115 benefits on or after March 1, 2020 Yes, I applied (or tried to apply) for Chapter 115 benefits before March 1, 2020 No, I have not tried to apply for Chapter 115 benefits

What City or Town do you live in?

What City or Town did you contact to apply for benefits?

If you contacted a different City or Town to apply for benefits than the one you live in, why?

Were you able to apply for Chapter 115 benefits?

Please select... Yes No

Please tell us about any problems or challenges you had applying/trying to apply? (e.g., it was hard to contact my VSO, my VSO wouldn't take an application) 

What, if any, paperwork were you asked to provide as part of the application process? (check all that apply)

DD-214/Proof of veteran statusMarriage certificate, birth certificate, or other proof of relationship to veteranBank statementsProof of applying for/being denied other benefits (e.g. Social Security, VA, Unemployment)CORI or criminal record informationMedical documents/proof of disabilityOther documents

Did you get a written decision?

Please select... Yes No

Were your benefits approved or denied?

Please select... Yes, my benefits were approved No, my benefits were denied

If you were approved for benefits, how are your benefits being paid/delivered to you?

Please select... Postal Mail Direct Deposit In Person My benefits were not approved

About how much time went by from the first time you tried to contact your VSO to when you received your benefits denial?

Please select... 1 to 3 days 3 to 7 days 7 to 10 days 11 days or more

About how much time went by from the first time you tried to contact your VSO to when you received your first check?

Please select... 1 to 3 days 4 to 7 days 7 to 10 days 11 days or more

How easy or hard was it for you to contact your VSO?

1. It was very easy/my VSO reached out to me2. It was somewhat hard but I was able to reach them eventually3. I have tried, but have not been able to reach my VSO4. I have not tried to reach my VSO/don't know

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How did you contact (or try to contact) your VSO? (check all that apply)

TelephoneEmailPostal MailIn person

Did you have to complete an employment plan as part of your benefits application?

Please select... Yes No

Is there anything else you want to share about your experiences with the Ch. 115 program or your local VSO?

What City or Town do you live in?

Have you needed to contact your VSO anytime after March 1, 2020?

Please select... Yes No

How easy or hard was it for you to contact your VSO?

Please select... 1. It was very easy/my VSO reached out to me 2. It was somewhat hard but I was able to reach them eventually 3. I have tried, but have not been able to reach my VSO 4. I have not tried to reach my VSO/don't know

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How did you contact (or try to contact) your VSO?

Please select... Telephone Email Postal Mail In person

Have you experienced any interruptions or delay in your receipt of your benefits since March 1, 2020?

Please select... Yes No

Please describe any interruptions or delays

How did you get your benefits payment in April? 

Please select... Postal Mail In Person Direct Deposit I haven't received my April benefits yet

Did you have an employment plan as part of your benefits?

Please select... Yes No

Did your VSO inform you of any changes to the employment plan because of the COVID-19 outbreak?

Please select... Yes, my VSO told me I do not have to follow an employment plan right now Yes, my VSO told me I still need to do work searches No, I have not heard from my VSO about my employment plan

Did your VSO inform you of any other changes to your benefits or the program requirements because of the COVID-19 outbreak?

Please select... Yes No

If yes, please let us know what about your benefits changed 

Is there anything else you want to share about your experiences with the Ch. 115 program or your local VSO?

To calculate an estimate of what benefits you might be eligible for from the Chapter 115 program, visit: https://massvetben.org/.

To locate the contact information for your local Veterans Service Officer to apply for benefits visit https://massvetsadvisor.org/ and type your zip code into the blue box.

Would you like to provide your contact information to have a legal advocate reach out to you about your Chapter 115 benefits or another legal problem you may be having? 

Please select... Yes, please No, thank you

Contact Details

First Name 

Last Name

Phone

Email

Veterans Legal Services, P.O. Box 8457, Boston, MA 02114 Phone: 857-317-4474