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1. Do Veteran's Agents work for the VA?

No, Veterans Agents work for the Towns or Cities where they are located. They deal with benefits which are covered under MGL Chapter 115. These benefits are shared by The Commonwealth and The Town of Stoneham. For those who qualify there are several possibilities. Some get a monthly check, fuel assistance, medical assistance, prescription co-pay, doctor co-pay. 

Medical Only

Some people get what is called a Medical only, which helps with healthcare, but there is no monthly check. These benefits are all based on income, assets and rent/mortgage.

Qualified Applicants

Some of the links on this site describe what benefits qualified applicants may be eligible to receive. I can take applications for Chapter 115 benefits and keep track of your case. If you receive Chapter 115 benefits you are my client. Within a couple of days, I can tell you if you have been approved.

Federal Benefits

VA benefits are Federal benefits. I can help you to apply for many of these benefits, but once the application is received by the VA all information becomes confidential between the applicant and the VA. I have no access to VA claims. You can designate certain specific organizations to be your representative for your claim (highly recommended). To do that you must fill out a form that gives them Power of Attorney.

That form is the VA form 21-22, and can be accessed on VA forms. I can download any VA form in this office and print it out also. If you go to the ebenefits page and set up an account you can open your own account and check the status of your case online by creating a username and password when you open your account.

2. Does being a Veteran, the spouse of a deceased Veteran or dependent of a deceased Veteran mean I automatically qualify for Chapter 115 benefits?

No. There are several factors that are taken into account. Some of these factors include income, the number of assets you own, and the amount you pay for rent or mortgage. If you are living in a mortgage-free situation your monthly shelter expense is calculated using water and sewer bills, homeowners insurance, property tax, and a fifty dollar monthly allowance for maintenance. If you pay for your own heat you may also be eligible for a fuel allowance.

3. What paperwork will I need when applying for Chapter 115 benefits?

• A copy of the Veteran's discharge papers (DD 214).
• Marriage certificate if filing for benefits with the spouse.
• Widow will need a marriage certificate and death certificate when applying, you must have been married at the time of Veteran's death.
• Birth certificates for all dependent children, and proof of adoption for non-biological children.
• Proof of all forms of:
  • Any income made by those applying must be reported
  • Income
  • Pensions
  • Private pensions
  • Social Security
  • SSDI
  • SSI
  • Veterans Affairs (VA) compensation
  • VA disability
• Copies of last three:
  • 401k
  • Annuities
  • Any Additional Liquid Assets
  • Bank Statements (Checking, Savings)
  • Bonds
  • CDs
  • Stocks

Home & Vehicle

Do you own more than one vehicle? Shelter expense which means a copy of a lease if renting stating how much rent you pay monthly or a mortgage statement. Mortgage free needs homeowners insurance bill stating annual premium, property tax bill, recent water, and sewer bills. If you pay for heat you must provide past heating bills.

Employed

If employed, copies of last four pay stubs, if unemployment has expired, proof from State that benefits have expired. Provide names of employers over the last two years and reason why no longer employed. If you apply and are denied supply proof from office with a reason why. Copy of life insurance policy with the name of company and policy number, a copy of medical insurance coverage, Medicare for example. if you have supplemental insurance provide a copy of monthly premium stating how much you pay. Self-employed applicants must provide tax documents for the last two years.