Governor Launches Increased Annuity for Veterans and Families through HERO Act

04:13PM / Sunday, February 09, 2025Print Story | Email Story

BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration is announcing that Massachusetts veterans and their families will begin receiving increased benefits in February 2025 as part of the historic HERO Act that Governor Healey signed into law last year. This is the first increase in 17 years to the annual annuity for 100 percent disabled veterans, Gold Star parents and Gold Star spouses.

This increase raises the annuity from $2,000 to $2,500 annually, providing much-needed financial support to veterans and their loved ones. The increase will be phased in to ensure a smooth transition. In February 2025, recipients will receive an initial payment of $1,250. Beginning in August 2025 and continuing annually thereafter, recipients will receive a single annual payment of $2,500.

"By increasing this annuity, we are reaffirming our commitment to the veterans, Gold Star families, and servicemembers who have given so much for our state and our country," said Governor Maura Healey. "The HERO Act reflects our deep respect and gratitude for their service, ensuring that Massachusetts remains a leader in veteran support and recognition. I'm grateful for Secretary Santiago and his team, as well as the Legislature for their partnership to pass this impactful bill."

Most eligible recipients will receive a direct deposit of the increased annuity early next week. Others will receive a check in the mail later in the week.

Since taking office, the Healey-Driscoll Administration has prioritized revitalizing veterans' services in Massachusetts. In March 2023, Governor Healey established the state’s new Executive Office of Veterans’ Services and appointed Jon Santiago, the state’s first-ever Secretary of the Executive Office of Veterans Services, to spearhead the transformation of a cabinet-level secretariat focused on veteran care. Over the past year, the Executive Office of Veterans Services has overhauled operations and existing programs to redefine how veterans are cared for in Massachusetts. This includes passing the HERO Act, the most comprehensive piece of veterans’ legislation in Massachusetts history that increases benefits, modernize services and promote inclusivity for veterans in Massachusetts, moving forward on new, state-of-the-art veterans' homes in Holyoke and Chelsea and launching an initiative to End Veteran Homelessness.

The Executive Office of Veterans Services encourages eligible veterans and families to reach out with any questions about their benefits or the implementation of the HERO Act provisions. For more information about the HERO Act or the Executive Office of Veterans Services, please visit Chapter 115 Benefits/Safety Net Program | Mass.gov.

Tags: veterans,

iBerkshires.com Text Ads

rk MILES Blding Materials

Are You Ready to Update Your Home? Start With rk MILES. 4 Locations (800)670-7433

www.rkmiles.com

RIBCO Supply

Check out our great lineup of Boss Plows, and spreaders. 2 Locations Clarksburg & Pittsfield!

ribcosupply.com

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

New Pittsfield City Council, School Committee Meets

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
02:25PM / Sunday, January 18, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The new City Council and School Committee met for the first time last week, and were met with some hope from the public.

The council is largely the same as the last term, with Cameron Cunningham now representing Ward 2 and Kathy Moody Ward 7. On the other hand, the School Committee is all new aside from longtime member Daniel Elias.

Resident Paul Gregory, a regular at public comment, told the council, "I stand here tonight, I'm excited. I'm not complaining." Gregory said that with challenges come opportunities, and he is confident that the elected officials are up for it.

"I'm really, really looking forward to the leadership and the roles that each of you will play in order to bring out the best that Pittsfield is and can be," he said.

"We need to stress our values as a city. We need to recognize and identify why people should live in this city and what opportunities there are both for entertainment, for employment, and for activities."

Councilor at Large Earl Persip III was elected council president during the inauguration ceremony earlier this month, and Mayor Peter Marchetti was elected to chair the School Committee. During the committee's meeting on Wednesday, Marchetti noted that this would be the last time "communication by the chair" will be placed on the agenda because he will deliver comments as other members do.

United Educators of Pittsfield President Jeanne Lemmond, also offered well wishes to the School Committee.

"It's going to be an interesting time working with so many new faces, and the UEP is looking forward to a very positive working relationship with you as we go into negotiations and any other business that we bring forward to you," she said.

Gregory, who also addressed the School Committee, hopes they work collaboratively to support each other, especially with the district's "ambitious" efforts to restructure the middle school levels and build a new school in the West Side.

View Full Story