Governor Launches Increased Annuity for Veterans and Families through HERO Act

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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


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Companion Corner: Moose at Berkshire Humane Society

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — There's a chill Labrador retriever mix at the Berkshire Humane Society that's looking a home where he can take long walks and can cuddle afterward.

iBerkshire's Companion Corner is a weekly series spotlighting an animal in our local shelters that is ready to find a home. 

Moose is a 5-year-old Lab mix and has been at the shelter for about three weeks. Canine caregiver and adoption counselor Simone Olivieri told us about Fox.  

"He just wants to soak up all the attention, all the pets, all of the love that you have to give. He is just a big mush. Very social, buddy," she said.

He had to come to the shelter after his home situation had to change.

"The young woman who brought him in had him since he was a puppy, and unfortunately, her housing changed, so she was not able to keep him with her anymore," Olivieri said.

Moose is a happy boy who likes moderate exercise. While he does not play with toys aggressively, he loves to nibble on them, but prefers to just hang out with his person.

"He loves to go on walks. He likes to hang out with other dogs. He's pretty chill. He's social. He's not super playful, but he does like the company of other dogs, who are also calm like he is," she said. "But mainly, his favorite thing is just being with people. He wants someone to cuddle with at night, cuddle with on the couch. He's just going to be right by your side, glued to you all the time."

Moose can go home with children ages 10 and older and to one with another chill dog. It is preferred he is in a home and not an apartment as he can be a bit vocal when he is alone.

"He could live with another dog, but no small animals, no cats. And a home where someone is home with him a bit would be really good for him, so that he could spend a lot of time with people," Olivieri said. 

Moose is on a special diet for his skin as he has some itchiness caused by allergies.

"He does have what appears to be some kind of skin allergy. He is on medication for that right now as well, and we've been giving him medicated baths. And his hair and coat are growing in nicely, but he did have some patches where there's some hair loss and some definitely some itchiness and irritation in his ears," she said. "But we've given him some ear treatments, and he is on medication right now to help clear that up, and it is looking pretty good."

While Moose can be shy at first but warms up pretty fast once he meets you.

"At first, it does take him not too long, but just a little bit to get used to new people. If he is a little bit uncomfortable with someone, he will bark a little bit, but really, it's just him being a little bit uncertain, and that's kind of how he lets his feelings out. But if you take your time with him and take your time getting to know him, it does not take him long at all to warm right up," she said.

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