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.

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Pittsfield Outreach Program Sees Manager

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
05:29AM / Monday, August 17, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— The Health Department's outreach program has a manager and is seeking two outreach workers.

Earlier this month, Director of Public Health Andy Cambi updated the Board of Health on the creation of a new initiative that connects individuals on the streets with needed services.

He reported that Community Health Worker Gabrielle DiMassimo was tapped as the Community Health Program Manager a couple of weeks prior after it was posted internally. DiMassimo has been reaching out to unhoused people in encampments with the Parks Department and co-responders, and other staff this summer.

"She's been with the department for a couple years, holds a bachelor's degree in public health, and has been doing a lot of this work," Cambi said.

"Even in her college years, she was doing encampments and outreach with Worcester Public Health Department, so she really fit the bill for this position."

The position oversees Pittsfield's peer outreach initiative while advancing the long-term vision for the health department to be a more proactive, community-centered public health agency, as well as the health department's evolving responsibility to address prevention, access to services, social determinants of health, and community well-being through coordinated outreach and engagement.

Last year's controversial camping ordinance was sent to the Board of Health, and they determined it is not the best approach for Pittsfield. It was officially scrapped by the City Council earlier this year and replaced with a peer outreach program that provides harm reduction support services, navigation, and relationship-building with vulnerable residents.

The program director and outreach worker positions were approved by the City Council earlier this season. The outreach worker positions were posted internally, received applicants, and will soon go external to expand the candidate pool.

Cambi reported that the encampment group has been conducting outreach with DiMassimo. Workers speak with people at the encampments, tag the equipment, give the people an opportunity to relocate, and connect them with available resources.

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