Veterans' Services
Mission: The mission of the Westport Veterans' Service Officer (VSO) is to provide eligible veterans and their families, who are residents of Westport, with financial and medical assistance in accordance with Massachusetts General Law Chapter 115 and 108 Code of Massachusetts Regulations, and to be an advocate for Westport’s veterans and their dependents.
For more than 100 years a VSO has been available in every Massachusetts city and town to provide an array of services to America's veterans and their dependents. VSOs help veterans navigate the many federal, state, and local resources and benefits available to them. Whether it’s a specific question or the need to identify programs and benefits for which a Veteran may be eligible, Veteran Service Officers stand by to help. They are liaisons for all Veteran issues. VSOs are trained and accredited by the Massachusetts Department of Veterans' Services (DVS) to provide assistance to veterans, their dependents, and survivors. This includes not only applying for federal and state benefits but also providing resources related to the following:
Aid & Attendance / Housebound | Annuity |
Appeals | Awards, Medals, & Decorations |
BRAVE Act | Burial Information |
Caregiver Program | Chapter 115 |
Disability Compensation | eBenefits |
Education | Employment |
Exposures | Graves Care |
Headstones, Markers, Medallions | Health Care |
Home Loans | Homeless Veterans |
Housing | Individual Unemployability |
Legal | Life Insurance |
Local VA Medical Centers | Local Veterans Organizations |
Military Memorials | Military Service Records |
Military Sexual Trauma (MST) | MISSION Act |
MyHealtheVet | National Guard and Reserve |
Newly Separated Service Members | Non-Service-Connected Benefits |
Pension | Property Tax Exemptions |
PTSD | Registry of Motor Vehicles |
Resources | Sales & Excise Tax Exemptions |
Service Connected Benefits | Soldier’s Homes |
Specially Adapted Housing | Survivor Benefits/DIC |
Vet Centers | Veteran Definition |
Veteran ID Cards | Veteran Shopping Benefits |
Veterans Bill of Rights | Veterans Crisis Line |
Welcome Home Bonus | Women Veterans |
These topics are covered in the Guide to Veterans' Benefits & Services booklet, which can be downloaded in PDF format.
The eligibility to receive entitlements from DVS and/or the VA must be proven. The Town of Westport’s VSO is committed to serving all eligible veterans and/or their families. Please call 508-636-1028 if you need assistance.
The Town of Westport, through the Board of Selectmen’s appointment of a Veterans’ Services Officer, continues to demonstrate its concern and compassion for Veterans of the United States Armed Forces and their families.
Massachusetts Department of Veterans’ Services Mission: The mission of the Department of Veterans' Services is to advocate on behalf of all Veterans and to provide quality service and benefits to those Veterans and their dependents in need of emergency financial and/or medical assistance.
History:
Since 1861, from its first commitments to Civil War veterans, their spouses and their dependents, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has demonstrated solid concern and compassion for those men and women who have displayed sacrifice, valor, and duty when their state and nation called upon them. DVS supports a network of services and benefits to ensure that none of the veterans in Massachusetts today, who served in time of war, nor their dependents will go hungry, be homeless, or be medically deprived.
Following WW II, the Legislature redrafted M.G.L., Chapter 115 establishing the position of Commissioner of Veterans' Services, who has the responsibility for the proper administration of M.G.L., Chapter 115. This program provides the necessary support for veterans with the dignity and the sensitivity to which they are entitled, in view of the sacrifices they have made for their country. The dependents of deceased veterans are also provided with the same benefits.
It is the VSO to whom the unemployed, indigent, disabled, ill, or veterans otherwise in need, first apply for assistance. Appointed by the mayors or selectmen of the cities and towns of Massachusetts, the VSO interviews the applicants, determines their eligibility, and files requests for assistance with the Commissioner of Veterans' services. VSOs are available to anyone seeking information or assistance in the area of veterans' benefits and services.
The support that the Commonwealth gives to a deserving segment of our population through the locally based veterans' assistance programs is unlike that of any other in the nation and the envy of other states.
Contact:
Email the Veterans' Services Officer.
Follow the Westport Veterans' Services Officer on Facebook.
Sign up for the Westport Vets newsletter.
Find a Veterans Service Officer in Massachusetts at www.mass.gov/info-details/find-a-veterans-service-officer-near-you.
Monday through Friday ~ 8:00AM to 4:00PM