Vet Talks
Veterans Benefits Series
The Westport Veterans Service Officer will be hosting a series of informational sessions called "Vet Talks."
The Veterans Benefits Series will be held on Friday mornings at 10 AM, from Sept. 30 through Nov. 18 (excluding Nov. 11, Veterans Day), at the Westport VFW, 843 State Road.
Pre-registration is preferred and can be done either by calling Carol in the Westport Veterans Office at 508-636-1028 or online. Priority will be given to Westport residents and walk-ins will be allowed on a space-available basis. Spouses and surviving spouses of veterans are encouraged to attend.
The schedule is:
- September 30: Benefits Overview - General information about benefits that may be available to veterans and their dependents. Topics will be covered in greater detail in following sessions. Click here to view the video from this session or here to view the presentation slides.
- October 7: Burial Benefits - Eligibility for burial in the Veterans section at Beech Grove Cemetery, Bourne National Cemetery, and the two state Veterans cemeteries; assistance that may be available to help cover the cost of a funeral; and how to apply for a VA headstone or grave marker. Click here to view the video from this session or here to view the presentation slides.
- October 14: VA Healthcare - Eligibility criteria; how the VA determines which priority group the veterans qualifies for; co-pays the veteran may have to pay; and how community care through VA healthcare works. Click here to view the video from this session or here to view the presentation slides.
- October 21: VA Disability Compensation - How to file a claim, including the information that should be submitted with a claim; presumptive conditions; how the VA determines the overall disability rating using "VA math;" and individual unemployability. Click here to view the video from this session or here to view the presentation slides.
- October 28: - DUE TO A SCHEDULING CONFLICT THE VA PENSION SESSION WILL BE PRESENTED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE SURVIVOR'S BENEFITS PRESENTATION ON NOVEMBER 18.
- November 4: Massachusetts Benefits - Eligibility for the state's annuity and welcome home bonuses; who qualifies and how to apply for a property tax exemption; RMV benefits, including veteran plates and disabled veteran plates; and information about the state's financial assistance program for low-income veterans and their survivors. Click here to view the video from this session or here to view the presentation slides.
- November 18: VA Pension & Survivor's Benefits - Pension eligibility criteria; difference between pension, homebound, and Aid & Attendance (A&A); how to apply; and how the VA determines benefit amount. Information about the benefits that may be available to surviving spouses, children, and dependent parents, including pension, homebound, and A&A and Dependency & Indemnity Compensation (DIC). Click here to view the video from this session or here to view the presentation slides.