Overview
Veterans' Service Officers (VSOs) are in every city and town in Massachusetts, per Massachusetts state law (Massachusetts General Law Chapter 115). Hingham’s Veterans’ Services Department disburses veterans' benefits and provides assistance to, and advocates for, all the Town’s veterans and their dependents, including directing emergency financial, fuel, housing, and sustenance aid for veterans in immediate need.
Follow the Department on Facebook for upcoming events, information, and other veteran-related opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions:
By far, the most common question the Department receives is “What benefits am I entitled to?”
First, a veteran under Massachusetts law is a person who has served in the military for at least 180 days, or 90 days as applicable to certain wartime periods. A veteran’s dependent is a spouse or widow(er); child under age 18, or between 19-23 and attending school full-time, or considered totally disabled before turning 19; or a parent who is more than 50% dependent on the veteran.
State and local veterans’ benefits are many and range from tax exemptions to educational assistance to employment and housing preferences.
The easiest way to determine one’s eligibility is to visit the Department’s webpage or to contact the Hingham Veterans' Services staff by phone at 781-741-1440 or by email at VeteransServices@hingham-ma.gov.
What do I need to prove my Veterans status?
U.S. military discharge papers are officially known as DD Form 214, or just DD214. The DD214 is the key to “qualifying” for benefits and a host of other extras. The DD214 is proof of your military service. All veterans receive this Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty once they are out of the military.
What are your major projects or goals over the next year?
In Fiscal Year 2025, the Hingham Veterans’ Services Department is supporting the implementation of the new HERO Act (MGL Chapter 178 of the Acts of 2024), that was signed into law on August 8, 2024 by Governor Maura Healey. This landmark legislation will increase benefits, modernize services, and promote inclusivity for veterans in Massachusetts.
Key provisions include:
- Expanding access to behavioral health treatment
- Increasing benefits for disabled veterans
- Supporting businesses that hire veterans
- Updating the definition of a veteran
- Expanding the Veterans Equality Review Board's scope
- Codifying medical and dental benefits
What should residents know about the Department?
The Veterans’ Services Department enjoys the support of The Hingham Veterans’ Council, an advisory board established in accordance with state law to “render such assistance to the director of veterans’ services of the municipality…as the director may request.". The Council is composed of five residents of Hingham appointed by the Select Board.
We strive to get to YES, even when NO may be the simplest answer.
Employee Spotlight
Hingham’s retiring Director of Veterans’ Services
Hingham’s longtime Veterans Service Officer Keith Jermyn is retiring. We are grateful for Mr. Jermyn’s commitment to our town’s veterans and their families. Hingham is currently seeking a new agent to lead the department. Review and share the job description.
Watch Keith’s Farewell Address, filmed and produced by Harbor Media.
As part of our efforts to make Town Government more accessible to residents, Hingham will spotlight each Town department throughout the year. Our goal is to educate citizens about the inner workings of their local administration and the many responsibilities it holds.