With the start of new Tricare contracts, Massachusetts beneficiaries can expect some changes to their military health care, including the expansion of some benefits, according to military advocates and officials. Defense Health Agency officials said the new contracts,...
Celebrating its 20th year, Our Military Kids (OMK)—a national nonprofit providing activity scholarships to the children of post-9/11, combat-injured or ill Veterans—has expanded its eligibility criteria to ages 1 to 2. OMK’s extracurricular activity grant program now...
The bill called the HERO ACT broadens the definition of “veteran” for the purposes of expanding veteran benefits eligibility, and to better align it with federal law. This new definition includes any person that served on active duty for at least 90 days, and whose...
Members of the U.S. Armed Forces, veterans and their Massachusetts families may qualify for special tax benefits. Whether they have a simple or complex tax situation, the IRS provides information to make filing taxes easier to understand for those sacrificing so much...
Members of the military generally earn modest pay, but that hasn't prevented them from handling their money well. Newly enlisted members of the military generally are paid a relative pittance to defend our freedoms. But the small pay hasn’t prevented them from...
Every community in Massachusetts has a K-12 school district. This same system doesn’t exist for our youngest children. While public schools have struggles, families can navigate a district with elementary, middle, and high schools. But, early child care education...
If you’re a retired military personnel, where you choose to spend your post-service years can significantly affect your financial situation. Some states offer tax breaks and exemptions on military retirement pay, and maybe you can retire early. Others impose state...
Many Massachusetts military spouses run businesses or do gig work, and whether it’s a side hustle or a major operation, the IRS has tax resources, tools and information to help them keep things running smoothly. Tax resources on IRS.gov • Small Business and...
The following tables show preliminary 2024 Department of Veterans Affairs monthly disability rates for veterans with a rating of 10% or higher. These amounts are effective Dec. 1 of each year. They are tax-free. VA disability payments are made to veterans who got sick...
Military pay will increase 5.2% for 2024, compared to 2023 levels. The military pay applies to active members of the Navy, Marine Corps, Army, Air Force, Coast Guard and Space Force. The rates become effective Jan. 1, 2024. Official tables expected to be released by...