No, we are not part of the VA. We work with the VA, state agencies and many other resources to assist the City of Worcester's Veterans and their families access needed benefits.

If you entered the service from Massachusetts, your record may be in the MRO database, which is accessible to any Veterans' Services Officer (VSO). To inquire about your record, please request an appointment through the portal and include your full name, branch of service and date of birth, and staff will reach out to you. *Please do not put your social security number in the request; staff will confirm all identifying information over the phone.*

If you entered the service from outside of Massachusetts, your records can be requested through The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) Website.

We grant benefits to qualified veterans (and/or their dependents) based on eligibility conditions established by state law. The main requirements for eligibility include:

• A DD-214 Form (character of discharge or separation under honorable conditions)
  • How to get a copy of your DD-214: If you entered the service from MA, your record may be in the MRO database, which is accessible to any Veterans' Services Officer (VSO). To inquire about your record, request an appointment through the portal and include your full name, branch of service and date of birth, and staff will contact you. Please do not put your SSN in the request; staff will confirm all identifying information over the phone. If you entered the service from outside Massachusetts, request your records through The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).
• Proof of legal residency in the City of Worcester:
  • An apartment lease signed by you and the property owner within the past 30 days.
  • If you own a home: Copy of your deed, real estate tax bill, water and sewer bill, insurance policy, or a mortgage payment receipt.
• Income verification - bank statements and disability award letters from:
  • The Social Security Office
  • The Department of Veterans Affairs
  • MA Unemployment Office and Workers Compensation Office
• Military burial help ($4,000 for the entire burial)
• Subsidies on medical expenses
• Dependents or widows/widowers must provide:
  • Birth certificate of servicemember
  • Death certificate of servicemember
  • Marriage certificate
  • Divorce or Separation papers, or
  • Adoption papers

More documents may be required/requested during your application review.