What we do 

The Department of Veterans' Services advocates for Somerville's veterans. We provide assistance in applying for state and federal benefits, serve as a liaison to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the various military branches, and administer a program of emergency assistance for indigent veterans. We also serve the residents of Somerville by overseeing the city's war monuments and memorials; by serving as the registrar of graves for Somerville's veterans; and by coordinating with other city departments to stage Memorial Day and Independence Day activities. 

Please note: We are not the VA! The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is a federal agency. We are a city department. We will gladly assist you in filing VA claims and appeals, but we cannot schedule a hearing or physical examination for you, and we do not have access to VA files and records. You may contact the VA directly by phone or e-mail. To visit the  VA website, click here. For a list of VA telephone numbers, click here. 

What would you like to do? 

• Learn about my benefits as a veteran, dependent, or survivor
• Get a copy of my discharge papers or military record
• Locate the gravesite of a Somerville veteran
• Dedicate a square to a Somerville veteran
• Learn about Somerville's war monuments and memorials
• Learn about Veterans' Memorial Cemetery
• Watch or participate in Somerville's Memorial Day Parade
• Learn about Somerville's Independence Day activities
• Volunteer or donate to help veterans
• Learn how to properly display and care for my American flag
• Connect with a veterans' organization in Somerville
• Find the nearest Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facility  
• Get my Massachusetts "Welcome Home" Bonus
• Learn about income tax breaks for recently-deployed veterans