About the Department of Veterans' Services
The Somerville Department of Veterans’ Services honors the service and sacrifice of Veterans through advocacy, service, and engagement. The Department strives to take a Veterans Come First” approach by providing the benefits and services they have earned. The Department takes the time to engage with Somerville’s Veterans, learn their concerns, and work to improve their lives and our responsiveness in meeting their needs. We do so by adhering to the highest standards of compassion, commitment, excellence, professionalism, integrity, accountability, and stewardship.
Thank you for your service!
Contact Information
Monday - Wednesday
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Thursday
8:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Friday
8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
For additional questions or to schedule an appointment, please call (617)625-6600 x4700 or email at veterans@somervillema.gov
167 Holland St.
Somerville, MA 02144
United States
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The Health & Human Services (HHS) Department recognizes the courageous service of Somerville veterans and works hard to help them, their dependents, and survivors access benefits from federal, state and local agencies that they have earned. The Veterans' Services Office helps these men and women, as well as their families, gain access to financial assistance and medical treatment. Services also include assistance with:
- Military Records (DD214) Separation Documents
- MASSVETS Financial Benefits Program: Chapter 115 Benefits and Annuity
- VA Boston Healthcare Enrollment and Services
- Claims to the VA for service-connected compensation
- Pension/Aid & Attendance for wartime veterans
- Massachusetts Tuition Fee Waiver Program
- Medical referrals and information
- Veterans' Employent and Training Services (VETS)
- Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)
- Massachusetts Veterans Bonus Division
- Burial and Memorial and benefits
Massachusetts Definition of a Veteran
To be eligible for state veterans' benefits, one must be a "veteran" or a dependent of a "veteran" under M.G.L. c. 4, sec. 7, cl. 43rd as amended by the Acts of 2005, ch. 130.
Monuments, Memorials, & Dedications
The Veteran's Commission on Monuments, Memorials, and Dedications is responsible for maintaining the custody and care of all monuments, memorials and dedications in the City of Somerville for the purpose of properly commemorating the services and sacrifices of the soldiers, marines and airmen who have served the country in war, or persons who have served the Commonwealth in time of war.
The Department of Veterans' Services is pleased to announce the Reestablishment of the Veterans Commission for Memorials, Monuments, and Dedications (VetCMMD).
Ted Louis-Jacques has transitioned out of the role as Director of Veterans Services. If you are in need of immediate assistance, please reach out to main office via email veterans@somervillema.gov or phone at 617-625-6600 x4700
*For any urgent matter, please reach out to Deputy Director of Health and Human Services Nancy Bacci at nbacci@somervillema.gov
Monique Harper (she/her/hers)
Veterans Benefits Coordinator
(781) 823-9400
mharper@somervillema.gov
Somerville native Monique Harper helps the City’s veterans from all eras get benefits they are entitled to and may have known about. She is implementing MASSVETS Benefits and Disability Benefits, and is a staunch advocate for mental health services and resources.
Monique attended Powder House Community School; West Somerville Neighborhood; and graduated from Somerville High School. She has a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice.
Monique transferred to the Department of Veterans Services from the Somerville Parking Department and enjoys journaling, swimming in the ocean, and traveling to try new foods and cultures, She loves spending time with her with 3-year-old daughter and her family.
Shannon Henry (she/her/hers)
Veterans Services Assistant.
Shannon oversees the day-to-day general operations of the department. She is the first to greet and meet all Veterans who visit our office and quickly identifies and assesses the needs of the Veteran before pointing them in the right direction.
Shannon is a lifelong Somerville resident and has worked for the city since May 2016. She attended Saint Catherine’s in Somerville; and Matigon High School in Cambridge; and studied Business Administration at Suffolk University. Shannon has a son and enjoys the beach; trying new restaurants; hiking; and taking trips with her family.
As services manager, Nancy Blanchard is leading Affordable Housing Development for Veterans, one of the biggest projects in the department’s history. She is creating strategic state, federal, corporate, foundation, public and private partnerships to get equitable outcome, access, and experience for Veterans. Her ambitious effort will reduce poverty, homelessness by delivering our department’s vital services and collaborating with key stakeholders to create housing, education and economic opportunities for all Veterans. Nancy is decorated Combat Veteran with 24 years of service to our nation, including 2 tours in Afghanistan. Her passion for advocating for Veterans and their families stems from her desire to make a positive difference and impact wherever she serves. In her previous role as Deputy Director, then subsequently as Acting Director for the West Suburban Veterans Services District, she oversaw 5 cities and towns serving over 5,000 Veterans and their dependents, families, caregivers, and caretakers. She has developed a deep connection with the Veterans community, and I am confident she has brought the same fervor in Somerville. Nancy is a Cambridge native who tutors African-American and Latino students in afterschool programs. She also has experience with the United States Army Reserve Career Counselor and as Chair of the Armed Services & Veterans Affairs Committee for the Boston NAACP Branch. |
Services
- Veterans’ Services
- MASSVETS Financial Benefits
- Department of Veteran Benefits
- Property Tax Exemptions-other tax abatements/exemptions
- DD214
- eBenefits Online access to VA/DoD benefits
Quick Links
- Massachusetts Department of Veterans Services
- Massachusetts Definition of a Veteran
- Women Veterans' Network
- Veteran's License Plate Application
- Veterans' Employment and Training Service
- Readjustment Services for Returning Veterans
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
- The National Archives
- National World War II Memorial
Helpful Numbers
- VA Healthcare Boston: (800) 865-3384 (follow the prompts)
- VA Health Care Benefits: (877) 222-VETS (877-222-8387)
- VA Benefits: (800) 827-1000 For information about: Education, Home Loan, Disability, Medical Care, Burial, Life Insurance and Sexual Trauma
- VA Caregiver Support Line: (855) 260-3274 (are you caring for a veteran at home?)
- VA Life Insurance: (800) 669-8477
- VA Education (GI Bill): (888) 442-4551
- VA Income Verification and Means Testing: (800) 929-8387
- VA Gulf War/Agent Orange Helpline: (800) 749-8387
- TBI Helpline (traumatic brain injury): (888) VET-1TBI (888-838-1824)
- VA Status of Headstones and Markers: (800)-697-6947
- VA Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD): (800) 829-4833
- Social Security: (800) 772-1213
- Medicare: (800) 638-6833
- The White House: (202) 456-1414
- Unites States Senate: (202) 224-3121
- United States Congress: (202) 225-3121
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