Veterans Bonus Reminder

Senate Minority Leader Richard R. Tisei and Malden Veterans Services Director John Webster this week are reminding local veterans who were called to active duty after Sept. 11, 2001 that they may be eligible for a cash bonus through the state-funded Welcome Home program.
Established by the Legislature in 2005, the Welcome Home program provides a one-time $1,000 bonus to Massachusetts soldiers for active service in Iraq or Afghanistan and a $500 bonus to those who served at least six months of active duty at home or abroad since Sept. 11, 2001.
Active service does not include active duty for training in the Army National Guard, Air National Guard, Naval Academy, or reservist training.
The bonus is available to service members who were residents of the commonwealth for at least six months prior to entry into the armed forces, and were discharged under honorable conditions.
Fewer than half of the 28,000 qualifying Massachusetts veterans have filed the necessary paperwork to receive their bonus payment.
“We want our servicemen and women to know this benefit is available to them, and we encourage them to apply,” said Tisei. “The bonus payment represents just a small token of the Commonwealth’s appreciation for those who have proudly served our country to protect the many freedoms and liberties we enjoy as Americans.”All applications must be accompanied by a certification of residence issued by the City Clerk or Election Commissioner; a copy of the service members’ discharge papers; and a signed and dated W9 form.
Application forms are available online at www.mass.gov/treasury/veteransbonus/welcomehomebonus.htm.
For more information, contact the State Treasurer’s office at 617-367-9333, ext. 350 or 505, or visit the Malden Veterans Services office at City Hall, 200 Pleasant St., Room 527, or call 781-39
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