Governor Launches Increased Annuity for Veterans and Families through HERO Act

BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration is announcing that Massachusetts veterans and their families will begin receiving increased benefits in February 2025 as part of the historic HERO Act that Governor Healey signed into law last year. This is the first increase in 17 years to the annual annuity for 100 percent disabled veterans, Gold Star parents and Gold Star spouses. 

This increase raises the annuity from $2,000 to $2,500 annually, providing much-needed financial support to veterans and their loved ones. The increase will be phased in to ensure a smooth transition. In February 2025, recipients will receive an initial payment of $1,250. Beginning in August 2025 and continuing annually thereafter, recipients will receive a single annual payment of $2,500. 

"By increasing this annuity, we are reaffirming our commitment to the veterans, Gold Star families, and servicemembers who have given so much for our state and our country," said Governor Maura Healey. "The HERO Act reflects our deep respect and gratitude for their service, ensuring that Massachusetts remains a leader in veteran support and recognition. I'm grateful for Secretary Santiago and his team, as well as the Legislature for their partnership to pass this impactful bill." 

Most eligible recipients will receive a direct deposit of the increased annuity early next week. Others will receive a check in the mail later in the week. 

Since taking office, the Healey-Driscoll Administration has prioritized revitalizing veterans' services in Massachusetts. In March 2023, Governor Healey established the state’s new Executive Office of Veterans’ Services and appointed Jon Santiago, the state’s first-ever Secretary of the Executive Office of Veterans Services, to spearhead the transformation of a cabinet-level secretariat focused on veteran care. Over the past year, the Executive Office of Veterans Services has overhauled operations and existing programs to redefine how veterans are cared for in Massachusetts. This includes passing the HERO Act, the most comprehensive piece of veterans’ legislation in Massachusetts history that increases benefits, modernize services and promote inclusivity for veterans in Massachusetts, moving forward on new, state-of-the-art veterans' homes in Holyoke and Chelsea and launching an initiative to End Veteran Homelessness. 

The Executive Office of Veterans Services encourages eligible veterans and families to reach out with any questions about their benefits or the implementation of the HERO Act provisions. For more information about the HERO Act or the Executive Office of Veterans Services, please visit Chapter 115 Benefits/Safety Net Program | Mass.gov. 

Striking Out Cancer in Berkshires Holds Sunday Party Before June 27 Games

By Stephen DravisiBerkshires.com Sports
10:53AM / Monday, June 15, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. – Striking out Cancer in the Berkshires has been bringing smiles for half a decade.

 

This year, it also is bringing Smiley.

 

A day of community baseball and softball games that act as a fund-raiser for the Jimmy Fund is the brainchild of Joe DiCicco, who has expanded the event’s footprint over the years and seen a steady growth in money raised as a result.

 

This year’s games are scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on June 27 on Buddy Pellerin Field at Clapp Park.

 

But the festivities begin this Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Sideline Saloon on Fenn Street, where DiCicco invites families to come down, free of charge, to take photos with a Boston Red Sox World Series Trophy and meet Boston mascot Wally the Green Monster and Smiley, the mascot of the Triple-A Worcester Red Sox.

 

“It’s just a little way to give back to the community to start the week,” DiCicco said. “Last year, we had the trophy for the first time, and they want to bring it back, so that’s a good thing. Wally is different, and so is Smiley.”

 

What has not changed is DiCicco’s dedication to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s Jimmy Fund, inspired by Einar Gustafson, a child who beat cancer with the help of Dr. Sidney Farber in 1948 and shared his story with the world under the name Jimmy to protect his anonymity.