This training is for legal services advocates, lawyers in private practice, social and health services workers, veterans, lay advocates, legislative aides, and anyone else who wants to learn about the basics of state and federal veterans’ benefits. The training covers state veterans’ benefits under G.L. c. 115 (administered by the Massachusetts Department of Veterans’ Services), and federal benefits for healthcare, service-connected disability compensation, and non-service-connected pensions (administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs). The basic application process, eligibility rules for veterans (military discharge status, financial eligibility, disqualifying conditions, refund status), and the disability requirements for benefits are addressed, along with the basics of filing an appeal and upgrading a less than honorable discharge.
ABOUT BASIC PUBLIC BENEFITS ADVOCACY TRAININGS
MCLE and Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (MLRI) collaborate annually with a training series designed for both community-based organizations and public/private sector legal advocates who assist low income Massachusetts residents. The training series covers the nuts and bolts of federal and state public benefits, tax credits, tenant and utilities rights and more.
MCLE webcasts are delivered completely online, underscoring their convenience and appeal. There are no published print materials. All written materials are available electronically only. They are posted 24 hours prior to the program and can be accessed, downloaded, or printed from your computer.