Application Requirements

(1) Non-active Duty Applicants. Applicants separated from the Armed Forces when applying for a bonus must submit a completed application, which includes any necessary documentation, to the Division. The Division shall provide an application form upon request. (a) For an application to be deemed complete, it must include the following: 1. Veterans’ Bonus Application Form that is completed and signed by the Applicant; 2. DD-214: Proof of service and character of service; and 3. Records showing a Massachusetts domicile for six months prior to the Applicant’s entering into the Armed Services. (b) The Division may accept the following documents to establish the Applicant’s Massachusetts domicile: 1. W2; 2. Excise tax statement; 3. Lease agreement; 4. Written statement of a clerk of a city or town that the Applicant was domiciled therein on the first day of January; or 5. If the Applicant entered the Armed Services the same year that they graduated from high school, a copy of a high school diploma or General Education Degree (GED). (c) The Division may deem the Applicant was domiciled in Massachusetts for six months prior to their entering into Active Service if the home of record on the Applicant’s DD-214 is Massachusetts and the Applicant cannot provide other documentation sufficient to establish their domicile. (d) The Division may accept other documentation from the Applicant to establish their Active Duty service, character of service, Massachusetts domicile or other bonus eligibility requirements as it determines appropriate and in its sole discretion. (2) Active Duty Applicants. Applicants serving in Active Duty when applying for a bonus must submit a completed application, which includes anyrelevant documentation to the Division. The Division shall provide an application form upon request. (a) For an application to be deemed complete, it must include the following: 1. Veterans’ Bonus Application Form that is completed and signed by the Applicant; 2. Documents evidencing that the Applicant’s current Active Duty status is honorable service or a statement signed by the Applicant’s Commanding Officer stating that the Applicant is currently honorably serving on Active Duty; and 3. Documentation showing the Applicant’s domicile was in the Commonwealth for six months prior to their entry into the Armed Services. (b) The Division may accept the following documents to establish Massachusetts domicile: 1. W2; 2. Excise tax statement; 3. Lease agreement; 4. Written statement of a clerk of a city or town that the Applicant was domiciled therein on the first day of January; or 5. If the Applicant entered the Armed Services the same year that they graduated from high school, a copy of a high school diploma or General Education Degree (GED). (c) The Division may deem the Applicant was domiciled in Massachusetts for six months prior to their entering into Active Service if the home of record on the Applicant’s DD-214 is Massachusetts and the Applicant cannot provide other documentation sufficient to establish their domicile. (d) The Division may accept other documentation from the Applicant to establish their Active Duty service, character of service, Massachusetts domicile, or other bonus eligibility requirements as it determines appropriate and in its sole discretion. (3) National Guard and Reserve Applicants. Applicants serving in the National Guard or Reserve when applying for a bonus must submit a completed application, which includes any relevant documentation to the Division. The Division shall provide an application form upon request. (a) For an application to be considered complete, it must include the following: 1. Veterans’ Bonus Application Form that is completed and signed by the Applicant; 2. Documents evidencing that the Applicant’s current Active Duty status is honorable service or a statement signed by the Applicant’s Commanding Officer stating that the Applicant is currently honorably serving on Active Duty; and 3. Documentation showing the Applicant’s domicile was the Commonwealth for six months prior to their entry into the Armed Services or entry into active duty. (b) The Division may accept the following documents to establish the Applicant’s Massachusetts domicile: 1. W2; 2. Excise tax statement; 3. Lease agreement; 4. Written statement of a clerk of a city or town that the Applicant was domiciled therein on the first day of January; or 5. If the Applicant entered the Armed Services the same year that they graduated from high school, a copy of a high school diploma or General Education Degree (GED). (c) The Division may deem the Applicant domiciled in Massachusetts for six months prior to their entering into Active Service if the home of record on the Applicant’s DD-214 is Massachusetts and the Applicant cannot provide other documentation sufficient to establish their domicile. (d) The Division may accept other documentation from the Applicant to establish their Active Duty service, character of service, Massachusetts domicile, or other bonus eligibility requirements as it determines appropriate and in its sole discretion. (4) Additional Documentation for Certain Applicants. The Division may require additional documentation with an application under the following circumstances: (a) Name Change. If the service member’s name has changed since entering or separating from the Armed Forces, if requested by the Division, the Applicant, or person acting on their behalf, shall provide documentation verifying the name change with the application. (b) Proof of Authorization to Act on Behalf of a Service Member. If a person or entity is applying for a bonus on behalf of a service member, if requested by the Division, the Applicant or person or entity acting on their behalf shall provide documentation of their authorization to act as the legal representative. The Division may accept a notarized and fully executed power of attorney and/or court appointment. (c) Proof of Death and Eligibility of Heirs-at-Law. If a person or entity is applying on behalf of a deceased service member, if requested by the Division, the Applicant or person acting on their behalf, shall provide a death certificate and any other documentation the Division deems necessary to determine the eligibility of any Heir(s)-at-Law.