Overview
The below self-help materials were created by attorneys, law school students and legal interns at the WilmerHaleLegal Services Center of Harvard Law School.
Disclaimer: These materials are neither a solicitation nor an offer to represent you concerning any legal problem. This guide does not constitute legal advice and provides general information only. The information conveyed in this guide is not intended to and does not create an attorney-client relationship with you and Legal Services Center (LSC) or any attorney at LSC. Please be aware that unsolicited letters, facsimiles or emails do not create an attorney-client relationship. We will not have an attorney-client relationship with you until and unless you and LSC enter into a formal agreement of engagement.
A Self-Help Guide for Accessing VA Healthcare
Why do I need this guide?
Access to health care is critically important for the mental and physical well-being of veterans. Many people who served in the military are eligible for care from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). There are multiple ways to apply for VA healthcare and many ways that anyone who served may be eligible, even if they received an other than honorable, bad conduct, or other “less-than-honorable discharge.
A Guide for Criminal Record Sealing (CORI)
Why do I need this guide?
For the one in three adults that have a criminal record, ordinary essentials such as finding a well-paying job, renting safe and affordable housing, getting a student loan, or purchasing a decent car can be all but impossible to obtain.
Through LSC’s CORI Initiative, clients can receive free assistance in sealing their criminal records. In addition, there is information available here about starting the process yourself, and about additional resources and partnerships in our upcoming Community Fairs for Returning Citizens.
How to Get Assistance with Sealing/Expunging Your Record
Your Options: Call the Safety Net Project intake line at 617-390-2524 or email [email protected]. After speaking with you, we can provide the forms you will need in order to go through the record-sealing process and determine if we can provide you with representation.
If you would like to start the process of sealing your record yourself, below is a list of documents and information that can help.
- Request to seal your criminal record – Mass.gov guidance
- Personal CORI request
- Petition to seal adult record
- Affidavit of indigency to get fee waived
- MassLegalHelp Information on record sealing
Why do I need this guide?
Financial assistance is available for eligible Massachusetts residents who have served in the military and their dependents. Under Chapter 115 of the Massachusetts General Laws, the Commonwealth, along with town and city governments, provides financial assistance for qualifying low-income veterans for food, shelter, clothing, housing supplies, and medical care. Benefits may be one-time or ongoing, based on need.
Veterans and their dependents can visit the online calculator, answer simple questions, and receive an immediate estimate of their potential eligibility for Chapter 115 benefits. If they are eligible, users can download a form with their answers to the tool’s screening questions and connect with their local VSO. In partnership with the state, the VSO will assist the veteran or dependent with their official application for Chapter 115 benefits and manage the process of accessing benefits should the applicant meet eligibility requirements.
The Massachusetts Veterans Benefit Calculator is fast and easy to use.
- Visit MassVetBen.org
- Answer a series of questions to find out if you might be eligible
- Get a list of the documents you need to apply for benefits, and the location of the local Veterans Service Officer who can assist with your application
