MassVets: Veteran Financial Benefits

Massachusetts has a new MassVets Benefit Estimator, designed to help veterans and their families quickly determine their eligibility for monthly financial assistance. The MassVets Benefit Estimator provides a more seamless experience for veterans seeking financial relief through the Chapter 115 Safety Net Program. Massachusetts has the best veterans benefits in the nation and this new tool reaffirms our commitment to helping those who served our country and provides robust information on what’s available under Chapter 115.

Chapter 115 is a state-funded program that provides direct financial assistance to eligible Massachusetts veterans and their families who are facing financial hardship. Benefits may cover essential needs, including:

• Daily living expenses

• Medical and dental costs

• Rent and housing support

• Support for dependents

• Homelessness prevention

• Outpatient behavioral health services, including psychiatric care, substance use disorder treatment, and prescription assistance

With the passage of the 2024 HERO Act, Chapter 115 benefits have expanded, ensuring veterans do not lose eligibility due to annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) in state or federal benefits. Additionally, municipalities may now provide direct deposit options for faster and more convenient benefit distribution.

Shared from -> https://www.mass.gov/massvets-veteran-state-financial-benefits?

Valentine’s Day charCUTEerie box to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry - Order by Feb 9

Valentine’s Day charCUTEerie boxes

"So so excited for this collaboration! 

Join us for Valentine’s Day charCUTEerie boxes, and a portion will be donated directly back to the Franklin Food Pantry 💜

But wait, it gets BETTER!! 

Join us at The SHED craft bar & kitchen after pick up, for dinner and 10% of your food sales will be donated directly back to the Franklin Food Pantry as well!"

Scan the QR Code in the image, or go to the order form ->    https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1i3tbbSz8wzzD-VnS1EYe9QNmgCGoDX_apgytciz1e0c/edit

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/1551606135109407/posts/3873031636300167/

Boston Globe: "Higher Social Security payments coming for millions of people from bill that Biden signed"

"President Joe Biden on Sunday signed into law a measure that boosts Social Security payments for current and former public employees, affecting nearly 3 million people who receive pensions from their time as teachers, firefighters, police officers and in other public service jobs.

Advocates say the Social Security Fairness Act rights a decades-old disparity, though it will also put strain on Social Security Trust Funds, which face a looming insolvency crisis.

Social Security Fairness Act

The bill rescinds two provisions — the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset — that limit Social Security benefits for recipients if they get retirement payments from other sources, including public retirement programs from a state or local government.

“The bill I’m signing today is about a simple proposition: Americans who have worked hard all their life to earn an honest living should be able to retire with economic security and dignity — that’s the entire purpose of the Social Security system,” Biden said during a signing ceremony in the White House East Room."

Continue reading the Globe article (subscription maybe required) -> 

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/01/05/business/higher-social-security-payments/

Note: my wife and I stand to benefit from this change. She had worked in the private sector before spending 20+ years teaching in the Franklin School System. 

Boston Globe: "Senate passes Social Security benefits boost for many public service retirees"

"The Senate passed legislation early Saturday to boost Social Security payments for millions of people, pushing a longtime priority for former public employees through Congress in one of its last acts for the year.

The bipartisan bill, which next heads to President Joe Biden, will eliminate longtime reductions to Social Security benefits for nearly 3 million people who receive pensions from work in federal, state and local government, or public service jobs like teachers, firefighters and police officers. Advocates say the Social Security Fairness Act rights a decades-old disparity, though it will also put further strain on Social Security Trust Funds.

The legislation has been decades in the making but the push to pass it came together in the final weeks — and was completed in the final minutes — that lawmakers were in Washington before Congress resets next year. All Senate Democrats, as well as 27 Republicans, voted for the bill, giving it a final tally of 76-20."

Continue reading the Bost Globe article (subscription maybe required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/12/20/nation/senate-vote-social-security/

Town of Franklin (MA) is looking to hire a benefits coordinator

"Are you passionate about benefits management? 

Do you Excel in communications and spreadsheets? Do you have a way with Word? We're looking for a highly motivated individual to join our team!

Click the link in our bio and select "Job Opportunities" to learn more!"

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C6_XgasOagk/

Town of Franklin (MA) is looking to hire a benefits coordinator

Talking about Teaching & Education with FEA President Donna Grady (audio)

FM #1194 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1194 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Franklin Education Association (FEA) President Donna Grady. We recorded this talk in the Franklin TV Studios on Tuesday, April 30, 2024. 

The Franklin Education Association (FEA) is the union representing all the educational personnel in the Franklin School District. Donna is the unit president and has been for 8 years. She teaches kindergarten at Keller, previously Jefferson, and has been teaching for 35 years.

We talked about education today in the Franklin schools from elementary to middle school to high school. The nature and challenges of teaching our wonderful kiddos through the grade levels.

The recording runs about 55 minutes. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1194-teaching-education-with-donna-grady-fea-president-04-3024

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Donna’s school contact info -> gradyd@franklinps.net 

Franklin Education Association web page -> https://franklin.massteacher.org/ 

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Talking about Teaching & Education with FEA President Donna Grady (audio)

Are You Age 70 or Older and Not Yet Getting Your Social Security Retirement Benefits?

Retirement is not one-size-fits-all. It can mean different things to different people. Perhaps you have not applied for Social Security retirement benefits because you're still working or are delaying applying so you can get the higher benefit. 

If you're age 70 or older, you should apply now for the benefits you're owed. Your benefits will not increase if you continue to delay applying for them because you are 70 or older.

Did you know that you can receive benefits even if you still work? Your earnings can increase your monthly benefit amount – even after you start receiving benefits. Each year that you work, we check your earnings record. It’s possible your latest year of earnings is one of your highest 35 years. If so, we will automatically recalculate your benefit amount and pay you any increase due.

Continue reading the article online -> https://blog.ssa.gov/are-you-age-70-or-older-and-not-yet-getting-your-social-security-retirement-benefits/

Are You Age 70 or Older and Not Yet Getting Your Social Security Retirement Benefits?

Town of Franklin, MA: Announces Diane Montanez as HR Benefits Coordinator

Town of Franklin, MA (@TOFranklinMA) tweeted  on Tue, Jun 27, 2023:

"Welcome HR Benefits Coordinator Diane Montanez! She has over 20 years of experience in HR at the City of Marlborough & Mass Container Corp. 

In her role, she will support management of benefits & records for town, school, & retired employees. 

Fun fact, she is fluent in Portuguese! https://t.co/I6KTgKPHft"

Shared from -> https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1673813211328512000

Town of Franklin, MA: Announces Diane Montanez as HR Benefits Coordinator

Medicare for You: What You Need to Know (Part 2)

This is part two of our series on Medicare benefits. Did you miss the first blog? Please check it out here.

"Did you know you can save money on Medicare costs this year? The Inflation Reduction Act which President Biden signed into law in August 2022, will help you save money on Medicare prescription drug costs and recommended adult vaccines starting in 2023.

Let’s explore a few of the ways that this new law will lower your Medicare prescription drug costs."

Continue reading the article online ->  

https://blog.ssa.gov/medicare-for-you-what-you-need-to-know-part-2/

Medicare for You: What You Need to Know (Part 2)

Franklin Town Council closes out last meeting of 2022 with approval of an open space purchase to reach 200 acres in about 18 months (video)

The Franklin Town Council meet for the last time in the 2022 calendar year on Dec 14, 2022. The last agenda was a full one even after revising it to remote a couple of items for a future session.

After about 2 hours and 10 minutes, they entered Executive Session and returned after approx. 35 minutes to approve two more items and then close the meeting.

The Franklin TV video replay is available here -> https://youtu.be/qVbiUMlcbL8

The full agenda doc also contains remote participation info ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/dec_14_tc_mtg_agenda-revised.pdf

My notes captured via Twitter during the meeting (in 1 PDF file)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TT_f9Y9eVXExUtjlcCD2XKtSTjcwG582/view?usp=share_link

The meeting audio and my recap will be shared in a day or so.

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda & Documents for Dec 14, 2022 7:00 PM

Veterans' Call: PACT Act (video)

Hoping to learn more about the PACT Act? 

For an overview from local experts, visit https://youtu.be/-qzZkUMsheI

The show features guest speakers Matt Ching and Tom Ryan from the state of MA Department of Veterans' Services.  Matt and Tom are both National Service Officers who provide technical assistance and advice to VSO's regarding VA claims. 

Their expertise and knowledge helps Veterans across the Commonwealth,  so please take advantage of this opportunity to hear from them directly.

If you have any follow-up questions or want to file a claim, just give our office a call!  

Best regards, 

Shannon

Shannon Nisbett

Veterans' Services Officer

10 Daniel McCahill Street

Franklin, MA 02038

Email: snisbett@franklinma.gov

T: 508.613.1315

Hear about the Veterans' Bonuses available on the new "Veterans' Call" (video)

Hello all,

Please watch my recent interview with Steven Croteau, state Veterans' Bonus Manager, on Franklin TV's YouTube Channel!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPWo7SlM47A

We've also posted the link to the video on our website under News and Announcements.  https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services

Please spread the word and share this info with other veterans.  If you want to apply for a bonus, just give our office a call!

Sincerely, Shannon

--

Shannon Nisbett

Veterans' Services Officer

10 Daniel McCahill Street

Franklin, MA 02038

Email: snisbett@franklinma.gov

T: 508.613.1315

veterans memorial son the Franklin Town Common at night

Finance Committee: Budget Hearing #1 - General Government - May 9, 2022 - 6:30 PM

Finance Committee 

Meeting Agenda & Meeting Packet 

Monday, May 9, 2022  - 6:30 PM

 
Agenda
1. Call to Order

2. Public Comments

3. Approval of Minutes

a. March 9, 2022

4. 2022 Capital Budget Round 2

5. FY23 Town Administrator Operating Budget Hearing:

FY23 Town Administrator Budget Materials website

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/webforms/fy-23-budget-materials

a. General Government - Accounts 111 Town Council, 123 Town Administrator, 131 Finance Committee, 135 Comptroller, 141 Assessors, 147 Treasurer-Collector, 151 Legal, 152 Human Resources, 155 Information Technology, 161 Town Clerk, 164 Elections & Registration, 176 Appeals Board (ZBA), 177 Planning & Growth Management, 184 Agricultural Commission, 192 Public Properties & Buildings, 196 Central Services

b. Human Services - 510 Board of Health, 541 Council on Aging, 543 Veterans Services

c. Culture & Recreation - 610 Library, 630 Recreation, 690 Historical Museum, 691 Historical Commission, 695 Cultural Council, 696 Cultural District Committee.

d. Debt & Interest - 710 Debt Service - Principal, 750 Debt Service - Interest

e. Employee Benefits: 910 Retirement & Pension, 945 Risk Management (Liability Insurance)

6. Future Agenda Items

7. Adjourn

The agenda document includes remote connection info -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/_2022-05-09_finance_committee_agenda_1.pdf

FY23 Town Administrator Budget Materials website

Veterans Coffee Social - Learn about property tax exemptions for eligible vets! March 2 - 10 AM

March 2022 Coffee Social

Learn about property tax exemptions for eligible vets!

Join us for coffee and conversation!

All veterans are welcome!

• When: March 2 - 10 AM
• Where: Franklin Senior Center

Shared from ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/march-2022-coffee-social

Veterans Coffee Social - Learn about property tax exemptions for eligible vets! March 2 - 10 AM

Social Security Benefits Increase 1.3 % in 2021

From the Social Security Administration we share:

"Approximately 70 million Americans will see a 1.3 percent increase in their Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments in 2021. Federal benefit rates increase when the cost-of-living rises, as measured by the Department of Labor's Consumer Price Index (CPI-W).

Continue reading   https://blog.ssa.gov/social-security-benefits-increase-in-2021/

 

Social Security Benefits Increase in 2021

Don White online concert to benefit Franklin Food Pantry - July 23 - 7 PM

Don is hilarious 7/23 7PM

Don White and special guests View this email in your browser Don White online show July 23 7 PM Donations The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse presents an online concert by Don White, on Thursday, July 23rd at 7 PM to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry. http://www.donwhite.net/ This Zoom event will be interactive – meaning that Don and the audience will be able to hear laughter and applause as it happens. At the end of the show, there will be an after party. Special guests Peter Yarrow and John Gorka will join him and perform!  Franklin's Jamie Barrett will open the show with one song. If you want to be in the interactive Zoom concert use this access information. Go to www.Zoom.com and “Join Meeting” Meeting ID: 825 8331 9277 Password: 646619 You may also view the show on YouTube please go to https://youtu.be/Zwoc7dXhnpU There is no fee but donations will be accepted and benefit the Franklin Food Pantry. PayPal : https://www.paypal.me/donwhitefolk Venmo: @DonWhiteFolk Or you may mail a check to Circle of Friends, PO Box 21, Franklin, MA 02038 Upcoming Online Shows Aug 8       Peter Yarrow Sep 12     John Gorka

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse · First Universalist Society · 262 Chestnut St · Franklin, MA 02038 · USA                                          Don White online concert to benefit Franklin Food Pantry - July 23 - 7 PM

Don White Concert to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry - July 23

The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse is presenting an online concert by Don White, on Thursday, July 23 at 7 PM to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry. Don is an award-winning singer/songwriter, a comedian, an author, and a storyteller. He’s been bringing audiences to laughter and tears for thirty years. He is a Circle of Friends regular whose songs and stories always have our crowds rolling in the aisles. http://www.donwhite.net/

Don White Concert to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry

Franklin's Jamie Barrett opens the show.

A special surprise guest will be joining Don at the end of the show.

You will be able to view this show on YouTube at https://youtu.be/Zwoc7dXhnpU

There is no fee but donations will be accepted and benefit the Franklin Food Pantry.

Franklin's Jamie Barrett opens the show

The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse is a non-profit organization affiliated with Franklin's First Universalist Society. Please visit  http://www.circlefolk.org/ for more information.

You may be eligible for SNAP benefits

AlertsMA: Need help buying healthy food? You may be eligible for SNAP benefits. Visit Mass.gov/covid-snap for more information and how to apply.

"You may be eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) administers SNAP benefits. SNAP provides a monthly benefit to buy nutritious foods.

To get SNAP, you must be low-income and be a U.S. citizen or legal noncitizen (restrictions apply). Eligibility for SNAP benefits depends on financial and nonfinancial criteria."

You may be eligible for SNAP benefits

Good flowchart to explain MA unemployment benefits

Via the Dept of Unemployment Assistance

"The Department of Unemployment Assistance is moving swiftly to implement three new public benefit programs that will expand unemployment eligibility; temporarily increase weekly benefits for all claimants; and allow additional categories of people to claim unemployment benefits.

The move, the largest expansion of assistance for the Commonwealth’s workforce since the Great Depression, follows new guidance from the federal government regarding the CARES Act."

For additional info visit their MA.gov page
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/update-massachusetts-department-of-unemployment-assistance-announces-guidance-on-cares

Good flowchart to explain MA unemployment benefits

"these programs are really a win, win, win"

Via Commonwealth Magazine, we find that the State is suspending the HIP program as of Feb 24. The Farmers Market today in Franklin is not affected but the next markets in Mar and Apr will be.

"AT A MONTHLY WINTER FARMERS market run by Roots Rising in Pittsfield, shoppers can buy apples, canned tomatoes, carrots, potatoes, onions, and winter squash. A shopper using SNAP benefits can spend $1 to buy $2 of produce under the state’s Healthy Incentives Program, or HIP.

But as of Feb. 24, shoppers on public benefits will no longer get that extra money. The state is suspending HIP for the winter, with plans to restore it May 15. State officials say the program – which doubles the impact of SNAP benefits when produce is bought from a participating farm – is a victim of its own success and has outgrown its budget.

Without a temporary suspension of the program, state officials say its $6.5 million state appropriation would run out quickly and no money would be left during the busier buying and growing season this summer.

Advocates for farmers and low-income individuals say the loss of HIP will hurt shoppers and sellers. Recently, 89 legislators wrote to Department of Transitional Assistance Commissioner Amy Kershaw protesting the suspension, and the lack of notice."

Continue reading the article online
https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/state-suspending-farm-food-benefits-program/

Winter Farmers Market

When: Sat, February 15, 10am – 2pm

Where: Fairmount Fruit Farm, 887 Lincoln St, Franklin, MA 02038, USA (map)

Description: A winter farmers market where local farms and crafters/vendors can gather together to sell products and network within their community

 

 

"these programs are really a win, win, win"