BOSTON - State officials are urging veterans who have served in the military since Sept. 11, 2001 to come forward and apply for "Welcome Home," bonuses as part of the state's effort to award eligible service members with millions of dollars of unclaimed funds.

"We got money and we want to get that money to all of the eligible veterans here in the state of Massachusetts," State Treasurer Tim Cahill said on Tuesday.

According to state records, only half of the 27,000 veterans eligible for the bonus have filled out applications. More than 300 live in Bristol County. Ninety-seven of those eligible veterans live in Attleboro.

The state's database lists the number of veterans from other area towns. They are:

45 in North Attleboro. 7 in Foxborough

37 in Mansfield

9 in Norfolk

37 in Norton

9 in Plainville

21 in Rehoboth

30 in Seekonk

22 in Wrentham.

Cahill said his office will send out thousands of letters to each and every returning service member this week in anticipation of Veteran's Day.

The "Welcome Home" Bonus is a one-time tax-free cash payment available to eligible U.S. service members activated since September 11, 2001. The bill was signed into law on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2005. Any Massachusetts veteran who has served in Iraq or Afghanistan is eligible for $1,000. Those who served for six months or more in active service, state side or outside of the United States will receive a bonus of $500.

Senate President Therese Murray said the Senate passed a bill on Monday adding a check box to state income tax forms to help identify veterans and ensure that those eligible for the bonus are able to collect it.

"This will help the commonwealth reach out to eligible veterans," she said. "But you don't have to wait for tax time. If you were called into active service on or after Sept. 11 you are entitled to the bonus from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. You deserve the bonus and you deserve our appreciation."

Barre Democrat Sen. Stephen Brewer, co-chair of the Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs, said confusion over the grant application may have kept some from filing.

"If you are signing up to get this bonus, you are not re-enlisting," he said. "It's a simple two-page form and three weeks later you will get a tax free $1,000 bonus or $500 bonus depending on which you qualify for."

The state has added other, older veterans to the list of bonuses. World War II veterans who served from one day to six months are eligible for $100 bonuses. Those serving from six months or more state side service are eligible for $200. Foreign Service and Merchant Marines are eligible for $300. Korea-era veterans who served ninety days state side will get $100 and $200 for six months or more state side service. They will receive $300 if they spent one or more days outside of the United States. Vietnam veterans must have six months or more of active service to receive a $300 bonus.

All veterans must have received honorable discharges.

Gov. Deval Patrick said the bonuses are "a small token, but a token of deep gratitude and appreciation that all of us feel here on Beacon Hill and on behalf of the people of commonwealth."

For more information about the "Welcome Home" Bonus program, or for an application, contact Treasurer Cahill's office at www.mass.gov/treasury or call 617-367-9333 x350 or x505.

LaToya M. Smith is a member of the Boston University Statehouse Program, of which The Sun Chronicle is a member.