Section 4. Every application for veterans’ benefits shall be in writing, signed by the applicant under the penalties of perjury, and shall contain a statement of the name, age and residence of the applicant and his relationship to the veteran upon whose wartime service his application is based, such information as the secretary may require relative to the commencement, duration, extent and termination of such veteran’s wartime service, and such other representations, concerning the needs of the applicant and his reasons for applying for such benefits, as the secretary may require. Every such application shall be filed with the veterans’ agent for the city or town from which such benefits are sought, and such agent shall forthwith transmit the same to the secretary.

Veterans agents shall complete applications authorized by the department of public welfare for any veteran, widow and dependent applying for veterans benefits or for medical assistance under chapter one hundred and eighteen E if agreed to by an applicant. The veterans agent shall file the application for the veteran if the veteran selects assistance under said chapter one hundred and eighteen E. The application shall be processed through the said department. Said applicant shall be duly advised of his entitlement to veterans benefits or benefits from public assistance.