Pennsylvania State Benefits for 100% Disabled Veterans

Note: Information for this document was gathered from various sources including:
https://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-state-benefits/pennsylvania-state-veterans-benefits.html

Visit the Pennsylvania Bureau of Veterans’ Affairs for more detailed information:
https://www.dmva.pa.gov/veteransaffairs/Pages/default.aspx

Veterans Homes

For more information, visit:https://nasvh.org/directory/pennsylvania/ 

• DELAWARE VALLEY VETERANS’ HOME PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
• GINO J. MERLI VETERANS’ CENTER SCRANTON, PENNSYLVANIA
• HOLLIDAYSBURG VETERANS HOME HOLLIDAYSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA
• PENNSYLVANIA SOLDIERS’ & SAILORS’ HOME ERIE, PENNSYLVANIA
• SOUTHEASTERN VETERANS’ CENTER SPRING CITY, PENNSYLVANIA
• SOUTHWESTERN VETERANS’ CENTER PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA

Your eligibility for State Veterans Homes is based on clinical need and setting availability.

Each State establishes eligibility and admission criteria for its homes.

Eligibility:

• Veteran with at least an Under Honorable Conditions discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces or the Pennsylvania Military Forces.
• Spouses or surviving spouses of an eligible veteran.
• Resident of Pennsylvania or was a resident at the time of entrance into active duty.

Talk with a VA social worker about the eligibility requirements of State Veterans Homes near you and to figure out a plan for paying for State Veterans Home care services.

State Veterans’ Cemeteries

For more detailed information visit: https://www.cem.va.gov/find-cemetery/state.asp?STATE=PA

National Veterans Cemeteries:

Indiantown Gap National Cemetery 60 Indiantown Gap Road Annville, PA 17003 Burial Space: Open	Phone: 717-865-5254 Fax: 717-865-5256
National Cemetery of the Alleghenies 1158 Morgan Road Bridgeville, PA 15017 Burial Space: Open	Phone: 724-746-4363 Fax: 724-746-4360
Philadelphia National Cemetery Haines St. and Limekiln Pike Philadelphia, PA 19138 Burial Space: Closed	Phone: 215-504-5610 Fax: 215-504-5611
Washington Crossing National Cemetery 830 Highland Road Newtown, PA 18940 Burial Space: Open	Phone: 215-504-5610 215-504-5611
Allegheny Cemetery Soldiers’ Lot 4734 Butler Street Pittsburgh, PA 15201 Burial Space: Closed	Phone: 724-746-4363 Fax: 724-746-4360
Ashland Cemetery Soldiers’ Lot 630 South Hanover Street Carlisle, PA 17013 Burial Space: Closed	Phone: 717-865-5254 Fax: 717-865-5256
Mount Moriah Cemetery Soldiers’ Lot 62nd Street and Kingsessing Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19142 Burial Space: Closed	Phone: 215-504-5610 Fax: 215-504-5611
Prospect Hill Cemetery Soldiers’ Lot 700 North George Street York, PA 17404 Burial Space: Closed	Phone: 717-865-5254 Fax: 717-865-5256

State Veterans Cemeteries:

Pennsylvania Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home Cemetery 560 East Third Street Erie, PA 16512 VA Grant Funded: Yes

Phone: 814-871-4531 Fax: 814-871-4617 (open only to residents of home)

Many states have established state veterans cemeteries. Eligibility is like Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) national cemeteries but may include residency requirements. Even though they may have been established or improved with Government funds through VA’s Veterans Cemetery Grants Program, state veterans’ cemeteries are run solely by the states.

Pennsylvania Veteran Financial Benefits

Income Tax

For more information, visit the following website: https://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Benefit-Library/State/Territory-Benefits/Pennsylvania#:~:text=What%20are%20my%20Pennsylvania%20Military,on%20IRS%20Form%201099%2DR.

Military retired pay is not taxable in Pennsylvania.

Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) does not withhold taxes for state or local income tax, but it is reported annually on IRS Form 1099-R. All TSP distributions are subject to state taxes and early distributions may incur higher taxes.

Military Pay earned by a resident Service member while they are residing in Pennsylvania is taxed. Military pay received when a Service member is serving on federal active duty or federal active duty for training outside Pennsylvania is not taxable.

Military pay that is earned in a combat or hazardous duty area receives the same additional time to file and make payments as is allowed for federal income tax purposes. The deadline is automatically extended to 180 days from the last day of service, or the last day of continuous hospitalization for an injury incurred in one of these areas.

Military Disability Retirement Pay received as a pension, annuity or similar allowance for personal injury or sickness resulting from active service in the U.S. Armed Forces should not be included in taxable income. Some of the payments which are considered disability benefits include:

• Disability compensation and pension payments for disabilities paid to Veterans or their Families.
• Grants for homes designed for wheelchair living.
• Grants for motor vehicles for Veterans who lost their sight or the use of limbs, or
• Benefits under a dependent-care assistance program

DIC is a tax-free monetary benefit paid to eligible survivors of Service members who died in the line of duty or eligible survivors of Veterans whose death resulted from a service-connected injury or disease.

SBP, RCSBP and RSFPP annuities are not taxed in Pennsylvania.

Military Family Relief Assistance Program

Visit the following website for more information and the application: https://www.dmva.pa.gov/Veterans/Benefits/Pages/MilitaryFamilyReliefAssistanceProgram.aspx

Emergency financial assistance is available for eligible PA service members and their family members that have a direct and immediate financial need because of circumstances beyond their control.

The maximum grant amount is $5,000.

Examples of such financial need include:

• A sudden or unexpected loss of income, real or personal property, assets or support, directly related to military service, or exigent circumstances affecting, the service
  member.
• Emergency need for childcare for which the applicant lacks financial resources.
• Natural or man-made disasters resulting in a need for food, shelter, or other necessities.
• The death or critical illness of a parent, spouse, sibling, or child resulting in immediate need for travel, lodging or subsistence for which the applicant lacks financial resources.

Eligibility:

• Applicants must be PA resident service members, former members, or certain eligible relatives in the following categories who are experiencing direct and immediate financial need as result of unexpected circumstances beyond their control.
  • A member of the armed forces of the United States or its reserve components, including the PA National Guard, who is serving on active duty other than active duty for training for a period of 30 or more consecutive days.
  • A member of the PA National Guard serving on State active duty for a period of 30 or more consecutive days.
  • A member in good standing of any reserve component of the armed forces of the United States, including the PA National Guard, for a period of three years after release from a tour of active duty, other than active duty for training, or release from a tour of State active duty of 30 or more consecutive days’ duration.
  • Former members of the armed forces, the reserve components, or the PA National Guard for a period of four years after medical discharge for a disability incurred in line of duty during a tour of active duty of 30 or more consecutive days when the need is directly related to the active-duty service, the disability, or
    other exigent circumstances.
  • The dependent spouse or dependent child of the eligible service member or, in the case of applicants for assistance to visit a hospitalized service member, the service member’s spouse, parent, sibling or child. An eligible relative must be a resident of Pennsylvania at the time of application for assistance.

Contact information:

Military Family Relief Assistance Program (MFRAP)

Department of Military and Veterans Affairs

Bldg. 9-26, Fort Indiantown Gap

Annville, PA 17003-5002

Phone: (717) 861-7820

Toll-free: (866) 292-7201

Fax: (717) 861-9084

Email: ra-pa-mfrap@pa.gov

Additional Information (PDF Files):

• Application Form
• MFRAP Brochure
• MFRAP Guidelines
• MFRAP Frequently Asked Questions

Veterans Temporary Assistance

For more information, visit the following website: https://www.dmva.pa.gov/Veterans/Benefits/Pages/VeteransTemporaryAssistance.aspx

Through the Veterans Temporary Assistance program, veterans and their unmarried surviving spouses may receive temporary financial assistance for the necessities of life, such as food, shelter, fuel, and clothing.

The Veterans Temporary Assistance program provides up to $1,600 in a twelve-month period.

Where to Apply:  Contact the County Veterans’ Affairs Director in the county you reside to apply for this program.

Eligibility:

Veterans must have:

• Have served in the Armed Forces of the United States
• Have been discharged under honorable conditions after a period of active duty, other than active duty for training, as evidenced by a DD Form 214 or other official documentation, or
• Have died in service or been killed in action, or
• Have suffered a service-connected disability as certified by the United States
  Department of Veterans Affairs.
• Be a bona fide resident of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

The veteran or surviving spouse must have:

• A temporary loss of income, assets or support due to sickness, disability, unemployment, natural or manmade disaster or other cause beyond the control of, and not because of misconduct by, the applicant, or,
• A temporary increase in costs or expenses beyond the control of, and not because of misconduct by, the applicant resulting in insufficient funds to pay for necessities of living.

The Following Documents are Mandatory:

• Veteran’s DD Form 214 or Report of Separation from active military service.
• A copy of the applicant’s marriage license and Veteran’s death certificate for widows and widowers.
• A copy of a birth certificate of the Veteran’s dependent children and if applicable, a copy of court orders indicating payment of child support.
• Proof of Pennsylvania residency.
• Proof of loss of employment, if applicable, including the applicant’s termination notice from employment and last pay slip.
• Proof of all other benefits such as unemployment compensation, education benefits, disability compensation/pension, social security, other pensions, union benefits, workman’s compensation or insurance benefits.
• Proof of lack of other income, including employment pay and allowances, annual or sick leave, income from rental property, savings, financial assistance provided by family and friends, interest and dividends.
• Proof of expenses (i.e., shelter, clothing, health care, child support, essential furnishings, utilities, transportation, communication, food, laundry and personal care).
• Receipts indicating current mortgage, rent and all utility payments claimed.

Veterans interested in applying for a VTA grant should contact their County Director of Veterans Affairs in the county you reside.

Real Estate Tax Exemption

For more information, visit the following website: https://www.dmva.pa.gov/Veterans/Benefits/Pages/RETX.aspx

Any honorably discharged Pennsylvania resident veteran with a 100% VA disability and wartime service may be exempt from property taxes on their home. There are income limits. Surviving spouses who have not remarried may also be eligible.

Veteran’s eligibility criteria:

• Received Honorable or Under Honorable Conditions discharge
• Served during a period of warOpens In A New Window as determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs **The following decorations can also be used to establish wartime service: Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal or Navy Expeditionary Medal.
• Must have a total or 100% permanent service-connected disability rating by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or as the result of military service the veteran is blind or paraplegic or has sustained the loss of two or more limbs
  • • Blind: Visual acuity of three-sixtieths or ten two-hundredths, or less normal Vision
    • Paraplegic: The bilateral paralysis of the upper or lower extremities of the body
• Must be a resident of the Commonwealth
• Must occupy the real estate as his/her principal dwelling
• Dwelling is owned solely by the veteran or as an estate in the entirety

Must prove financial need:

• Veterans must prove financial need according to the criteria established by the State Veterans Commission.
• The annual income cap is adjusted on January 1 st of each year.
• The applicant’s monthly household expenses must be verified with supporting documentation and will be calculated to include a cost-of-living allowance.

**Upon the death of a qualified veteran, tax exemption may pass on to the unmarried surviving spouse if financial need can be shown.

Where to apply?

Contact the County Veterans Affairs Director in the county you reside to apply for this program.

How is financial need established?

An applicant whose gross annual income exceeds $95,279 will be considered to have a financial need for the exemption when the applicant’s allowable expenses exceed the applicant’s household income. The applicant’s monthly household expenses will be calculated to include a cost-of-living allowance and dependent’s allowance.

What happens after the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs certifies a “financial need” for the Disabled Veterans Tax Exemption and eligibility criteria has been verified?

The County Board for the Assessment and Revision of Taxes will grant the tax exemption. Cases that have been granted tax exemption will be reviewed every 5 years to determine continued need for exemption from certain real estate property taxes.

Consult the local assessor’s office for detailed requirements regarding these exemptions.

Annual refiling is often required.

Find your local tax assessor at this link: https://www.publicrecords.onlinesearches.com/Assessor-and-Property-Tax-Records.htm

Blind Veterans Pension

Visit the following website for more information: https://www.dmva.pa.gov/Veterans/Benefits/Pages/BlindVeteransPension.aspx

A pension of $150 per month for honorably discharged veterans who suffered a service connected injury or disease which resulted in blindness or severe loss of vision.

Veteran’s eligibility criteria:

• Resident of Pennsylvania upon entering the military
• Received Honorable or Under Honorable Conditions discharge
• Suffered a service-connected injury or incurred a disease that resulted in loss of vision:
  • • Visual acuity with correcting lens is 3/60 or 10/200 or equivalent, or less normal vision in the better eye OR
    • Includes circumstances where the widest diameter of the visual field of the better eye has contracted to an angular distance of not greater than 20º.

Where to apply?

Contact the County Veterans Affairs Director in the county you reside to apply for this program.

What documentation is needed to apply?

• Need a copy of last military service DD214
• Proof of Pennsylvania residency upon entering the military
• United States Department of Veterans Affairs disability claim number

Amputee and Paralyzed Veterans Pension

For more information, visit the following website: https://www.dmva.pa.gov/Veterans/Benefits/Pages/AmputeeandParalyzedVeteransPension.aspx

The Amputee and Paralyzed Veterans Pension provides eligible Amputee and Paralyzed Veterans a pension of $150.00 per month.

Veteran’s eligibility criteria:

• Resident of Pennsylvania  upon entering the military
• Received Honorable or Under Honorable Conditions discharge
• Suffered a service-connected injury or incurred a disease resulting in the loss or loss of use of two or more extremities (arms/hands or legs/feet).
• At least a 40% disability compensation rating or higher in each limb as determined and certified by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.

Where to apply?

Contact the County Veterans Affairs Director in the county you reside to apply for this program.

What documentation is needed to apply?

• Need a copy of last military service DD214
• Proof of Pennsylvania residency upon entering the military
• United States Department of Veterans Affairs Code Sheet

Pennsylvania Education Benefits

Pennsylvania offers a wide variety of Educational Benefits to resident veterans and their dependents.

State Educational Benefits can be used in conjunction with the National Educational Benefits (DEA)

Visit the following link for a full list: https://www.pa.ng.mil/education/

OR

Contact the Education and Incentives Center for information: 717-865-4529

Education and Incentives Center

Bldg. 9-54, Fort Indiantown Gap

Annville, PA 17003

Pennsylvania Veterans Educational Gratuity

For more information, visit the following website: https://www.dmva.pa.gov/Veterans/Benefits/Pages/EducationalGratuityProgram.aspx

Children of those who died in service or are permanently and totally disabled because of military service are eligible for up to $500 per semester for 4 years. The children must be between 16 and 23 years.

Veteran’s eligibility criteria:

• Died in service during a period of war or armed conflict or,
• A veteran who has:
  • • An Honorable or Under Honorable Conditions discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces
    • Served during established war service dates as determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. **The following decorations can also be used to establish wartime service: Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal or Navy Expeditionary Medal
    • Veteran must have a 100% permanent and total service-connected disability rating by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Child’s eligibility criteria:

• Must be between the ages of 16 and 23,
• living within the Commonwealth five years prior to application and must attend a school within the Commonwealth.
• Applicant must have a financial need.

Where to apply?

Contact the County Veterans Affairs Director in the county you reside to apply for this program.

What documentation is needed to apply?

• Need a copy of last military service DD214 or Military Death Certificate of the sponsoring veteran
• Copy of birth certificate of applicant
• Proof of identification (driver’s license, voter registration, etc.)
• Proof of Pennsylvania residency for last five (5) years

Pennsylvania National Guard Education Assistance Program

For more information, visit the following website: https://www.pa.ng.mil/education/Education-Assistance-Program/

EAP provides educational assistance for eligible members of the Pennsylvania National Guard.

EAP funding is awarded regardless of financial need.The amount of each award will be based on enrollment status, (full-time or part-time) and on the tuition charged, capped at the PA State System of Higher Education Schools (PASSHE) flat full-time tuition rate plus the technology fee.

The EAP award amount can be applied to tuition costs, fees, books and room and board, up to the Allowable Cost of Attendance for members using FTA and GI Bill (Chapter 33) for the same term.

Funding is limited to 10 full-time semesters or 120 part-time credits.

Eligibility Requirements

• Members must have a six-year service agreement with the PA National Guard and sign a Statement of Understanding (EAP Form-1) prior to applying. 6-year contract/extension & EAP Form-1 must have the same date.
• Be a graduate of Basic Training or the equivalent prior to applying.
• Be an active satisfactory participant in a PA National Guard Unit. (Less than 9 AWOLS in any 1-year period)
• Be a member in good standing.  A member whose status is subject to a flag is not a member in good standing, making that member not eligible for EAP.
• Be an eligible member of PA National Guard prior to the 1st day of class.
• Be enrolled in a degree or certificate program at a school located in Pennsylvania and approved by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA).
• A member is not eligible for EAP benefits if receiving a Line ROTC Scholarship. However, if a member is receiving a Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty Scholarship or a Dedicated National Guard Scholarship through the ROTC program, the member is still eligible for EAP funding.

EAP can provide full-time funding for students for those taking a minimum of 12 credits per semester.

Mobilized members may be eligible for extended EAP benefits for deployment time.

Eligible EAP members who receive a discharge for a disability incurred in the line of duty may be eligible for EAP benefits after their discharge.

Military Family Education Program

For more information, visit the following website: https://www.pa.ng.mil/education/Military-Family-Education-Program/

Under the PA GI Bill, Pennsylvania National Guard members who commit to an additional six years of service can receive five years of higher education benefits for their spouses and children.

The program will provide 10 semesters of tuition-free education for family member(s). The benefit must be used at a Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) approved educational institution, and at the tuition rate set by the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE).

A spouse can use the benefit up to 6 years after the member’s separation from PA Guard.

Children can use the benefit before reaching the age of 26.

The member can assign the entire benefit to one dependent or a portion of the benefit to more than one dependent.

You cannot use the same six-year contract for both the National Guard Education Assistance Program and the Military Family Education Program.

How to Apply:

PA Guard members can apply for MFEP by applying through their unit, to PA National Guard Education Office.

Contact:

Education Services Office

Bldg. 9-54, Fort Indiantown Gap

Annville, PA 17003

Phone: 717-861-2434

Pennsylvania Veteran Employment Benefits

Veterans’ Preference For State Jobs

For more information, visit the following website: https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional Info/Veterans Preference/Pages/default.aspx and https://www.employment.pa.gov/veterans/Pages/default.aspx

Honorably discharged veterans who served on active duty after Aug. 2, 1990, spouses of disabled veterans, and surviving spouses of disabled veterans can get 10 additional points on their test scores for state employment.

For additional information related to veterans’ preference including documentation required to obtain veterans’ preference and where to submit documentation, contact the PA Office of Administration at 717.783.6655 or email: ra-cs-vetpreference@pa.gov.

State Retirement

For more information, visit the following websites: https://www.scsc.pa.gov/veterans/Pages/default.aspx or https://sers.pa.gov/pdf/FactSheet_PurchaseOfService.pdf

Honorably discharged veterans employed by the commonwealth for at least three years may be eligible to purchase retirement credit for active-duty military time.

Credited service is used when determining your eligibility for, and the amount of, your SERS pension. The more years of credited service you have, the greater your maximum annual pension will be at retirement, and the sooner you become eligible for retirement benefits.

You must be working for a SERS employer when you purchase service. In other words, you can’t purchase service after you leave state employment, or while you are on leave without pay. Contact a retirement counselor and fill out a Purchase of Service Election Form.

Pennsylvania Veteran Recreation Benefits

Hunting/Fishing/Trapping License for Disabled Veterans

For more information, visit the following website: https://www.pgc.pa.gov/HuntTrap/LicensesandPermits/Pages/LicenseTypes.aspx

Wartime veterans with 100% disability may be eligible for free hunting/fishing/trapping licenses.Veterans with a 60 – 99% disability can get reduced fee licenses.

Application can be made at your county treasurer.

There are a variety of different hunting/trapping licenses available for Disabled Veterans. We recommend contacting the game commission or visiting the website listed above to see which one best applies.

Free Lifetime Fishing License for 100% Disabled Veterans

For more information, visit the following website: https://www.fishandboat.com/Fish/FishingLicense/Pages/BuyAFishingLicense.aspx

100% Permanent and Totally disabled veterans can qualify for a free lifetime fishing license.

To qualify for a free fishing license, an applicant must:

• Be a bona fide resident of Pennsylvania;
• And qualify as one of the following:
  • • Have a disability incurred in any war or armed conflict consisting of
    • (a) loss of one or more limbs;
    • (b) loss of use of one or more limbs; or
    • (c) total blindness.

    OR

    • Be 100% disabled as certified by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

A Combination Trout-Salmon/Lake Erie Permit will be issued free of charge to disabled veterans who qualify for free fishing licenses. This “combo” stamp is valid as a trout/salmon stamp and Lake Erie permit.

Free or reduced fishing licenses can be obtained from county treasurers, the Fish and Boat Commission’s Harrisburg office or the six regional law enforcement offices.