Pennsylvania State Veterans Benefits: A Comprehensive Guide
CCK Law: Our Vital Role in Veterans Law
Recent surveys have found that veterans comprise 7.5 percent of the adult residents in Pennsylvania. To serve its large veteran population, the state provides a variety of resources, benefits, and financial aid to veterans living in the state, in addition to benefits offered by VA.
As a law firm dedicated to serving veterans in Pennsylvania and beyond, Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick has compiled a list of state benefits that veterans may find valuable.
What Housing Benefits Are Available to Pennsylvania Veterans?
Pennsylvania Veterans Homes
Pennsylvania operates six veterans homes that provide long-term care, including skilled nursing and personal care services. These homes are located in:
To be eligible for admission, veterans must:
- Have served in the United States Armed Forces and been honorably discharged
- Be residents of Pennsylvania or have entered service from Pennsylvania
- Require long-term care as determined by a physician
What Financial Benefits Are Available to Pennsylvania Veterans?
Income Tax Relief
Military retirement pay is tax-exempt in Pennsylvania, providing significant financial relief for retired veterans.
Real Estate Tax Exemption
Honorably discharged veterans with a 100 percent service-connected disability, who demonstrate financial need, are eligible for a real estate tax exemption on their primary residence.
Property Tax Exemptions
Pennsylvania offers property tax exemptions for veterans with a 100 percent service-connected disability. The benefit also extends to surviving spouses who do not remarry.
Military Family Relief Assistance Program (MFRAP)
MFRAP provides emergency financial assistance to service members and their families facing sudden financial hardship. This program ensures that military families receive the support they need during challenging times.
What Employment Benefits Are Available to Pennsylvania Veterans?
Veterans’ Employment Preference
Pennsylvania provides veterans with a hiring preference for state employment. This preference also applies to the spouses of disabled veterans and the surviving spouses of veterans who died as a result of service-connected disabilities.
Pennsylvania CareerLink
This program provides employment services to veterans, including job search assistance, résumé writing, and interview preparation. It also offers specialized services for disabled veterans.
What Educational Benefits Are Available to Pennsylvania Veterans?
Pennsylvania National Guard Education Assistance Program (EAP)
This program provides financial educational assistance for members of the Pennsylvania National Guard. It covers tuition for up to five years of full-time study at state-approved institutions.
Military Family Education Program (MFEP)
MFEP offers financial assistance to the spouses and children of Pennsylvania National Guard members for higher education at approved institutions.
What Recreation Benefits Are Available to Pennsylvania Veterans?
Hunting and Fishing Licenses
Disabled veterans can obtain free or reduced-fee hunting and fishing licenses. Additionally, the state offers a discounted lifetime hunting-fishing license for veterans with a 100 percent service-connected disability.
State Park Admission
Pennsylvania state parks offer free or discounted admission to disabled veterans, encouraging outdoor recreation and leisure activities.
What Burial Benefits are Available to Pennsylvania Veterans?
Pennsylvania operates three state veterans cemeteries providing burial benefits:
- Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville
- Washington Crossing National Cemetery in Newtown
- National Cemetery of the Alleghenies in Bridgeville
Eligible veterans and their spouses receive a free burial plot, grave marker, and perpetual care, ensuring a dignified final resting place.
Additional Benefits for Pennsylvania Veterans
Veterans’ Trust Fund
This fund supports Pennsylvania veterans and their families by providing grants to organizations that offer services such as housing, employment, and behavioral health support.
How Can Pennsylvania Veterans Get Help with Their VA Disability Claims?
Are you a Pennsylvania veteran who is having trouble getting the VA rating that you are entitled to by law? The team at Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick may be able to help.
With decades of experience compelling VA to define and follow its rules, our firm has helped thousands of veterans successfully win their appeals. Contact us today for a free case evaluation at (800) 544-9144.
