Keystone Commitment: Pennsylvania's Top 10 Most Valuable Veterans Benefits

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania offers a comprehensive and robust suite of benefits to honor its nearly 800,000 veterans, demonstrating a deep commitment to their financial well-being, health, and quality of life. Administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), these programs provide significant, life-altering advantages. While the personal value of each benefit can differ, a clear top tier emerges based on monetary impact, broad applicability, and crucial support services.

Here are the top ten, most valuable veterans benefits offered through the Pennsylvania Department of Veterans Affairs:

1. Real Estate Tax Exemption for 100% Disabled Veterans: A cornerstone of financial support, this benefit provides a 100% exemption from property taxes on the primary residence for veterans with a 100% service-connected disability. In a state with significant property taxes, this can save eligible homeowners thousands of dollars annually, offering profound and lasting financial security.
2. State Veterans Homes: Pennsylvania operates six outstanding Veterans Homes across the Commonwealth, providing high-quality, affordable long-term care. These facilities in Erie, Hollidaysburg, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Scranton, and Spring City offer skilled nursing, memory, and personal care, ensuring veterans have access to dedicated, veteran-centric support in their later years.
3. Veterans Temporary Assistance (VTA): This vital program provides temporary financial aid to veterans and their families who are facing unforeseen hardship. The VTA can provide grants for necessities like housing, utilities, food, and clothing, offering a critical safety net during a crisis.
4. Educational Gratuity Program: This invaluable program provides financial assistance for the children of honorably discharged veterans who have a 100% permanent and total service-connected disability or who died in service during a period of war. The gratuity payments help cover the costs of tuition, fees, and other educational expenses, opening a vital path to higher education for families who have sacrificed.
5. Blind and Paralyzed Veterans' Pensions: Pennsylvania provides a special monthly pension for honorably discharged veterans who suffered a service-connected injury that resulted in blindness or paralysis. This direct, recurring payment provides crucial financial support to help offset the unique costs associated with these severe disabilities.
6. State Employment Preference: Honorably discharged veterans receive a hiring preference when applying for public employment. Ten preference points are added to the examination scores of qualified veterans applying for state civil service jobs, providing a substantial advantage in securing stable government careers.
7. Full Exemption of Military Retirement Pay from State Income Tax: In a major financial advantage for career veterans, Pennsylvania completely exempts military retirement pay and survivor's benefits from the state's personal income tax. This policy allows retired service members to keep 100% of their hard-earned pension.
8. State Veterans Cemeteries: The DMVA operates the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in partnership with the federal VA, ensuring a dignified and honorable final resting place for veterans, their spouses, and eligible dependents. The Commonwealth provides assistance with burial expenses for certain deceased veterans.
9. Hunting, Fishing, and Trapping License Benefits: Pennsylvania honors its disabled veterans and former POWs with free or reduced-fee recreational licenses. Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability are eligible for a free license, while others may qualify for reduced costs, a valuable perk that enhances quality of life.
10. "VETERAN" Designation on Driver's License/ID Card: For no additional fee, veterans can have a "VETERAN" designation placed on their Pennsylvania driver's license or ID card. This simple but important benefit serves as official proof of veteran status, ensuring easy access to the numerous retail and service discounts offered as a gesture of gratitude throughout the Commonwealth.

These premier benefits showcase Pennsylvania's strong commitment to its veteran community. For detailed eligibility requirements and to connect with a County Director of Veterans Affairs for assistance, veterans are encouraged to visit the official website of the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs

Address: 
Edward Martin Hall (EMH)
Fort Indiantown Gap
Annville, PA 17003-5002

Phone: 1-717-861-8910

Return to the WeSalute State Veterans Benefits Guide