Pennsylvania veteran benefits
Veteran Compass lists 42 Pennsylvania programs for veterans and their families. Each one links to the official government page, because rules, amounts and deadlines change. This is a guide to what is worth looking into, not a decision about whether you qualify. Federal VA benefits, such as health care, disability compensation and the GI Bill, also apply in Pennsylvania; see the full directory or use the Benefit Finder.
Burial
Burial Honors Program
DMVA describes help from county veteran service officers and veterans organizations in explaining burial benefits and arranging military burial honors. It also describes the benefits for eligible veterans buried at Pennsylvania's three national cemeteries.
Who it may help: The page says benefits are for eligible veterans but does not define eligibility. To arrange burial at a national cemetery, contact a funeral director or your county Director of Veterans Affairs. Additional requirements apply; confirm with the DMVA Office of Veterans Affairs. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Disability
Amputee and Paralyzed Veterans Pension
A monthly state pension for eligible veterans who lost, or lost the use of, two or more extremities because of service-connected injury or disease.
Who it may help: Veteran who was a Pennsylvania resident when entering the military, with an honorable or under-honorable-conditions discharge, and a service-connected loss or loss of use of two or more extremities meeting the limb rating requirement. Apply through the county Director of Veterans Affairs with a DD-214, proof of residency at entry and a VA decision letter. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Blind Veterans Pension
A monthly state pension for eligible veterans who lost vision because of a service-connected injury or disease and meet the page's vision standards.
Who it may help: Veteran who was a Pennsylvania resident when entering the military, with an honorable or under-honorable-conditions discharge, and service-connected vision loss meeting the acuity or visual field standard listed on the page. Apply through the county Director of Veterans Affairs with a DD-214, proof of residency at entry and a VA decision letter. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Education
Educational Gratuity Program
Pays a set amount per term directly to an approved Pennsylvania school for the child of a qualifying veteran, for up to four years of study. The school must confirm enrollment before each payment.
Who it may help: Child aged 16 to 23 who has lived in Pennsylvania for the five years before applying, attends an approved Pennsylvania school and shows financial need. The veteran must have died in service during a period of war or armed conflict, or hold an honorable or under-honorable-conditions discharge with wartime service and a 100% permanent and total rating. Apply through the county Director of Veterans Affairs. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
PA National Guard Survivors' Tuition Waiver
A DMVA tuition waiver for surviving spouses and children of Pennsylvania National Guard members who die in the line of duty, used at participating Pennsylvania state, state-related and community colleges and approved trade schools.
Who it may help: The Guard member must have been a PA resident, a member of the PA Army or Air National Guard, and on state or federal active-duty orders at death. Survivors must be PA residents, eligible for resident tuition, and apply to or attend a covered school. Apply through a DMVA Veterans Services Officer or a Casualty Assistance Officer. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
PA National Guard Education Assistance Program
A state-funded program helping eligible Pennsylvania National Guard members pay for school, with awards not based on financial need.
Who it may help: Requires a six-year service agreement, basic training, good standing in a PA Guard unit, and enrollment in a degree or certificate program at a PHEAA-approved Pennsylvania school. Line ROTC scholarship recipients are not eligible. Additional limits apply; this page is hosted on the Guard's .mil site. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Operation Recognition High School Diplomas
Local school boards may award a high school diploma to certain veterans who left school to serve, and may award one posthumously.
Who it may help: Honorable discharge, no graduation because of military service, and service in a World War II, Korean War or Vietnam War period listed on the page. Applications go through the local school district. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Employment
Veterans' Preference in Commonwealth Hiring
Eligible veterans, and certain spouses, get a preference when applying for Pennsylvania state jobs, internships and fellowships. For civil service exams this includes extra points, and for non-civil-service jobs qualified veterans must be interviewed.
Who it may help: Applicant must meet the Veterans' Preference Act definition of veteran (service completed with a non-dishonorable discharge, among other listed situations), or be a qualifying surviving spouse or spouse of a permanently and totally disabled veteran. The preference does not apply to promotions or internal civil service postings. Submit copies of military records such as a DD214. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Military and Veterans Professional Licensure Help
The Department of State gives service members, veterans and military spouses expedited license application review and requires boards to consider military experience. A Military Occupational Crosswalk compares military occupations with licensing requirements.
Who it may help: Open to active duty, reserve or National Guard members, veterans discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, and military spouses, with government-issued documentation such as a DD214. Applies to boards administered by the Department of State; the crosswalk is a planning guide and does not guarantee a license. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Veteran Business Enterprise Verification
Pennsylvania verifies veteran-owned small businesses so they can compete for reserved bidding programs and subcontracting goals on Commonwealth contracts. A third-party veteran certification comes first.
Who it may help: The page lists at least 51 percent veteran ownership, meeting small business standards, and a valid third-party certification, plus registration as a Commonwealth supplier and an application with tax returns. Certification must be renewed periodically. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Military Leave and Benefits for Commonwealth Employees
State employees who are veterans, Guard or Reserve members may get paid and unpaid military leave, continued health coverage, a chance to buy retirement credit and stipend help during unpaid leave.
Who it may help: For veterans, National Guard members and Reserve members who work for the Commonwealth; the page gives no further eligibility detail. Contact the Military Absence Services team on the page. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Veterans in Agriculture Resources
The Department of Agriculture lists resources for veterans in farming, including the Homegrown by Heroes program and links to a veteran grant program and outside organizations.
Who it may help: For veterans in or entering agriculture and veteran organizations. The cited page lists no eligibility criteria or deadlines; the linked grant application page showed a closed application deadline, so do not assume a grant is open and confirm with the Department of Agriculture. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Family
PA National Guard Survivors' Pension
DMVA pays a pension to survivors of Pennsylvania National Guard members who die in the line of duty, in addition to workers' compensation.
Who it may help: Covers surviving spouses, minor children and dependent parents. The Guard member must have been in the PA Army or Air National Guard and serving on state active-duty orders at death. Contact a DMVA Veterans Services Officer or Casualty Assistance Officer to start. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Line-of-Duty Death Benefits (Including National Guard)
Pennsylvania pays benefits to families of emergency responders killed in the line of duty, a list that includes National Guard members: a lump sum and a monthly payment to eligible survivors.
Who it may help: Covers listed responder groups including National Guard; claimants are surviving spouses, children or parents depending on the benefit. Claims must be filed within the time stated on the page with notarized and medical documents. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Financial
Disabled Veterans' Real Estate Tax Exemption
Exempts qualifying disabled veterans, and in some cases their surviving spouses, from real estate tax on their principal residence. Administered through the county Director of Veterans Affairs.
Who it may help: Pennsylvania resident with an honorable or under-honorable-conditions discharge and service during a VA-recognized period of war, owning the home as a principal dwelling, with a qualifying VA disability and demonstrated financial need. The page sets an income level that presumes need; above it, documented expenses must exceed income. Apply through your county Director of Veterans Affairs. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Veterans Temporary Assistance
Short-term state financial help for necessities such as food, housing, heating fuel and clothing when a veteran or eligible survivor faces a temporary shortfall. The page sets a cap on assistance within any 12-month period.
Who it may help: Pennsylvania resident discharged under honorable conditions after active duty (or a VA-certified service-connected disabled veteran), or an unmarried surviving spouse of an eligible veteran. Applicant must show a temporary hardship from an unforeseen event and not be receiving enough other aid for the same need. Apply through the county Director of Veterans Affairs. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Pennsylvania Income Tax Treatment of Military Retirement and Disability Pay
The Department of Revenue's guide says military retired pay under the cited federal statute is exempt from Pennsylvania personal income tax, and disability pensions or allowances for service-related injury or sickness are not taxable. It also explains when federal active-duty pay earned outside Pennsylvania is excluded.
Who it may help: Applies when filing a Pennsylvania personal income tax return; treatment depends on the type of pay and where it was earned. Active-duty pay earned in Pennsylvania by residents assigned there is generally taxable. See the guide for the full rules. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Military Family Relief Assistance Program
DMVA offers grants to service members and their families dealing with unexpected financial hardship; the grants do not have to be repaid. Each request is reviewed for need and goes to a fund committee, and approval is not guaranteed.
Who it may help: Eligible groups listed include people on active duty for 30 or more days, PA National Guard members on state active duty for 30 or more days, certain reserve or Guard members in good standing, and former service members discharged for duty-related medical reasons within a set window. Some relatives may qualify. The page does not say whether funds are currently available; confirm with DMVA. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Veteran and Reservist-Owned Small Business Filing Fee Waiver
Qualifying veteran or reservist-owned small businesses are exempt from business fees required to start or open a business in Pennsylvania, including the Department of State filing fees for the formation documents listed on the notice. The linked notice was last revised in 2021, so confirm it is still current.
Who it may help: The business must be independently owned, not dominant in its industry, small (the notice sets an employee cap) and owned and controlled by veterans or reservists. Proof of status such as a DD-214, NGB-22, VA card or military ID is submitted with the filing. Ongoing license maintenance fees are not covered. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Healthcare
Pennsylvania Veterans Homes
The state operates six veterans homes offering long-term care, with domiciliary, personal, memory and nursing care available depending on the home. A veteran's spouse may also live there.
Who it may help: The page does not list admission criteria, costs or waitlists; it links to a separate eligibility page and an application. Additional requirements apply; confirm with the DMVA Bureau of Veterans Homes at 1-800-547-2838. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
DMVA Veteran Suicide Prevention Initiative
DMVA works to connect veterans in crisis with help. The page points to the Veterans Crisis Line (call 988, then press 1), PA VETConnect, and county-level and regional prevention efforts.
Who it may help: Aimed at veterans in crisis, people concerned about a veteran, and veteran advocates. The page does not list formal eligibility rules. In a crisis, the Veterans Crisis Line is described as free and confidential. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
DMVA Veteran Substance Use Disorder Resources
DMVA lists help for veterans with substance use disorder, including a toll-free recovery hotline, PA VETConnect referrals and grant-funded community programs.
Who it may help: Aimed at veterans, families and advocates; the page does not list formal eligibility rules. It describes grants going to community organizations and county directors rather than individuals. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
DHS Behavioral Health Resources for Veterans and Military Families
The Department of Human Services lists veteran-focused behavioral health resources, including crisis and PTSD links, a Vet Center directory, peer support training for certified peer specialists and a provider registry trained in military culture.
Who it may help: A resource list rather than an enrollment program; the page states no eligibility rules. Contact the listed service or provider. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Housing
Fairweather Lodge for Veterans
A state mental health pilot using the Fairweather Lodge model to offer veterans with mental health needs a community home, emotional support and employment; residents share the home and household duties.
Who it may help: The page names lodges in Venango, Centre, Cumberland and Lawrence counties and does not list eligibility criteria or application steps. Contact the address on the page for details. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
DMVA Homeless Veteran Resources
DMVA points homeless and at-risk veterans to PA VETConnect, state assistance programs, VA housing programs such as HUD-VASH and SSVF, and the national homeless veterans call line.
Who it may help: The page does not list application steps or eligibility for the state programs; VA programs are described for VA-eligible veterans. Contact DMVA or the named agency. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Legal
County Directors of Veterans Affairs
Each county has a director of veterans affairs who helps veterans and dependents find benefits, check eligibility and prepare applications for county, state and federal programs. The page says they do not charge veterans for help.
Who it may help: Open to veterans and their dependents; the page lists help with burial allowance, grave markers, the real estate tax exemption, emergency assistance, state pensions, the Educational Gratuity, disability pensions, federal health care and survivor benefits. Offices are often at the county courthouse; a county directory is linked on the page. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Free Notarization of Military and Veterans Affairs Documents
Eligible people can get affidavits related to military or veterans affairs notarized at no charge, which can serve as supporting evidence for VA and state benefit claims.
Who it may help: Open to service members, veterans, and surviving spouses, children and parents of deceased service members and veterans. The document must relate to military or veterans affairs. DMVA's Lickdale outreach center offers it (call ahead); the page says county offices may charge and not know of the rule. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Corrections Services for Incarcerated Veterans
The Department of Corrections runs Veterans Service Units and Veterans Service Offices with veteran-specific programming, help getting a DD214 and ID, and reentry planning.
Who it may help: For incarcerated veterans who are identified within the DOC; the office option is open to any incarcerated veteran wanting to take part. The page lists no other criteria. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Veterans Treatment Courts
County court programs for veterans charged with crimes who have addiction, mental illness or co-occurring disorders, involving regular court appearances, treatment, drug and alcohol testing, veteran mentors and VA involvement.
Who it may help: The page does not describe an application process or eligibility rules; a criminal case and county participation are involved. The page says a set number of counties have a program, so confirm with DMVA or the county court. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Pension Poaching Protection and Free Help
DMVA warns about paid advisers who exploit veterans seeking VA pension and explains where to get free, accredited help and how to report suspected scams to the Attorney General.
Who it may help: Meant for veterans, surviving spouses and children, and advocates. Free help is available from DMVA accredited officers, county offices and veteran service organizations. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Other
Military Records Request Program
DMVA helps veterans and families find lost military records such as the DD214, DD215, NGB22 and NGB23, and explains which office holds records based on when and where the person served.
Who it may help: The right route depends on discharge date and component, such as VA eBenefits for recent discharges, the National Archives for many earlier records, or DMVA for certain Pennsylvania Army and Air National Guard files. Veterans or, in some cases, next of kin may request records using SF 180. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Veterans' Trust Fund Grants for Veteran-Serving Organizations
The Veterans' Trust Fund pays for grants to veteran service organizations, nonprofits and county veterans affairs offices that run programs for Pennsylvania veterans. This is aimed at organizations, not individual payments.
Who it may help: Applicants are 501(c)(19) veterans organizations, 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving PA veterans, or counties and the county directors association. Applications go through the state eGrants system, and the page lists specific priority areas and a grant cycle window. The page describes organization grants only and does not mention help for individual veterans; confirm other options with DMVA. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Women Veterans Resources
DMVA's women veterans page points to PA VETConnect, a Women Veterans Committee, a brochure and links to federal and state resources for women veterans.
Who it may help: Aimed at women veterans, including those transitioning from active duty, and advocates. The page does not list formal eligibility rules. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Recreation
Free and Reduced-Fee Fishing Licenses for Disabled Veterans
The Fish and Boat Commission offers a free resident fishing license, plus a free combination trout/Lake Erie permit, to veterans rated 100% disabled, and a reduced-fee license to those rated 60 to 99%. Other required permits are not discounted for the reduced-fee license.
Who it may help: Pennsylvania resident with a VA-certified service-connected disability in the stated range. The page says combat-related service is not required. First-time applicants obtain the initial license from a county treasurer or Commission office with proof of residency and written VA certification. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Disabled Veteran Hunting and Furtaker Licenses
The Game Commission offers no-charge or reduced-fee hunting and furtaker licenses to qualifying disabled veterans, including a lifetime version, issued through county treasurers and Game Commission offices.
Who it may help: Requires a service-related disability from a qualifying period of service listed on the page, plus documentation; discharge papers may be required. Separate military, Guard and reserve hunting licenses also appear on the page. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Special Waterfowl Hunting Days for Veterans and Military
The Game Commission sets aside special waterfowl days for veterans and active-duty military members, with bag limits matching the regular season.
Who it may help: Open to veterans as defined in federal law and active-duty members, including Guard and Reserve on active duty other than training. Dates vary by zone and season, so check the current year's schedule. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Transportation
Veterans Designation on Driver's License or ID
PennDOT can add a veterans designation to a driver's license or photo ID. The designation itself is free, though normal license or ID fees apply, and it does not by itself entitle the holder to discounts.
Who it may help: Requires a DD214 or equivalent showing U.S. Armed Forces service (reserve and National Guard included) with a discharge other than dishonorable. Non-commercial license holders can add it online or with form DL-80; commercial license holders must use a mailed form. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Registration and Title Fee Waiver for Eligible Veterans
Waives registration and title fees for one passenger vehicle or light truck owned by a veteran in certain qualifying groups. License plate fees still apply.
Who it may help: Listed groups are veterans who lost a limb or eye or became partially paralyzed in service, former prisoners of war from qualifying conflicts, Medal of Honor recipients and Purple Heart recipients. The vehicle must weigh 9,000 pounds or less, and application is by form MV-371DV. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Military Status Endorsement for Driver's License
A PennDOT card that keeps a Pennsylvania driving record valid during military service or long absences. The page also describes license validity rules for service members serving outside the state.
Who it may help: Complete and mail the endorsement form to PennDOT. The page says an active-duty member's license stays valid while serving outside Pennsylvania and for a period after service, extending to a spouse and children; it does not list formal eligibility criteria. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Military Commercial Driver's License Test Waiver
PennDOT may waive the CDL knowledge and/or skills tests for military members and veterans who have operated similar vehicles in their military job.
Who it may help: The page says at least two years of driving similar vehicles as part of military duties; a separate fact sheet has full criteria. Applicants submit PennDOT forms and the applicable fee, then apply for the waiver at a Driver License Center. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Military and Veteran Registration Plates
PennDOT offers many military and veteran plates, including branch, war-era, medal, combat, Gold Star Family and Blue Star Family plates. The fact sheet notes a free registration for one vehicle for Purple Heart recipients.
Who it may help: Veteran plates need proof of a discharge other than dishonorable or a retired military ID; medal and combat plates need documentation of the award; Gold Star and Blue Star plates are for family members. The fact sheet points to a separate PennDOT fee schedule for costs. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Disabled Veteran Registration Plate
PennDOT issues a special plate identifying a vehicle as belonging to a disabled veteran.
Who it may help: The veteran must have a disability certified by their service unit or the VA. Apply with the persons-with-disability plate application form mailed to PennDOT. The page does not list fees; a separate severely disabled veteran plate has different rules. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Spot something wrong or out of date? Tell us and we will check it against the official source.