Veteran Benefits in Pennsylvania
Veteran Benefits & Resources
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Veteran Benefits & Resources in Pennsylvania
Veteran Benefits & Resources in Pennsylvania
Introduction
Introduction
Pennsylvania is home to more than 700,000 military veterans, making it one of the largest veteran populations in the United States. With a strong military heritage and extensive support network, the state provides access to state veteran benefits, VA healthcare systems, County Directors of Veterans Affairs, and nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping veterans and their families.
This guide highlights key benefits, healthcare services, and organizations available in Pennsylvania so veterans can easily access assistance with education, housing, employment, healthcare, and community support.
Key Veteran Benefits in Pennsylvania
Key Veteran Benefits in Pennsylvania
Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption
Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption
Pennsylvania offers a full property tax exemption for 100% permanently disabled veterans who meet income eligibility requirements. This benefit can significantly reduce the cost of homeownership.
Source:
https://www.dmva.pa.gov/Veterans/Benefits/Pages/Real-Estate-Tax-Exemption.aspx
Pennsylvania Educational Gratuity Program
Pennsylvania Educational Gratuity Program
Provides financial assistance for children of veterans who were killed or disabled while on active duty.
Source:
https://www.dmva.pa.gov/Veterans/Benefits/Pages/Educational-Gratuity-Program.aspx
Pennsylvania Veteran Employment Preference
Pennsylvania Veteran Employment Preference
Veterans receive preference in Pennsylvania civil service hiring, improving access to state government jobs.
Source:
https://www.employment.pa.gov
Veteran Designation on Pennsylvania Driver License
Veteran Designation on Pennsylvania Driver License
Pennsylvania veterans can add a “Veteran” designation to their driver license or ID card.
Source:
https://www.dmv.pa.gov/Driver-Services/Veterans/Pages/default.aspx
Pennsylvania Veterans Trust Fund
Pennsylvania Veterans Trust Fund
Provides grants to organizations that support veterans and their families, including programs focused on housing, employment, and healthcare.
Source:
https://www.vtf.pa.gov
VA Disability Benefits by Rating in Pennsylvania
VA Disability Benefits by Rating in Pennsylvania
Understanding how your VA disability rating impacts your benefits can help you take full advantage of both federal VA programs and Pennsylvania-specific benefits.
100% Disabled Veterans
100% Disabled Veterans
Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating receive the highest level of support.
In Pennsylvania, this includes:
• Full Property Tax Exemption on your primary residence (income eligibility applies)
• Full federal VA compensation at the highest rate
• Comprehensive VA healthcare at no cost
• Eligibility for CHAMPVA (dependents) and commissary/exchange privileges
• Access to additional state programs and support services
Pennsylvania offers strong financial relief at this level, particularly for homeowners.
70% Disabled Veterans
70% Disabled Veterans
Veterans rated at 70% disability receive strong federal benefits and access to expanded programs.
Key benefits include:
• Higher monthly VA compensation
• Priority access to VA healthcare and specialty services
• Eligibility for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU)
• Expanded access to mental health and long-term care programs
State-level benefits are more limited at this level, but federal support becomes increasingly important.
50% Disabled Veterans
50% Disabled Veterans
At the 50% disability rating, veterans reach an important healthcare threshold.
This includes:
• No-cost VA healthcare for all conditions, not just service-connected issues
• Increased monthly compensation
• Access to a broader range of VA medical services and prescriptions
This level significantly improves access to care.
Lower Ratings (10%–40%)
Lower Ratings (10%–40%)
Veterans with disability ratings between 10% and 40% still receive meaningful benefits, including:
• Monthly tax-free VA compensation
• VA healthcare for service-connected conditions
• Eligibility for Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E) programs
• Access to local and state veteran support programs
While Pennsylvania’s largest financial benefits are tied to higher ratings, these levels still provide important foundational support.
No matter your rating, working with a County Director of Veterans Affairs can help ensure you’re receiving every benefit you’ve earned—and assist with increasing your rating if your condition has worsened.
VA & Healthcare Resources
VA & Healthcare Resources
Pennsylvania veterans have access to a large VA healthcare network across the state.
VA Medical Centers
VA Medical Centers
• Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center
• Pittsburgh VA Medical Center (University Drive)
• Lebanon VA Medical Center
• Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center
These facilities provide primary care, specialty care, mental health services, rehabilitation, and long-term care.
Community Clinics
Community Clinics
VA outpatient clinics are located throughout Pennsylvania in cities such as Allentown, Erie, Altoona, and York.
Vet Centers
Vet Centers
Vet Centers provide confidential counseling and transition assistance for combat veterans and their families.
VA Facility Locator
https://www.va.gov/find-locations/
County / Local Veteran Service Offices
County / Local Veteran Service Offices
Pennsylvania veterans can receive assistance from County Directors of Veterans Affairs, who help veterans:
• File VA disability claims
• Access federal and state benefits
• Obtain military service records
• Connect with local veteran resources
Directory of County Veteran Affairs Offices:
https://www.dmva.pa.gov/Veterans/Pages/County-Directors.aspx
Veteran Housing & Long-Term Care
Veteran Housing & Long-Term Care
Pennsylvania State Veterans Homes
Pennsylvania State Veterans Homes
Pennsylvania operates several state veterans homes providing long-term care and skilled nursing services.
Locations include:
• Delaware Valley Veterans’ Home
• Gino J. Merli Veterans’ Center
• Hollidaysburg Veterans’ Home
• Southwestern Veterans’ Center
Source:
https://www.dmva.pa.gov/Veterans/Homes
Housing Assistance for Veterans
Housing Assistance for Veterans
Pennsylvania veterans experiencing housing instability can access assistance through VA housing programs such as HUD-VASH, as well as nonprofit housing organizations throughout the state.
Source:
https://www.va.gov/homeless/
Veteran Charities & Nonprofit Support
Veteran Charities & Nonprofit Support
Pennsylvania Wounded Warriors, Inc.
Pennsylvania Wounded Warriors, Inc.
Provides financial assistance and support programs for veterans and their families across Pennsylvania.
Veterans Leadership Program
Veterans Leadership Program
Offers housing, employment, and support services for veterans transitioning to civilian life.
Travis Manion Foundation
Travis Manion Foundation
Supports veterans and families of fallen service members through leadership and community programs.
Veteran-Owned Businesses & Entrepreneurship
Veteran-Owned Businesses & Entrepreneurship
Pennsylvania offers several programs supporting veteran entrepreneurs.
Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers
Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers
Provides training, counseling, and business development resources.
Veterans Business Outreach Center
Veterans Business Outreach Center
Offers mentorship, training, and support for veteran-owned businesses.
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Certification
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Certification
Veterans can pursue federal certification programs to compete for government contracting opportunities.
https://www.va.gov/osdbu/entrepreneurs/
Community Events & Veteran Engagement
Community Events & Veteran Engagement
Pennsylvania hosts numerous veteran-focused events throughout the year designed to connect veterans with services and community support.
These include:
• Veteran job fairs and hiring events
• Homeless Veteran Stand Down programs
• Community veteran resource fairs
• Networking events and veteran support groups
These programs help veterans connect with employers, service providers, and fellow veterans across the state.
How to Get Help
How to Get Help
Veterans in Pennsylvania can take the following steps to access assistance:
Contact your County Director of Veterans Affairs for help filing VA claims and accessing benefits.
Visit your nearest VA medical center or outpatient clinic for healthcare services.
Explore programs offered by the Pennsylvania Department of Military & Veterans Affairs.
Connect with nonprofit organizations that provide housing, employment, and community support.
Pennsylvania Department of Military & Veterans Affairs
https://www.dmva.pa.gov
Support Veteran-Owned Businesses
Support Veteran-Owned Businesses
Know a Pennsylvania veteran-owned business or nonprofit that should be featured?
Submit a nomination or tag them on the Veterans Intel Report Facebook page.
We highlight veteran-owned businesses every month as part of our Salute & Support Sunday series. 🇺🇸
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