An estimated 614,022 veterans live in Pennsylvania, making up 5.9% of the state's population or the 38th-highest per capita of the 56 U.S. states, inhabited territories and District of Columbia.
Pennsylvania Military and Veteran Income Taxes
Military Retiree Income Tax
Military retirement and Survivor Benefit Plan payments are tax free.
Active-Duty Income Tax
Active-duty pay is tax free for residents stationed outside Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania Veteran Property Taxes
Honorably discharged resident veterans with a 100% federal Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability rating and wartime service may be exempt from property taxes on their home. There are income limits. Unremarried surviving spouses may also be eligible.
Pennsylvania Military and Veteran Education Benefits
Military/Veteran Education
Eligible veterans may receive priority course scheduling at state institutions.
Military personnel stationed in Pennsylvania may receive in-state tuition.
The Pennsylvania National Guard Education Assistance Program offers up to 10 semesters of free college at a state institution for National Guard members who execute a six-year contract.
Military Dependent Education
Children ages 16 to 23 of veterans with a 100% permanent, war-service-connected disability or who died from war-service-connected disabilities or served on active duty after Jan. 31, 1955, and are listed as MIA or POW may receive educational gratuities of $500 per semester.
The dependents of military personnel stationed in Pennsylvania may receive in-state tuition.
Pennsylvania Military and Veteran Employment Benefits
Veteran Hiring Preference
Honorably discharged veterans who served on active duty after Aug. 2, 1990, may receive 10 additional points on their test scores for state employment.
Honorably discharged veterans employed by the commonwealth for at least three years may be eligible to purchase retirement credit for active-duty military time.
Military Spouse Employment
Spouses and surviving spouses of disabled veterans, and surviving spouses of disabled veterans may receive 10 points added to their exam score for state employment.
Pennsylvania Veteran Housing and Veterans Homes
Veterans Homes
Pennsylvania's six veterans homes are in Erie, Hollidaysburg, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Scranton and Spring City. Honorably discharged resident veterans and their spouses may be eligible for admission.
Monthly payments are based on the resident's ability to pay.
Homeless Veterans
The PA VETConnect program refers homeless veterans to resources to acquire stable housing.
Also see "Pennsylvania Veteran Financial Assistance."
Adapted Housing
No state benefits.
Pennsylvania Veteran Financial Assistance
Veterans: The Veterans Temporary Assistance program provides up to $1,600 in financial assistance for food, shelter, fuel and clothing. Recipients must show a direct and immediate need in order to provide for themselves and their families.
Military families: The Military Family Relief Assistance Program provides emergency financial assistance of up to $5,000 to eligible resident service members and their eligible family members. The assistance requires a direct and immediate financial need as a result of circumstances beyond their control.
Pennsylvania Veteran Legal Assistance
No state-funded legal services.
Pennsylvania Military and Veteran Recreation Benefits
Hunting/Fishing
Certain resident 100% disabled war veterans may receive a free resident hunting/fishing/trapping license. Application may be made at the county treasurer's office.
Residents home on leave don't need a fishing license, and they may receive a reduced-fee hunting license.
Nonresidents stationed in Pennsylvania may buy a fishing license at the resident rate.
Parks/Camping
No state benefits.
Pennsylvania Veteran Transportation Benefits
No state-funded transportation benefit. Disabled American Veterans (DAV) offers van rides to VA medical centers in many states and may be available in the states without a state-funded transportation benefit.
Pennsylvania Veteran Burial Benefits
Veterans Cemeteries
No state-run cemeteries currently conduct burials.
More Information
Learn more about other Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs benefits.
-- Additional reporting by Jim Absher.
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