Pennsylvania Commonwealth – Veteran Benefits

The commonwealth of Pennsylvania provides several veteran benefits. This page explains those benefits. Learn more about the other Pennsylvania Bureau of Veterans’ Affairs Benefits.

Pennsylvania Veterans Homes

Pennsylvania runs six veterans homes in Erie, Hollidaysburg, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Scranton, and Spring City. Honorably discharged Pennsylvania residents as well as their spouses may be eligible for admission.

Pennsylvania Veteran Financial Benefits

Income Tax

Active duty pay earned out-of-state is tax-free.

Military retirement pay and SBP payments are tax-free.

Military Family Relief Assistance Program

Emergency financial assistance for eligible PA service members and their eligible family members, and must have a direct and immediate financial need as a result of circumstances beyond their control. The maximum grant amount is $3,500.

Veterans Temporary Assistance

Pennsylvania may provide temporary financial assistance to veterans and their unremarried surviving spouses for the necessities of life (food, shelter, fuel and clothing).

Recipients must show a direct and immediate need for temporary assistance in order to provide themselves and their families with shelter and the necessities of living.

The assistance can’t exceed $1,600 in a twelve month period.

Real Estate Tax Exemption

Any honorably discharged Pennsylvania resident veteran with a 100% VA disability and wartime service may be exempt from property taxes on their home. There are income limits. Surviving spouses who have not remarried may also be eligible.

Blind Veterans Pension

A pension of $150 per month for honorably discharged veterans who suffered a service connected injury or disease which resulted in blindness or severe loss of vision.

Paralyzed Veterans Pension

A pension of $150 per month for honorably discharged veterans who suffered a service connected injury or disease which resulted in the loss or loss of use of two or more extremities (arms/hands or legs/feet).

Pennsylvania Education Benefits

Pennsylvania Veterans Educational Gratuity

Children of those who died in service or are permanently and totally disabled as a result of military service are eligible for up to $500 per semester for 4 years. The children must be between 16 and 23 years.

Pennsylvania National Guard Education Assistance Program

The Pennsylvania National Guard Education Assistance Program offers up to 10 semesters free college at a state school for National Guard members who execute a six year contract.

Military Family Education Program

The Military Family Education Program offers up to 10 semesters free college at a state school for families of National Guard members who execute a six year contract. You cannot use the same six year contract for both the National Guard Education Assistance Program and the Military Family Education Program.

Pennsylvania Veteran Employment Benefits

Veterans’ Preference For State Jobs

Honorably discharged veterans who served on active duty after Aug. 2, 1990, spouses of disabled veterans, and surviving spouses of disabled veterans can get 10 additional points on their test scores for state employement.

State Retirement

Honorably discharged veterans employed by the commonwealth for at least three years may be eligible to purchase retirement credit for active duty military time.

Pennsylvania Veteran Recreation Benefits

Hunting/Fishing/Trapping License for Disabled Veterans

Wartime veterans with 100% disability may be eligible for free hunting/fishing/trapping licenses. Veterans with a 60 – 99% disability can get reduced fee licenses. Application can be made at your county treasurer.