Navigate VA benefits and Pennsylvania-specific veteran benefits. Learn about disability compensation, PA DMVA services, veterans trust fund, and state tax exemptions for PA veterans.
Pennsylvania veterans have access to a wide range of federal VA benefits and state-specific programs administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA). From disability compensation and pension to state property tax exemptions and the PA Veterans Trust Fund, the Commonwealth provides meaningful support for those who served.
This guide covers every major benefit available to Pennsylvania veterans, how to apply, and where to find free claims assistance. Whether you are filing your first VA claim or seeking state-level benefits, Pennsylvania has trained counselors ready to help.
VA disability compensation is a tax-free monthly payment for veterans with service-connected disabilities. Ratings range from 0% to 100%, with 2026 monthly payments from $171.23 (10%) to $3,737.85 (100%). Claims for Pennsylvania veterans are processed through the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh VA Regional Offices.
How to file: File online at VA.gov, call 1-800-827-1000, or visit a VA Regional Office. Free claims assistance is available through DMVA-accredited Veterans Service Officers in every Pennsylvania county.
Wartime veterans with limited income who are age 65 or older, or permanently and totally disabled, may qualify for VA pension. The Aid and Attendance benefit adds up to $25,020 annually for veterans needing help with daily activities. Pennsylvania has a high proportion of aging veterans who may qualify for these benefits.
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) provides monthly payments to surviving spouses and dependents of veterans who died from service-connected conditions. Survivors' Pension is available to low-income survivors of wartime veterans.
The DMVA is the primary state agency serving Pennsylvania veterans. DMVA operates Veterans Service Officers in every county who provide free benefits counseling, claims assistance, and referrals. The DMVA also oversees state veterans homes, the Veterans Trust Fund, and burial benefits. Contact the DMVA at (717) 861-8910 or visit dmva.pa.gov.
Pennsylvania exempts 100% permanently and totally disabled veterans from all real estate taxes on their primary residence. This is one of the most generous property tax benefits for disabled veterans in the nation. Apply through your county Board of Assessment with your VA disability rating letter.
Pennsylvania does not tax military retirement pay, VA disability compensation, or VA pension payments. This makes Pennsylvania one of the more tax-friendly states for military retirees. Active-duty military pay is also exempt from PA state income tax.
Pennsylvania offers free vehicle registration for veterans with a 100% disability rating, former POWs, and certain other categories of disabled veterans. Apply through PennDOT with proof of eligibility.
The Veterans Trust Fund provides emergency financial assistance of up to $1,000 for veterans in crisis. Funds can cover rent, utilities, food, transportation, and other essential needs. Apply through your county Veterans Affairs director.
Every Pennsylvania county has a Veterans Affairs director who provides free claims assistance, referrals, and access to the PA Veterans Trust Fund. These directors are appointed by the county government and serve as the front-line contact for veterans seeking help. Find your county director at dmva.pa.gov.
The American Legion, VFW, DAV, and other VSOs maintain strong presences across Pennsylvania with accredited representatives who provide free claims assistance. Many have offices at VA Medical Centers and Regional Offices throughout the state.
Veterans with a 100% permanent and total VA disability rating typically qualify for the largest stack of state benefits in Pennsylvania. Common categories include property tax exemption, vehicle registration and license plate fee waivers, free or reduced state park access, tuition waivers for the veteran or their dependents, and priority access to state veterans homes.
Confirm current eligibility, rates, and application steps with the Pennsylvania Department of Veterans Affairs before applying.
American Legion Department of PA accredited service officer support for Allentown-area veterans. Service officers help draft VA claims, gather evidence, and represent veterans through the appeals process at no cost.
Accredited county Veterans Service Officer for Scranton area veterans. Free help filing VA disability, pension, dependency, and burial benefit claims. Walk-in and appointment hours vary by office; call before visiting.
Accredited county Veterans Service Officer for Erie area veterans. Free help filing VA disability, pension, dependency, and burial benefit claims. Walk-in and appointment hours vary by office; call before visiting.
Veterans Resource Center (VRC) and certifying-official support for GI Bill students at community and technical colleges in the Allentown area. Help with VA Form 22-1995, Yellow Ribbon, and credit-for-prior-learning evaluations.
Accredited county Veterans Service Officer for Pittsburgh area veterans. Free help filing VA disability, pension, dependency, and burial benefit claims. Walk-in and appointment hours vary by office; call before visiting.
VA Regional Office and benefit-counselor lookup for veterans in Harrisburg, PA. Confirm in-person hours, schedule a claims appointment, or find your nearest VBA benefits office.
Veterans Resource Center (VRC) and certifying-official support for GI Bill students at community and technical colleges in the Harrisburg area. Help with VA Form 22-1995, Yellow Ribbon, and credit-for-prior-learning evaluations.
VA Regional Office and benefit-counselor lookup for veterans in Erie, PA. Confirm in-person hours, schedule a claims appointment, or find your nearest VBA benefits office.
Accredited county Veterans Service Officer for Philadelphia area veterans. Free help filing VA disability, pension, dependency, and burial benefit claims. Walk-in and appointment hours vary by office; call before visiting.
Student Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Harrisburg area. SVA chapters provide peer support, advocacy, and connections to GI Bill, scholarship, and career resources.
Student Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Erie area. SVA chapters provide peer support, advocacy, and connections to GI Bill, scholarship, and career resources.
Veterans Resource Center (VRC) and certifying-official support for GI Bill students at community and technical colleges in the Erie area. Help with VA Form 22-1995, Yellow Ribbon, and credit-for-prior-learning evaluations.
Veterans Resource Center (VRC) and certifying-official support for GI Bill students at community and technical colleges in the Pittsburgh area. Help with VA Form 22-1995, Yellow Ribbon, and credit-for-prior-learning evaluations.
Student Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Allentown area. SVA chapters provide peer support, advocacy, and connections to GI Bill, scholarship, and career resources.
American Legion Department of PA accredited service officer support for Erie-area veterans. Service officers help draft VA claims, gather evidence, and represent veterans through the appeals process at no cost.
American Legion Department of PA accredited service officer support for Pittsburgh-area veterans. Service officers help draft VA claims, gather evidence, and represent veterans through the appeals process at no cost.
American Legion Department of PA accredited service officer support for Philadelphia-area veterans. Service officers help draft VA claims, gather evidence, and represent veterans through the appeals process at no cost.
Student Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Pittsburgh area. SVA chapters provide peer support, advocacy, and connections to GI Bill, scholarship, and career resources.
Student Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Philadelphia area. SVA chapters provide peer support, advocacy, and connections to GI Bill, scholarship, and career resources.
Veterans Resource Center (VRC) and certifying-official support for GI Bill students at community and technical colleges in the Scranton area. Help with VA Form 22-1995, Yellow Ribbon, and credit-for-prior-learning evaluations.
Recently verified benefits resources serving Pennsylvania, ordered by most recent verification.
Student Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Scranton area. SVA chapters provide peer support, advocacy, and connections to GI Bill, scholarship, and career resources.
Veterans Resource Center (VRC) and certifying-official support for GI Bill students at community and technical colleges in the Scranton area. Help with VA Form 22-1995, Yellow Ribbon, and credit-for-prior-learning evaluations.
American Legion Department of PA accredited service officer support for Scranton-area veterans. Service officers help draft VA claims, gather evidence, and represent veterans through the appeals process at no cost.
VA Regional Office and benefit-counselor lookup for veterans in Scranton, PA. Confirm in-person hours, schedule a claims appointment, or find your nearest VBA benefits office.
Accredited county Veterans Service Officer for Scranton area veterans. Free help filing VA disability, pension, dependency, and burial benefit claims. Walk-in and appointment hours vary by office; call before visiting.
Student Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Harrisburg area. SVA chapters provide peer support, advocacy, and connections to GI Bill, scholarship, and career resources.
