Pa. updates veterans’ benefit rules in biggest changes in 35 years
Annville, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs has updated regulations for several state benefit programs in what it calls the most extensive changes to Pennsylvania veterans’ benefits in 35 years. The changes broaden and clarify eligibility requirements, change income limits and add cost-of-living expense allowances in need-based programs, the department said Nov. 2, during National Veterans and Military Families Month. Programs affected include the Disabled Veterans’ Real Estate Tax Exemption, the Amputee & Paralyzed Veterans’ Pension, the Blind Veterans’ Pension, Veterans’ Temporary Assistance and the Educational Gratuity program. “What this means is that Pennsylvania’s nearly 650,000 veterans will have greater access to benefits they have earned in service to this nation,” said Maj. Gen. John Pippy, Pennsylvania’s adjutant general and head of the department. “We look forward to our continued work with the General Assembly on constitutional and statutory amendments to further broaden eligibility for the benefits programs.” The department suggests veterans contact their county director of veterans affairs or any certified veteran service officer to learn how the changes may affect their benefits. There is no charge for a benefits review or for help applying. Updated application documents and more information are available from the
