State Benefits
Veterans Crisis Line | Dial 988 Press 1 | Text 838255
We help veterans obtain the benefits offered by the state: Commonwealth of PA Dept. of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA).
Review the Benefits and services for Veterans and their beneficiaries in PA for eligibility information and a detailed explanation of available benefits. Learn more about other Veterans Services through the DMVA.
If you still have questions, contact us or contact the DMVA.
Emergency Assistance
Provides aid for food, clothing and shelter on a temporary basis (not to exceed 3 months). Based on household income. Must be an honorably discharged veteran not in receipt of public assistance (Welfare).
The spouse of a recently deceased Veteran may be eligible due to the loss of any income, pension or Social Security the veteran may have been receiving, provided the claim is applied for within 180 days from the date of death of the veteran. Copies of the marriage license and death certificate must accompany the application.
Apply for the Veterans Temporary Assistance (VTA) Grant
Real Property Tax Exemption
Learn more about the Real Estate Tax Exemption Program for eligible disabled veterans on the County Benefits page.
State Educational Grants and Financial Aid for Veterans
Children of honorably discharged Wartime Veterans who are totally disabled from a service-connected disability, may receive an Educational Gratuity while attending any state or state-aided college or other secondary institution. Financial need must be shown and the student must be between the ages of 16 and 21.
For more information, call 800-692-7392.
Blind Veterans Pension
$150 per month for any service-connected disease or Injury incurred while on active duty, which resulted in blindness or visual impairment of 3/60, 10/200 or less normal vision. Veterans must have given Pennsylvania as the place of residence at the time entering service.
Paralyzed Veterans Pension
$150 per month for any veteran service-connected disease or Injury resulting in the loss or loss of the use of two or more extremities during wartime or as a result of hostilities during Combat-Related Action peace time. Must have given Pennsylvania as the place of residence at the time entering service and currently reside in Pennsylvania.
State Veterans Homes
Delaware Valley Veterans Home
2701 Southampton Road
Philadelphia, PA 19154
Phone: 215-856-2700
Hollidaysburg Veterans Home
500 Municipal Drive
Hollidaysburg, PA 16648
(Altoona Area)
Phone: 814-696-5201
Gino J Merli Veterans Center
401 Penn Avenue
Scranton, PA 18503
Phone: 570-961-4300
Soldiers and Sailors Home
560 East Third Street
Erie, PA 16507
Phone: 814-878-4939
Southeastern Veterans Center
One Veterans Drive
Spring City, PA 19475
Phone: 610-948-2400
Southwest Veterans Center
7060 Highland Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Phone: 412-665-6706
Birth and Death Records
Certified copies of Birth and Death Records are issued without cost to veterans and their dependents by the following:
Division of Vital Statistics
PO Box 1528
101 South Mercer Street #400
New Castle, PA 16101
Phone: 724-656-3100
Disabled Veterans Vehicle Registration
Totally disabled, service-connected veterans are not charged a fee for titling and registering a motor vehicle. Only one vehicle shall be registered for a veteran. A $7.50 processing fee shall be charged for wartime veterans who lost a limb or eye or who became partially paralyzed as a result of Wartime Service. All other non-totally disabled veterans having service-connected disabilities pay the regular $38 registration fee. The disabled veteran license plate is not the same as the handicapped plate.
Parking Placard
No fee is charged to totally disabled veterans, having a service-connected disability, for the disabled veteran parking placard. Vehicles having a properly displayed placard qualify for parking in areas designated to use for Handicapped Persons.
Veterans Preference in State Civil Service
Call 717-787-6039 for information about Civil Service Commission positions.