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Pennsylvania Veteran benefits

26 benefits from Pennsylvania for Veterans and their families, on top of what VA gives. Many need no disability rating.

Each one says who qualifies, how to apply, the official link, and the date we last checked it. Rules change, so the official page has the final word.

Free help in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) is the state Veterans agency. They can tell you what you qualify for and help you apply.

Call 800-547-2838 State agency website

A Veterans service officer (VSO) helps with VA claims and state benefits for free.

Find a service officer near you Pennsylvania's list of local offices
Your VA disability rating
Who is it for?

26 benefits

Property tax

  • 100% P&T

    Disabled Veterans' Real Estate Tax Exemption

    Provides a full exemption from real estate taxes on the principal residence of qualifying 100% disabled veterans who show financial need. Administered through the county Director of Veterans Affairs and the State Veterans' Commission.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: 100% VA rating that is Permanent and Total (P&T), or paid at the 100% rate through TDIU (also called IU). Must be a PA resident, honorably discharged, served during a period of war as determined by the VA, and rated 100% permanent service-connected disability, total disability individual unemployability, or service-connected blindness, paraplegia, or loss of two or more limbs. Must show financial need.
    How to apply
    File Form MA-VA 40 (veteran) or MA-VA 40ss (spouse) with the county Director of Veterans Affairs; mail to State Veterans Commission, Fort Indiantown Gap.
    Official page

    Last checked October 26, 2026.

Income tax, retirement pay and other taxes

  • Certain disabilities

    Amputee and Paralyzed Veterans Pension

    DMVA administers a monthly state pension for veterans who suffered service-connected loss or loss of use of two or more extremities during a period of war or armed conflict, or from combat-related hostilities in peacetime.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Certain serious disabilities (see who qualifies). PA resident upon entering the military, Honorable or Under Honorable Conditions discharge, and a service-connected injury/disease causing loss or loss of use of two or more extremities.
    Service-connected loss or loss of use of two or more extremities
    How to apply
    Contact the County Director of Veterans Affairs in the county of residence to apply.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • Certain disabilities

    Blind Veterans Pension

    DMVA administers a monthly state pension for honorably discharged veterans who suffered a service-connected injury or disease resulting in significant vision loss.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Certain serious disabilities (see who qualifies). Resident of PA upon entering the military, Honorable or Under Honorable Conditions discharge, and visual acuity of 3/60 or 10/200 or less in the better eye (or comparable visual field contraction), service-connected.
    Service-connected visual acuity of 3/60 or 10/200 or less (or comparable visual field contraction)
    How to apply
    Contact the County Director of Veterans Affairs in the county of residence to apply.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    PA Income Tax Treatment of Military Pay

    Military pay earned by PA residents while on federal active duty outside Pennsylvania is not taxable for PA personal income tax purposes, but pay earned for active duty service performed inside Pennsylvania is fully taxable (except state active duty for an emergency).

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. PA resident service members; distinction is based on location of active duty service performed.
    How to apply
    Exclude qualifying military pay on the PA-40 return; submit copy of orders if e-filing.
    Official page

    Last checked October 26, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    State Income Tax Exemption for Military Retirement Pay

    Military retirement/pension income is not subject to Pennsylvania personal income tax. This applies once a member retires with either years of service or age as the basis.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Any PA taxpayer who retires from the military based on years of service or age; applies to retirement pay reported on Form 1099-R.
    How to apply
    No special form; exclude the retirement income when filing PA-40 as instructed by the Department of Revenue.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Tax Exemption for PA National Guard State Active Duty Pay

    Pennsylvania does not tax military pay received by a Pennsylvania National Guard service member when ordered to state active duty due to an emergency, whether the duty is performed inside or outside PA.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. PA National Guard members ordered to state active duty for an emergency under 35 Pa.C.S. Ch. 76.
    How to apply
    Exclude this pay when filing the PA-40 personal income tax return.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Vehicles, driver's licenses and plates

  • Certain disabilities

    Free Vehicle Registration for Certain Disabled Veterans

    Pennsylvania drops title and registration fees on one car or truck of 9,000 pounds or less for certain veterans. License plate fees still apply.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Certain serious disabilities (see who qualifies). Veteran who lost a limb or eye or became partially paralyzed while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Also a former POW captured in a conflict with a DoD campaign medal, or a Medal of Honor or Purple Heart recipient. Any plate style qualifies.
    Loss of limb, loss of eye, or partial paralysis; or POW status
    How to apply
    Apply using Form MV-371DV at a PennDOT driver license center or by mail.
    Official page

    Last checked October 26, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Veterans Designation on Driver's License or ID Card

    Allows PennDOT to add a Veteran designation (American flag icon with the word 'Veteran') to a PA driver's license or identification card so the bearer's veteran status is clearly indicated.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Must have a Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD-214) or equivalent for service in the U.S. Armed Forces, including a reserve component or National Guard, discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
    How to apply
    Add designation online through the driver's license/photo ID login, or by mail for commercial license holders using Form DL-143CD or DL-80CD.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Hunting, fishing and parks

  • 100%+

    Free Fishing License for 100% Disabled Veterans

    Pennsylvania residents with a service-connected disability rated at 100% by the VA receive a free resident fishing license. The license includes a free Combination Trout/Lake Erie Permit. This benefit is governed by Section 2707 of the Fish and Boat Code of 1980.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: 100% VA rating. Bona fide Pennsylvania resident with a service-connected disability AND 100% disabled as certified by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
    How to apply
    Obtain free or reduced fishing licenses initially from county treasurers, the Fish and Boat Commission's Harrisburg office, or the six regional law enforcement offices. After providing verification of eligibility, annual licenses may then be obtained at any issuing agent or online at HuntFish.PA.gov.
    Official page

    Last checked October 26, 2026.

  • 100%+

    Free Hunting and Furtaker License for 100% Disabled Veterans

    Pennsylvania residents with a service-connected disability from war or armed conflict meet one of three criteria (loss of one or more limbs, loss of use of one or more limbs, or 100% disability rating) receive a free resident hunting or furtaker license annually. The license includes one antlered deer tag, one fall turkey tag, one spring turkey tag, and small game hunting privileges.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: 100% VA rating. Bona fide Pennsylvania resident who has a disability incurred in any war or armed conflict AND meets one of: (1) Loss of one or more limbs, (2) Loss of use of one or more limbs, OR (3) 100% disabled as certified by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
    How to apply
    Application made to the Pennsylvania Game Commission or a county treasurer. Applicants must produce discharge papers. If claiming total disability, applicants must produce Veterans Administration disability certification detailing total disability.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • 60–99%

    Reduced Fee Fishing License for 60-99% Disabled Veterans

    Pennsylvania residents with a service-connected disability rated between 60% and 99% by the VA receive a reduced fee annual or senior resident lifetime fishing license. The reduced fee applies to the license itself, but permit fees are not reduced.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: VA rating from 60% to 99%. Bona fide Pennsylvania resident with a service-connected disability AND between 60% and 99% disabled as certified by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
    How to apply
    Obtain reduced fee fishing licenses initially from county treasurers, the Fish and Boat Commission's Harrisburg office, or the six regional law enforcement offices. After providing verification of eligibility, annual licenses may then be obtained at any issuing agent or online at HuntFish.PA.gov.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Reduced Fee Fishing License for Former Prisoners of War (POW)

    Pennsylvania residents who were prisoners of war while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces can buy a yearly resident fishing license for $1. Former POWs who qualify as seniors can also get a lifetime senior fishing license for $1.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Bona fide Pennsylvania resident who was imprisoned by enemy forces while in the service of the Armed Forces of the United States as certified by the appropriate branch of the Armed Forces of the United States.
    How to apply
    Apply through the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission or your county treasurer. Bring proof of POW status, such as orders awarding the POW Medal or a DD-214 that shows POW status.
    Official page

    Last checked October 26, 2026.

  • 60–99%

    Reduced Fee Hunting and Furtaker License for 60-99% Disabled Veterans

    Pennsylvania residents with a service-connected disability from war or armed conflict rated between 60% and 99% by the VA receive a resident hunting or furtaker license at reduced cost.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: VA rating from 60% to 99%. Bona fide Pennsylvania resident who has a service-related disability incurred during a war or armed conflict AND possesses a disability rating between 60% and 99% as certified by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
    How to apply
    Application made to the Pennsylvania Game Commission or a county treasurer. Applicants must produce discharge papers and VA disability certification showing the 60-99% rating.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Reduced Fee Hunting License for Former Prisoners of War (POW)

    Pennsylvania residents who were imprisoned by enemy forces while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces receive a reduced fee annual hunting license.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Bona fide Pennsylvania resident who was imprisoned by enemy forces while in the service of the Armed Forces of the United States as certified by the appropriate branch of the Armed Forces of the United States.
    How to apply
    Applicants should produce a copy of orders showing the award of the Prisoner of War Medal or a DD 214 stating prisoner of war status and proof of residency. Application made to county treasurer or Game Commission office.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

School and tuition

  • 100% P&T

    Educational Gratuity Program

    Provides financial assistance for tuition and related costs to children of veterans who died in service, or who have a 100% permanent and total service-connected disability, during periods of war or armed conflict. Payments go directly to the approved school.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: 100% VA rating that is Permanent and Total (P&T). Child must be age 16-23, have lived in PA for 5 years prior to application, attend a school within PA, and demonstrate financial need; veteran parent must have served during wartime dates or died in service.
    How to apply
    Contact the County Director of Veterans Affairs in the county of residence to apply.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    PA National Guard Educational Assistance Program (EAP)

    State-funded tuition assistance for PA National Guard members enrolled in a degree or certificate program, administered jointly by PHEAA and DMVA, in exchange for a service commitment.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Must enter a 6-year service commitment with the PA National Guard, be enrolled at an approved PA institution, and maintain enrollment; failure to honor the commitment converts funding to a repayable loan with interest.
    How to apply
    Apply annually through your PA National Guard unit; PHEAA processes the award via EAP Form-1/Form-2.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Postsecondary Educational Gratuity Program (PEGP)

    Waives tuition, fees, and on-campus room and board at public postsecondary institutions for children of certain public safety officers and service members who lost their lives, after other grants and scholarships are applied.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Children of individuals, including certain service members, who lost their lives protecting Pennsylvania citizens, as defined by PHEAA program rules.
    How to apply
    Apply through PHEAA's funding opportunities portal.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    PA National Guard Military Family Education Program (MFEP)

    Gives PA National Guard members an education benefit they can assign to a spouse or children for tuition at an approved PHEAA institution, up to a set number of credits.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Available to eligible PA Army National Guard members who assign the earned benefit to a spouse or child(ren); children may use the benefit before age 26.
    How to apply
    Apply through PHEAA's online Account Access portal in coordination with the PA National Guard Education Center.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Jobs and hiring preference

  • No rating needed

    Veterans' Preference in State Civil Service Hiring

    Qualifying veterans who pass a civil service examination for a Commonwealth position receive 10 additional points added to their score, and when their name appears on an eligible list, the appointing authority must give them hiring preference over other candidates.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veterans who meet requirements under the Military and Veterans Code (51 Pa.C.S.); preference also extends to the surviving spouse of a deceased service member or the spouse of a veteran with a VA permanent total disability rating.
    How to apply
    Submit required documentation (e.g., DD-214) with a state civil service job application; preference is applied automatically when eligible.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Business certification and contracts

  • No rating needed

    Veteran Business Enterprise (VBE) / Service-Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Certification

    DGS verifies businesses that are majority veteran-owned or service-disabled-veteran-owned as Veteran Business Enterprises so they can compete for Commonwealth contracts, after obtaining an approved third-party certification.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Business must be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more veterans (or, for a corporation, 51% of stock owned by veterans), meet Small Business size standards, and hold a valid third-party certification (e.g., SBA Veteran Small Business Certification).
    How to apply
    Register as a Commonwealth Supplier, self-certify as a Small Business, obtain third-party certification, then apply for VBE/SDVBE verification through the PRISM Portal.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Homes, Veterans homes and cemeteries

  • No rating needed

    Burial Honors Program

    DMVA provides a stipend to veterans organizations that perform military burial honors at Pennsylvania's national cemeteries, helping ensure veterans are properly honored at their funeral service.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Available to veterans organizations providing honors at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, or Washington Crossing National Cemetery on behalf of a deceased veteran.
    How to apply
    Veterans organizations interested in providing honors should contact the DMVA Office of Veterans Affairs; families should work with their county veteran service officer.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    PA Soldiers' and Sailors' Cemetery (State Veterans Cemetery)

    Pennsylvania's only state-operated veterans cemetery, located on the campus of the PA Soldiers' & Sailors' Home in Erie, offers burial for eligible veterans and their spouses and dates back to the Civil War era.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Individuals who served in the U.S. Armed Forces or Pennsylvania Military Forces and were released or discharged under honorable conditions.
    How to apply
    Contact the DMVA Bureau of Veterans Homes for information on burial arrangements.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Pennsylvania Veterans' Homes (Long-Term Care)

    DMVA operates six Veterans Homes across Pennsylvania offering multiple levels of long-term care including skilled nursing, personal care, domiciliary care, and dementia care for eligible veterans and their spouses.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Applicant must be an eligible veteran, spouse, or surviving spouse of an eligible veteran and generally a PA resident, or the veteran/spouse must have had PA as home of record upon entry into service; current PA residents have priority in admission.
    How to apply
    Fill out an application to begin the admissions process; contact the Bureau of Veterans Homes.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Money, grants and bonuses

  • No rating needed

    Veterans' Temporary Assistance (VTA)

    Funded by the Veterans' Trust Fund, this program provides emergency financial assistance for necessities of life such as food, shelter, fuel, and clothing to veterans and their beneficiaries facing hardship.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veteran or beneficiary who served in the Armed Forces (discharged under honorable conditions), died in service or was killed in action, or suffered a service-connected disability, and resides in Pennsylvania.
    How to apply
    Contact the County Director of Veterans Affairs in the county of residence to apply.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Veterans' Trust Fund (VTF) Grant Program

    Funded by voluntary driver's license/registration donations and specialty plate sales, VTF issues competitive grants to veteran service organizations, nonprofits, and County Directors of Veterans Affairs to support Pennsylvania veterans in need.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Grants go to 501(c)(19) veteran service organizations, 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving PA veterans, or county veterans affairs offices; individual veterans benefit indirectly through funded services.
    How to apply
    Organizations apply via the eGrants portal during the annual application window using a Keystone login.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Military Family Relief Assistance Program (MFRAP)

    Provides need-based, non-repayable grants of up to $5,000 to eligible service members and their families facing an unexpected, direct financial hardship, such as a sudden loss of income or property.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Currently serving 30+ consecutive days on active duty (regular or reserve component), PA National Guard state active duty for an emergency, or PA Guard/Reserve members in good standing for up to three years after such service, per DMVA program rules.
    How to apply
    Mail application with supporting documents to DMVA, MFRAP, Building 9-26, Fort Indiantown Gap, Annville, PA; may also fax documents to expedite.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Also check

Education only. Helping The Brave is not a government agency. Confirm details with the agency before you apply.