Pennsylvania Veteran Benefits

Discover 14 state benefits available to Pennsylvania veterans based on your disability rating and service history.

14
State Benefits
7
Benefit Categories
Any
Min Rating Required
Statewide Only
County Programs

Benefit Categories in Pennsylvania

🏛️Tax Benefits(2)

Military Retirement Pay Tax Exemption

Any Veteran

Military retirement pay is completely exempt from Pennsylvania state income tax, including SBP and RCSBP annuities.

Value: 3.07% savings on retirement pay

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Disabled Veterans Real Estate Tax Exemption

100%+

Full exemption from all real property taxes on primary residence for 100% P&T disabled veterans.

Value: $3,000-$6,000+/year

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🎓Education & Training(3)

PA National Guard Education Assistance Program (EAP)

Any Veteran

State-funded tuition assistance covering up to 120 credit hours at approved PA institutions for National Guard members.

Value: $30,000-$50,000+ over 10 semesters

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In-State Tuition for Veterans and Dependents

Any Veteran

Residency for tuition purposes at PA public colleges and universities for veterans using VA educational benefits.

Value: $10,000-$20,000+/year savings

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Educational Gratuity for Children of Disabled/Deceased Veterans

100%+

$500 per semester for up to 4 academic years for children of 100% permanently disabled or deceased veterans.

Value: Up to $4,000 total

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💼Employment(1)

Civil Service Employment Preference (10 Points)

Any Veteran

10 additional points added to final civil service exam score for Commonwealth employment; applies to initial hires.

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💰Compensation(2)

Blind Veterans Pension

Any Veteran

$150/month state pension for veterans blinded by service-connected injury or disease.

Value: $1,800/year

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Amputee and Paralyzed Veterans Pension

40%+

$150/month state pension for veterans with service-connected loss or loss of use of two or more extremities.

Value: $1,800/year

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🚗Transportation(2)

Disabled Veteran License Plate (Without Parking Privileges)

10%+

Special veteran recognition plate for veterans with a service-connected disability rated 10% or higher by the VA.

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Severely Disabled Veteran License Plate (With Parking Privileges)

100%+

Special license plate granting handicapped parking and 60-minute extended parking for 100% P&T disabled veterans.

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🌲Recreation & Parks(2)

Reduced Fee Fishing License ($2.97)

60%+

$2.97 fishing license for PA resident veterans with 60-99% service-connected disability from war/armed conflict.

Value: $20+/year savings

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Free Lifetime Hunting and Fishing Licenses

100%+

Free lifetime hunting, furtaking, and fishing licenses for PA resident veterans with 100% service-connected disability.

Value: Free lifetime license

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📋Other Benefits(2)

Veterans Temporary Assistance (VTA)

Any Veteran

Up to $1,600 in financial assistance within a 12-month period for food, shelter, fuel, and clothing.

Value: Up to $1,600/year

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Military Family Relief Assistance Program (MFRAP)

Any Veteran

Emergency financial grants up to $5,000 (non-repayable) for qualifying service members and families.

Value: Up to $5,000

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2026 VA Disability Compensation Rates

Monthly payment amounts effective December 1, 2025. These federal rates apply to all Pennsylvania veterans.

RatingVeteran AloneWith Spouse
10%$180.42$180.42
20%$356.66$356.66
30%$552.47$617.47
40%$795.84$882.84
50%$1,132.90$1,241.90
60%$1,435.02$1,566.02
70%$1,808.45$1,961.45
80%$2,102.15$2,277.15
90%$2,362.30$2,559.30
100%$3,938.58$4,158.17

Rates for 10-20% are the same regardless of dependents. Dependent additions apply at 30%+. View complete rate tables →

Frequently Asked Questions — Pennsylvania Veteran Benefits

How many state veteran benefits does Pennsylvania offer?
Pennsylvania offers 14 state-level veteran benefits across categories including tax exemptions, education, housing, healthcare, employment assistance, and more. Benefits range from programs available to all veterans to those requiring a 100% VA disability rating.
What disability rating do I need for Pennsylvania veteran benefits?
Pennsylvania veteran benefits are available at various disability rating levels. 7 benefits are available to any veteran regardless of rating. Others require ratings of 10% to 100%. Use VetUnlock's free tool to see exactly which benefits match your specific rating.
Does Pennsylvania offer property tax exemptions for disabled veterans?
Yes, Pennsylvania offers 2 tax-related benefits for veterans. Military Retirement Pay Tax Exemption: Military retirement pay is completely exempt from Pennsylvania state income tax, including SBP and RCSBP annuities.
What education benefits are available to Pennsylvania veterans?
Pennsylvania offers 3 education benefits for veterans and their families. These include: PA National Guard Education Assistance Program (EAP), In-State Tuition for Veterans and Dependents, Educational Gratuity for Children of Disabled/Deceased Veterans.
How do I apply for Pennsylvania veteran benefits?
Each Pennsylvania veteran benefit has its own application process. Most require a DD-214 (discharge paperwork) and proof of Pennsylvania residency. Use VetUnlock to see which benefits you qualify for and get direct links to each application.

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