Pennsylvania Veteran and Military Resources
Pennsylvania offers a wide range of benefits for veterans, service members, and their families, including support with education, employment, housing, and more. The information provided here is only a general overview to help you explore additional resources that may be available in your state.
Each program listed includes a brief description and a direct link to the official source for more information and how to apply. Please note that we are not experts on these individual programs — this guide is intended to help point you in the right direction.
For the most accurate and up-to-date details, we recommend visiting the official program websites or contacting the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs directly.
Veteran and Military State Tax Benefits
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Pennsylvania offers a real estate tax exemption for honorably discharged, resident Veterans who are 100% disabled. Eligible Veterans must have served during established wartime or received an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, have a total and permanent service-connected disability (or be blind, paralyzed, or lost two or more limbs due to service), reside in Pennsylvania, and occupy the property as their primary home. The home must be solely owned by the Veteran, and non-remarried surviving spouses may continue the exemption. Additional income requirements may apply.
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In Pennsylvania, military retired pay is not subject to state income tax. While Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) distributions are reported on IRS Form 1099-R, they are subject to Pennsylvania state tax laws, and early distributions may incur additional taxes.
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In Pennsylvania, military pay earned by resident service members while residing in the state is taxable. However, pay received for federal active duty or active duty for training outside Pennsylvania is not taxed. Additionally, military pay earned in combat or hazardous duty areas qualifies for an automatic filing and payment extension of 180 days from the end of service or from the last day of continuous hospitalization for service-related injuries.
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In Pennsylvania, when an employer provides differential pay to a reserve component service member, the state taxes the difference between military pay and civilian wages. However, this differential pay is not taxed for service members serving on active duty in a combat or hazardous duty area.
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Military disability retirement pay received as a pension, annuity, or similar allowance for a personal injury or sickness from active U.S. Armed Forces service is not taxable in Pennsylvania. This includes disability compensation and pension payments for Veterans or their families, grants for wheelchair-accessible homes, grants for vehicles for Veterans who lost sight or limb use, and benefits under dependent-care assistance programs.
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Nonresident military spouses may be exempt from Pennsylvania income tax on earnings while stationed in the state. To qualify, the service member must be a resident of another state, be in Pennsylvania under military orders, and the spouse must be in Pennsylvania only to be with the service member and share the same state of residence.
Veteran and Military Employment Benefits
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Pennsylvania state employees who serve in a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible for 15 days of paid military leave each year for training or other authorized duty. Pennsylvania National Guard members also receive paid leave for all days of state active duty, without loss of seniority or efficiency rating.
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Pennsylvania reserve component service members must be reemployed in their previous position or one with similar seniority, status, and pay after returning from activation for emergency or required military duty. If the service member becomes disabled during mobilization and cannot perform their previous duties, the employer must offer a comparable position matching the member’s abilities, seniority, and pay.
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When a Pennsylvania National Guard or U.S. Armed Forces Reserve service member is called to federal or state active duty (other than for training), their employer must maintain health insurance and other benefits for the first 30 days of service. After that, the service member has the option to continue coverage at their own expense for the remainder of their active duty period.
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Pennsylvania offers a Veterans’ preference in state employment, providing eligible Veterans with 10 additional points on passing state and municipal exams, as well as preference in appointments, promotions, and during reductions in force, with certain eligibility requirements applying.
For more information, please contact the Pennsylvania Office of Administration at 717-783-6655, or by email to ra-cs-vetpreference@pa.gov.
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Pennsylvania CareerLink offices offer a wide range of employment services to help Veterans find meaningful work. By creating a Pennsylvania CareerLink account, Veterans gain access to tools such as resume builders, job alerts, and job tracking features. The CareerLink Veterans webpage also provides information and links to resources including local workforce boards, educational opportunities, military skills translators, Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) programs, Transition Assistance, the Disabled Veteran Outreach Program, apprenticeships, training programs, business startup support, and other helpful Veteran resources.
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This program provides hotel accommodations for required employment-related travel, including verifiable job interviews, training for a job or certification, and pre-employment testing like physicals or drug tests. Eligible participants can receive up to 100,000 Hilton Honors points for these activities and must have a Hilton Honors account to get the points.
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The Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation (UC) program provides temporary income to individuals who lose their job through no fault of their own or are working reduced hours. These benefits help cover expenses while the individual searches for new employment. Applicants can file a new claim or reopen an existing one online through the Pennsylvania UC System webpage, by calling 888-313-7284, or via videophone at 717-704-8474 for those using American Sign Language.
Veteran and Military Education Benefits
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Pennsylvania’s “Operation Recognition” allows school districts to grant honorary high school diplomas to honorably discharged Veterans who left school early to serve in World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War.
Eligible Veterans must have served during these periods: World War II (Sept. 16, 1940–Dec. 31, 1946), Korean War (June 27, 1950–Jan. 31, 1955), or Vietnam War (Feb. 28, 1961–May 7, 1975).
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Pennsylvania’s Pennsylvania Educational Gratuity Program (PEGP) provides a waiver of tuition, fees, and on-campus room and board for children of deceased Pennsylvania National Guard service members, covering costs remaining after all other grants and scholarships.
Eligible applicants must be Pennsylvania residents, children by birth or adoption of a deceased National Guard member who died in the line of duty (after Jan. 1, 1976, or after Sept. 11, 2001, if on active duty), 25 years or younger, complete a FAFSA, and enroll full-time in an undergraduate program at a Pennsylvania community, state-owned, or state-related college or university.
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The Pennsylvania Educational Gratuity Program provides $500 per term or semester, up to four years, to children of honorably discharged Veterans who either have a 100% service-connected disability or died during wartime service. Payments are made directly to the approved educational institution. Eligible children must be 16–23 years old, have lived in Pennsylvania for at least five years before applying, and attend a school in Pennsylvania.
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The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency offers a state grant for children of service members who were declared POW or MIA. To be eligible, the service member must have served on active duty after January 31, 1955, been a Pennsylvania resident for at least 12 months before active duty, received an honorable discharge, and not have deserted or defected. Applicants must be the child of the qualifying service member.
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The Pennsylvania National Guard Education Assistance Program (EAP), managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and PHEAA, pays tuition for Guard members who commit to six years of service.
Full-time undergraduates are covered up to the lesser of their institution’s tuition plus technology fee or the state-owned university resident rate
Part-time students are covered up to the per-credit or course rate
Graduate students or those with a bachelor’s degree are only eligible for part-time courses
To qualify, service members must be serving in the Pennsylvania National Guard and enrolled in a degree or certificate program at an approved Pennsylvania institution.
For more information, please call 800-692-7392
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The Pennsylvania Military Family Education Program (MFEP), managed by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and PHEAA, provides tuition assistance to spouses and children of Pennsylvania National Guard service members who commit to an additional six years of service. Benefits can be assigned to one or multiple dependents for up to five years of study toward a degree, certificate, or career-specific training program. Tuition coverage is the lesser of the institution’s tuition plus technology fee or the resident rate at a Pennsylvania state-owned university.
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PHEAA offers special processing for Veterans applying for the Pennsylvania State Grant Program, ensuring they receive the highest possible grant by disregarding their Student Aid Index and any Pell awards. Grant amounts are based on the Veteran’s financial situation and the type of school attended. Eligible Veterans must have served on active duty or as a cadet/midshipman at a service academy, received an honorable discharge, and be a Veteran by June 30 of the academic year they are requesting aid.
For more information, please call 800-692-7392 or email granthelp@pheaa.org.
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Nonresident service members on active duty who are stationed and living in Pennsylvania, along with their dependents, qualify for in-state residency for tuition at Pennsylvania public colleges and universities. Veterans using VA educational benefits, or students using transferred VA benefits who reside in Pennsylvania, also qualify for in-state tuition.
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Honorably discharged Pennsylvania resident Veterans are eligible for early registration at public colleges and universities.
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Removes barriers to educational success imposed on children of military families because of frequent moves and deployment of their parents.
Pennsylvania State Veterans Homes
Pennsylvania offers six Veterans Homes across the state, providing domiciliary care, memory care, personal care, and skilled nursing services to eligible veterans and their spouses.
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Location: 4550 Shenandoah Avenue NW Roanoke, VA 24017
Phone Number: 540-982-2860
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Location: 1601 Broad Rock Boulevard Richmond, VA 23224
Phone Number: 804-371-8000
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Location: 2641 Nimmo Pkwy Virginia Beach, VA 23456
Phone Number: 757-630-3100 / 5418
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Virginia State Veteran Cemeteries
The Virginia Department of Veterans Services operates three Veterans cemeteries that offer a dignified and honorable final resting place for Veterans and their eligible family members.
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Location: 10300 Pridesville Road Amelia, VA 23002
Phone Number: 855-4VA-VETS (855-482-8387)
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Location: 5310 Milners Road Suffolk, VA 23434
Phone Number: 757-255-7217 or 855-4VA-VETS (855-482-8387)
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Location: 5550 Bagging Plant Road Dublin, VA 24084
Phone Number: 855-4VA-VETS (855-482-8387)
Veteran and Military Health and Insurance Benefits
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Virginia National Guard service members who are injured, become ill, disabled, or die in the line of duty while on duty (paid or unpaid) or performing voluntary service at their commander’s request may be eligible for medical coverage and compensation under the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Act.
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Virginia offers a $20,000 death benefit to the beneficiaries of a state employee who is a reserve component service member killed in action while serving on federal active duty during armed conflict.
Veteran and Military Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Benefits
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The Virginia DMV offers a webpage with resources for Veterans, service members, and their families relocating to Virginia, covering common topics such as military special license plates, driver’s licenses, commercial licensing, vehicle title and registration, and more.
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Virginia Veterans may add a “Veteran” indicator to their driver’s license or ID card, making it easy to show proof of service for discounts and benefits. Eligible applicants must be Virginia residents who served on active duty or in the National Guard or Reserves for over 180 days and received an honorable discharge, with documentation required to verify eligibility.
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Virginia offers 63 specialty license plate designs that honor the service and sacrifice of eligible service members, Veterans, retirees, and their family members. Each plate has specific eligibility and documentation requirements.
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The Virginia DMV offers Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) testing waivers for resident service members and Veterans with qualifying military driving experience. The Even Exchange option allows those with specific Military Occupational Specialties or Ratings to waive both the knowledge and skills tests, while the Skills Test Waiver allows other qualified service members with military driving experience to waive only the skills test. Applicants must meet additional eligibility and experience requirements for either option.
Veteran and Military Recreation Benefits
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The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) offers free and discounted lifetime hunting, freshwater fishing, and trapping licenses to eligible disabled Veterans who are Virginia residents with a VA service-connected disability rating. License fees vary based on the Veteran’s disability percentage, with free licenses for those who are totally and permanently disabled and reduced fees for those with VA disability ratings between 30% and 99%.
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The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) offers discounted annual hunting and freshwater fishing licenses to eligible nonresident disabled Veterans with a VA service-connected disability rating. License fees vary by disability percentage, with reduced rates for Veterans who are totally and permanently disabled or have a 70% or higher VA disability rating.
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Nonresident service members and their families stationed and living in Virginia are eligible to purchase hunting and fishing licenses at resident rates.
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The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources offers a free one-year freshwater fishing and trout license to resident or nonresident disabled active duty service members receiving inpatient or outpatient treatment at a hospital in Virginia, a neighboring state, or Washington, D.C. This license cannot be reissued.
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Virginia State Parks offers a free Veteran Disability Passport for Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating from the VA. The pass provides free parking, boat launch, and admission for the pass holder and vehicle occupants, along with a 50% discount on camping, swimming, shelters, multi-night yurt stays, and equipment rentals, and a 25% discount on one-night yurt stays.
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The Virginia National Guard Passport provides free entry to all Virginia state parks for National Guard service members and their immediate family traveling in the same vehicle. Service members may request a pass through their chain of command and must present it for free entry. The pass is valid through the end of the calendar year listed on it.
Veteran and Military Miscellaneous Benefits
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The Virginia Veterans Network is a free online hub of resources and services for Veterans, service members and family members. The network provides direct access to resources and services ranging from job training, employment, health care and wellness from vetted and trusted Veterans Service Organizations, nonprofits, and state agencies.
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Metrobus, Metrorail, and participating regional transit agencies offer discounted fares for disabled Veterans, including 50% off Metrobus and Metrorail fares, a 50% off seven-day regional bus pass, and discounts on local bus services like DASH, ART, Fairfax Connector, OmniRide, Ride On, and TheBus. Eligible Veterans must have a VA disability rating of 60% or greater.
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The Virginia Veteran and Family Support (VVFS) program helps Veterans, service members, and their families manage challenges related to military service, transition, PTSD, behavioral health, TBI, and other injuries. VVFS offers personalized care coordination, peer mentoring, caregiver support, and assistance for justice-involved Veterans. Services are available to Virginia Veterans (regardless of discharge), National Guard and Reserve members not on federal active duty, and their family members or caregivers.
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The Virginia National Guard Funeral Honors Program provides Military Funeral Honors for eligible Veterans, including at least a two-person detail, the sounding of “Taps,” and the folding and presentation of the U.S. Flag. Honors are provided for service members who die in the line of duty and Veterans who received an honorable discharge.
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The Virginia Military and Veteran Legal Resource Guide, created by the Virginia Attorney General, helps service members, military families, and Veterans understand their legal rights, protections, and available resources.
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The Virginia Department of Veterans Services Military Spouse Liaison provides outreach and advocacy for military spouses and their families, helping connect them to resources for licensure reciprocity, employment, benefits, childcare, and community support.