Veteran Benefits in Pennsylvania

Disabled Veterans' Real Estate Tax Exemption

Who qualifies

Pennsylvania residents honorably discharged or released under honorable circumstances after service in a war or armed conflict. The service must have caused blindness, paraplegia, loss of two or more limbs, or a VA-declared total or 100% permanent disability. The veteran must own the principal dwelling alone or with a spouse, and the State Veterans' Commission must find financial need. Unmarried surviving spouses may continue the exemption if need is established.

What you get

Exempts the qualifying principal dwelling and its land from all real estate taxes. The presumptive-need income threshold is $114,637 from January 1, 2025; higher-income applicants may request a full need determination.

How to apply

Contact the County Director of Veterans Affairs where you live.

Official page (opens in a new tab) 51 Pa.C.S. §§ 8902 to 8904

Military retirement income exclusion

Who qualifies

Pennsylvania residents retired from the military based on years of service or age.

What you get

Qualifying military retirement income is exempt from Pennsylvania personal income tax.

How to apply

Exclude qualifying military retirement from Pennsylvania taxable income.

Official page (opens in a new tab)

Educational Gratuity Program

Who qualifies

Children ages 16 to 23 with five years of Pennsylvania residence immediately before applying, attending an approved institution and showing financial need. Eligible parents include honorably discharged veterans with VA-certified 100% disability from wartime service or specified peacetime hostile fire or terrorism, veterans killed in action or dying from qualifying wounds, and veterans who died in wartime service or from a qualifying service-connected disability. DMVA describes the disabled-parent category as total and permanent.

What you get

Payments of up to $500 per term or semester to the approved school, for no more than four scholastic years. Payments depend on available appropriations.

How to apply

Apply through your county director of veterans affairs.

Official page (opens in a new tab) 51 Pa.C.S. §§ 8701 to 8703

National Guard Educational Assistance Program

Who qualifies

Pennsylvania National Guard members in good standing who meet the minimum satisfactory service period set by the Adjutant General and enroll in approved education. Full-time grants require a six-year service obligation, no Military Family Education Program obligation for the same period, and no ROTC scholarship other than a Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty Scholarship.

What you get

Education grants capped at the lower of school tuition and the State System of Higher Education tuition rate. Full-time and part-time assistance is generally limited to five academic years.

How to apply

DMVA certifies eligibility and provides a certificate to PHEAA.

Official page (opens in a new tab) 51 Pa.C.S. §§ 3202 to 3207

Veterans' preference in public employment

Who qualifies

Veterans who completed their initial contractual military obligation with their last discharge under conditions other than dishonorable. Other statutory service categories also qualify. Preference extends to unmarried surviving spouses and spouses of veterans classified by VA as permanently and totally disabled.

What you get

Adds 10 points to a passing civil-service appointment exam score. Qualified veterans also receive appointment preference for non-civil-service public positions.

How to apply

Provide discharge papers, separation documents or a statement of service to the appointing authority.

Official page (opens in a new tab) 51 Pa.C.S. §§ 7101.2, 7103, 7104 and 7108

Disabled veteran fishing licenses

Who qualifies

Pennsylvania resident veterans with a VA-certified service-connected disability rating of 100% qualify for a free lifetime license. Ratings from 60% to 99% qualify for reduced-fee resident licenses.

What you get

Free lifetime fishing license for the 100% category; reduced-fee licenses for the 60% to 99% category.

How to apply

Apply to the Fish and Boat Commission or county treasurer with the VA disability rating determination letter.

Official page (opens in a new tab) 30 Pa.C.S. § 2707

Disabled veteran hunting and furtaking licenses

Who qualifies

Resident disabled veterans with wartime or armed-conflict disability involving loss or loss of use of a limb, or a VA-certified 100% disability, who meet the other licensing qualifications and are otherwise mentally and physically fit.

What you get

Free regular hunting or furtaking license. Qualifying veterans who document a permanent disability may receive a lifetime license.

How to apply

Apply to the Game Commission or county treasurer and provide the required disability and service evidence.

Official page (opens in a new tab) 34 Pa.C.S. § 2706(b)

State veterans homes

Official page (opens in a new tab)