Pennsylvania Veteran Benefits (2026 Guide)
A complete guide to state-level benefits for veterans living in Pennsylvania, including property tax exemptions, education programs, employment preference, and more. These benefits are in addition to your federal VA benefits.
Official source: Pennsylvania veterans affairs agency — applications, forms, and current filing deadlines come from the state directly.
Benefits at a Glance
Pennsylvania's veteran benefits package is among the strongest in the Northeast, anchored by full property tax exemption for wartime veterans with a total or 100% permanent service-connected disability and financial need, extensive state veterans home capacity, and robust employment preference programs. The state's long military history and active installations create a support infrastructure that reaches veterans across the commonwealth.
Getting help in Pennsylvania
Accredited claims help
Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
Phone: (717) 861-8910
Building 0-47, Fort Indiantown Gap, Annville, PA 17003
Verified September 2026. Call to confirm before you travel.
Local veterans offices
Every county in Pennsylvania has a veterans service office.
County Directors of Veterans Affairs
Financial help: Veterans Temporary Assistance, up to $1,600 in a 12-month period, paid by the state — you apply through your county director of veterans affairs
Verified September 2026.
Not sure what you qualify for yet? The briefing takes about three minutes and needs no signup.
Start the briefingProperty Tax Exemption
Full exemption for wartime veterans with a total or 100% permanent service-connected disability and financial need
Veterans who served in a war or armed conflict and have a service-connected disability the VA declares total or 100% permanent (the DMVA also accepts total disability individual unemployability), or who are blind, paraplegic or have lost two or more limbs from service, are exempt from all real estate taxes on their principal dwelling and the land it stands on. The State Veterans' Commission must find financial need: income of $114,637 or less is presumed to show need, and applicants above it can still qualify by showing their expenses exceed their income. An unmarried surviving spouse who is in need also qualifies. Apply through your County Director of Veterans Affairs.
Income Tax Benefits
Military retirement pay fully exempt (no state income tax on any retirement)
Pennsylvania does not tax any retirement income, including military retirement pay. VA disability compensation is also tax-free.
Hunting & Fishing Licenses
Free fishing license at 100%, reduced at 60-99%; disabled veteran hunting licenses at both tiers
Pennsylvania residents with a service-connected disability rated 100% by the VA get a free fishing license, and those rated 60 to 99% can get a reduced-fee resident annual or senior resident lifetime fishing license. The Game Commission sells Resident Disabled Veteran hunting licenses (validated every year) for 100% and 60-99% ratings, and Resident Lifetime Disabled Veteran licenses at participating county treasurers.
Education Benefits
Free tuition at state schools for dependents of 100% disabled or KIA veterans
Pennsylvania provides tuition waiver at state-owned schools for dependents of veterans who died or are 100% totally and permanently disabled from service-connected causes.
Employment & Hiring Preference
Veterans preference in state civil service
Pennsylvania grants 10-point preference to veterans in state civil service competitive exams. Disabled veterans receive additional priority. PA CareerLink centers provide dedicated veteran employment services with priority-of-service for all veterans.
Vehicles & DMV
Free disabled veteran license plates
Free "Disabled Veteran" license plates for veterans with service-connected disability.
State Parks
Free state parks for all veterans on Veterans Day; free for disabled year-round
Pennsylvania state parks are free for all veterans on Veterans Day. Disabled veterans receive free admission year-round.
Housing & Veterans Homes
6 Pennsylvania Veterans Homes
Pennsylvania operates 6 State Veterans Homes (Hollidaysburg, Erie, Pittsburgh, Scranton, Spring City, Philadelphia) providing nursing care and memory care for eligible veterans. The Hollidaysburg, Erie and Spring City homes also offer personal care and domiciliary care.
Additional Benefits
- Blind veteran pension: $150/month for service-connected blindness
Veterans in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is home to over 620,000 veterans. Carlisle Barracks (home of the Army War College), the Philadelphia Navy Yard, Tobyhanna Army Depot, and the 171st Air Refueling Wing near Pittsburgh maintain a military presence. Pennsylvania's VA healthcare network is extensive, with major medical centers in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Lebanon, Wilkes-Barre, and Erie. Pennsylvania's county directors of veterans affairs work under the direct supervision of their county commissioners, and the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs runs the Veterans' Trust Fund, which provides grants to veteran advocates and funds the Veterans Temporary Assistance program.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania Veteran Benefits
Does Pennsylvania offer property tax exemptions for veterans?
Full exemption for wartime veterans with a total or 100% permanent service-connected disability and financial need. Veterans who served in a war or armed conflict and have a service-connected disability the VA declares total or 100% permanent (the DMVA also accepts total disability individual unemployability), or who are blind, paraplegic or have lost two or more limbs from service, are exempt from all real estate taxes on their principal dwelling and the land it stands on. The State Veterans' Commission must find financial need: income of $114,637 or less is presumed to show need, and applicants above it can still qualify by showing their expenses exceed their income. An unmarried surviving spouse who is in need also qualifies. Apply through your County Director of Veterans Affairs.
Are military retirement benefits taxed in Pennsylvania?
Military retirement pay fully exempt (no state income tax on any retirement). Pennsylvania does not tax any retirement income, including military retirement pay. VA disability compensation is also tax-free.
What education benefits does Pennsylvania offer veterans?
Free tuition at state schools for dependents of 100% disabled or KIA veterans. Pennsylvania provides tuition waiver at state-owned schools for dependents of veterans who died or are 100% totally and permanently disabled from service-connected causes.
Do veterans get free or discounted hunting and fishing licenses in Pennsylvania?
Free fishing license at 100%, reduced at 60-99%; disabled veteran hunting licenses at both tiers. Pennsylvania residents with a service-connected disability rated 100% by the VA get a free fishing license, and those rated 60 to 99% can get a reduced-fee resident annual or senior resident lifetime fishing license. The Game Commission sells Resident Disabled Veteran hunting licenses (validated every year) for 100% and 60-99% ratings, and Resident Lifetime Disabled Veteran licenses at participating county treasurers.
Does Pennsylvania give veterans hiring preference for state jobs?
Veterans preference in state civil service. Pennsylvania grants 10-point preference to veterans in state civil service competitive exams. Disabled veterans receive additional priority. PA CareerLink centers provide dedicated veteran employment services with priority-of-service for all veterans.
Are there veterans homes or housing programs in Pennsylvania?
6 Pennsylvania Veterans Homes. Pennsylvania operates 6 State Veterans Homes (Hollidaysburg, Erie, Pittsburgh, Scranton, Spring City, Philadelphia) providing nursing care and memory care for eligible veterans. The Hollidaysburg, Erie and Spring City homes also offer personal care and domiciliary care.
Do veterans get free or discounted state park access in Pennsylvania?
Free state parks for all veterans on Veterans Day; free for disabled year-round. Pennsylvania state parks are free for all veterans on Veterans Day. Disabled veterans receive free admission year-round.
Want the full picture?
Pennsylvania benefits sit alongside federal compensation, healthcare, education, housing, and employment benefits. The optional briefing walks through what may apply to your specific service.
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