Veterans Affairs
The Susquehanna County Veterans affairs office proudly serves the Veterans of our County and their families.
Anyone with questions about the vast array of benefits available is encouraged to contact the County VA office, and we will be happy to answer your questions and provide assistance. The office is located in the County Courthouse at 31 Lake Ave. Montrose, Pa. and the office hours are Monday thru Friday from 8:30 A.M. until 4:30 P.M. except for scheduled holidays or required Certified Veterans Services Officer (VSO) training.
Individuals may also find complete information on veteran's federal benefits by visiting the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs web site at www.va.gov and state benefits at www.dmva.pa.gov/veterans/pages
Veterans in crisis or contemplating suicide may call the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 option 1 or text at 838255 for help
Finally to all our veterans, “thank you for your service” we look forward to serving you.
Veterans Corner
The Susquehanna County Veterans Affairs office writes an article once each month that is published in the “Weekender”. These articles called “Veterans Corner” provide information related to veteran’s issues and benefits. The articles are published once per month and can be found in one of the editions of the weekender which is distributed each Friday of the month. The weekender has a wide distribution in Susquehanna County. For your convenience we also make the articles available here on the County website.
Anyone with any questions about the benefits available to Veterans and their family members can call the Susquehanna County Veterans Affairs Office at (570) 278-5955.
VETERANS CORNER
Changes to 100% VA service-connected disabled, Wartime Period, Veterans Real Estate Property Tax Exemption & other State Veterans Programs
Submitted By: Jeffery Mead
Susquehanna County Director of Veterans Affairs/Veterans Service Officer
Disabled vet pay excluded from state aid limits
Disabled veterans in Pennsylvania no longer have to claim their monthly benefits as income when applying for state aid programs.
Gov. Josh Shapiro signed a bill June 17th 2024, excluding disability payments from eligibility calculations used for property tax exemptions, the Education Gratuity Program, Veterans Temporary Assistance Program and the Military Relief Assistance Program.
“This bill would ensure more disabled veterans can access important programs and services,” said prime sponsor Sen. Doug Mastriano, R-Chambersburg. “Our disabled veterans made significant sacrifices for our country and this bill would make sure their disability payments do not disqualify them from other state benefits.”
Roughly 638,000 veterans live in Pennsylvania, of which 30.5% are disabled, according to U.S. Census data. Three-quarters of veterans are over the age of 55 and 6.1% live below the poverty line.
During a veterans assistance event in November, Mastriano said although the General Assembly is at odds on most issues, supporting former servicemembers is not divisive.
“We’re taking small steps here to improve life for each of you,” he said.
On June 7, the upper chamber passed legislation, which goes into effect on August 16th, that would exempt federal aid and attendance payments from calculations for tax relief. In Pennsylvania, veterans with a 100% disability rating that also fall within the income eligibility guidelines don’t pay property taxes.
Most states grant property tax breaks for veterans. Pennsylvania is one of 22 states and the District of Columbia to do so for 100% disabled veterans (as determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs). Another 16 states give property tax breaks to veterans who are less than 100% disabled, and eight others give property tax breaks without a disability requirement. (Christen Smith | The Center Square)
State Veteran Programs
Real Estate Tax Exemption for 100% service-connected disabled, Wartime Period Veterans *change effective August 16th-VA service-connected disability compensation no longer counted as income toward the $108,046.00 income cap.
Veterans Temporary Assistance Program (need of one-time financial assistance-$1600.00 maximum)
Veterans Homes, operated by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, exists to care for, honor and respect residents for serving our country and protecting our freedom; Veterans with a 70% or greater service-connected disability rating can keep their entire compensation payment while residing in a Veteran Home.
Amputee and Paralyzed Veterans’ Pension- service connected injury/disease resulting in the loss (of use) of two or more extremities with a 40% compensation rating or higher in each limb as determined and by the VA. May be eligible for a monthly pension of $150.00.
Blind Veterans Pension of $150.00 per month. Service-related loss of vision 3/60 or 10/200 or less normal vision in the better eye, or widest diameter of vison in better eye is contracted to the extent is subtends an angular distance of not greater than 20 percent.
Educational Gratuity Program provides financial assistance to children of honorably discharged veterans who have 100% service-connected disabilities and served during a period of war. Must be receiving the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program (DEA), Chapter 35 benefit.
Military Family Relief Assistance Program (PA service members in need who are still serving in, or four years after a medical discharge from Active Duty, Reserves or National Guard).
Upcoming Veteran Events:
- August 5th and every, first Monday of Month at 5:30 PM- Gulf War/Global War on Terror Veterans’ Support Group at Lenox VFW.
- July 15th & August 5st and every 1st and 3rd Monday at 10:30 AM-Vietnam Support Group at Lenox VFW.
Contact Information
Veterans Affairs
Department of Veterans Affairs
31 Lake Avenue (PO Box 218)
Montrose, PA 18801
Telephone: (570) 278-5955
Fax: (570) 278-5977
Jeffery Mead, Director / VSO