Benefits and Resources for Senior Veterans in Pennsylvania

Last updated: August 2025

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Quick Help Box (Emergency and Fast Answers)

If you’re in crisis or need immediate help, start here.

• Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies.
• Veterans Crisis Line (24/7): Dial 988, then press 1; or text 838255; or use secure chat on the VA site: Veterans Crisis Line – official site.
• Mental health help in PA: Pennsylvania 988 resource page (PA DHS).
• Find your nearest VA medical facility now: VA facility locator (hospitals, clinics, benefits).
• Local benefits help: Contact your county’s veterans office: County Directors of Veterans Affairs (DMVA directory) and select “County Directors.”
• General community resources (food, shelter, utilities): Dial 2-1-1 or visit PA 211 statewide resource directory.
• Report suspected elder abuse or neglect: PA Department of Aging – Protective Services.

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What this guide covers

This is a practical, Pennsylvania-specific guide for senior veterans and their families. It explains what benefits exist, who qualifies, and how to apply—using official links. You’ll also find regional contacts, inclusive resources (women, LGBTQ+, disabled, and rural veterans), common roadblocks, and tips to avoid scams.

Reality check: some programs take paperwork and patience. County Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) can be your best ally.

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Reality-first game plan

1. Call or visit your County Veterans Affairs office.
   They help with VA claims and state programs at no cost. Find yours: County Directors of Veterans Affairs (DMVA).
2. Gather key paperwork.

• DD-214 (or equivalent discharge papers). Request from the National Archives if needed: Get your DD-214 (NPRC).
• Proof of PA residency (ID, utility bill).
• Income and asset information (for needs-based programs).
• Medical records and disability ratings (if applicable).

3. Apply for health care and money-savers first.

• Enroll in VA health care: Apply for VA health care.
• Check PA property tax relief options.
• Apply for PACE/PACENET prescriptions and LIHEAP utilities.
• Consider VA Pension with Aid & Attendance if you need help with daily activities: VA Pension & A&A.

4. If mobility or housing is the issue, go straight to:

• State Veterans Homes (nursing/personal care) through PA DMVA: DMVA Veterans Affairs.
• HUD-VASH/SSVF for homelessness or risk of homelessness: VA Homeless Programs – Get Help.

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Table: Emergency and Crisis Resources (Pennsylvania and VA)

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Pennsylvania benefits that matter most to senior veterans

Below are the programs most seniors ask about first. Each entry explains what it is, who it serves, and how to apply—using official links.

1) VA health care in Pennsylvania

• What it is: Comprehensive care at VA Medical Centers in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Erie, Wilkes-Barre, Lebanon, and Butler, plus many community clinics.
• What it does: Primary care, specialists, prescriptions, hearing aids, mental health, home-based care, and more for eligible veterans.
• Who it serves: Veterans who meet VA eligibility rules (service and income/disability factors). Enroll to find out your priority group.
• How to apply: Apply online, by mail, or in person: Apply for VA health care. Find local facilities: VA location finder.

Regional VA health systems (official pages):

• Philadelphia (Corporal Michael J. Crescenz) VA Medical Center
• Pittsburgh VA Health Care System
• Erie VA Medical Center
• Lebanon VA Medical Center
• Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center
• Butler VA Health Care

Tips and reality checks:

• Bring your DD-214 to your first visit.
• If transportation is a problem, look into DAV rides and VA travel reimbursement (see “Transportation” below).
• If you’re already on Medicare, you can use both Medicare and VA care; decide case-by-case which is best for each visit. See: VA and other health insurance.

2) State Veterans Homes (PA DMVA)

• What it is: Six Pennsylvania State Veterans Homes offering skilled nursing and personal care.
• What they do: Nursing, memory care, rehab, and personal care (varies by home).
• Who they serve: Eligible veterans and spouses/surviving spouses. You’ll need an honorable discharge and Pennsylvania residency.
• How to apply: Contact the DMVA or the home directly. Start at: PA DMVA – Veterans Affairs, then select “State Veterans Homes.”

Homes include:

• Delaware Valley (Philadelphia)
• Gino J. Merli (Scranton)
• Hollidaysburg (Blair County)
• Pennsylvania Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home (Erie)
• Southeastern (Spring City)
• Southwestern (Pittsburgh)

Reality check:

• Waitlists can happen. Apply early, and ask your County VSO to help.
• Some residents pay a copay depending on income and level of care. Verify current rules with DMVA admissions.

3) VA Pension with Aid & Attendance (A&A) or Housebound

• What it is: A needs-based monthly benefit for wartime veterans (and survivors) with limited income. A&A/Housebound can increase the payment if you need help with daily activities or are largely homebound.
• What it does: Helps pay for in-home care, assisted living, or personal care costs.
• Who it serves: Veterans with qualifying service, limited countable income/assets, and medical need.
• How to apply: Learn eligibility and apply here: VA Pension and Aid & Attendance/Housebound.

Reality check and warning:

• Do not pay anyone to file a VA claim. Use an accredited representative: Find VA-accredited reps.
• Watch for “pension poachers” who push risky asset transfers. See VA’s guidance: Avoid Pension Poaching.
• County VSOs can file your claim for free.

4) Pennsylvania Property Tax Relief

• Property Tax Exemption for 100% Disabled Wartime Veterans
  • What it is: A real estate tax exemption for honorably discharged wartime veterans with a 100% permanent disability (or unemployability) and financial need.
  • How to apply: Work through your County Veterans Affairs office. Program details are managed by PA DMVA. Start here: PA DMVA – Veterans Affairs and contact your county office.
• Property Tax/Rent Rebate (PTRR) Program (Department of Revenue)
  • What it is: A rebate for eligible seniors 65+, widows/widowers 50+, and adults 18+ with disabilities.
  • 2024 updates increased income limits and max rebate. For current income limits, deadlines, and to apply online via myPATH, see: PA Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program.
  • Application help: Many Area Agencies on Aging offer free help: Find your local AAA.

Reality check:

• The exemption and the rebate are different. Some seniors can qualify for both (depending on rules). Ask your County VSO and local tax office.

5) Veterans Temporary Assistance (VTA) – Pennsylvania DMVA

• What it is: Short-term financial help for basic needs (shelter, utilities, food, clothing, health care) for qualifying veterans or their surviving dependents.
• How to apply: Contact your County Veterans Affairs office to apply through DMVA: PA DMVA – Veterans Affairs.

Reality check:

• VTA is temporary and requires documentation of need. Processing times vary by county.

6) PACE and PACENET (Prescription Help)

• What it is: Pennsylvania’s prescription assistance programs for residents age 65+.
• What they do: Reduce out-of-pocket prescription costs. Works with Medicare Part D plans.
• Who it serves: Seniors meeting PA income rules.
• How to apply and check income limits: PACE and PACENET (PA Department of Aging).

7) LIHEAP (Home Energy Help)

• What it is: The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps pay winter heating bills and emergency heating needs.
• Who it serves: Income-eligible households; opening dates vary by year.
• How to apply: Use COMPASS or apply through your county assistance office: LIHEAP (PA DHS) and COMPASS portal.

Reality check:

• LIHEAP has seasonal deadlines. Apply early when the program opens.

8) SNAP (Food Assistance)

• What it is: Monthly food benefits on an EBT card.
• Who it serves: Income-eligible individuals and families, including seniors; veterans’ benefits can count as income depending on type—check the rules.
• How to apply: SNAP in Pennsylvania (PA DHS) and Apply on COMPASS.

9) Transportation and Mobility

• Free Transit for Seniors (65+) and Shared Ride Program
  • What it is: Free rides on most fixed-route local transit for seniors, plus discounted shared-ride services.
  • How to use: Programs are managed locally with state support. Start here: PennDOT – Public Transportation programs for seniors.
  • Tip: Ask your transit agency about a Senior Transit ID Card and required proof of age.
• DAV Transportation Network (rides to VA medical appointments)
  • What it is: Free volunteer rides to VA medical visits when available.
  • How to schedule: DAV “I Need a Ride”.
• VA Beneficiary Travel Reimbursement
  • What it is: Mileage and other travel pay for eligible veterans traveling to receive VA-approved care.
  • How to claim: Get reimbursed for travel (VA).
• Disabled Veteran license plates and placards
  • Where to start: PennDOT/DMV (PA Department of Transportation). Search for “Military plates” or “Persons with Disabilities placard.”

10) Outdoor Recreation and Licenses

• Hunting and Fishing discounts for qualifying disabled veterans
  • Learn more and apply: Pennsylvania Game Commission – Licenses and Permits and Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission.
  • Verify current discounts and required VA disability documentation before purchasing.
• State Parks
  • Explore accessibility and potential discounts for persons with disabilities: PA State Parks (DCNR). Check with the park office before you go.

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Table: Quick-Glance Benefit Map (What to apply for first)

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Health care and long-term care in Pennsylvania (for senior veterans)

VA care plus Medicare: How to make them work together

• You can be enrolled in VA health care and also keep Medicare (and TRICARE, if you have it).
• Use VA for services it does well (hearing aids, service-connected care) and Medicare for local providers where VA access is limited.
• Learn how VA coordinates with other coverage: About VA health benefits.

Geriatrics and Extended Care

• VA offers home-based primary care, adult day health care, respite, and more.
• Start here to learn what’s available and how eligibility is determined: VA Geriatrics & Extended Care.

Pennsylvania Community HealthChoices (CHC)

• What it is: Pennsylvania’s Medicaid long-term services and supports program for adults 21+ who need help at home or are dual-eligible (Medicare + Medicaid).
• Why it matters: CHC can fund in-home services and care coordination. This may work alongside your VA benefits.
• Learn more and see eligibility: Community HealthChoices (PA DHS).
• Apply for Medicaid/CHC via COMPASS: COMPASS portal.

Tip: If you are using both VA and CHC services, tell both care coordinators. Avoid duplicate services that could cause billing problems.

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Money, taxes, food, and utilities

Property taxes: Exemption and Rebate

• Exemption (100% disabled wartime vets): Apply through County Veterans Affairs. Check income/financial need rules. Start with: PA DMVA – Veterans Affairs.
• Rebate (PTRR): Seniors 65+ and others with disabilities can apply every year. For current income limits, maximum rebate, and myPATH online filing, see: PA Department of Revenue – PTRR.

Note: Program amounts and deadlines can change. The Department of Revenue page has the latest updates and FAQs.

Prescriptions: PACE/PACENET

• Works with Medicare Part D; can reduce your copays.
• Current income limits and application: PACE/PACENET (PA Aging).

Food support: SNAP + Senior Food Box

• SNAP: SNAP (PA DHS).
• Senior Food Box (Commodity Supplemental Food Program): Monthly box for eligible seniors via local partners. Learn more: PA Department of Agriculture – Senior Food Box.

Utilities: LIHEAP + utility company programs

• LIHEAP: LIHEAP (PA DHS).
• Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission consumer assistance (Customer Assistance Programs, budget billing, hardship funds): PA PUC – Consumer Help.

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Table: Health and Long-Term Care Options (What they do and where to start)

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Housing stability and homelessness prevention

• HUD-VASH (Housing vouchers + VA case management): Helps homeless veterans get and keep housing. Ask your nearest VA medical center: Find VA locations.
• SSVF (Supportive Services for Veteran Families): Nonprofits funded by VA help with rapid rehousing, eviction prevention, and case management. Learn more and find providers: SSVF – VA Homeless Programs.
• Regional Continuum of Care (CoC) leads and PA 211 can also help: PA 211.

Reality check:

• HUD-VASH and SSVF availability varies by region. If you’re told there is a waitlist, ask about short-term motel vouchers, prevention funds, or local veteran charities (VFW, American Legion) that can bridge the gap.

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Transportation: getting to care and staying independent

• Free local transit for riders 65+: Ask your local transit agency about the Senior Transit ID and fixed-route free rides. Overview: PennDOT – Public Transportation.
• Shared Ride Program (reduced fare, door-to-door): Check eligibility and scheduling with your county transportation provider.
• DAV rides to VA facilities: DAV “I Need a Ride”.
• VA travel reimbursement: VA travel pay.
• Disabled plates/placards: PA DMV.

Tip: Book rides early. Some programs require 24–72 hours’ notice.

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Legal, records, and claims help

• Get your DD-214 or service records: National Archives request portal.
• Accredited claims help (free): Find VA-accredited representatives.
• Discharge upgrades (if needed): VA Discharge Upgrade tool.
• Veterans Justice Outreach (for justice-involved vets): VA VJO Program.
• County veterans offices (claims, state benefits, referrals): PA DMVA – Veterans Affairs and select “County Directors.”

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Table: Money-Saving Programs for PA Senior Veterans

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Inclusive resources

LGBTQ+ senior veterans

• VA provides inclusive care. Every VA health system has an LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinator who can help you navigate services. Learn more: VA LGBTQ+ Veteran Care.
• If you need help updating records (name/gender), ask the VA eligibility office or the LGBTQ+ coordinator at your VA medical center.

Disabled senior veterans

• Benefits to consider: VA disability compensation, Special Monthly Compensation (if applicable), VA home accessibility grants, A&A, and the PA property tax exemption for 100% disabled wartime veterans.
• Explore VA disability and adaptive grants: VA Disability Compensation and Housing Adaptation Grants.
• Pennsylvania Accessible services: Home modifications may be covered under Community HealthChoices if you qualify: CHC (DHS).

Female senior veterans

• Women Veterans Program Managers are at every VA medical center to coordinate women’s care (primary care, mammography, menopause care, MST counseling, etc.). Start here: VA Women’s Health.
• Ask your County VSO to ensure your VA claims reflect sex-specific health needs and military exposures (e.g., burn pits, Gulf War exposures if relevant).

Rural senior veterans and limited access

• Use VA telehealth where possible. Request video visits and remote monitoring through your VA team: VA Telehealth Services.
• Transportation: DAV rides and VA travel pay can help reach distant VA facilities: DAV rides, VA travel pay.
• For non-VA care when the drive is too long, ask your VA team about Community Care eligibility: VA Community Care.

American Indian and Alaska Native veterans in Pennsylvania

• Pennsylvania has few tribal lands, but AI/AN veterans can access VA’s Office of Tribal Government Relations for help connecting to benefits: VA Office of Tribal Government Relations.
• If you use IHS/tribal health, let your VA providers know so they can coordinate care.

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Resources by region (major VA systems and key partners)

Southeast (Philadelphia and suburbs)

• VA: Philadelphia VA Health Care System
• PTRR/local tax offices: PA Revenue – PTRR
• Aging/AAA: Find your local AAA
• Public transit seniors: PennDOT – Public Transportation

Southwest (Pittsburgh and surrounding counties)

• VA: Pittsburgh VA Health Care System
• DAV rides: DAV Transportation Network
• CHC information: Community HealthChoices

Northwest (Erie)

• VA: Erie VA Medical Center
• State Veterans Home (Erie): See DMVA site: PA DMVA – Veterans Affairs

North Central/Butler

• VA: Butler VA Health Care
• Aging and caregiver support: AAA locator

Central (Lebanon/Harrisburg)

• VA: Lebanon VA Medical Center
• State Veterans Home (Hollidaysburg) nearby region: Check DMVA at PA DMVA – Veterans Affairs

Northeast (Wilkes-Barre/Scranton)

• VA: Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center and Gino J. Merli Veterans’ Center via DMVA
• Transit seniors overview: PennDOT – Public Transportation

Note: For County Veterans Affairs contact details in all 67 counties, use the DMVA directory via PA DMVA – Veterans Affairs and select “County Directors.”

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Step-by-step: How to apply for key benefits

VA health care

1. Gather DD-214, photo ID, and income/insurance info.
2. Apply online, in person, or by mail: Apply for VA care.
3. After enrollment, call your assigned clinic to set up primary care.

VA Pension with Aid & Attendance

1. Review eligibility and medical need: VA Pension and A&A.
2. Get medical evidence (doctor’s statement about daily care needs).
3. File with free accredited help: Find representatives.
4. Watch your mail for VA requests, and respond on time.

PA Property Tax Exemption (100% disabled wartime veterans)

1. Contact your County Veterans Affairs office.
2. Bring DD-214, VA disability rating letter, proof of wartime service, income info, and home ownership documents.
3. County reviews and forwards to DMVA/state as required.

Property Tax/Rent Rebate (PTRR)

1. Check current income limits and deadlines: PTRR – Department of Revenue.
2. File online with myPATH or submit a paper PA-1000.
3. Keep copies; rebates are processed after the filing season.

PACE/PACENET

1. Check income limits and formularies: PACE/PACENET.
2. Apply online or by phone (see the program page for current contact).
3. Coordinate with your Medicare Part D plan.

LIHEAP

1. Check if the season is open: LIHEAP (DHS).
2. Apply via COMPASS or your county assistance office.
3. Keep your utility account info handy.

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Table: Transportation and Mobility at a Glance

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Real-world examples (what this looks like)

• Example 1: A 78-year-old Vietnam veteran in Scranton with limited income and mobility got approved for VA health care, then applied for VA Pension with Aid & Attendance with help from the Lackawanna County VSO. He also enrolled in PACE to lower prescription costs and used the Senior Free Transit program for local trips. He found the State Veterans Home waitlist manageable because he started the application early.
  Sources to follow these steps: Apply for VA care, Aid & Attendance, PACE/PACENET, PennDOT – Public Transportation, PA DMVA – Veterans Affairs.
• Example 2: A widowed 72-year-old in Allegheny County pays high property taxes and rent. She applied for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate online through myPATH and got help from the Area Agency on Aging to complete the form. She also used LIHEAP for winter heating and DAV transportation to reach VA appointments.
  Sources: PTRR – Department of Revenue, AAA locator, LIHEAP (DHS), DAV rides.

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Common roadblocks (and how to handle them)

• “I can’t find my DD-214.”
  Solution: Request it from the National Archives: Get your DD-214.
• “The application is confusing.”
  Solution: Ask a County VSO or an accredited Veterans Service Organization (DAV, VFW, American Legion) to file with you: Find VA-accredited reps.
• “Programs are telling me to wait.”
  Solution: Get on the waitlist, ask about other short-term help (VTA, local charities), and keep documentation of hardship. Use PA 211 for stopgap resources.
• “I can’t travel.”
  Solution: Ask about VA telehealth, home-based primary care, and DAV rides: VA Telehealth, DAV rides.
• “Someone offered to ‘speed up’ my VA pension for a fee.”
  Warning: That’s a red flag. Only use accredited, no-cost help: VA-accredited reps.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Where do I start if I’m a senior veteran in Pennsylvania and overwhelmed?
A: Call your County Veterans Affairs office first for free help with claims and state benefits. Use the DMVA directory via PA DMVA – Veterans Affairs and choose “County Directors.” Also check PA 211 for local services.

Q: Can I have both VA health care and Medicare?
A: Yes. Many veterans keep Medicare for local providers and use VA for other services. Learn about coordination here: About VA health benefits.

Q: How do I know if I qualify for the PA Property Tax Exemption for disabled veterans?
A: You generally need to be a wartime veteran with an honorable discharge, have a 100% permanent disability (or unemployability), and meet financial need rules. Apply through your County VSO via PA DMVA – Veterans Affairs.

Q: What’s the difference between the property tax exemption and the Property Tax/Rent Rebate (PTRR)?
A: The exemption is for qualifying 100% disabled wartime veterans and may remove property taxes. PTRR is a rebate program for seniors and certain others with disabilities. Check rules and apply for PTRR here: PA Department of Revenue – PTRR.

Q: I need help paying for in-home care. What should I look at?
A: Consider VA Pension with Aid & Attendance if you have wartime service and limited income: Aid & Attendance. If you’re Medicaid-eligible, look at Community HealthChoices for home services: CHC (DHS).

Q: Are there state veterans nursing homes near me?
A: Yes, there are six in PA. See the DMVA site and contact admissions: PA DMVA – Veterans Affairs.

Q: How do I get reduced fares or free rides?
A: Seniors (65+) can ride most fixed-route transit free and use discounted Shared Ride services. Start here: PennDOT – Public Transportation. For VA medical trips, ask about DAV rides: DAV – I Need a Ride and VA travel pay: VA travel pay.

Q: Does Pennsylvania have cash help just for veterans in hardship?
A: Yes, the DMVA’s Veterans Temporary Assistance (VTA) program offers short-term help. Apply through your County Veterans Affairs office via PA DMVA – Veterans Affairs.

Q: Where can I get free help filing my taxes?
A: The IRS’s TCE program focuses on seniors and operates sites across PA: Tax Counseling for the Elderly (IRS).

Q: Who can help if I’m homeless or about to be?
A: Contact your nearest VA medical center and ask for HUD-VASH or an SSVF provider: VA Homeless Programs – Get Help. Also dial 2-1-1: PA 211.

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Extra resources and contacts (official)

• Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA): PA DMVA – Veterans Affairs
• VA facility locator (medical, Vet Centers, benefits): Find VA locations
• VA benefits regional offices (finder): Find VA benefits offices
• PA Department of Revenue – PTRR: Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program
• PA Department of Aging – PACE/PACENET: PACE/PACENET
• PA Department of Human Services – COMPASS: COMPASS application portal
• LIHEAP: PA DHS – LIHEAP
• SNAP: PA DHS – SNAP
• PA 211: PA 211 help line
• Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) directory: Find your local AAA
• Women veterans’ health: VA Women’s Health
• LGBTQ+ veteran care: VA LGBTQ+ Veteran Care
• DAV rides: DAV – I Need a Ride
• VA travel pay: Get reimbursed for travel
• Protective Services for older adults: PA Department of Aging – Protective Services
• PennDOT – Public transportation for seniors: PennDOT – Public Transportation

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Table: Who to call/email first (by topic)

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Warnings, tips, and best practices

• Never pay for someone to “process your VA claim fast.” Use free accredited help: Find VA-accredited reps.
• Keep copies of everything you submit. Create a folder for each program.
• If online forms are hard, call your AAA or County VSO for an appointment.
• Benefits can interact. Before shifting assets to qualify for a program, talk with an accredited VSO or legal aid to avoid unintended issues with VA Pension or Medicaid.

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Disclaimer

Program rules, dollar amounts, deadlines, and eligibility can change. Always verify details with the official agency or program website linked in this guide. This article is for general information only and is not legal, tax, or financial advice.

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About This Guide

by the GrantsForSeniors.org Editorial Team

The GrantsForSeniors.org editorial team has been building benefit and assistance resources for seniors nationwide since 2020. We research programs across all 50 states by reviewing government websites, checking agency updates, and gathering information from available sources.

Our Commitment to You:
• Experience & Expertise: The information in this guide is compiled and reviewed by a team with experience in senior services and financial aid programs. We are committed to sharing our knowledge to help you find the support you need.
• Authority & Trust: We rely on verified sources, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and official program websites, to ensure the accuracy of our content. Our goal is to be a trusted authority you can rely on for credible information.
• Clarity & Accessibility: We understand that seeking financial assistance can be challenging. This guide is designed to be clear and easy to understand, breaking down complex topics into actionable steps.

While we work hard to provide the most accurate information available, please note that program details and eligibility requirements can change. We recommend always checking with the official program source or agency website for the most current information, as we are not official agencies but rather compile available information.

• Last Updated: August 2025
• Sources Verified: August 2025
• Next Review: February 2026

If you find outdated information, discover new resources, or have questions, please contact us at info@grantsforseniors.org. We’re here to help seniors find resources that can make a real difference in their daily lives.