Metro Philadelphia<\/p>\n
Pennsylvania veterans struggling to cover basic living expenses may be eligible for financial assistance through a state program designed to help during times of unexpected hardship.<\/p>\n
The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs<\/a> (DMVA) is encouraging eligible veterans and their surviving dependents to apply for the Veterans Temporary Assistance<\/a> (VTA) program, which provides up to $1,600 in financial assistance during a 12-month period.<\/p>\n The program can help pay for essential needs such as food, shelter, fuel and clothing.<\/p>\n \u201cNo veteran should have to navigate financial hardship without support,\u201d said Maj. Gen. John Pippy, Pennsylvania\u2019s adjutant general and head of the DMVA. \u201cThe Veterans Temporary Assistance Program is designed to help eligible veterans and their families through challenging times.”<\/p>\n “Providing this support is one way we can recognize and thank veterans for their service to our country.\u201d<\/p>\n Since the program was established, the department has awarded more than $8.6 million to assist more than 9,650 service members, veterans and their families<\/a> facing emergency financial needs.<\/p>\n Veterans may qualify if they served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. Veterans with a service-connected disability are also eligible regardless of the length or status of their service. Surviving dependents of eligible veterans, as well as surviving dependents of service members who died in the line of duty or were killed in action, may also qualify.<\/p>\n Applications are handled through each county’s Veterans Affairs office. Veterans interested in applying should contact the county Veterans Affairs director<\/a> where they live.<\/p>\n Additional information, including eligibility requirements and required documentation, is available online at pa.gov<\/a><\/p>\n