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 Susquehanna Independent (also known as the Susquehanna County Independent). 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 Susquehanna Independent. 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
Women’s Veteran’s Day & State Veterans Programs
Submitted By: Jeffery Mead
Susquehanna County Director of Veterans Affairs/Veterans Service Officer
Women Veterans Day is observed on June 12 in the United States, a date chosen to mark the anniversary of the Women's Armed Services Integration Act. The date is not recognized nationally, but is recognized by a number of states, either through legislation or proclamation, and organizations. The stated goal of Women Veterans Day varies somewhat by state, but can generally be acknowledged as an effort to honor the work of women in the United States Armed Forces and recognize the unique challenges that they have faced. (Wikipedia)
Pennsylvania Title 38 Chapter 13 Section 42022, Amendment. Act 129 added section 1304 states: “Women Veterans Day.(a) Legislative findings and declarations.--The General Assembly finds and declares as follows:(1)While women have served in the American military since before we became a nation, they were not officially recognized as military members or veterans until 1948….(b) Designation.--June 12 of each year is designated as Women Veterans Day in this Commonwealth.(c) Proclamation.--The Governor shall issue annually a proclamation encouraging residents of this Commonwealth to observe Women Veterans Day and recognize the contributions of all women veterans and the sacrifices they made.”
Disabled vet pay excluded from state aid limits
Disabled veterans in Pennsylvania do not have to claim their monthly veteran disability 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.
State Veteran Programs Exempt from counting veterans’ disability benefits as income:
Real Estate Tax Exemption-Eligibility: Must be a resident of PA; Honorable Discharge; Wartime Service as determined by VA; Declared by VA to be a total or 100% permanent disability; Dwelling is owned solely by the Veteran, Veteran & Spouse, or as an estate in the entirety; Occupy the real estate as their principal dwelling; Demonstrate a financial need ($114,637.00 income cap for Veteran not counting VA Compensation); Upon the death of a qualified Veteran, tax exemption may pass on to the unmarried surviving spouse if financial need can be shown.
Veterans Temporary Assistance Program (VTA)Provides temporary financial aid in an emergency to Veterans and their beneficiaries who reside in Pennsylvania for the necessities of life (food, shelter, fuel, clothing and medical expenses). If eligible, a Veteran or their beneficiary can qualify for an amount not to exceed $1,600 in a 12-month period.
Eligibility: Must be a resident of Pennsylvania; Honorable Discharge; Veteran must demonstrate a financial need; Must show either a loss of income or increase in expenses that render the applicant temporarily unable to provide themselves with the necessities of living.
Surviving Dependent Eligibility: Upon the recent death of a Veteran, their unmarried spouse is eligible provided the Veteran would have qualified prior to his/her death; Death Certificate for the Veteran must be included with the application; Must provide marriage certificate for spouse, birth certificate for children and dependent parents.
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 (up to $500 per term/semester up to eight semesters) to children of honorably discharged Veterans who have service-connected disabilities and served during a period of war or armed conflict or children of Veterans who die or died in service during a period of war or armed conflict.
Veteran Eligibility: Died in service during a period of war or armed conflict; OR
Honorable Discharge, Served during war service dates as determined by the VA, and Veteran must have a 100% permanent and total service-connected disability rating by the VA.
Child Eligibility: Must be between the ages of 16 and 23, living within Pennsylvania five years prior to application and must attend an approved school within the state; Applicant must demonstrate a financial need.
Military Family Relief Assistance Program (MFRAP) Eligibility: The program applies to Pennsylvania residents who: Served 30 or more consecutive days of active duty with the U.S. Armed Forces or its reserve components; Served 30 or more consecutive days of active duty or state active duty in the PA Army or Air National Guard; PA service members who are still serving in, or four years after a medical discharge from Active Duty, Reserves or National Guard. Successful MFRAP Payouts Include: $3,500 to a Service Member who recently returned from deployment for food, utilities, and housing; $1,778 to purchase heating oil for the home of an injured Service Member; and $3,500 to a Service Member whose home was severely damaged in a disaster.
Veterans Homes, operated by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, exists to care for, honor and respect veteran 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. Also available to Veterans’ spouses.
Upcoming Veteran Events:
Gulf War/Global War on Terror Veterans Support Group at Lenox/Elk Mountain VFW Post 8488 every First Monday of Month at 5:30 PM. July 6th cancelled. Next meeting is August 4th at 5:30PM.
Vietnam Veterans Support Group at Lenox/Elk Mountain VFW Post 8488 every 1st and 3rd Monday at 10:30 AM. Next meetings are June 16th & August 4th at 10:30AM. July 6th cancelled.
For Veteran Individual Readjustment Vet Center Counseling at Lenox/Elk Mountain VFW Post 8488 call Rob at 570-239-5191
Java for Joes June 10th from 10:00 AM to 12:00 at 798 Erie Ave Susquehanna, Pa at the Erie & Main Coffee House the Second Thursday of the month, contact Melissa Dubas 607-765-1366, July 9th meeting is cancelled.
Veterans Assembly on the Green -In the spirit of the 18th and 19th Century tradition of Veterans traveling to the Green adjacent to the Courthouse in Montrose to receive their federal service pension payments, the AMERICA250PA Committee of Susquehanna County invites all Veteran residents of Susquehanna County to the Green on June 14, 2025, at 2 p.m., to be recognized for their service. This event is intended to help build up to the celebration of the Semiquincentennial of the United States in 2026. Judge Legg will lead the ceremony, with a reception at Historical Society following.
If you are a resident of Susquehanna County and a U.S. Military Veteran, we invite you to RSVP the following information by June 6, 2025, to tourism@visitsusqco.com or mail to: Susquehanna County Promotion and Tourism Agency, PO Box 218, Montrose, PA 18801 or call 570-278-6614. Please include: Veteran’s Name, Rank at Discharge, Branch of Service, Period of Service, and Home Record in your response.
Fourth Of July Committee is looking for Veterans and First Responders to be recognized and celebrated in the Semiquincentennial of the United States 4th of July Parade in Montrose starting at 11:00 AM. Contact Ed Dewitt at fasteddie1941@twc.com or 570-278-3537.
10th Annual Northern Tier Veterans Group Appreciation Day Saturday, June 13 Noon to 4 p.m. Picnic with DJ honoring area Veterans will be held at Mountaineer Park in Monroeton, PA, All Veterans are invited, Guests pay $5, First 300 Veterans will receive a shirt.
Susquehanna Veterans Affairs office is always here to assist Veterans in accessing Veterans Administration and any of the above-mentioned State benefits.
Our office can be reached at the following:
P.O. Box 218 / 31 Lake Avenue Montrose, PA 18801 (Courthouse-side entrance facing the green)
Phone : 570-278-5955
Fax : 570-278-5977
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