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.
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 for 100% service-connected disabled, Wartime Period Veterans VA service-connected disability compensation does not count as income toward the $114,637.00 income cap.
Veterans Temporary Assistance Program (need of one-time financial assistance-$1600.00 maximum)
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).
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.
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