PA Offers Financial Aid To Veterans Facing Hardship

Pennsylvania Army National Guard members performs lifesaving care during medical field training at Fort Indiantown Gap in Pennsylvania on July 18, 2025. Credit: Sgt. David Thomson/U.S. Army National Guard

Pennsylvania veterans and their surviving dependents facing unexpected financial hardships can apply for assistance through a state program designed to provide temporary financial relief.

The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs offers the Veterans Temporary Assistance (VTA) program, which aids eligible individuals with essential needs such as food, shelter, fuel and clothing.

Eligible veterans or their survivors may qualify for up to $1,600 within a 12-month period. To be eligible, a veteran must have served a period of active duty in the armed forces and received a discharge under conditions other than dishonorable. Veterans with a service-connected disability are also eligible, regardless of the length or status of their service. Additionally, surviving dependents of an eligible veteran and surviving dependents of a service member who died in the line of duty or was killed in action are also eligible.

“When unexpected challenges arise, the commonwealth stands ready to support our veterans,” said Maj. Gen. John Pippy, Pennsylvania’s adjutant general and head of the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. “The Veterans Temporary Assistance program exists to make sure no veteran or family member has to face hardship alone. If you’ve served and now need support, we urge you to reach out—we’re here to help. It is the least we can do to thank you for your service to this country.”

Since its inception, the VTA program has awarded more than $7.4 million, assisting over 6,800 service members, veterans and their families with emergent financial needs.

For more information about the program’s criteria, eligibility and required documentation, visit the Veterans Temporary Assistance section of the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs website.

To apply, eligible veterans or surviving dependents should contact the Bucks County Veterans Affairs Department online or by calling 215-345-3885.

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