Benefits · Supportive Services
How to apply for Pennsylvania County Directors of Veterans Affairs (Free Benefits and Claims Help)
County Directors of Veterans Affairs, supported by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA)
Who it's for
Every Pennsylvania county has a Director of Veterans Affairs — an accredited service officer, usually at the county courthouse — who helps veterans, their dependents, and survivors at no charge. They identify benefits, determine eligibility, and prepare applications for county, state, and federal programs: VA disability compensation and pension claims, the disabled veterans' real estate tax exemption, the state veterans' pensions, emergency assistance, burial benefits, and more. Getting the VA rating documented correctly matters twice in Pennsylvania, because the rating also unlocks state benefits like the property tax exemption and license discounts. No one ever needs to pay a private company to file a VA claim.
The help is completely free — County Directors of Veterans Affairs and DMVA-accredited veteran service officers never charge for assistance with earned benefits. Be cautious of companies that charge to file VA claims.
What you'll need
- DD-214 or other military discharge paperwork
- Any existing VA correspondence or award letters
- Medical records related to the claim, if applying for disability benefits
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Find my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.