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of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

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    We owe our utmost gratitude and respect to the surviving families of Pennsylvania National Guard members who die in the line of duty while serving the Commonwealth. Federal veterans' benefits are not available to National Guard members injured or killed on state active duty. The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) provides a pension, in addition to workers’ compensation, to help these survivors rebuild their lives and livelihoods in the aftermath of a devastating sacrifice.

    To qualify, the service member must have been:

    • A member of the Pennsylvania Army or Air National Guard; and
    • Serving on state active-duty orders at the time of death.

    Surviving spouses, minor children, and dependent parents are eligible.

    Surviving spouses, minor children, and dependent parents interested in applying for this pension should contact a DMVA Veterans Services Officer at 717-861-8910 or 800-547-2838 toll free. Casualty Assistance Officers may inquire on the survivors' behalf as well.

    The pension is paid in the following amounts:

    1. To a surviving spouse without children, $100 per month
    2. To a surviving spouse with one child, $150 per month
    3. To a surviving spouse with two children, $200 per month
    4. To a surviving spouse with three children, $250 per month
    5. To a surviving spouse with four or more children, $300 per month
    6. If there is no surviving spouse, $75 to the first two minor children and $50 for each child in excess of two, to a maximum of $200, paid to the guardian.
    7. If there is no surviving spouse or children, to the dependent father and/or mother, $100

    No pension may be paid for a period longer than ten years, except in the case of a minor child, to whom the pension will be paid until the child reaches age 18.

    Authority: Title 51 Pa. Consolidated Statutes Section 3502

    If you have any questions about this pension, contact the DMVA at: RA-MVVeteransPension@pa.gov. (Please do not send completed applications or personally identifiable information over e-mail).