Westmoreland Review

Aug. 08, 2024

New law supports disabled veterans

Veterans are the lifeblood of American heritage. Without their service and sacrifice, many freedoms might not exist.

However, some heroes returned from service with irreversible conditions. Recognizing the sacrifice of disabled veterans, a new law will exempt 100% of their benefit payments from income calculations for any Commonwealth programs or benefits.

Act 27 of 2024, effective Aug. 16, ensures that veterans receiving disability compensation will not have those payments counted against them when applying to programs such as the Real Estate Tax Exemption, Education Gratuity Program, Veterans Temporary Assistance Program, and Military Family Relief Assistance Program.

The purpose of this new law is to ensure veterans or their survivors aren’t unintentionally penalized or blocked from receiving a benefit because of their disability. For example, the Educational Gratuity Program provides financial assistance to children of honorably discharged veterans who have service-connected disabilities and served during periods of war or children of veterans who died in service during a period of war or armed conflict.

Previously, applicants seeking educational assistance had monthly benefit checks intended to help veterans and their survivors count as income. This was counterproductive and sometimes resulted in ineligibility for the benefit altogether.

Grant and benefit programs in Pennsylvania are administered by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. However, there are various ways for veterans to learn about and apply for assistance. To help facilitate this process, my staff and I arranged for professionals specializing in veteran benefits to visit my district offices.

Known as Veterans Service Officers (VSOs), these individuals have been trained and accredited by veterans organizations and possess thorough knowledge of all available programs for those who served and their families.

Three times each month, a VSO visits one of my offices from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome; appointments can also be scheduled.

On the first and third Wednesday each month, a VSO from the Veterans of Foreign Wars is available at my New Kensington office at 356 Freeport St., Suite 100 on the first Wednesday; call 724-472-4102 to schedule an appointment. On the third Wednesday at my Washington Township/Export office at 105 Pfeffer Road, Suite 5; call 724-387-9113 to schedule an appointment.

Currently on the second Wednesday each month, a VSO from the Westmoreland County Department of Veterans Affairs is available at the New Kensington office; call 724-472-4102 for appointments. Starting September services will be split between both offices: New Kensington office from 9 a.m. to noon and Washington Township/Export office from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Additionally, all veterans should mark their calendars for my annual Veterans Appreciation Breakfast on Saturday Oct.19 at Lamplighter Restaurant in Delmont from 8:30-10:30 a.m., open to veterans residing in the 55th District along with one guest. Maj.Gen Mark Schindler,Pennsylvania’s adjutant general,and Rear Adm.John Meier will be guest speakers.Register by calling either New Kensington office (724-472-4102)or Washington Township/Export office(724-387-9113).

Other news topics include:

Call Before You Dig – National811 Day on Aug11 reminds residents contractors utility workers about importance calling8-1-1 before digging ensuring safety excavation projects across state.State law requires contacting PA One Call three business days prior excavation triggering alerts utilities within intended digging area prompting utilities mark facilities locations.Pennsylvanians dial8-1-1 connect One Call system out-of-state residents businesses call1 -800 -242 -1776.Learn more www.PA1call.com .

Pennsylvanians with Disabilities ‘ABLE’ Save PA ABLE – First-ever National ABLE Savings Day Aug14 celebrates state’s PA ABLE program enabling individuals disabilities save money future without impacting important benefits like Medical Assistance(Medicaid)Supplemental Security Income(SSI).Pennsylvanians qualifying disability start saving PA ABLE today choosing seven savings investment options contributing up $18 ,000 annually accounts.Savings used wide variety disability-related expenses including rent groceries health care vehicle adaptations assistive technology more.Celebrate ABLE Savings Day PA Treasurer Stacy Garrity experts Pennsylvania Treasury Department hosting free webinars understanding ABLE programs starting saving.

Upcoming webinars:

• Monday Aug12 ,2p .m.:ABLE Accounts101.

• Tuesday Aug13 ,6p .m.:Learn About PA ABLE.

• Wednesday Aug14 ,2p .m.:How Can Employers Promote ABLE Accessibility Tool?

• Wednesday Aug21 ,2p .m.:I Have an ABLE Account Now What?

For more information about PA ABLE visitPAABLE.gov call855 -529 -ABLE(2253).

Representative Jill Cooper

55th Legislative District

Pennsylvania House Representatives

Media Contact Jordan Frei

724 .875 .8450

jfrei@pahousegop.com

RepJillCooper.com Facebook.com /RepJillCooper