Westmoreland Review

A new law in Pennsylvania aims to support disabled veterans by exempting 100% of their benefit payments from income calculations for any Commonwealth programs or benefits. The law, effective August 16, ensures that disability compensation will not be counted against veterans when applying for 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 legislation is to prevent veterans or their survivors from being unintentionally penalized or blocked from receiving benefits due to their disability. For instance, the Educational Gratuity Program provides financial assistance to children of honorably discharged veterans with service-connected disabilities who served during periods of war or children of veterans who died in service during a period of war or armed conflict. Previously, monthly benefit checks were counted as income, which sometimes resulted in applicants being deemed ineligible for assistance.

Grant and benefit programs in Pennsylvania are administered by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. To facilitate access to these programs, Representative Jill Cooper (R-Westmoreland) has arranged for Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) to visit her district offices three times each month. These professionals are trained and accredited by veterans organizations and possess extensive knowledge about available programs.

VSOs from the Veterans of Foreign Wars are available on the first and third Wednesday of each month at Cooper's New Kensington office and Washington Township/Export office respectively. Additionally, a VSO from the Westmoreland County Department of Veterans Affairs is available on the second Wednesday at the New Kensington office. Starting September, services will be split between both offices on that day.

Veterans are also invited to attend an annual Veterans Appreciation Breakfast hosted by Rep. Cooper on October 19 at Lamplighter Restaurant in Delmont. The event features guest speakers Maj. Gen Mark Schindler and Rear Adm. John Meier.

In other news, National 811 Day on August 11 reminds residents and contractors to call 8-1-1 before digging to ensure safety during excavation projects across Pennsylvania.

Additionally, August 14 marks the first-ever National ABLE Savings Day. The PA ABLE program allows individuals with disabilities to save money without affecting benefits like Medicaid or SSI. Various webinars will be held throughout August to educate participants about ABLE accounts.

For more information about PA ABLE or other veteran-related services, contact Rep. Jill Cooper’s office at 724-472-4102 or visit www.PA1call.com.