The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs reminds veterans and their dependents that they should never pay for assistance to apply for veterans’ benefits. Accredited veteran service officers are allowed by federal and state laws to help to identify, determine eligibility and apply for a wide range of benefits on the local, state and federal levels.

The benefits may include burial allowance payment; grave markers requests/placement; real estate tax exemption program; emergency assistance; disability and other pensions; education gratuity; Federal health care benefits; and survivor benefits.

To locate a county director of veterans affairs and for information on veterans service organizations and benefits, visit www.dmva.pa.gov and click on Veterans Affairs; www.facebook.com/padmva; or www.twitter.com/padmva.