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VETERANSRESOURCE GUIDEA Consolidated Listing of Programs, Benefits, and Services forVeterans and their Families in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Governor’s Advisory Council on Veterans Services – Resource GuideGOVERNOR’S ADVISORY COUNCIL ON VETERANS SERVICESOn Veterans Day 2013, the Governors Advisory Council on Veterans Serviceswas established by executive order and became Pennsylvania’s first interagencycooperative approach to veterans services. This initiative reviews, evaluates andassesses state Veterans programs in collaboration with senior staff from stateagencies and commissions. It increases information sharing, ensures program fidelity,coordinates complementary programs and facilitates meaningful enhancements inservice accessibility to Veterans benefits and services within the Commonwealth ofPennsylvania.CONTACT INFORMATION:Governor’s Advisory Council on Veterans ServicesBldg 0-47, Edward Martin HallFort Indiantown GapAnnville, PA 17003-5002Phone: 1-800-547-2328Email: RA-VA-Info@pa.govPage 2
Governor’s Advisory Council on Veterans Services – Resource GuideCONTENTSGOVERNOR’S ADVISORY COUNCIL ON VETERANS SERVICES . 2COUNTY DIRECTORS FOR VETERANS AFFAIRS . 7Listing by County . 7DEPARTMENT OF AGING . 8Agency Overview . 8Programs, Benefits and Services Summary . 9Veterans Home and Community-Based Service Program . 9Your Local Resources . 9Area Agency on Aging, Adult Living Centers, Senior Community Centers. 9Pennsylvania LINK to Aging and Disability Resources .10Aging Services.10Pennsylvania Caregiver Support, Employment .10Health and Wellness, Help at Home, Housing .11Insurance, Legal Assistance, Meals, Ombudsman .12Prescriptions, Protective Services, Transportation .13DEPARTMENT OF BANKING AND SECURITIES .14Agency Overview .14Programs, Benefits and Services Summary.15Investing for Veterans and Military Families .15Pennsylvania Military Finance Alliance .15Financial Field Manual .16DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES .17Agency Overview .15DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS .18Agency Overview .18Programs, Benefits and Services Summary.19DOC Veteran Coordinator and Facility Coordinators .19Verifying Incarcerated Veterans .19Veterans Service Units.19Veteran Specific Community Corrections Centers . . 20Page 3
Governor’s Advisory Council on Veterans Services – Resource GuideDEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION .21Agency Overview .21Programs, Benefits and Services Summary.22Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Center (PA TRAC) .22620 Educational Institutions Approved for Veterans Programs .23550 Apprenticeships / On the Job Training Programs .23Outreach Activities .24DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL SERVICESBUREAU OF SMALL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES.25Agency Overview .25Programs, Services and Benefits Summary .26Small Business Procurement Initiative .26Small Diverse Business (SDB) Program .26Online Self-Certification and SDB Third Party Verification .27Veteran & Service Disabled Veteran Prime and Subcontracting Opportunities .27Veteran and Service Disabled Veteran Business Outreach and Training .28DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH .29Agency Overview .29Programs, Benefits and Services Summary.29Smoking Cessation Program.29Free Certified Copies of Birth and Death Certificates for Veterans .30Arthritis Foundation Program at Philadelphia VA Medical Center .31DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES .32Agency Overview .32Programs, Benefits and Services Summary.33Military and Family Behavioral Health Coalition .33Behavioral Health (BH) Veteran Forum .33Certified Peer Specialist Veteran Enhanced Training .34Military Suicide Prevention Plan .34Jail Diversion and Trauma Recovery for Veterans Program .35Compeer Program .36Fairweather Lodge .36Page 4
Governor’s Advisory Council on Veterans Services – Resource GuideDEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND INDUSTRY .37Agency Overview .37Mission: .37Contact Information: .38PROGRAMS, BENEFITS AND SERVICES SUMMARY .38DAV Outreach Program Specialists (DVOP) .38Local Veterans’ Employment Representatives (LVER).38Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) .39JobGateway .39DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS.40Agency Overview .40Programs, Benefits and Services Summary.42Blind Veterans Pension .42Paralyzed Veterans’ Pension .42Disabled Veterans Transportation .43Educational Gratuity.43Persian Gulf Conflict Veterans’ Benefit Act .44Outreach and Reintegration .44Pennsylvania Mobile Veterans’ Outreach Vans .45Military Family Relief Assistance Program .46Disabled Veterans’ Real Estate Tax Exemption .47Veterans Trust Fund: .48Veterans Temporary Assistance .48Veterans Treatment Courts .49State Veterans’ Homes .50Veterans Service Officer Accreditation .52DD 214/15 Program .52State Veterans’ Commission .53Burial Detail Honor Guard .54The Pennsylvania Veterans Memorial .55Veterans Memorial Trust Fund .55Page 5
Governor’s Advisory Council on Veterans Services – Resource GuideBOARD OF PROBATION AND PAROLE .56Agency Overview .56Programs, Benefits and Services Summary.57Veterans Services Referrals .57Veterans Service Units within State Correctional Institutions.58Staff Education on Veterans issues.58Veterans Outreach Services .58DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE .59Agency Overview .59Programs, Benefits and Services Summary.59Program Collaboration – Military Family Relief Assistance Program .59DEPARTMENT OF STATE .60Agency Overview .60Specialized Ballot Delivery Options for Hospitalized or Bedridden Veterans .60STATE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION.61Agency Overview .61Programs, Services and Benefits Summary .62Veterans Recruitment .62Veterans Job Fairs .62Veterans Resume Evaluations and other Job-Related Services.62Veterans Hiring Preference and Extra Points on Civil Service Exam .63PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE .64Agency Overview .64Programs, Benefits and Services Summary.64Targeted Veteran Recruitment .64Credit Hour Waivers from Education Requirements .65PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION.66Agency Overview .66Programs, Benefits and Services Summary.67“Honoring Our Veterans” Special Fund License Plate .67Veterans Designation on Pennsylvania Drivers Licenses .68Military Commercial Driver’s License Skills Test Waiver .69U.S. Military Veteran License Plates .69Military and Veterans Organization Specialty License Plates .81Page 6
Governor’s Advisory Council on Veterans Services – Resource GuideCOUNTY DIRECTORS FOR VETERANS AFFAIRSYour very first point of contact for Veterans programs, benefits and services is theCounty Director for Veterans Affairs. Their mission is to provide Veterans and theirdependents direct assistance to identify, determine eligibility and assist in thepreparation of applications for County, State and Federal Veterans benefits andprograms. The County Director is also responsible for the payment of BurialAllowances and ensuring Grave Markers and Headstones are properly requested andplaced for each deceased County Veteran.LISTING BY COUNTYPage 7
Governor’s Advisory Council on Veterans Services – Resource GuideDEPARTMENT OF AGINGAGENCY OVERVIEWMISSION:The mission of the Pennsylvania Department of Aging is to enhance the quality of life of allolder Pennsylvanians by empowering diverse communities, the family and the individual.LIST OF PROGRAMS, BENEFITS, AND SERVICES: Veterans Directed Home and Community-Based Service ProgramYour Local Resources Aging Services Area Agencies on Aging (AAA)Adult Daily Living CentersSenior Community CentersPennsylvania LINK to Aging and Disability Resources Caregiver SupportEmploymentHealth & WellnessHelp at HomeHousingInsuranceLegal AssistanceMealsOmbudsmanPrescriptionsProtective ServicesTransportationCONTACT INFORMATION:Commonwealth of PennsylvaniaDepartment of Aging555 Walnut Street, 5th FloorHarrisburg, PA 17101-1919Telephone: (717) 783-1550www.aging.pa.govPage 8
Governor’s Advisory Council on Veterans Services – Resource GuidePrograms, Benefits, and Services SummaryVeterans Directed Home and Community-Based Service ProgramThe Veterans Directed Home and Community-Based Service Program is only offered inPhiladelphia at this time. The program offers services covering a wide range of needs that allowindividuals to remain in their communities and homes. The services include home health care;personal care such as providing assistance with bathing, dressing, eating and grooming,toileting, etc.; health care support services such as housekeeping, shopping assistance,laundry and mending, respite care (caregiver relief); transportation and other routine householdchores as necessary to maintain a consumers health, safety and ability to remain in the home;and home-delivered meals prepared at central location and delivered to a person’s home.For additional information regarding the Veterans Directed Home and Community-BasedService Program, contact the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging at 215-765-9000, or toll freeat 888-482-9060.Your Local ResourcesArea Agency on AgingPennsylvania’s 52 Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) cover all 67 counties and serve as the frontdoor for the Pennsylvania Department of Aging services at the local level.AAAs complete assessments to determine which programs/services best meet the needs ofindividuals seeking assistance in the community. To find the Area Agency on Aging in your areaplease visit www.aging.pa.gov/AAA or call 717-783-1550.Adult Daily Living CentersAdult Daily Living Centers offer an interactive, safe, supervised environment for older adultsand adults with a dementia-related disease, Parkinson’s Disease or other organic brainsyndromes. Adult Daily Living Centers provide personal care, nursing services, social services,therapeutic activities, nutrition and therapeutic diets and emergency care. Some centers offeradditional services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, medicalservices, podiatry, etc. to meet the range of client needs.For additional information regarding Adult Daily Living Centers, contact your local Area Agencyon Aging which can be identified by visiting www.aging.pa.gov/AAA or calling 717-783-1550.Senior Community CentersMost communities have senior community centers where older adults can get together forsocial activities, recreation, education, creative arts, physical health programs, and nutritiousmeals.Page 9
Governor’s Advisory Council on Veterans Services – Resource GuideTo find the senior community center in your area, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Agingwebsite at www.aging.pa.gov/SCC, or contact your local Area Agency on Aging atwww.aging.pa.gov/AAA, or call 717-783-1550.Pennsylvania LINK to Aging and Disability ResourcesThe Pennsylvania Link to Aging and Disability Resources (PA Link) connects you to all availableresources related to housing, transportation, employment, mental health, and other criticalservices that make it possible for you to continue to live independently.Person-Centered Counseling is a free service that connects Pennsylvanians to public benefitsand private resources. A person-centered counselor helps you identify long-term service andsupport options available in your community and guides you in making decisions and selectingservices that will work best for your unique needs and preferences. Follow up is also providedto make sure everything is going well. You are eligible for Person-Centered Counseling if youare an adult over the age of 60, or a person living with a disability. To connect with a personcentered counselor in your area call toll free, 1-800-753-8827.For additional information regarding the Pennsylvania Link to Aging and Disability Resources,contact your Area Agency on Aging at www.aging.pa.gov/AAA, or call toll free, 1-800-753-8827.Aging ServicesCaregiver SupportThe Pennsylvania Caregiver Support Program aims to reduce stress on primary, informal, unpaidcaregivers. The program supports individuals who care for a spouse, relative, or friend whorequires assistance due to disease or disability. The program also supports individuals age 55and older caring for related children. The program provides coordinated support through anappointed care manager. Services may include caregiving assistance, education andcounseling, and reimbursement for supplies used to provide care.For more information regarding caregiver support, contact your local Area Agency on Agingwhich can be identified by visiting www.aging.pa.gov/AAA or calling 717-783-1550.EmploymentPennsylvania’s Senior Community Service Employment Program helps unemployed, lowincome adults age 55 and older with employment and training services. Participants gainexperience working in a variety of community service activities at non-profit and public facilities,such as schools, hospitals, day-care centers, and senior centers. Participants work an averageof 20 hours a week, and the training serves as a bridge to other employment opportunities.For more information about the Senior Community Service Employment Program, contact yourlocal Area Agency on Aging which can be identified by visiting www.aging.pa.gov/AAA or calling717-783-1550.Page 10
Governor’s Advisory Council on Veterans Services – Resource GuideHealth & WellnessPennsylvania offers a wide array of health and wellness programs such as exercise classes,medication management, health screenings, nutrition classes, falls prevention workshops, andmore. This includes the Department of Aging’s evidence-based programs, Healthy Steps inMotion and Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshop.For more information regarding health and wellness programs, contact your local Area Agencyon Aging which can be identified by visiting www.aging.pa.gov/AAA or calling 717-783-1550.Help at HomePennsylvania strives to keep Pennsylvanians in their homes for as long as possible. Residentsof the commonwealth who are 60 years of age or older may be eligible for inhome services including but not limited to: Adult Day CareTransportationHome-Delivered MealsPersonal Care ServicesHome ModificationsCare ManagementHome Health CareRespite (break from caregiving)And MoreFor more information about help at home, contact your local Area Agency on Aging whichcan be identified by visiting www.aging.pa.gov/AAA or calling 717-783-1550.HousingThe Domiciliary Care program provides a homelike living arrangement in the community foradults age 18 and older who need assistance with activities of daily living and are unable to liveindependently. Domiciliary Care homes are certified by your local Area Agencies on Aging forthree or fewer residents. Area Agencies on Aging match eligible residents to Domiciliary Careproviders with consideration of their mutual needs, preferences, and interests. Area Agencieson Aging also provide ongoing care management services for residents and conduct annualDomiciliary Care home inspections. Domiciliary Care residents also receive supervision withself-help activities such as bathing, grooming, meals, housekeeping, and laundry services.Domiciliary Care providers also oversee the proper distribution of medications.Pennsylvania also offers the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program for individuals age 65 andolder, widows and widowers age 50 and older, and people with disabilities age 18 and older.To learn more about the Domiciliary Care Program, contact your local Area Agency on Agingwhich can be identified by visiting www.aging.pa.gov/AAA or calling 717-783-1550.To learn more about the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program, contact your County AssistanceOffice or visit www.revenue.pa.gov.Page 11
Governor’s Advisory Council on Veterans Services – Resource GuideInsurancePennsylvania’s health insurance assistance program, known as APPRISE, empowersMedicare-eligible individuals, their families, and caregivers with free counseling to makeinformed health insurance decisions that optimize access to care and benefits.APPRISE counselors are specially trained staff and volunteers who can answer questions aboutMedicare and provide you with objective, easy-to-understand information about Medicare,Medicare Supplemental Insurance, Medicaid, and Long-Term Care Insurance.All Medicare beneficiaries, their families, or their caregivers are eligible for APPRISEcounseling. For more information about APPRISE, contact your local Area Agency on Agingwhich can be identified by visiting www.aging.pa.gov/AAA, or contact the APPRISE programoffice at 800-783-7067 from 9 AM to 4 PM, Monday-Friday.Legal AssistancePennsylvania’s Legal Assistance Program provides counseling through an attorney or nonlawyer advocate. The program also provides representation for eligible older adults, with priorityto those with concerns related to income, health care, long-term care, nutrition, housing, utilities,protective services, defense of guardianship, abuse, neglect, and age discrimination.For more information regarding legal assistance, contact your local Area Agency on Aging whichcan be identified by visiting www.aging.pa.gov/AAA or calling 717-783-1550.MealsMeals are available at senior community centers free of charge or through an anonymousdonation. The meals follow the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and are reviewed andapproved by a registered dietitian. Nutrition education and counseling is available upon requestfor older adults found to be nutritionally at risk. Older Pennsylvanians may also be eligible forhome-delivered meals.For more information on meals, contact your local Area Agency on Aging which can be identifiedby visiting www.aging.pa.gov/AAA or calling 717-783-1550.OmbudsmanPennsylvania’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman program protects the rights of older adultsreceiving long-term care services and advocates on their behalf. They receive confidentialcomplaints from individuals living in long-term care settings and work to investigate and resolvethese complaints. Ombudsmen services are confidential and free to individuals who receivelong-term care services, reside in a long-term care facility, or attend an Older Adult Daily LivingCenter.For more information regarding the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program, contact your localArea Agency on Aging which can be identified by visiting www.aging.pa.gov/AAA and ask tospeak to an ombudsman.Page 12
Governor’s Advisory Council on Veterans Services – Resource GuidePrescriptionsPennsylvania’s Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly (PACE) program and thePharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly Needs Enhancement Tier (PACENET)program provides prescription drug coverage to individuals age 65 and older who meet theprogram’s income requirements. The PACE enrollment process also evaluates the eligibility ofolder adults for programs such as Medicare Part D, Low-Income Home Energy AssistanceProgram, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and the Property Tax/Rent RebateProgram.For more information regarding PACE and PACENET, contact your local Area Agency on Agingby visiting www.aging.pa.gov/AAA, calling the Pennsylvania Department of Aging at 717-7831550, or by calling the PACE Application Center at 866-712-2060.If you are already enrolled in PACE or PACENET, call cardholder services at 800-225-7223 forassistance.Protective ServicesPennsylvania’s Older Adults Protective Services prevent and protect seniors from abuse,neglect, and exploitation. If you are experiencing elder abuse or believe someone is, pleasecall the statewide abuse hotline at 800-490-8505. Reporting abuse is voluntary andanonymous for the general public, and the law protects all reporters from retaliation and civilor criminal liability.To report abuse, call 800-490-8505. For general information regarding protective servicescontact your local Area Agency on Aging which can be identified by visitingwww.aging.pa.gov/AAA or calling 717-783-1550. If someone is at imminent risk, pleasecontact your local law enforcement immediately.TransportationPennsylvania’s transportation services assist older adults in getting to and from seniorcommunity centers, medical facilities, and other essential destinations. The services includePennsylvania’s Free Transit Program, w
Governor's Advisory Council on Veterans Services - Resource Guide GOVERNOR'S ADVISORY COUNCIL ON VETERANS SERVICES On Veterans Day 2013, the Governors Advisory Council on Veterans Services was established by executive order and became Pennsylvania's first interagency
