DMVA-Specific COVID-19 Updates
The health and safety of Pennsylvania service members, veterans and their families is a top priority for the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA). To keep you updated during COVID-19, the DMVA has developed a list of resources that we hope you will find useful. We will add to this list as more resources become available.
(Updated May 11, 2020)
AlertPA
All Pennsylvania residents are encouraged to
sign up for AlertPA, a text notification system for health, weather, and other important alerts like COVID-19 updates from commonwealth agencies.
Armory Rentals
To safeguard the health of the community due to COVID-19, all armory rentals and Keystone Conference Center rentals are canceled, and we are no longer taking any bookings for rentals until further notice.
Contact Us
Questions?
Contact DMVA.
County Directors of Veterans Affairs
Please call in advance to confirm whether or not a county office is open. Find County Director contact information here.
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Disabled Veteran Real Estate Tax Exemption Program
These applications must be initiated by the local County Directors’ Office of Veteran Affairs.
County Director contact information here.
Educational Gratuity Program
We anticipate that all April payments will be made on time for this program. For more information about this program visit
DMVA's Educational Gratuity program website.
Employment
DMVA is hiring! The needs of Pennsylvania’s veterans do not diminish during this time, and DMVA needs staff to serve and care for our veterans at each of our six veterans homes. We have a significant need for RN’s, LPN’s and CNA’s to help care for America’s heroes. Working at one of our Homes is a rewarding career with great benefits. Get more information on
ALL job openings at DMVA.
Financial Assistance
DMVA's Office of Veterans Affairs (OVA) continues to process applications for Veterans Temporary Assistance and the Military Family Relief Assistance Program. Applications are initiated with the County Director of Veterans Affairs (CDVA). However, if the CDVA staff are not available due to a county office closure, the veteran may contact DMVA OVA directly at
800-547-2838 or by email at
ra-vta@pa.gov. Applications for these programs are our priority as we understand that the current health climate may be creating emergent needs.
Fort Indiantown Gap
For the most up-to-date information about Fort Indiantown Gap – headquarters of the DMVA and the PA National Guard, visit the
Fort Indiantown Gap website.
Outreach Events
All DMVA outreach events have been canceled and none will be scheduled until after the need for social distancing has subsided.
PA National Guard
PA Veterans Homes
For details visit our PA Veterans Homes-Specific COVID-19 Updates website.
Pension Programs (Amputee & Paralyzed Veterans Pension / Blind Veterans Pension)
We anticipate that all April payments will be made on time for these two pension programs.
Records Request Program
If you need assistance in requesting military service records to include DD Form 214, DD Form 215, NGB Form 22, NGB Form 23, and other service-related documents please visit DMVA's
Records Request program website. Please remember that in order to receive programs and services you are entitled to because of your service, you must be able to verify your service with one of these official forms. Requests are being processed as they are received.
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UPDATE as of April 6: Please note that the State Archives is closed due to COVID-19, but we are working the requests we can from DMVA Archives. This effects requests for older Pennsylvania National Guard records. Also, please note the National Personnel Records Center is servicing only urgent requests related to homeless veterans, medical emergencies, and funerals which may be faxed to 314‐801‐0764.
Service of Process during the COVID-19 Emergency
Designated POC: Deputy Chief Counsel Leonard Cowitch:
Social Media
We encourage you to follow us on Social Media:
State Veterans Commission (SVC)
DMVA remains in contact with the SVC membership through email updates.
Veterans Benefits
The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) wants to assure veterans that state and federal benefits processing are still on-going during COVID-19. Read the Press Release,
DMVA: Veterans Benefits Continue to be Available During COVID-19. Veterans may contact us at
1-800-547-2838 for assistance.
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Pension Programs (Amputee & Paralyzed & Blind) – We do not anticipate any delay in payments.
Educational Gratuity – We do not anticipate any delay in payments.
State Veterans Commission (SVC) – We remain in contact with the SVC membership and are available to answer questions from the veteran service organizations.
Veterans in Crisis
Are you a veteran in crisis or concerned about one? Please call, text, or chat to connect with caring responders at the free and confidential Veterans Crisis Line. Responders are qualified to deal with any immediate crisis and are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. If you are in a crisis and need to speak with a crisis responder: