HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) is encouraging residents to consider donating a portion of their 2024 state income tax refunds to two key programs that support military personnel, veterans, and their families. The Military Family Relief Assistance Program (MFRAP) and the Veterans’ Trust Fund (VTF) provide crucial financial assistance to those facing unexpected challenges, emphasizing the state’s commitment to its service members.
The MFRAP is designed to assist Pennsylvania service members and their families experiencing severe financial hardship due to unforeseen circumstances. For example, recent grants have supported families facing crises such as repairing storm-damaged homes, managing income loss due to injury, and funding urgent vehicle repairs. Since its inception in 2006, MFRAP has received over $2.23 million in donations, allowing more than $1.05 million to be directly distributed in grants to service members and their families.
Eligible applicants include Pennsylvania residents actively serving for 30 or more consecutive days in the armed forces, as well as medically discharged service members for up to four years following their discharge. Family members of eligible service members may also qualify, provided they demonstrate an immediate financial need tied to circumstances beyond their control.
“Pennsylvanians are always supportive of our veterans,” said Brig. Gen. John Pippy, the state’s adjutant general and head of the DMVA. “Without proper funding for these programs, many of our veterans and their families would not receive much-needed assistance in times of unforeseen crisis.”
Donations can be made directly on the PA-40 Personal Income Tax form or contributed online. Contributions are also tax-deductible as permitted by federal law.
This annual initiative allows Pennsylvanians an opportunity to demonstrate gratitude for the sacrifices of military personnel and their families. Looking ahead, the continued generosity of the community plays a vital role in ensuring the DMVA’s programs remain well-funded and accessible to those in need, strengthening the support system for military families across the state.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.