Blind Veterans Pension Program Administration – Times News Online

Published on May 07, 2022 at 6:26 p.m.

The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs administers a Blind Veterans Pension Program to assist veterans who suffer from service-related blindness.

The program provides eligible Pennsylvania veterans with a pension of $150 per month.

“Most veterans transition from service to the civilian world with little or no health issues, but not all veterans do,” said Brig. Gen. (AP) Maureen Weigl, deputy adjutant general for veterans said. “That’s where programs like the Blind Veterans’ Pension play a huge role. Any veteran with service-related blindness should apply for this benefit and begin receiving the monthly bonus they deserve because of their service to our nation.

Eligibility criteria to receive the pension include a veteran who: served honorably in the military, was a resident of Pennsylvania when joining the military, and suffered a service-related injury or contracted an illness causing vision loss.

“The best place to start the application process is for veterans to contact their county director of veterans affairs in the county where they reside,” Weigl said. “County Directors are accredited and can help veterans apply for their benefits, free of charge. Veterans never have to pay to apply for their benefits.

To expedite the application process, veterans should have the following documents when applying:

• A copy of the last military service DD-214;

• Proof of Pennsylvania residency upon joining the military; and

• A United States Department of Veterans Affairs disability claim number.

To learn more about the pension program for blind veterans, including eligibility, go to DMVA Pension for Blind Veterans by visiting www.dmva.pa.gov.