Pennsylvanians filing their 2023 personal state income taxes can help Pennsylvania's military personnel, veterans and their families by donating any amount of their refund to the state's Military Family Relief Assistance Program (MFRAP) and/or Veterans' Trust Fund (VTF).
Both programs are administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), which provides resources and assistance to veterans, military members, and their families in the Commonwealth.
Pennsylvanians interested in donating should refer to the 2023 Pennsylvania Personal Income Tax Return Instructions Guide (PA-40IN), for details on how to donate.
“Pennsylvania members of our armed forces, veterans and their families sacrifice greatly to serve our country and commonwealth," said Maj. Gen. Mark Schindler, Pennsylvania's adjutant general and head of the DMVA. “In gratitude for their service and sacrifice, these programs provide critical assistance when unexpected expenses arise, and help is needed. I am proud of the generosity Pennsylvanians have shown and continue to show for these important programs."
The MFRAP helps Pennsylvania service members and their families by providing financial assistance to those with a direct and immediate financial need as a result of circumstances beyond their control.
One example of how MFRAP grants helped service members in 2023 would be a service member's water heater and boiler stopped working on Christmas day and a grant was approved for $3,500 to help offset the costs.
Members of the armed forces who are residents of Pennsylvania are eligible to apply for assistance while they are serving on active duty for 30 or more consecutive days with the Army, Army Reserve, Navy, Navy Reserve, Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps, Marine Corps Reserve, Coast Guard, Coast Guard Reserve, Space Force or the Pennsylvania Army or Air National Guard.
All members of the armed forces who were discharged for medical reasons are also eligible to apply for assistance up to four years after a medical discharge.
Reserve component service members, including Pennsylvania National Guard members, and their families may be eligible for a grant for a period of up to three years after release from a qualifying active-duty tour.
Since the MFRAP began in 2006, individuals have donated more than $2.19 million through private donations or when filing their Pennsylvania personal income tax returns. As of 2023, more than $1 million in donations has been granted out to service members and their families in need.
In addition to a donation on the state Personal Income Tax form, contributions can be made directly by sending a check to DMVA-MFRAP, Building 9-26 Fort Indiantown Gap, Annville, PA 17003, or online at www.donate.dmva.pa.gov. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent authorized by federal law.
To learn more about the MFRAP, visit www.mfrap.pa.gov.