Who is eligible for the Pennsylvania County Burial Allowance? Pennsylvania Employees Benefit Trust Fund (PEBTF) If you served in the military or worked for the commonwealth in the past, you may be eligible topurchase that servicewith SERS. Then schedule an appointment with a pension plan specialist to discuss your questions and all of your options by calling 1.800.633.5461. The amount of the grant is based on the Veterans financial situation, as well as the type of school they are attending. The Pennsylvania National Guard Service member can assign the entire benefit to one dependent or a portion of the benefit to more than one dependent. The MFEP grant can be used for up to five years in a degree or certificate granting curriculum, course of study, or training program that is required for entrance into a specific career (as determined by PHEAA). We can help you determine if you qualify for REHP (based on your years of service), enroll in REHP as part of the retirement process, pay your REHP premiums by withholding them from your pension payments,change dependents, andcancel coverage. Applicants must be the Child of a Service member who has been declared a POW a MIA. 5953(a)(3). To be eligible Veterans must be Pennsylvania residents and have one of the following disabilities: Learn more about Pennsylvania Resident Disabled Veteran Antlerless Deer Licenses. By: John L. Micek - February 9, 2023 7:07 am. Pennsylvania Fish and Boating Commission Directory, Learn more about Free Fishing License for Deployed Reserve Component Service Members. Our mission is to prepare our members and participants to achieve financial success and security in retirement. You can check your most recent statement inSERS online members services. Completed the first full term of initial active duty service, or if not, were released for: Convenience of the government under an early release program, Medical disqualification, pregnancy, parenthood, or service-connected injury or disability, Personality disorders or ineptitude, if served at least 365 continuous days, U.S. Armed Forces Reserve or National Guard Service members who served on continuous active duty for 180 days or more. Learn more about Pennsylvania Resident Service Members Stationed Outside Pennsylvania may Fish without a License. Eligible applicants receive the following preference benefits: 10 points added to state employment examination scores, 15% added to municipal employment examinations scores, Preference for all appointments or promotions. 1171 or 1173. UCX eligible applicants must provide a copy of their DD214, Member 4 when submitting an initial application for UCX or present it when applying in person. Only one license may be issued for each qualifying deployment. Pennsylvania National Guard Compensation and Benefits for Injury, Disability and Death Incurred on State Active Duty: Pennsylvania National Guard Service members serving on state active duty or other state military duty who are injured, become disabled or die in the line of duty are eligible for benefits and compensation under the Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Laws. Who is eligible for Free Pennsylvania Fishing License for Severely Disabled Veterans? Congratulations on your upcoming retirement from Penn State! This grant is subject to availability of state funding. A graphic detailing the total annual retirement benefits paid to residents in each Pennsylvania county and out of state. Registrations can be completed online at the Learn more link below or the application can be downloaded and mailed to: Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs ATTN: Veterans Registry Building 0-47, Fort Indiantown Gap Annville, PA 17003, DMVA, Pennsylvania Veterans Registry Application, Learn more about the Pennsylvania Veterans Registry. Who is eligible for the Pennsylvania Educational Grant for Children of Service Members Declared a POW or MIA? Examples of financial need include: Sudden or unexpected loss of income, real or personal property, assets, or support directly related to military service, or emergency situations affecting the Service member, Emergency need for childcare that the applicant cannot afford, Natural or man-made disasters resulting in a need for food, shelter, or other necessities, Death or critical illness of a parent, Spouse, sibling, or Child resulting in immediate financial need for travel, lodging, or subsistence. Applicants will be sent a Knowledge Test Authorization Letter which they must take to their nearest Driver License Center to take the applicable knowledge tests. If eligible, a Veteran or their beneficiary can qualify for up to $1,600 in a twelve-month period. Schools that earn the award will receive a special Purple Star recognition to display on site. Pennsylvania Operation Recognition Diplomas for Wartime Veterans: "Operation Recognition" is a state law that authorizes school districts to grant a high school diploma to any honorably discharged Veteran who served in the U.S. Armed Forces in World War II, the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War. It is your responsibility to contact the State Employees' Retirement System (SERS), or the PEBTF if you do not have a SERS pension, to: Change your address Add or remove Dependent(s) from the REHP . Veterans may be entitled to 5 or 10 points included in any scoring process for examination or interviews. AnnualSERS Retirement Statement In addition, Pennsylvania National Guard Service members are authorized paid leave for all days when ordered to state active duty. Specially trained Veteran employment representatives provide Veterans with a full range of employment services, including referral services, job development, referral to training, and referral to government and community Veteran service agencies. Pennsylvania Purple Star School Program for Military-Friendly Schools: Recent legislation has authorized the Pennsylvania Purple Star School program for military-friendly schools. Each school will also have a dedicated page on their school website featuring resources for military Families. Pennsylvania Military Family Relief Assistance Program (MFRAP): MFRAP provides financial grants to eligible resident Service members and their Families. 5-point Hiring Preference: Five points are added to the examination score or rating of a Veteran who served: During the period April 28, 1952, through July 1, 1955, or, For more than 180 consecutive days, other than for training, any part of which occurred after January 31, 1955, and before October 15, 1976, or, During the Gulf War from August 2, 1990, through January 2, 1992, or, For more than 180 consecutive days, other than for training, any part of which occurred during the period beginning September 11, 2001, and ending on August 31, 2010, the last day of Operation Iraqi Freedom, or, In a campaign or expedition for which a campaign medal has been authorized. The VA provides the following life insurance benefit programs: Servicemembers Group Life Insurance (SGLI), Family Servicemembers Group Life Insurance (FSGLI), Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance Traumatic Injury Protection Program (TSGLI), Service-Disabled Veterans Life Insurance (S-DVI), Learn more about U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Life Insurance. Guide for Retiring Members (for members hired before 1/1/19) Each renewal includes one antlered deer tag, one fall turkey tag, one spring turkey tag and small game hunting privileges for one license year. How We Help SERS supports the organizations that run REHP by helping you: Determine if you qualify for REHP Enroll in REHP as part of the retirement process, if appropriate Pay REHP premiums by withholding them from your pension payments Change dependents Cancel coverage However, neither may receive preference if the Veteran is living and is qualified for Federal employment. If you are within a year of retirement, request an estimate calculated according to your individual situation from your pension plan specialist. If you haven't reached SERS normal retirement age, your benefit could be reduced for early retirement. For more information, please call 800-692-7392. If enacted, the COLA would not be granted for survivor annuitants, as that would require a change in the Pennsylvania Constitution. Resident Fishing Privileges for Nonresident Active Duty Service Members Stationed in Pennsylvania: Nonresident Service members who are stationed in Pennsylvania under permanent change of station orders for six months or more can purchase a fishing license for the resident price. The plan provides comprehensive health care coverage when a Service member is not activated and covered by active duty TRICARE benefits. Read through the basic information and options outlined here and make a list of questions you may have. A fact sheet that includes up-to-date information on the number of SERS members, benefits, contributions, funded status, and more. This calculator will produce estimates of retirement benefits calculated for all three plans based on the retirement date you enter and if you defer retirement until reaching age 67. Applicants must use the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Application for Gold Star Family Registration Plate MV-912 to apply. What are my Pennsylvania Military and Veteran Employment Benefits? TRICARE Reserve Select Health Insurance: TRICARE Reserve Select is a premium-based plan, available worldwide for Selected Reserve, (U.S. Armed Forces Reserve and National Guard Service members) and their Families who meet the following qualifications: Not covered under the Transitional Assistance Management Program, Not eligible for or enrolled in the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program or currently covered under FEHB, either under their own eligibility or through a Family member. Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation (UC): The UC program provides temporary income support to those who lose their job through no fault of their own or if working less than full-time hours. If you have a specific question, please call your regional office at 1.800.633.5461. Hybrid Plan. Who is eligible for Reduced Cost Hunting Licenses? Pennsylvania Soldiers' and Sailors' Home 560 East Third StreetErie, PA 16507Phone: 814-871-4531 Email: RA-MVVA-HOMES@pa.gov, Learn more about the Pennsylvania Soldiers and Sailors Cemetery, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Facilities in Pennsylvania. What Is the Retirement Age in PA for State Employees? contribute toward the cost of their retirement benefits, and employees must work many years before their future benefits exceed the value of their required contributions. The amounts are set by law in the State Employees Retirement Code and are generally fixed with the exception of a shared-risk/shared-gain provision on your contribution. To be eligible for the Pennsylvania Amputee and Paralyzed Veteran Pension, Veterans must meet the following requirements: Resident of Pennsylvania at the time they entered the U.S. Armed Forces, Suffered a service-connected injury or disease resulting in the loss or loss of use of two or more extremities (arms/hands or legs/feet), At least a 40% disability compensation rating (or higher) in each limb as determined by the VA, To apply for this program or for more information, applicants should contact their local County Director of Veterans Affairs County Director of Veterans Affairs Directory, Learn more about Pennsylvania Amputee and Paralyzed Veteran Pension. In addition, the commonwealth can claim thecontributions you madeto SERS and the interest earned on those contributions to satisfy any debt you have when you leave state employment. If so, and that person died, or you divorced or married on or before 8/20/2016, a deadline is nearing! If the Service member fails to honor the service commitment, they must repay the total MFEP award amount, plus interest. <>stream Pennsylvania Military and Veteran Benefits - The Official Army Benefits In 2013, future benefits promised to employees and retirees exceeded the assets set aside to pay for them by $18 billion. ?u&rza'Q@_Zw0Fl;],n8Lg;MIy2.Z. All permanent full-time and part-time employees are required to enroll in a group retirement plan. Veterans must meet the following requirements: Served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces (other than for training) and received a discharge under honorable conditions, as evidenced by a DD214 or other documentation, or, Died in service or was killed in action, or, Suffered a service-connected disability as certified by VA. 5953(a)(1). Your annual pension is calculated usinga formulabased on your SERSclass of service(listed on your annual member statements),years of service, salary and age.*. In fact, our benefits typically provide an additional value equal to more than 86% of your pay! purchase certain prior military, educational or state service, Guide to Your SERS-Issued 1099-R Tax Form, Appeals to the State Employees' Retirement Board, Refund Procedures for Leaving State Service, Social Security Integration Coverage for SERS Members. The Families of deceased Veterans are eligible for the headstone allowance. Bureau of Veterans Affairs Office Building S-0-47, Fort Indiantown Gap Annville, PA 17003. To apply, the Service member must complete the EAP online application. To be eligible for a PEGP waiver, applicants must meet the following requirements: Child by birth or adoption of a deceased National Guard Service member who died after January 1, 1976, as a direct result of performing their official duties, Child by birth or adoption of a deceased National Guard Service member who was on federal or state active duty who died after September 11, 2001, as a direct result of performing their official duties, 25 years old or younger at the time of application, Complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and a PEGP application, Enroll at a Pennsylvania community college, state-owned institution, or state-related institution as a full-time student pursuing undergraduate studies that will lead to an associate or bachelor's degree. Free Pennsylvania Fishing License for Severely Disabled Veterans: Severely disabled Veterans may be eligible for free Pennsylvania fishing licenses. Pennsylvania County Treasurers Directory, Learn more about Pennsylvania Resident U.S. Armed Forces Antlerless Deer Licenses. Applicants must submit a legible copy of their DD214, or one of the following, that clearly indicate they received the Purple Heart: Applicants must use the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Application for U.S. Military Service Registration Plate MV-150 to apply. REHP is run by theGovernor's Office of Administrationthrough thePennsylvania Employees Benefit Trust Fund(PEBTF). Learn more about Resident Fishing Privileges for Nonresident Active Duty Service Members Stationed in Pennsylvania. To be eligible for burial the Veteran must have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, or Pennsylvania National Guard and was released or discharged under honorable conditions. PDF Commonwealth of Pennsylvania State Employees' Retirement System - PA.Gov Learn more about Pennsylvania Drivers License Benefits for Service Members and their Dependents. Retired members can get duplicate tax forms and click through to the Pennsylvania Employees Benefit Trust Fund - the PEBTF - for more about your health care. The positive economic impact on Pennsylvania of pension payments made to retired state workers and more evidence that a COLA for PSERS annuitants would benefit everyone if only we could get the General Assembly to listen! The Defined Benefit Plan covers all eligible Pennsylvania employees and annuitants. This waiver applies only to charges that remain after all other grants (federal, state and outside scholarships) have been applied to the students account. Learn more about Military Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP)/ Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RCSBP)/ Retired Servicemans Family Protection Plan (RSFPP) Pennsylvania State Tax Benefits. Military Child Education Coalition Purple Star School Program, Learn more about the Pennsylvania Purple Star School Program Military-Friendly Schools. Individuals performing military duty of more than 30 days may elect to continue employer sponsored health care for up to 24 months; however, they may be required to pay up to 102% of the full premium. Applications for the burial allowance must be made within one year after the date of death. You will document your decisions on aretirement estimate request. Learn more about the Pennsylvania Educational Grant for Children of Service Members Declared a Prisoners of War or Missing in Action. Pennsylvania National Guard Service members are exempt from jury duty during their active duty service. The maximum award amount is $1,200. . Applicants must submit a legible, certified copy of one of the following documents as proof of eligibility: Copy of front and back of U.S. Uniformed Services Retired ID card. Pennsylvania state law requires the General Assembly to enact legislation to grant cost-of living increases to retired teachers. For military service of less than 31 days, health care coverage is provided as if the Service member had remained employed. Pa. bills would boost benefits for retired teachers, state employees | Thursday Morning Coffee . Learn more about Pennsylvania Employee Re-Employment following Activation for an Emergency or Military Duty. Additional life, accident, and long term disability insurances are available for purchase through payroll deductions . Veterans should contact a State Employees' Retirement System Counselor at 800-633-5461 to determine eligibility. You can stay up-to-date with the latest SERS happenings by signing up for email updates. There are a number of ways torequest an estimateof your monthly benefit payments. Who is eligible for the Pennsylvania Educational Gratuity? > To qualify for a free fishing license, an applicant must be a resident of Pennsylvania and meet one of the following requirements: Have disability incurred in war or armed conflict consisting of: Free fishing licenses can be obtained from county treasurers (listed within Pennsylvania Fishing License Issuing Agents), the Fish and Boat Commission's Harrisburg office or the six regional law enforcement offices. Through the collective purchasing power of PARSE, group discounts and group rates are available to all Members.Current Member Only benefits include the following options below. Basic Benefit Calculation You and your employer make mandatory contributions to your pension each pay day. Plans for COLA for PA pensioners announced by state senators Muth and Kane Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) Specialists are located at the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh Veterans Administration Regional Offices to expedite the placement of Veterans who have completed training under the VA Veteran Readiness and Employment Program. In addition PARSE is open to an individual receiving, or eligible to receive, a retirement from TIAA as well as their spouse or domestic partner. To qualify for a free hunting and furtakers licenses Veterans must be a resident of Pennsylvania and meet one of the following requirements: Has disability incurred in war or armed conflict consisting of: 100% disability rating as certified by the VA, Individually unemployable and compensated at the 100% rate by the VA, Veterans can apply at any County Treasurer or Game Commission office. Pennsylvania National Guard Education Assistance Program (EAP): The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Authority manage EAP for students who enter a six year service commitment with the Pennsylvania National Guard. Provides you with the option
The commonwealth provides paid and unpaid absence benefits for time away from work. Applicants may file their initial claim or reopen their existing claims for UC benefits online at the Pennsylvania UC System webpage, by telephone at 888-313-7284 or videophone service for individuals who use American Sign Language, at 717-704-8474, (videophone service is available every Wednesday from noon to 4 pm. Pennsylvania State Employee Military Service Credit for State Retirement: Honorably discharged Veterans who have been a state employee for at least three years may be eligible to purchase credit for active duty service in the U.S. Armed Forces. This license is available only at County Treasurers and Game Commission offices. Retired Members; Updating Personal Information; Direct Deposit; Health Insurance; Missing Payments; Monthly . hXr6+lF^2zjie55EtS 8siZqwa q_{ycVX Applicants must meet the following requirements to be eligible for admission: Veteran who served in the U.S. Armed Forces or the Pennsylvania National Guard and was discharged under honorable conditions, Resident of Pennsylvania when they entered the U.S. Armed Forces or a current resident (current residents receive priority), Spouse or Surviving Spouse of an eligible Veteran, Admissions are on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact the local County Director of Veterans Affairs for more information. Applications and required supporting document must be faxed or mailed to: Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs MFRAP Building 9-26, Fort Indiantown GapAnnville, PA 17003-5002 Fax: 717-861-9084, MFRAP Frequently Asked Questions MFRAP Guidelines MFRAP Brochure MFRAP Application, Learn more about the Pennsylvania Military Family Relief Assistance Program, Pennsylvania County Burial Allowance: Pennsylvania counties provide a burial allowance to eligible Veterans and their Surviving Spouses. More on 457(b) plans. Benefits Membership Has Its Privileges PARSE continually researches new benefit offerings which will bring value to our Members. Defined Benefit Plan Sample Domestic Relations Order, Appeals to the State Employees' Retirement Board Researching and considering all of your options well in advance of your retirement will give you the most time to make those important decisions, many of which cannot be changed later. Applications and any required documentation must be mailed to: Bureau of Veterans Homes Attn: Admissions Office Building S-0-47, Fort Indiantown Gap Annville, PA 17003-5002, Pennsylvania State Veterans' Home Admission Checklist Pennsylvania Veterans Homes Application Pennsylvania Veterans Homes Eligibility Requirements, Learn more about Pennsylvania State Veterans Homes. Estimate your future retirement benefit or the federal tax withholding from your current pension payments. Contact SERS with questions about your specific plan or fill out our contact form for general questions. USERRA clarifies pension plan coverage by making explicit that all pension plans are protected. Who is eligible for Pennsylvania State Employee Leave of Absence for Military Duty? Provides you with a voluntary supplemental investment
These amounts may vary by county. and assume the risk. Social Security Integration Coverage for SERS Members Eligibility for some benefits may depend on residency, military component and Veteran disability status. County Director of Veterans Affairs Directory, Learn more about the Pennsylvania County Burial Allowance, Pennsylvania County Grave Markers: A county grave marker is provided free of charge to deceased Veterans. Pennsylvania Amputee and Paralyzed Veteran Pension: Pennsylvania provides eligible Veterans who are amputees or paralyzed a pension of $150 per month. Retired teachers and school employees across our Commonwealth worked their entire lives and contributed so much to our communities and to our children only to struggle with the steady increases in cost-of-living since 2002, Muth, a member of the PSERS board of trustees, said.