Veterans in Pennsylvania and Maryland may qualify for expanded financial assistance and property tax relief following changes to state benefits programs in 2026.
Pennsylvania has revised eligibility rules and financial guidelines for five state veterans benefit programs, marking what the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs describes as its most extensive benefits update in 35 years.
The department announced the changes Nov. 3, ahead of Veterans Day. The new regulations broaden and clarify eligibility requirements, revise income limits and introduce cost-of-living expense allowances for programs that consider applicants’ financial needs.
Maryland also enacted legislation earlier this year expanding income eligibility for certain disabled veterans seeking property tax relief, although its changes differ from Pennsylvania’s broader regulatory overhaul.
Pennsylvania revises five veterans benefit programs
The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs said the updated regulations affect five state-administered programs:
- Disabled Veterans’ Real Estate Tax Exemption: Provides property tax relief to qualifying disabled veterans.
- Amputee and Paralyzed Veterans’ Pension: Provides financial assistance to eligible veterans with certain service-connected disabilities.
- Blind Veterans’ Pension: Offers financial assistance to qualifying veterans with service-connected vision loss.
- Veterans’ Temporary Assistance: Provides temporary financial support to eligible veterans and their families experiencing financial hardship.
- Educational Gratuity: Provides educational assistance to eligible children of qualifying veterans.
Maj. Gen. John Pippy, Pennsylvania’s adjutant general and head of the department, said the revisions are intended to improve access to benefits for the state’s nearly 650,000 veterans.
Pippy said the department will continue working with the General Assembly on constitutional and statutory changes that could further expand eligibility.
The regulations were issued Oct. 24, and updated application forms are available through the department’s state veterans benefits website.
Although the forms can be completed electronically, applicants must print and sign them before submitting them to their county veterans affairs office for processing. County offices can also schedule appointments to assist veterans with applications.
The department expects a secure online application system to become available in November or December. Until then, applicants should follow the existing submission procedures.
Veterans who currently receive benefits, along with those who previously did not qualify, are encouraged to request a review to determine whether the revised regulations affect their eligibility.
Benefits reviews and application assistance are available at no charge.
Maryland increases income limits for disabled veterans’ tax relief
Maryland lawmakers also approved changes to veterans benefits in 2026, including legislation expanding income eligibility for a property tax credit that local governments may offer to qualifying disabled veterans and surviving spouses.
House Bill 1611, signed into law May 26, increases the income threshold for the optional local property tax credit from $100,000 to $150,000 for individual tax filers and $300,000 for joint filers.
The revised limits apply to taxable years beginning after June 30, 2026.
Unlike Pennsylvania’s statewide regulatory changes, Maryland’s legislation affects a property tax credit that counties and municipalities may choose to authorize. The expanded income limits do not automatically establish or increase a tax credit in every jurisdiction.
Under the state law, qualifying veterans with service-connected disability ratings of at least 75% may receive a 50% local property tax credit, while those with ratings between 50% and 74% may receive a 25% credit, provided their local government has authorized the program and they meet other eligibility requirements.
Maryland also maintains a separate property tax exemption for qualifying veterans with permanent and total service-connected disabilities.
Washington County offers separate veterans tax credit
In Washington County, Maryland, qualifying veterans with service-connected disabilities may already receive property tax relief through an existing county program.
The county’s tax credit is available to eligible veterans with disability ratings ranging from 1% to 100%, with the credit calculated according to the veteran’s disability rating.
For example, a qualifying veteran with a 60% service-connected disability rating may receive a 60% credit against eligible county property taxes.
Certain surviving spouses may also qualify.
The Washington County program operates separately from the optional statewide-authorized credit affected by House Bill 1611. The state’s revised income thresholds should not be interpreted as automatically changing eligibility requirements for the county’s existing program.
Veterans seeking information about Washington County’s property tax credit can contact the county Treasurer’s Office at 301-791-0356.
Additional Maryland legislation expands eligibility
Maryland also approved Senate Bill 194 in 2026, updating provisions related to certain military tax benefits to include qualifying members and veterans of the U.S. Space Force.
The legislation addresses property tax benefits for disabled veterans, active-duty service members and surviving spouses, along with certain employment-related tax incentives.
The law took effect July 1, with property tax provisions applying to taxable years beginning after June 30, 2026.
Veterans encouraged to review available benefits
With Veterans Day approaching Nov. 11, veterans in both states are encouraged to review available programs and determine whether recent changes affect their eligibility.
Pennsylvania veterans can contact their county veterans affairs office or a certified veterans service officer for assistance with the revised benefit programs.
Maryland veterans can obtain information about property tax relief and other state benefits through the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families or their local county government.
Eligibility requirements vary by program and jurisdiction, and veterans should confirm the applicable guidelines before submitting applications.
