Pennsylvania Act 2024-27 — MILITARY AND VETERANS CODE (51 PA.C.S.) - EXCLUSION OF VETERANS' BENEFIT PAYMENTS FROM INCOME FOR COMMONWEALTH PROGRAMS

Act text

Session of 2024

No. 2024-27

SB 126

AN ACT

Amending Title 51 (Military Affairs) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for the exclusion of veterans' benefit payments from income for Commonwealth programs.

The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania hereby enacts as follows:

Section 1. Title 51 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes is amended by adding a chapter to read:

CHAPTER 99

VETERANS' BENEFIT PAYMENT EXCLUSION

Sec.

9901. Definitions.

9902. Exclusion.

§ 9901. Definitions.

The following words and phrases when used in this chapter shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Commonwealth program." A program administered by the Commonwealth that requires, as a condition for eligibility, the inclusion of an individual's income. The term does not include a federally funded program that requires a state to meet Federal criteria.

"Veteran." An individual who served in the United States Armed Forces, including a reserve component or National Guard, and who was discharged or released from that service under conditions other than dishonorable.

"Veterans' benefit payment." Compensation or payment received by a veteran that is directly related to or the result of the veteran's service-connected disability as determined by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or benefits provided to a veteran by a Commonwealth agency or authorized under the laws of this Commonwealth.

§ 9902. Exclusion.

(a) Income exclusion.--One hundred percent of a veterans' benefit payment may not be included as income for any Commonwealth program.

(b) Resources.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, unspent veterans' benefit payments may not be considered a resource in determining eligibility for a Commonwealth program under section 432.5 of the act of June 13, 1967 (P.L.31, No.21), known as the Human Services Code.

(c) Extension to spouses.--The exclusion under subsection (a) shall apply to an unmarried surviving spouse upon the death of a veteran for any compensation or payment the unmarried surviving spouse is entitled to receive.

Section 2. This act shall take effect in 60 days.

APPROVED--The 17th day of June, A.D. 2024.

JOSH SHAPIRO