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Assistance and Benefits for Veteran Single Mothers in Pennsylvania

Assistance and Benefits for Veteran Single Mothers in Pennsylvania

Last updated: September 2025

This hub is built for veteran single mothers in Pennsylvania. It focuses on programs that are veteran-only or veteran‑priority (not general public aid). Every organization, program, or office below is linked so you can act fast.


If You Only Do 3 Things — Emergency Actions to Take

  • Call the 24/7 VA homeless line to stop an eviction or get rapid rent help — National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 1-877-424-3838. Ask for Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) rapid rehousing or prevention. Use the line and the VA homeless resource page to start same‑day triage from VA homeless coordinators and SSVF nonprofits in your county, including veteran‑focused providers. Italic links: National Call Center for Homeless Veterans, VA housing and homelessness programs. (va.gov)
  • Contact your county veterans office for one‑on‑one claims help, same‑day crisis referrals, and state veteran cash aid. Use the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) directory to book an appointment. Italic links: County Directors of Veterans Affairs — PA DMVA directory, Contact DMVA. (pa.gov)
  • Call the Women Veterans Call Center for fast navigation to maternity care coordination, mental health, Military Sexual Trauma (MST) care, and local Women Veterans Program Managers. Text or call 1-855-829-6636. Italic links: Women Veterans Call Center, Women Veterans Health. (womenshealth.va.gov)

Quick help box — keep these 5 contacts handy

What’s veteran‑specific for single moms in Pennsylvania

Your fastest lifelines in Pennsylvania sit inside the state’s Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) plus VA programs that prioritize veterans and their families. Start with the county veterans office, then pull in VA health, housing, and education benefits targeted to women and families.

What to do if this doesn’t work

Snapshot — Pennsylvania veteran cash, tax, and education supports

Program What it pays Who qualifies How to apply Typical timeline
Veterans Temporary Assistance (VTA) Up to $1,600 per 12 months for necessities (rent, fuel, food, clothing) PA resident veterans/beneficiaries; honorable conditions; need; documentation County Veterans Affairs office 7–30 days depending on county and documents
Military Family Relief Assistance Program (MFRAP) Up to $5,000 grant tied to service‑related hardship Guard/Reserve or active duty; includes up to 3 years post‑activation for Guard/Reserve Online PDF + County Veterans Affairs 2–4 weeks amid complete docs
Disabled Veterans’ Real Estate Tax Exemption 100% exemption on primary residence tax 100% SC (or IU) + wartime + need (presumed at ≤$114,637) County Veterans Affairs office County‑set; 30–90 days typical
Blind Veterans Pension $150/month PA resident at entry; qualifying vision loss; honorable discharge County Veterans Affairs office 30–60 days after verification
Amputee & Paralyzed Veterans Pension $150/month PA resident at entry; loss/use of two or more extremities; honorable discharge County Veterans Affairs office 30–60 days after verification
Educational Gratuity (children) $500/term up to 8 terms Child 16–23 of wartime veteran (100% SC or died in service) County Veterans Affairs office 2–6 weeks (paid to school)

Italic links: VTA, MFRAP, Real Estate Tax Exemption. (pa.gov)

How to get immediate housing help in Pennsylvania

Start with the 24/7 call and a same‑day referral. Call 1-877-424-3838 and say you’re a veteran parent at risk of losing housing or already homeless. Ask to be connected to Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) and a VA Homeless Coordinator in your nearest VA medical center. SSVF can pay arrears, deposits, short‑term rent, and some utilities; it also offers case management, childcare referrals, and shallow subsidies in some counties. Italic links: National Call Center for Homeless Veterans, SSVF and VA housing help. (va.gov)

If you need a long‑term voucher plus VA case management, ask the VA homeless team about HUD‑VASH (a joint HUD and VA program). Voucher supply is limited, but Pennsylvania PHAs regularly receive new allocations. Italic links: HUD‑VASH overview, HUD Pennsylvania office contacts. (hud.gov)

For safe counseling with privacy, you can also walk in or call a local Vet Center for confidential family and individual counseling, even if you’re not yet enrolled in VA health care. Italic links: Find a Vet Center, Center City Philadelphia Vet Center. (va.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work

How to stop a utility shutoff in Pennsylvania today

  • Call 1-877-424-3838 and request SSVF “homeless prevention” help to pay electric/gas arrears tied to housing stability. Ask your SSVF case manager to contact the utility company while authorizations are processed. Italic links: National Call Center for Homeless Veterans, SSVF details. (va.gov)
  • In Philadelphia, ask the Veterans Multi‑Service Center (VMC) about resource navigation and SSVF‑linked prevention for veteran families. In western counties, contact Veterans Leadership Program (VLP) for housing and prevention services. Italic links: Veterans Multi‑Service Center (VMC), Veterans Leadership Program (VLP). (vmcenter.org)
  • For medical‑related shutoff emergencies (e.g., oxygen), request a letter from your VA clinician confirming a life‑threatening impact and ask the utility for a medical hold while aid is arranged. Use the VA health benefits hotline for care navigation at 1-877-222-8387. Italic links: Helpful VA phone numbers, Find VA health facility. (va.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work

Health care and safety supports designed for women veterans

Get a navigator by phone today. The Women Veterans Call Center connects you to maternity care coordination, OB/GYN, contraception, breastfeeding support, pelvic floor therapy, and perinatal mental health; it also connects you to your facility’s Women Veterans Program Manager (WVPM). Call or text 1-855-829-6636. Italic links: Women Veterans Call Center, Women Veterans Health. (womenshealth.va.gov)

MST and intimate partner violence care without red tape. VA provides counseling and care for Military Sexual Trauma (MST) and has an Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program (IPVAP) at every VA health system. You do not need to be service‑connected to receive MST‑related care. Italic links: IPV Assistance Program, Women Veterans Call Center — safety planning support. (socialwork.va.gov)

Infertility, IVF, and adoption support. VA covers fertility evaluations and treatments for veterans using VA health care; VA has expanded in vitro fertilization (IVF) access to include unmarried and same‑sex veterans who meet clinical criteria, and in some cases the use of donor gametes/embryos. Adoption expense reimbursement is available for covered veterans with service‑connected infertility. Always confirm eligibility with your VA women’s health team. Italic links: VA fertility and family‑building, VA expands IVF access. (womenshealth.va.gov)

Dental options if you’re not VA‑dental‑eligible. The VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP) sells discounted dental plans nationwide through Delta Dental and MetLife to veterans enrolled in VA health care and to CHAMPVA families. Italic links: VADIP — VA overview, MetLife VADIP. (va.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work

  • Call WVCC again and ask for a case number and a callback from your facility’s Women Veterans Program Manager. If you need a different clinician or a trauma‑informed female provider for an exam, ask specifically for that. Italic links: Women Veterans Call Center, Find VA facility. (womenshealth.va.gov)

Monthly VA cash benefits and claims help that families rely on

Your disability compensation, survivor benefits, or pension are veteran‑only benefits that stabilize housing and child care budgets. Get free claims help from accredited County Veterans Affairs staff or service organizations (DAV, VFW, American Legion).

Free help filing

What to do if this doesn’t work

  • If you’re denied, request a review within the deadline and ask a VSO to add new and relevant evidence (nexus letters, DBQs). See the “If Your Application Gets Denied” section below. Italic links: Decision reviews overview, Find an accredited rep.

Education and job training with a housing boost

What to do if this doesn’t work

  • If school starts before benefits are finalized, ask your School Certifying Official about a VA “tuition protection” hold and the school’s emergency loan or voucher options. Also ask VR&E about Non‑Paid Work Experience (NPWE) or Special Employer Incentives that can add income during training. Italic links: VR&E eligibility and tracks, How to apply for VR&E. (va.gov)

Homeownership, adapting your home, and car grants

What to do if this doesn’t work

Travel and transportation money you might be missing

What to do if this doesn’t work

  • If you can’t get a ride and funds are tight, call your VA facility’s Beneficiary Travel office and ask about special mode travel (wheelchair van) if medically necessary; request a deductible waiver if you meet pension/low‑income rules. Italic links: VA travel pay — eligibility and waivers, MyVA411 routing. (va.gov)

Health & housing — quick reference tables

Health and family supports that matter to single moms

Need What to use Key contact Notes
Women’s health navigation Women Veterans Call Center 1-855-829-6636 Connects you to WVPM, maternity, contraception, mental health
IPV safety planning VA IPV Assistance Program WVCC or local IPVAP coordinator Works with community DV partners; confidential planning
MST counseling VA MST Care (through VHA/Vet Centers) WVCC or nearest Vet Center No service‑connection required
IVF & fertility VA fertility services + IVF expansion WVCC; local women’s health Confirm current clinic eligibility and donor policies
Dental coverage VADIP (Delta Dental, MetLife) Carrier enrollment portals Discounted private plans for enrolled veterans/CHAMPVA

Italic links: WVCC, IPVAP. (womenshealth.va.gov)

Housing and homelessness prevention options

Situation Program Where to start What it pays
Facing eviction or behind on utilities SSVF (prevention) 1-877-424-3838 Arrears, deposits, limited utilities, case management
Need a long‑term voucher with VA case management HUD‑VASH VA Homeless Coordinator Housing Choice Voucher + case management
Need transitional place now GPD VA Homeless Coordinator Short‑term transitional housing
Own home but need tax relief PA RETX County Veterans Affairs Local property tax exemption if eligible

Italic links: VA housing resources, HUD‑VASH. (va.gov)

Local organizations, charities, and support networks

What to do if this doesn’t work

  • Call MyVA411 (1-800-698-2411) and ask for a warm transfer to the nearest VA social work team; then ask for community care or Vet Center referrals near your zip code. Italic links: Helpful VA phone numbers, MyVA411 explainer. (va.gov)

Resources by region — where to start

Region First contact Backup resource
Philadelphia & suburbs Veterans Multi‑Service Center Philadelphia Veterans Advisory Commission
Pittsburgh & Allegheny County Veterans Leadership Program Allegheny County Veterans Services
Lehigh Valley & northeast (Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, Scranton/Wilkes‑Barre) County Veterans Affairs directory Find VA locations (clinics & Vet Centers)
Harrisburg/Lancaster/York Volunteers of America SSVF (Harrisburg region) County Veterans Affairs directory
Erie & northwest DAV Vans/VA Erie transportation Find VA locations

Italic links: VMC, VLP. (vmcenter.org)

Diverse Communities — tailored notes and links

LGBTQ+ single mothers: Access women’s health and mental health services without discrimination, including fertility care and the 2024 expansion of IVF eligibility for unmarried and same‑sex veterans who meet criteria. Ask WVCC to connect you with your facility’s LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinator as well. Italic links: VA expands IVF access, Women Veterans Call Center. (news.va.gov)

Single mothers with disabilities or caring for disabled children: Apply for VA Beneficiary Travel for clinic trips, ask for respite through the Caregiver Support Program, and explore SAH/SHA home modifications for accessibility. Italic links: Caregiver Support Program, Disability Housing Grants. (caregiver.va.gov)

Veteran single mothers experiencing domestic violence: Safety comes first. Call WVCC and ask for IPVAP; also call the National DV Hotline and connect with PCADV for local shelter and legal help (PFA orders). Ask your provider about confidential address protections. Italic links: IPV Assistance Program, PCADV — find help. (socialwork.va.gov)

Immigrant/refugee single moms who are veterans or spouses: Use MyVA411 for interpreter access and ask your VA facility to arrange language interpretation for appointments and benefits. Vet Centers also coordinate interpreters on request. Italic links: Helpful VA phone numbers (interpreter option), Find VA locations. (va.gov)

Tribal‑affiliated veterans: Ask your VA facility to connect you with the VA Office of Tribal Government Relations and check if SAH/SHA can be paired with the Native American Direct Loan (NADL) if relevant to land status. Italic links: VA Home Loans — NADL, Disability Housing Grants. (benefits.va.gov)

Rural single moms with limited access: Use DAV vans where available and file mileage‑only travel claims in the VA Health & Benefits mobile app; request telehealth for mental health and OB/GYN follow‑ups. Italic links: VA travel reimbursement — mileage, DAV transportation (Pittsburgh example). (va.gov)

Single fathers and caregivers in veteran households: Many programs above serve any veteran parent; call the Caregiver Support Line for caregiver training and respite regardless of gender. Italic links: Caregiver Support Line, Caregiver program benefits. (caregiver.va.gov)

Language access and accessibility: Request large‑print forms and TTY via 711; use MyVA411 for live interpreter routing. Italic links: Helpful VA phone numbers — TTY 711, MyVA411. (va.gov)

County‑specific variations you should know

Common mistakes to avoid

Reality check — delays, denials, and funding gaps

Funding for SSVF and HUD‑VASH is finite, and county tax exemption reviews can take weeks. VA claims processing times fluctuate with volume, but plan for 3–5 months on an initial disability claim and about 3–4 months for a standard decision review when evidence is straightforward. Build a bridge plan: ask your County Director to file state aid (VTA) while you wait and to set up travel pay direct deposit to offset clinic trip costs. Italic links: What happens after you file a claim, VA travel pay. (va.gov)

Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

  • MyVA411 — 1-800-698-2411 for routing and language interpreters.
  • VA homeless line — 1-877-424-3838 to trigger SSVF/HUD‑VASH referrals.
  • Women Veterans Call Center — 1-855-829-6636 for women’s health navigation.
  • Caregiver Support Line — 1-855-260-3274 for PCAFC help and respite.
  • County Veterans Affairs — use the directory to book benefits help.

Italic links: Helpful VA phone numbers, County Directors directory. (va.gov)

Application Checklist — screenshot or print and check off

  • DD214 or equivalent separation papers
  • VA rating decision letters (if any) and current VA rating screen
  • Proof of Pennsylvania residency (driver’s license, utility bill)
  • Income documentation requested by county/DMVA (benefits letters, pay stubs) — note: for RETX and Educational Gratuity, veterans’ benefits have special handling in need tests; ask your County Director
  • Lease/mortgage statement and utility shutoff/arrears notices (for SSVF prevention)
  • Birth certificates for children; custody/guardianship papers if applicable
  • Medical records and nexus statements for VA claims; DBQs if available
  • Direct deposit info for VA benefits and travel pay

Italic links: County Directors directory, How to file travel pay online. (pa.gov)

If your application gets denied

Location‑specific help examples

Philadelphia utility shutoff help for veterans: Call the VA homeless line for SSVF prevention; ask to be referred to a Philadelphia SSVF grantee and contact the Veterans Multi‑Service Center for navigation and documentation help. Italic links: National Call Center for Homeless Veterans, Veterans Multi‑Service Center. (va.gov)

Pittsburgh rent help for veterans: Call 1‑877‑424‑3838 and request SSVF for Allegheny County; also contact Veterans Leadership Program for housing stability services while the VA referral is processed. Italic links: National Call Center for Homeless Veterans, Veterans Leadership Program. (va.gov)

Ten Pennsylvania‑specific FAQs for veteran single moms

How fast can SSVF pay my back rent in Pennsylvania
SSVF timelines vary by provider and documents. With eviction paperwork and income verification, many approvals happen within 5–10 business days; same‑week hotel or deposit approvals can occur in emergencies. Always call 1‑877‑424‑3838 first to start the referral and ask for “homelessness prevention.” Italic links: VA homeless line, SSVF info. (va.gov)

I was denied the PA property tax exemption in 2023 for income — should I reapply
Yes. As of Aug 16, 2024, veterans’ benefits are excluded from the income assessment, and the presumptive need level rose to $114,637 on Jan 1, 2025. Reapply through your County Veterans Affairs office. Italic links: RETX program, RETX update. (pa.gov)

Can I get dental coverage if I’m not eligible for VA dental care
Yes. Enroll in VADIP through Delta Dental or MetLife. Plans are statewide with veteran/CHAMPVA eligibility. Italic links: VADIP — VA, MetLife VADIP. (va.gov)

What’s the average VA claim wait right now
VA publishes live tracking; in August 2025 the average to complete disability‑related claims was about 94.8 days. Decision reviews target ~125 days. Check your claim status in your VA account. Italic links: After you file — live average days, Decision review goals. (va.gov)

Can VR&E help if I’m juggling school, work, and childcare
Yes. VR&E can fund training/tuition, coordinate with schools on scheduling, and pay a subsistence allowance that increases with dependents. Italic links: VR&E overview, VR&E subsistence rates FY25. (va.gov)

Does Pennsylvania help my kids with college if I’m 100% service‑connected
Potentially yes. The Educational Gratuity pays $500 per term for eligible children 16–23 at Pennsylvania schools. Contact your County Veterans Affairs office. Italic links: Educational Gratuity Program, County Directors directory. (pa.gov)

How do I get mileage money for hospital trips
File travel pay online within 30 days. You’ll get $0.415/mile minus a small deductible (waived in some cases). Italic links: Travel reimbursement rates, File travel pay online. (va.gov)

Can VA help with childcare during VA appointments
VA is rolling out child‑care assistance centers and contracts under federal authority (with availability varying by facility and year). Ask your local VA social work or women’s health team if a child‑care assistance option is active at your site, and request appointment‑time flexibility when needed. Italic links: Women Veterans Health — resources, MyVA411 for routing. (womenshealth.va.gov)

Who can help me in Philadelphia City Hall
Call the Veterans Advisory Commission at 215‑686‑3256 for local navigation. Italic links: Philadelphia Veterans Advisory Commission, About the Office of Philadelphia Veteran Affairs. (phlcouncil.com)

Where do I start if I have no idea which benefit fits
Call MyVA411 (1-800-698-2411) 24/7 and ask for a benefits and health “warm transfer,” then call your County Veterans Affairs office to file the state programs. Italic links: Helpful VA phone numbers, County Directors directory. (va.gov)

Español — Resumen corto para madres veteranas en Pensilvania

Esta sección es un resumen en español de los pasos clave. Traducción producida con herramientas de IA; verifique detalles con la oficina local.

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team.

This guide uses official sources including:

Last verified September 2025, next review April January 2026.

Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur — email info@asinglemother.org with corrections and we respond within 72 hours.

Disclaimer

This guide is informational and not legal or medical advice. Benefit amounts, eligibility, and availability change with funding and law. Always confirm current rules with the program office before you apply. Where timelines are shown, they are typical ranges, not guarantees. Call to confirm current availability before applying; county and federal processing can change without notice.

Learn more:

  1. https://www.va.gov/homeless/nationalcallcenter.asp/
  2. County Director of Veterans Affairs
  3. Women Veterans Call Center – Women Veterans Health Care
  4. Helpful VA Phone Numbers | Veterans Affairs
  5. VA’s National Caregiver Support Line (CSL) – VA Caregiver Support Program
  6. Women Veterans Call Center – Women Veterans Health Care
  7. Contact | Department of Military and Veterans Affairs | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
  8. Get Domestic Violence Support | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
  9. Veterans Temporary Assistance | Department of Military and Veterans Affairs | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
  10. Apply for Military Family Relief Assistance | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
  11. Real Estate Tax Exemption | Department of Military and Veterans Affairs | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
  12. Blind Veterans Pension | Department of Military and Veterans Affairs | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
  13. Educational Gratuity Program | Department of Military and Veterans Affairs | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
  14. HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) | HUD.gov / U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
  15. Center City Philadelphia Vet Center | Veterans Affairs
  16. https://www.va.gov/homeless/housingresources/
  17. I am a Veteran – VMC
  18. Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program (IPVAP) – VHA Social Work
  19. VA Fertility & Family-building Services – Women Veterans Health Care
  20. VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP) | Veterans Affairs
  21. The VA Claim Process After You File Your Claim | Veterans Affairs
  22. Supplemental Claims | Veterans Affairs
  23. VA Claim Exam (C&P Exam) | Veterans Affairs
  24. Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) Rates | Veterans Affairs
  25. Veteran Readiness And Employment (Chapter 31) | Veterans Affairs
  26. Find Veteran Employment Services with PA CareerLink® | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
  27. Eligibility For Veteran Readiness And Employment | Veterans Affairs
  28. Eligibility For VA Home Loan Programs | Veterans Affairs
  29. Disability Housing Grants For Veterans | Veterans Affairs
  30. Automobile Allowance – Compensation
  31. Reimbursed VA Travel Expenses And Mileage Rate | Veterans Affairs
  32. DAV Vans: Transportation For Veterans | VA Pittsburgh Health Care | Veterans Affairs
  33. Veterans Leadership Program of Western PA – Veterans Leadership Program
  34. VA expands in vitro fertilization for Veterans – VA News
  35. VA Caregiver Support Program Home
  36. VA Home Loans
  37. County Benefits – Allegheny County, PA
  38. TWS June 2025 Full Length Articles | Department of Military and Veterans Affairs | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
  39. Higher-Level Reviews | Veterans Affairs
  40. Women Veterans Health Care Home
  41. Contact the Philadelphia Office of Veterans Affairs – Philadelphia City Council

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