Office of Veterans Affairs

OFFICE HOURS 

 Scheduled appointments only
Monday through Friday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

OFFICE LOCATION

Suite 104, Executive Plaza Building
330 Pine Street, Williamsport, PA 17701
(located behind the County Courthouse, 48 West Third Street)

Metered parking is available on Pine, Court,
Third and Fourth streets or the parking decks on Third Street.

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Am I contacting the right office?

Each county in Pennsylvania provides services to their veterans. Application procedures and funding vary, therefore applicants need to seek assistance through their county of residence. If you are not a resident of Lycoming County, please refer to the PA Directory of County Veterans Affairs Directors, which lists the location and phone number of each county’s offices. The director in your county will be able to help you.

Am I eligible for benefits?

Veterans of the United States Armed Forces may be eligible for a broad range of programs and services provided by the federal Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These benefits are legislated in Title 38 of the United States Code

Eligibility for most VA benefits is based upon discharge from active military service under other than dishonorable conditions. For a review of county, state, and federal benefits and services, please refer to the links provided above.

Certain VA benefits require wartime service. Under the law, the VA recognizes these war periods:

DATES OF WARTIME SERVICE:

• War on Terrorism: September 11, 2001 to present (or the cessation of hostilities as determined by U.S. Government including Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom).
• Persian Gulf War: August 2, 1990 to September 10, 2001.
• Vietnam War: August 5, 1964 to May 7, 1975.
• In Country (Vietnam): February 28, 1961 to August 4, 1964.
• Korean War: June 27, 1950 to January 31, 1955.
• World War II: December 7, 1941 to December 31, 1946.

What benefits are available?

For a review of County Veterans Benefits, State Veterans Benefits, and Federal Veterans Benefits, please refer to the appropriate links.

What documents do I need?

Those seeking a VA benefit for the first time must submit the original or certified copy of their service discharge form (DD-214, DD-215, or for WWII veterans, a WD form), which documents service dates and type of discharge, or give their full name, military service number, and branch and dates of service.

Figure #1 (below) is the type of discharge required. If you cannot locate your discharge form, or you have not registered it at your county courthouse Register and Recorders office, you may request one online at http://www.archives.gov/veterans/evetrecs/index.html, or contact our office for assistance.

Figure #1

Figure #2 (below) is not acceptable as proof of your military service.

Figure #2

Additionally, the following documents will be needed to process a pension claim:

_____  Source and exact amount of all income for the past 12 months

_____  Social Security Statement (SSA 1099)

_____  Documentation of all paid unreimbursed medical expenses

_____  Date of birth, date of marriage, social security numbers for spouse

_____  Original or good copy of marriage license if married or widow

_____  Death certificate of veteran if claimant is widow or widower of veteran

_____  Divorce decree(s) if veteran/claimant is divorced

_____  If family member, document that confirms POA status