Expanded Access to Free Birth and Death Certificates for Pennsylvania Veterans and Families
As of Dec. 30, 2024, more veterans and their families in Pennsylvania are eligible for free birth and death certificates, thanks to changes under Act 137 of 2024. This bipartisan legislation, signed by Governor Josh Shapiro in Oct. 2024, expands the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s (DOH) veteran fee waiver program.
Previously, the waiver only applied to active military members and honorably discharged veterans. Act 137 broadens eligibility to include veterans discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, covering more military service classifications.
Under the new law, eligible veterans can receive up to 10 free copies of birth and death certificates, waiving the usual $20 per copy fee. This benefit also extends to spouses, widows or widowers, and dependent children of qualifying veterans.
To qualify, applicants must submit documentation verifying military status. It’s important to note that orders placed before Dec. 30, 2024, will follow the old guidelines, and no refunds will be provided for fees paid prior to this date.
In 2024, the DOH issued over 362,000 birth and death certificates to Pennsylvania residents. This legislative update aims to ease administrative burdens for veterans and their families during significant life events.
For more information on eligibility and application processes, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Health website.
Marywood University Offers 100% Tuition Coverage to Pennsylvania National Guard
Marywood University is now offering eligible Pennsylvania National Guard (PNG) students and families 100% tuition coverage. This opportunity is made possible through the Educational Assistance Program (EAP) and the Military Family Education Program (MFEP), both designed to help military-connected students achieve their academic goals.
To ensure full coverage, Marywood has discounted its normal tuition to align with Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) rates, allowing eligible students to have their tuition fully covered by EAP and MFEP.
Eligible EAP and MFEP students must:
Commit to a six-year service obligation with the PNG
Maintain active membership in the PNG
Enroll in an approved degree program
Submit all required paperwork through their National Guard unit
Complete an annual Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and Pennsylvania State Grant Application
While the EAP covers tuition costs as determined by PASSHE, it does not cover all fees. However, it provides substantial financial support for Guard members pursuing higher education.
The Military Family Education Program extends similar benefits to the spouses and children of Guard members who commit to an additional six years of service. This program covers tuition and a portion of technology fees, offering essential support to military families. For more information, visit marywood.edu/veterans or contact April Paciotti at adpaciotti@marywood.edu
Legislation to Streamline Veterans Claims Process
Congressman Rob Bresnahan (PA-08) has introduced new legislation to simplify and expedite the veterans’ claims process. Recognizing the bureaucratic hurdles veterans face when seeking benefits, this bill seeks to reduce delays and enhance accessibility for those who have served.
The legislation focuses on cutting down the paperwork and processing time by modernizing the claims system. It introduces a streamlined approach that minimizes redundant documentation and ensures quicker determinations. Additionally, it enhances coordination between the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other federal agencies to improve information sharing and verification processes.
A key feature of the bill is the implementation of a digital claims submission system that allows veterans to track their applications in real-time. The system is designed to provide greater transparency and reduce the chances of claims being lost or unnecessarily delayed. Furthermore, the bill mandates additional training for VA claims processors to ensure accurate and timely reviews of applications.
Congressman Bresnahan emphasized that this initiative is a response to widespread concerns from veterans about prolonged processing times and inconsistencies in benefits decisions. By making the system more efficient, the bill aims to ensure that veterans receive the benefits they deserve without undue hardship.
The proposed legislation has gained bipartisan support, with veteran advocacy groups praising its potential to create a fairer and more efficient claims process. If passed, it would represent a significant step forward in improving the VA’s ability to serve those who have sacrificed for the country.