HARRISBURG – The Senate approved a bill today to increase pensions for the Blind Veterans Pension Program and the Amputee and Paralyzed Veterans Pension Program, according to the bill’s sponsor, Senator Judy Ward (R-30).
The pension programs serve Pennsylvania veterans who suffered service-connected injuries or diseases that resulted in loss of vision, paralysis, or the loss of two or more extremities. Under the programs, recipients are eligible for a monthly pension payment of $150.
Senate Bill 276 would increase these pension payments to $180.
The two programs served more than 2,000 Pennsylvania veterans in 2018. The last pension increase for the programs was in 1999.
The issue was brought to Ward’s attention by a local Vietnam veteran and amputee.
“I believe that a modest increase is the least we could do for our veterans who have served and sacrificed so much for our great country,” Ward said. “My special thanks goes out to all of our local veterans for their service to our nation.”
Senate Bill 276 was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.
CONTACT: Cheryl Schriner (717) 787-5490