HARRISBURG – Legislation increasing the monthly pension amounts for blind, amputee and paralyzed veterans was passed unanimously today by the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, according to Sen. Devlin Robinson (R-37), who is one of the prime sponsors of the bill.
Under current law, Pennsylvania veterans who suffered service-related injuries or diseases that resulted in loss of vision, paralysis or the loss of two or more extremities are eligible to receive a pension of $150 per month. Senate Bill 189 would increase this pension payment to $200 per month for the Blind Veterans Pension Program and the Amputee and Paralyzed Veterans Pension Program.
“These two vital veterans’ pension programs have not received an increase since 1999,” Robinson said. “This monthly adjustment is the least we can do for our veterans who have served and sacrificed for our country. I am proud to sponsor this legislation with my colleague, Sen. Judy Ward, and will continue to advocate for fellow Pennsylvania veterans.”
As of Nov. 17, 2022, the Blind Veterans Pension Program benefited 100 individuals, while the Amputee and Paralyzed Veterans Pension Program served 2,162 individuals.
“Even though they have left active duty, our blind, paralyzed and amputee veterans continue to face tremendous challenges,” said Sen. Judy Ward. “While we can never repay them for the sacrifices they made, my hope is that it will provide needed assistance during these tough economic times.”
The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.
CONTACT: Jeff King (Robinson)