ANNVILLE, PA — Pennsylvanians filing their 2025 state income tax returns can choose to donate part or all of their refund to two state-run funds that provide emergency financial assistance to military members, veterans, and their families.
What This Means for You
- Taxpayers can designate any portion of their 2025 state refund to the Military Family Relief Assistance Fund or Veterans’ Trust Fund.
- One hundred percent of donated funds go directly to eligible recipients.
- Donations can also be made year-round by mail or online.
How the Donation Option Works
The Military Family Relief Assistance Fund and the Veterans’ Trust Fund are administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Taxpayers can contribute through the 2025 Pennsylvania Personal Income Tax Return by following instructions in the PA-40 IN form.
Maj. Gen. John Pippy, Pennsylvania’s adjutant general and head of the department, said donations support grant programs that help service members and veterans during financial emergencies.
“These contributions are vital, as they ensure that people who have sacrificed so much for our country can access critical support when unexpected hardships arise,” Pippy said.
Military Family Relief Assistance Program
One of the funds supported by tax refund donations is the Military Family Relief Assistance Program, known as MFRAP. The program provides grants to Pennsylvania service members and their families who face direct and immediate financial hardship caused by circumstances beyond their control.
Examples provided by the department include:
- A service member on overseas active duty whose home suffered major fire damage. A $5,000 grant was approved to help cover temporary living expenses while the family awaited an insurance determination.
- A service member facing uncovered medical expenses. A $5,000 grant was approved to offset costs not paid by insurance.
- A family that required major sewer repairs while the service member was deployed. A $5,000 grant was issued for repair expenses.
- A service member who went unpaid for more than eight months due to a clerical error during a military pay system transition. A $5,000 grant was approved to help cover overdue bills.
Eligible applicants include Pennsylvania residents serving on federal or state active duty for 30 or more consecutive days in branches including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Space Force, and the Pennsylvania National Guard. Members discharged for medical reasons may apply for up to four years after discharge. Reserve and National Guard members may qualify for up to three years following release from qualifying active duty.
Applicants must demonstrate a direct and immediate financial need.
Funding History and Additional Giving Options
Since MFRAP began in 2006, more than $2.25 million has been donated through private contributions and tax return designations. As of 2026, more than $1.1 million has been distributed in grants to eligible service members and families.
In addition to using the state income tax form, individuals may donate directly by mailing a check to DMVA-MFRAP, Lickdale Veterans’ Outreach Center, 40 Fisher Avenue, Jonestown, PA 17038, or by donating online at www.pa.gov/dmva/donate. Donations are tax deductible to the extent permitted under federal law.
State officials said all tax refund donations are directed entirely to beneficiaries of the two trust funds.
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