Harrisburg, PA – Individuals filing their 2011 Pennsylvania personal income taxes can help the state’s military personnel and their families by donating part or all of their refund to the Military Family Relief Assistance Program, Rep. Rosemary M. Brown (R-Monroe/Pike) announced today.
The program provides grants of up to $3,500 to Pennsylvania members of the armed forces and their families who have a direct and immediate financial need as a result of military service. The tax form includes instructions on how to donate.
The grants have helped service members cover mortgage, utility, medical and other associated cost-of-living expenses. Since the program began in 2006, nearly $1 million has been donated by individuals filing their Pennsylvania personal income tax returns.
Members of the armed forces who are residents of Pennsylvania are eligible to apply for assistance while they are serving on active duty for 30 or more consecutive days with the Army; Army Reserve; Navy; Navy Reserve; Air Force; Air Force Reserve; Marine Corps; Marine Corps Reserve; Coast Guard; Coast Guard Reserve; or the Pennsylvania Army or Air National Guard.
In addition, reserve component service members, including those in the Pennsylvania National Guard, and their families may be eligible for a grant for a period of up to one year after release from a qualifying tour of active duty. Certain family members of eligible servicemen and women who are Pennsylvania residents are also eligible to apply if applicants show their need for assistance is directly related to active military service.
For more information about this program, visit RepBrown.com.
