Persian Gulf Veterans Should Apply for One-Time Bonus, State Says

Pennsylvania veterans who served in the Persian Gulf conflicts Desert Shield or Desert Storm are eligible for a one-time bonus, according to the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

The one-time payment honors the service of those who served on active duty in the Persian Gulf from Aug. 2, 1990 to Aug. 31, 1991.

“Pennsylvania veterans of Desert Shield or Desert Storm are eligible for this bonus and with a little over one year until the program ends we are trying to spread the word,” said Brig. Gen. Jerry Beck, deputy adjutant general for veterans affairs. “I encourage everyone to share this information with friends or family members to help ensure that every Persian Gulf War veteran from Pennsylvania receives this well-deserved benefit.”

So far, more than 10,500 Persian Gulf veterans have applied for the one-time cash bonus program since the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs began accepting applications in 2008. 

The bonus pays $75 per month for qualifying, active-duty service members, up to a $525 maximum. For personnel who died through illness or injury received in the line of duty, there is an additional $5,000 available to the surviving family. Service members who were declared prisoners of war may also be eligible for an additional $5,000.

Individuals who received a bonus or similar compensation from any other state are not eligible for the Pennsylvania program. The deadline for applying for benefits under this program is Aug. 31, 2015. 

For detailed instructions on how to apply, visit www.persiangulfbonus.state.pa.us.