County Benefits
The Department of Veterans' Services
extends various benefits and services to
honorably discharged, wartime veterans
or their widows. |
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Dates of Wartime Service
Persian Gulf
August 2, 1990 to cessation of hostilities as determined by U. S. Government including Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom
Viet Nam War
August 5, 1964 to May 7, 1975
In Country
February 28, 1961 to May 7, 1975
Korean War
June 27, 1950 to January 31, 1955
World War II
December 7, 1941 to December 31, 1946
World War I
April 6, 1917 to November 11, 1918
Extend to April 1, 1920 for those veterans who served in Russia; also extended thru July 1, 1921 for those veterans who served after November 11, 1918 provided that those veterans had at least one day service between April 5, 1917 and November 11, 1918.
Burial Allowance
A burial benefit of $100.00 is payable towards the funeral expense of an honorably discharged wartime veteran. The veteran must be a legal resident of Allegheny County at the time of his death. The widow is entitled to a $100.00 burial benefit provided she was an Allegheny County resident.
Burial Plots
Free burial plots for indigent veterans of wartime service are available at Restland Memorial Park, Monroeville, PA. There are no cemetery costs involved for eligible veterans. Burial plots are not available for veterans' widows.
Arrangements for burial permit must be made by the funeral director, who certifies that sufficient funds are not available with which to bury the veteran. Burial permits are obtained at the Department of Veterans' Services.
Veterans, their spouse and severely disabled children are entitled to be buried at 
The National Cemetery of The Alleghenies. Arrangements to be made through their Funeral Director.
Headstones and Installation Allowances
A free Federal government headstone or grave marker is available for the unmarked grave of a deceased veteran. This benefit is also available for peacetime veterans and former service personnel whose remains were uncovered.
Allegheny County will pay up to $50.00 for the foundation and installation of the Federal headstone or grave marker. The difference, if any, is the responsibility of the applicant. The $50.00 allowance is payable for wartime veterans only. The $50.00 allowance is not payable commercially purchased materials.
Flags and Emblem Markers (Flag Holders)
Allegheny County provides flags and emblem markers for Memorial Day observances. The flags and emblem markers are to be used for the decoration of deceased veterans' graves.
Recording of Discharges
It is recommended that all discharged service persons record their discharges with the Allegheny County Department of Real Estate, 1st floor, County Office Building. This service is provided free of charge to all veterans. The discharge will be permanently recorded and certified copies can be obtained at any time by calling 412-350-4299.