On Episode 18 of Untold Valor, Marine Corps veteran Brian Natali joins the show again to shed light on some of the essential services available to veterans.

Tune in as Brian dives into the intricacies of real estate tax exemptions, explaining who qualifies, the impact it can have, and how to apply. Plus, discover the Veterans Temporary Assistance program, offering up to $1,600 to assist with daily living or emergencies and how additional funding can be accessed, for those who qualify, through the MFRAP resource.

You’ll learn the best ways to access these programs, including the importance of working with an accredited veteran service officer.

Highlights of this episode:

3:30 – Real estate tax exemptions for veterans. Who is eligible? What’s the impact? How to apply… Brian tackles some of the nuances of one of the most common questions he gets at the VA.

10:00 – Veterans Temporary Assistance. Up to $1,600 is granted to a veteran to help with the needs of daily living or in times of emergency.

12:30 – The Military Family Relief Assistance Program is a similar program that can provide additional funds for special needs a veteran might have. Eligibility is a bit more restrictive but is another resource veterans should be aware of.

15:50 – Best ways to apply for these programs. Make sure you work with an accredited veteran service officer. You should not be charged for services.

16:50 – Brian highlights some other neat services and benefits for veterans to illustrate the broad scope of help that’s available.

More About Brian Natali:

Brian served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1989 to 1995. While in the Marines, Brian served as an engineer equipment mechanic with Marine Wing Communications Squadron – 28 and Marine Barracks Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. In 1995 after being honorably discharged from the Marines, Brian returned to civilian life as a Diesel Mechanic for a major Peterbilt and International truck dealership until 2009.

In 2009 Brian became a Veterans Service Officer for the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. In 2011 Brian was promoted to his current position of Chief of the Division of Veterans Services and Programs. Brian is responsible for the department’s six veterans’ programs, two grant programs, the Pa Veterans Memorial, and daily coordination with all 67 County Directors of Veterans Affairs and three field offices.

Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (Pennsylvania): https://www.dmva.pa.gov/Veterans/Pages/default.aspx

Resources:

Need immediate help? Contact the Veterans Crisis Line via phone, text, or online chat. Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 or use the online chat at https://bit.ly/3OunXzg

Voice & Vision: https://bit.ly/3miwFoy

CompeerCORPS: https://bit.ly/3GgKryU

Information on how to apply for VA Healthcare Benefits from anywhere in the USA: https://bit.ly/40PtrrN or call 877-222-8387 (M-F 8am-8pm EST)

To apply for veteran’s benefits and find resources in Pennsylvania veterans need to contact their County Office of Veterans Affairs as listed in this document: https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS

View more about PA’s resources for veterans: https://bit.ly/416cf0Q

Financial support for Untold Valor is provided by a Veterans’ Trust Fund grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.