HARRISBURG, Pa. (WTAJ) — A warning and reminder to Pennsylvania’s veterans: you don’t have to pay for assistance in applying for veterans’ benefits.

Federal and state law allows for accredited “Veteran Service Officers” to provide free advice and assistance to veterans and their beneficiaries in accessing those benefits.

But still, they say some out there are trying to take advantage of vets by charging them for assistance.

“You should never have to pay for that. So, please, come to the DMVA, go to your county director of Veterans’ Affairs, or use a federal VA specialist to access your benefits free of charge. 
There’s no need for you to go out to any other organization that might be trying to charge you for these benefits,” says Pennsylvania Adjutant General Major General Tony Carrelli. 

There are about 200 veteran service officers across the state that can provide free assistance.