Retiree Information
Learn how PNGAS supports Pennsylvania National Guard retirees with advocacy, benefits, and community connection after service.
Retirement from the Pennsylvania National Guard is a transition — not an exit. PNGAS provides a continuing professional and advocacy home for retirees, who retain voting rights, leadership opportunities, and committee seats. Retirees play a critical role mentoring junior Guardsmen, supporting families, and shaping policy.
Mission & Vision
Mission: To support, advocate for, and strengthen the Pennsylvania National Guard and its members, veterans, and families through professional development, legislative action, and community partnership.
Vision: A ready, resilient, and respected Pennsylvania National Guard — fully supported by engaged leaders, informed advocacy, and enduring partnerships for generations to come.
Your Voice Still Matters
PNGAS advocates on behalf of retirees at both the state and federal levels. Key retiree-relevant priorities include:
- State legislation — PA Title 51, tax relief, education benefits, and family programs
- Federal Guard issues via NGAUS and EANGUS
- TRICARE and gray-area retiree healthcare
- Cost-of-living adjustments (COLA)
- Survivor benefits and spouse protections
Protecting Your Family After Service
Your family doesn't lose institutional support when you retire. PNGAS and DMVA work together to ensure continuity of benefits and resources:
- Continued access to SSLI coverage at the same cost and benefit level through PNGAS
- Education advocacy — ACT 32 / Military Family Education Program (MFEP) continuity
- DMVA family resources, crisis support, and survivor assistance
- Networking for spouses — career transitions, education, and peer support
Benefits Retirees Commonly Miss
The top things retirees say they wish they had known earlier:
- Property tax relief exists — but many apply too late to maximize benefits
- County Veterans Service Officer (VSO) assistance is free and accredited
- Retired Guard pay is Pennsylvania income tax exempt
- Benefits change with new legislation — PNGAS acts as an early-warning system for updates
- Many retirees lose connection to the Guard community unnecessarily — PNGAS bridges that gap
Ways to Stay Involved — On Your Terms
PNGAS is not asking you to come back on orders — just to stay connected in a way that fits your life. Options include:
- Receive legislative and benefits updates
- Attend one or two events per year
- Mentor a junior Officer or NCO
- Serve on a short-term committee
- Advocate during key legislative windows
Active Legislation — 2025–2026 PA Session
The following bills are pending or active in the current Pennsylvania legislative session and would modify or enhance existing veteran provisions in state law:
- HB 799 — Requires workplace posting of veterans' benefits and services
- SB 809 / SB 407 — Amend definitions and administration of the Disabled Veterans' Real Estate Tax Exemption
- HB 1119 / HB 1578 — Further provisions for Real Estate Tax Exemption duties
- HB 512 — Amends Veterans' Temporary Assistance benefits
- HB 471 — Grants amendment for Veterans' Service Officer programs
- HB 1452 — Enhances provisions for the Veterans Registry and PA VETConnect programs
- HB 1264 — Establishes the Service Members, Veterans, and their Families Fund
- SB 870 — Amends Title 51 educational assistance provisions, including Military Family Education Program eligibility
- SB 654 — Establishes the Veterans Mental Health Services Program
- SB 146 — Veterans' Trust Fund Funding Expansion for statewide charitable organizations serving veterans and families
Federal Laws That Still Matter to PA Retirees
- PACT Act — Expands health care and disability benefits for veterans with toxic exposure
- Post-9/11 GI Bill — Federal educational assistance for veterans and eligible dependents
Before You Retire — Three Steps
- Join PNGAS as a Life Member at pngas.org
- Connect with your County Director of Veterans Affairs
- Sign up for DMVA updates at pa.gov/agencies/dmva so you never miss a benefit change
Connect With Us
PNGAS Website: https://pngas.org
PNGAS Email: pngas@pngas.org
DMVA Website: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dmva