Individuals filing their 2020 Pennsylvania personal income taxes can help Pennsylvania's military personnel and their families by donating any amount of their refund to the state's Military Family Relief Assistance Program (MFRAP). The program, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), provides grants of up to $3,500 to members of the armed forces and their families who are residents of Pennsylvania and have a direct and immediate financial need as a result of circumstances beyond their control. The tax form includes instructions on how to donate.

Since the program began in 2006, more than $1.94 million has been donated by individuals filing their Pennsylvania personal income tax returns and through private donations. Members of the armed forces who are residents of Pennsylvania are eligible to apply for assistance while they are serving on active duty for 30 or more consecutive days with the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard; one of the five corresponding Reserves; or the Pennsylvania Army National Guard or Air National Guard.

All members of the armed forces who were discharged for medical reasons are also eligible to apply for assistance for up to four years after a medical discharge. In addition, reserve component service members, including Pennsylvania National Guard members, and their families may be eligible for a grant for a period of up to three years after release from a qualifying active duty tour.

The program also applies to certain family members of eligible service members who are Pennsylvania residents. Applicants must show that they have a direct and immediate financial need as a result of circumstances beyond their control.

To learn more about this program and for instructions for donating by mail, readers may visit http://www.mfrap.pa.gov. Donations are tax deductible to the extent authorized by federal law.

For more information about the DMVA, readers may visit http://www.dmva.pa.gov or http://www.facebook.com/padmva.