The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) works to assist veterans with locating their lost DD Form 214 military paperwork so they can receive credit for time served. The DD-214 is a Department of Defense document, issued upon a service member's retirement, separation, or discharge from active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces.

DD-214 contains information needed to verify military service for benefits, retirement, employment, and membership in veterans' organizations. Without this document, there could be a big delay when veterans seek benefits earned through their service to the nation.

For veterans who have lost their DD-214, or family members who cannot locate it on a veteran's behalf, the DMVA is ready to assist in retrieving an official copy. The DMVA can also assist with locating the DD-215, which is used to correct errors or make additions to a DD-214, helping to ensure that veterans have accurate discharge documentation.

One way to manage military documents and avoid having to search for them is to make sure they are filed in a safe place immediately upon leaving the military.

For assistance from the DMVA to locate a DD-214/215 or other military documentation, call 800-547-2838 or email RA-REQ@pa.gov. For more information about locating military documents, visit http://www.dmva.pa.gov/veteransaffairs and search for Records Request Program.

In addition, the Veterans Temporary Assistance (VTA) program offers assistance to veterans or their beneficiaries facing an unexpected financial hardship. Administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), the VTA provides eligible Pennsylvania veterans and their beneficiaries facing a crisis with financial relief for necessities of life such as food, shelter, fuel, and clothing.

Eligible veterans or their beneficiaries can qualify for an amount not to exceed $1,600 in a 12-month period. Eligibility requirements include: a person who served in the Armed Forces of the United States (discharged under honorable conditions), died in service or was killed in action, or suffered a service-connected disability.

To apply, visit http://www.dmva.pa.gov/veteransaffairs and click on Contact Your County Director in the county in which you reside. For more information about the program's criteria, eligibility, and needed documentation, visit http://www.dmva.pa.gov and click on Veterans Temporary Assistance. To learn more about the DMVA, visit http://www.facebook.com/padmva.

Another way to stay in touch is for veterans, family members, and people who work with veterans to sign up for the DMVA's Veterans Registry by visiting http://www.register.dmva.pa.gov.