Individuals filing their 2021 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 due to circumstances beyond their control. The tax form includes instructions on how to donate.

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, Army Reserve, Navy, Navy Reserve, Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps, Marine Corps Reserve, Coast Guard, Coast Guard Reserve, or 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 discharge. 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. Applicants must show that they have a direct and immediate financial need as a result of circumstances beyond their control.

In addition to the check-off box on the state personal income tax form, contributions can be made by mail. More details are available at http://www.mfrap.pa.gov.

Donations are tax-deductible to the extent authorized by federal law. To learn more about this program, visit the aforementioned website.