Which state is better for veterans — Pennsylvania or Delaware?
There's no universal answer; the better state depends on your priorities. Below are the factors that most often decide the question.
If you're a military retiree
Both retirement income tax and property tax matter most in retirement. Pennsylvania does not tax military retirement pay, while Delaware taxes military retirement pay (delaware allows military retirees to exclude up to $12,500 of pension income (age 60+) and offers additional exclusions for younger retirees as of recent legislation.). On property, Pennsylvania offers a full homestead exemption to 100% P&T veterans, and Delaware offers a partial property tax reduction.
If you have school-age children
Pennsylvania's headline program is the PA Veterans' Educational Gratuity & Pennsylvania National Guard Educational Assistance Program (EAP) — PA pays up to $500/term per child of a PA veteran killed in service or rated 100% disabled. PA Guard members qualify for EAP covering tuition at PA state schools. Delaware's is the Delaware National Guard State Tuition Assistance — Up to 100% tuition assistance at Delaware state institutions for Guard members; education benefits also available for children of deceased Delaware veterans through the state's Educational Benefits for Children of Deceased Veterans program.
If you're still on active duty
Proximity to a major installation matters for housing markets, healthcare options (Tricare), and post-service employment networks. Pennsylvania hosts 5 significant installation(s) including Carlisle Barracks (US Army War College), Letterkenny Army Depot, Tobyhanna Army Depot.Delaware hosts 1 including Dover AFB.
Climate and lifestyle
Pennsylvania: Four-season humid continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. Delaware: Mild mid-Atlantic climate with four moderate seasons.