Berks County Veterans Temporary Assistance Grant (BCVTA)

Berks County Veterans Affairs runs its own emergency fund, separate from the State's temporary assistance: up to $500 a calendar year for a Berks County veteran 60 or older, or younger and disabled, facing a sudden loss of income or rise in costs within the past year, for necessities such as shelter, food, utilities, bus passes or car repairs for work.

Also called: BCVTA, emergency assistance, temporary assistance, emergency grant, $500, rent, utilities, car repair.

For: Veteran or service member.

Where it applies

Written for the jurisdictions listed here.

Berks County, PACounty

The Berks County Veterans Temporary Assistance (BCVTA) grant began in February 2022, seeded by the State Veterans Trust Fund, Abilities in Motion (PA Link to Aging and Disability Resources) and Visions Federal Credit Union and kept up by business and private donations, with the County Controller overseeing it. It supplements the State's Veterans' Temporary Assistance (see the Pennsylvania entry), which a veteran should also apply for. Who qualifies. A Berks County veteran with active-duty service shown on the DD-214 or other discharge papers, who is 60 or older, or under 60 and living with a disability; with a recent event, in the past year and outside the applicant's control, that caused a sudden loss of income or rise in expenses; and with monthly expenses that meet or exceed gross household income. What it pays. Necessities of life, such as bus passes, emergency shelter, food, utilities, or vehicle repairs needed for work, up to $500 a calendar year. Ask Veterans Affairs (610-378-5601) for an application. Donations go to the office or to the fund's account at Tompkins VIST Bank, Reading.

Thresholds

Thresholds for Berks County Veterans Temporary Assistance Grant (BCVTA)
Gate	Rule
A Berks County veteran 60 or older, or disabled, in a recent hardship	The fund needs active-duty service, age 60 or a disability, and a recent hardship. No rating is needed.
Expenses at or above household income	Monthly expenses must meet or exceed gross household income.

Sources

Updated

Last updated 2026-10-02.

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Disclaimer

VetTOC is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or the Department of Defense. Information is for reference only and is not an eligibility determination. Verify with VA, the relevant state or territory, or an accredited VSO.