Westmoreland County’s Department of Veterans Affairs will host an open house at the courthouse on Thursday to assist with applications for special benefits authorized by the federal government last year.

The clinic will operate from noon to 3 p.m. to provide assistance for veterans and their families to apply for benefits under the PACT Act. It was signed into law last summer to extend the claim period for former military members who were diagnosed with medical conditions related to exposure while on duty to dangerous chemicals.

The federal law allows for veterans to submit applications for benefits through Aug. 9 to qualify for payments that date back to last August.

“It could mean a lot of money for veterans,” said Matt Zamosky, executive director of Westmoreland County’s veterans affairs office.

About 25,000 veterans live in Westmoreland County and as many as 10,000 could be eligible for the PACT Act benefits, Zamosky said.

No appointments are needed to attend the clinic Thursday to receive assistance from veterans affairs staffers.

In addition to the open house, the veterans affairs will continue to assist veterans who need help applying for benefits.

Appointments can be arranged by called the veterans office at 724-830-3530.

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