Current through Pa Acts 2024-53, 2024-56 through 2024-111
Section 5116 - Proof of service, et cetera(a) In each case where application is made for a contribution towards the funeral expenses of a deceased service person or the widow of a deceased service person or for a headstone or concrete base or lettering or bronze memorial tablet, the county commissioners shall, before expending any money therefor, require proof of the following facts:(1) The service of the deceased service person which entitles him or his widow to the benefits of this subdivision. Such proof shall be by the production of an honorable discharge or other official record showing service during any war in which the United States is or was engaged, or by the records of the Department of Defense of the Federal Government or by copies thereof filed in the Department of Military Affairs, showing the existence of a campaign or state or condition of war, the participation of the United States therein, and the service of the deceased service person in a zone where such campaign or state or condition of war existed.(2) The death of the deceased service person.(3) In the case of the burial of the widow of a deceased service person, the death of such widow, and the fact that she was married to the deceased service person at the time of his death and that she has not since remarried. The proof required by clauses one and two of this subsection shall also be required in such cases.(4) Except in cases where persons not having a legal residence within this Commonwealth are entitled to any of the benefits of this subdivision, the legal residence within the county of the deceased service person or of the widow of a deceased service person, as the case may be.(b) Death shall in all cases be proved by death certificate where the same is procurable; otherwise, by affidavit of one or more persons personally acquainted with the deceased and the fact of his or her death, or by proof of the record of death kept by the attending physician, or by proof of the record of burial kept by the undertaker by whom he or she was buried or by the church burial association or cemetery company maintaining the graveyard, burial ground or cemetery in which he or she was buried.(c) Where any proof required by this subdivision has been furnished to the county commissioners, no further proof of the same facts shall be required in order to obtain any other benefit under the provisions of this subdivision. 1953, July 28, P.L. 723, art. XXI, § 2116.