HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is encouraging veterans who have misplaced their military discharge paperwork to seek assistance in obtaining replacement records needed to access benefits.

The department can help veterans locate a DD Form 214, commonly known as a DD-214, which is issued when a service member retires, separates or is discharged from active duty. The document is often required to verify military service when applying for veterans benefits, retirement, employment or membership in veterans organizations.

DMVA can also help veterans obtain a DD-215, which is used to correct or update information on a DD-214.

“Helping veterans receive the benefits they earned from their service is a top priority for DMVA. That process always starts with having the right paperwork to prove military service,” Keith Graham, executive director of veterans affairs, said in a news release. “We invite Pennsylvania’s veterans to reach out if they need help.”

Veterans may receive assistance by calling DMVA’s toll-free helpline at 1-800-547-2838 or by visiting the Lickdale Veterans’ Outreach Center in Jonestown, where accredited veterans service officers are available to help.

According to the department, DMVA responded to more than 1,300 requests for assistance locating military records during the past fiscal year, including 792 requests made by phone.

Officials encourage veterans to keep military records in a secure location after leaving the service to help avoid delays when applying for benefits.

Veterans can also request assistance by emailing RA-REQ@pa.gov or visiting the Lickdale Veterans’ Outreach Center at 40 Fisher Ave., Jonestown.