To provide added security for those who've served, Philadelphia now offers military veterans the option to record their discharge papers – DD214 and NGB22 forms – with the City's Department of Records at no charge. This service is crucial for veterans who might need these documents for claiming benefits, securing employment, or associating with veterans' organizations, according to a recent notice by the City of Philadelphia Department of Records.
The city's initiative allows veterans to maintain the originals while a permanent image of their discharge papers is stored on a secure database, and it comes just ahead of a new state law that has recently bolstered the privacy of these records, imbuing veterans with a sense of confidence that their personal information is well-guarded. Starting last Sunday, the confidentiality period of recorded military discharges has been extended from 75 to a staggering 85 years, thereby restricting unauthorized access to these sensitive documents, the city announcement detailed.
The Department of Records clarified that these records can be disclosed in certain situations, including requests from the veteran, their immediate family, or a representative, court orders, requests from national or state veterans' offices, and documents related to events that occurred 85 or more years ago. Veterans can get free copies of their discharge papers by filling out a form on the City of Philadelphia Government website.
