(a) The department shall make a good faith effort to determine whether an applicant for cash, medical or energy assistance is a veteran. While in the process of making its determination, the department shall dispense benefits to the applicant, if otherwise eligible.

(b) As a condition of eligibility to receive cash, medical or energy assistance, unless there is good cause not to do so, an applicant who is a veteran shall be required to contact a veteran service officer accredited and recognized by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs or the county director of veterans affairs in which the applicant resides in order to determine the applicant's eligibility for veteran's benefits or to file a veteran claims packet. The department shall develop a standard form to be used by a veteran service officer to verify the applicant's eligibility for veteran's benefits and make this form available on its official website.

(c) An applicant who is a veteran shall provide proof of compliance with this section and the department shall, to the greatest extent possible, require the applicant to provide information on the final determination of eligibility for veteran's benefits and the type of benefits the veteran is entitled to receive.

(d) As used in this section, the following words and phrases shall have the following meanings:

“Assistance” means money, services and payment for medical coverage or energy assistance for needy persons who are residents of this Commonwealth, are in need of assistance and meet all conditions of eligibility.

“Veteran claims packet” means an application requesting a determination or entitlement or evidencing a belief in entitlement to a benefit as provided for in 38 CFR (relating to pensions, bonuses, and veterans' relief) or 51 Pa.C.S. (relating to military affairs).