Grand Army of the Republic

[collin]

Hello, I had two relatives who served in the Civil War, an uncle and nephew. I have the service records for both and pension record for the uncle, NARA  say there is no pension record for the nephew which was a surprise as his wife was a widow 58 years, 1887-1945.
NARA  information on pension records and advised to contact the state veterans association for applications from 1934 but they didn't keep anything but advised to contact The Grand Army of the Republic in Philadelphia. They do research but only for members and have sent an application form. The uncles obituary mentioned that the GAR had attended.
My question is, Has anybody paid for research by GAR, was it worthwhile and do they have anything that NARA don't have?  Thank you

[Erato]

Pennsylvania GAR records are available here:

https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/2207723

[collin]

Thank you for that