New York veteran benefits
Veteran Compass lists 40 New York programs for veterans and their families. Each one links to the official government page, because rules, amounts and deadlines change. This is a guide to what is worth looking into, not a decision about whether you qualify. Federal VA benefits, such as health care, disability compensation and the GI Bill, also apply in New York; see the full directory or use the Benefit Finder.
Burial
State Supplemental Burial Allowance
Surviving family members may be reimbursed for funeral and burial costs that federal benefits did not cover, up to a cap set by the state.
Who it may help: Applies when the service member was a New York resident (or a New York Army or Air National Guard member when entering active duty) and died in a combat zone, while receiving hazardous duty pay, or from wounds sustained in either. The applicant must be a family member who paid some or all of the costs and must document the relationship, residency, costs and any VA payments. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Disability
Blind Annuity Program
An annuity for legally blind wartime veterans and eligible unremarried surviving spouses who live in New York. The page does not state the payment amount.
Who it may help: Veteran must be legally blind and have served on active duty in specified wartime periods or received a qualifying expeditionary medal, generally with at least 90 days of non-training service (fewer if discharged for a service-connected disability). Must live in and be domiciled in New York; submit the application, a legal blindness report and discharge papers. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Education
Veterans Tuition Award (VTA)
A New York State award from HESC that helps cover tuition for eligible veterans studying at approved New York colleges or vocational programs. It is capped by the SUNY in-state undergraduate tuition average or actual tuition, whichever is less.
Who it may help: Generally requires veteran service meeting the page's criteria (for example four or more years of active duty, or combat service in Vietnam, the Persian Gulf or Afghanistan), no dishonorable discharge, New York residency for 12 continuous months, and enrollment in an approved program. There are no income limits. Tuition already covered by a Chapter 33 GI Bill benefit or Yellow Ribbon is not eligible for the VTA. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
MERIT Scholarship
HESC scholarship for children, spouses and financial dependents of New York service members who died or became severely and permanently disabled from military duty, and for the severely disabled service members themselves. It helps with cost of attendance for full-time study.
Who it may help: Requires a qualifying death, missing-in-action status or severe and permanent disability tied to military duty, New York residency at the time, full-time enrollment of at least 12 credits per term in an approved program, and good academic standing. There are no income limits. Applicants file the FAFSA and TAP first, then the MERIT supplement. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Regents Awards for Children of Deceased and Disabled Veterans
A small annual HESC award for undergraduate students whose parent served during specified wars or emergencies and died, was disabled, was missing in action, or was a prisoner of war.
Who it may help: The parent must have served in a listed period and have died, have a disability of 40% or more, be missing in action or have been a prisoner of war, and be a New York resident (or have been at death). The student needs New York residency for 12 continuous months and enrollment in an approved undergraduate program. There are no income limits. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Operation Recognition High School Diploma
New York awards a high school diploma to eligible veterans who left school before graduating, and a deceased veteran's child or spouse can accept it on their behalf.
Who it may help: New York residents who served on active duty for at least a day and were discharged under honorable conditions, with proof of service such as a DD 214. The state veterans page directs applicants to the State Education Department. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Recruitment Incentive and Retention Program (RIRP)
State tuition assistance for New York Army and Air National Guard and Naval Militia members attending college, paying up to SUNY rates per semester.
Who it may help: Must be in good standing, enrolled in an undergraduate degree program at the required credit load, and a New York resident for a set period. Applications are due before each semester and require FAFSA and TAP paperwork. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Employment
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (SDVOB) Certification
The Office of General Services certifies businesses that are majority-owned by service-disabled veterans. The page explains the application process but does not describe the specific advantages of certification.
Who it may help: Business must be independently owned and operated with a significant New York presence, at least 51% owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans, and qualify as a small business under the state program (no more than 300 employees, not dominant in its field). Contact OGS about what certification provides. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Disabled Veteran Civil Service Exam Credits
Veterans who already used non-disabled veteran credits for a New York State or local civil service job may later claim additional exam credits if the VA determines they are disabled veterans under state Civil Service Law.
Who it may help: Must have used non-disabled veteran credits for an earlier appointment or promotion, and later received a VA determination that qualifies under state Civil Service Law. The credits can be used for a single permanent appointment. If your exam list is not yet established, the page directs you to complete the online Veteran Credit Use Questionnaire and provide authorization forms to the Department of Civil Service. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Military CDL Skills Test Waiver
Military drivers of commercial vehicles may be able to skip the CDL road skills test when applying for a New York commercial driver license.
Who it may help: Requires a valid license, current or recent (within one year) military employment operating a commercial vehicle in active duty or the New York National Guard, and at least two years operating the same type of vehicle before discharge or application. Bring Form CDL-102 and military proof to DMV; written tests and fees still apply, with no skills test fee. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Governor's Program to Hire Veterans with Disabilities (55-c)
Lets qualified disabled veterans be appointed to entry-level state jobs without an initial written exam, and gives access to a recruitment portal that state agencies search.
Who it may help: People with a disability who are found otherwise qualified for the job; veterans are considered under the 55-c section. Applicants submit a packet with a resume, DD-214 and VA rating decision letter, and a medical evaluation may be required. The letter of eligibility lasts three years. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Veterans Temporary Hiring Program
A Civil Service portal where eligible veterans can express interest in temporary jobs at New York State agencies, which are required to use it to find candidates.
Who it may help: Active duty or state/National Guard service with an honorable release after September 11, 2001, or a Restoration of Honor Act letter. Access requires a personal NY.gov ID; veterans can upload a resume and DD-214 and describe their work history and job preferences. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
NYS Department of Labor Veteran Career Services
Priority access to Career Center services, with veteran specialists offering one-on-one employment planning and employer outreach staff.
Who it may help: Priority of service applies to those who served on active duty, and eligible spouses; individual specialist help is for eligible veterans with employment barriers, transitioning service members and others defined by federal rules. Local specialists are listed by county. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Experience Counts Military Licensing Credit
A state initiative that lets military experience count toward certain licenses and certifications, such as security guard, EMS and commercial driving.
Who it may help: Aimed at veterans moving to civilian careers in the listed licensed fields. The page does not describe an application process; contact a Labor Veterans Representative for help. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Hire a Veteran Tax Credit (for employers)
A nonrefundable state tax credit for businesses that hire qualified veterans, with a larger credit for disabled veterans. Useful to know about when job hunting.
Who it may help: Claimed by the employer for veterans hired between 2014 and before 2028 and employed in New York for twelve months; the veteran certifies eligibility on a state form. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Family
Gold Star Families Annuity Program
A New York annuity paid to eligible Gold Star parents, spouses and children of a deceased service member, managed by the Department of Veterans' Services.
Who it may help: Applicants must be New York residents and qualifying family members (parents, spouses or domestic partners, or eligible children). The death need not be in a combat zone but cannot result from willful misconduct. Provide proof of the service member's military service and New York residency. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Financial
Veterans Property Tax Exemptions
New York allows several property tax exemptions for veterans, including the alternative veterans exemption, the Cold War veterans exemption, an eligible-funds exemption, and a newer full exemption for veterans with a permanent and total service-related disability. Each local government decides whether to offer them.
Who it may help: Eligibility depends on which exemption applies: wartime or Cold War service, expeditionary medal service, or a VA permanent and total service-related disability, plus the property being your residence. Counties, cities, towns, villages and school districts choose whether to offer them, and you must apply to your local assessor (the page says the deadline in most communities is March 1, but confirm locally). Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Income Tax Treatment of Military Retirement Pay
New York exempts military retirement pay received by a retired service member or beneficiary from state, New York City and Yonkers income taxes. The same page explains how military pay and other veterans benefits are treated.
Who it may help: Applies to retirement pay received by a retired service member or a beneficiary. Military pay, combat zone pay and nonresident rules are described separately on the page, and veterans benefits excluded from federal income are not taxed by New York. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
FreshConnect Checks for Veterans and Families
Booklets of checks usable for fresh produce and other food at participating farmers markets, handed out through the state veterans department with the Department of Agriculture and Markets.
Who it may help: The page lists active duty members, veterans and their dependents, unremarried surviving spouses, and veterans who are state employees with their immediate families. Checks are given first-come, first-served, one booklet per household, and the season generally runs July through December; the page does not say whether checks are available right now. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Healthcare
New York State Veterans' Homes
State-run skilled nursing homes for veterans and eligible spouses, located in Oxford, Montrose, St. Albans, Long Island (Stony Brook) and Batavia. Costs depend on the individual's situation, as described on the page.
Who it may help: Applicant must need skilled nursing care; the veteran needs an honorable discharge and at least 30 days of active service, and must have entered service from New York or lived in New York for a year before applying. Spouses may qualify if married to an eligible veteran for at least a year. Admission depends on bed availability and priority order; apply directly to the home. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Veteran Suicide Prevention Resources
The state veterans department gathers crisis and prevention resources in one place, including the Veterans Crisis Line, the 988 line, and Worried About A Veteran, an online guide for families and caregivers.
Who it may help: Open to veterans, service members, families and caregivers; no enrollment is described. The page also points to VA suicide prevention coordinators, local state service offices and Vet Centers. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
NYS Office of Mental Health Military and Veteran Resources
A state mental health page collecting brochures, toolkits and links on PTSD, military sexual trauma and crisis help for veterans and families.
Who it may help: Informational; no enrollment is needed. It links to the Veterans Crisis Line (988, press 1) and other services. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Housing
SONYMA Homes for Veterans Mortgage Program
A state mortgage agency program for service members and veterans offering lower interest rates than standard SONYMA loans with down payment assistance, with no points.
Who it may help: For active service members, veterans (other than dishonorable discharge) and their spouses or co-borrowers, and active or honorably discharged Guard and reserve members. Veterans need not be first-time buyers. Requires a DD214 or NGB Form 22 and a participating SONYMA lender. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Veterans Emergency Housing Assistance Fund (currently closed)
A state fund that has paid up to a capped amount toward urgent housing costs such as repairs, temporary shelter or missed rent for New York veterans in financial need. The page says it is not accepting new applications right now.
Who it may help: Veteran living in New York facing an immediate housing hardship, with net worth at or below the VA non-service-connected pension limit, and proof of non-dishonorable service. Awards depend on funding; watch the page for reopening. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Legal
Restoration of Honor Act
Allows the state Department of Veterans' Services to restore access to New York state veterans benefits for some veterans with less-than-honorable discharges. It does not change the discharge on military records.
Who it may help: For veterans with an Other-Than-Honorable or General Under Honorable Conditions discharge linked to PTSD, TBI, military sexual trauma, sexual orientation or gender identity. Requires an application, a full military personnel file, a personal statement and supporting evidence, with appeal rights after a decision. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Discharge Upgrade Help and Advisory Board
Veterans who believe a less-than-honorable discharge was unjust can get help preparing upgrade appeals, and the state offers an attorney advisory board that gives a non-binding opinion on appeals it finds have merit.
Who it may help: Intended for veterans with a less-than-honorable discharge they believe was wrongful. Benefits Advisors can prepare and file applications with the military review boards at no cost; supporting records and evidence are needed, especially where PTSD, TBI or substance use may have contributed. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Veterans Treatment Courts
The state court system lists Veterans Treatment Courts among its problem-solving courts focused on treatment and rehabilitation.
Who it may help: The page does not state eligibility rules or locations; contact the Problem Solving Justice Division for details. Additional requirements apply; confirm with the court system. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Other
Veterans Benefits Advising
The Department of Veterans' Services runs offices statewide where veterans benefits advisors can meet with you; the office finder lists county veterans service agencies, and the department phone line can book appointments.
Who it may help: The page does not state eligibility requirements. It directs visitors to an office finder and to the department phone line for appointments. Contact the department for current details. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
County and Local Veterans' Services Offices
A statewide locator for county Veterans Service Agencies and other local offices where a Veterans Benefits Advisor can meet with you about benefits.
Who it may help: Search by ZIP code or county. The listings include county Veterans Service Agencies and some VA facilities. Appointments can be made by calling the state veterans department. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Veteran Mobile Unit and Outreach Events
Mobile vans and outreach events bring accredited Benefits Advisors to communities for claims, VA enrollment, property tax exemption help and FreshConnect Checks.
Who it may help: Open to veterans; check the events calendar or request a visit through the page. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Recreation
Reduced-Fee and Free Hunting and Fishing Licenses for Disabled Veterans
New York DEC offers disabled veterans a low-cost sportsman license plus free bow hunting and muzzleloading licenses. VA hospital patients may get a free fishing license through their facility.
Who it may help: New York resident veteran with a service-related disability rating of 40% or more. Resident patients at VA facilities can obtain a free fishing license through the facility. Additional requirements may apply; confirm with DEC. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Patriot Plan Empire Pass
Eligible New York service members on active duty receive a free Empire Pass that waives the vehicle use fee at participating state park sites, usable by the member or shared with family.
Who it may help: For New York State residents in the New York National Guard, Militia or Reserves who are on active duty in support of the war on terrorism (Title 10 or Title 32). Training and temporary change of station orders are not accepted; current orders must be submitted each year while the program is offered. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Free Sporting Licenses for Active-Service Members (Patriot Plan)
Eligible service members can get free hunting, fishing and trapping licenses, and nonresident military stationed in New York can buy them at the resident price.
Who it may help: For New York residents on active service in the New York organized militia or U.S. Reserve forces, or full-time active-duty residents home on short leave. Inactive status does not qualify. Requires sportsman education, military ID and a DEC military affidavit. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Lifetime Liberty Pass
A free pass giving veterans and Gold Star family members free vehicle entry to most state parks and DEC day-use areas, free state golf greens fees and pool entry, and discounted camping and cabins.
Who it may help: For New York State residents who are veterans under the state's Veterans' Services Law definition, or Gold Star parents, spouses or children of a service member whose death qualified the parent for an annuity. Veterans verify service with a discharge document such as a DD-214 unless they hold the DMV veteran designation. The pass is not valid at some concession-run sites. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Access Pass for Disabled Veterans
Free or discounted use of state parks and recreation facilities for disabled veterans, including free vehicle entry, free state golf greens fees, free pool entry and discounted camping.
Who it may help: New York residents with a service-connected disability of at least 40 percent, shown by a VA benefits letter, a rating decision, or a letter from the state veterans department, plus a NY DMV ID and a completed application. Not valid at some concession-run amenities. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Transportation
Veteran Designation on License or ID
New York DMV can add the word Veteran to a driver license, learner permit or non-driver ID. The page lists no extra fee for the designation, though regular transaction fees still apply.
Who it may help: Must be a qualified U.S. veteran with an honorable discharge, holding a New York license, permit or non-driver ID, and provide proof of discharge such as a DD 214. Apply in person with form MV-44 or by mail; the page says it cannot be done online or by phone. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Purple Heart Recipient License Plate
New York DMV offers a Purple Heart plate for recipients, with a DMV-assigned or personalized number. Ordering is online or by mail, not by phone or at a DMV office.
Who it may help: For Purple Heart recipients, with proof such as a DD-214 or other proof of the award. A plate fee applies; see the page for current fees and ordering steps. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Disabled Veteran License Plate
A custom DMV plate for disabled veterans that carries the Universal Symbol of Access.
Who it may help: Requires a copy of a DD-214 or NA Form 13038, and a vehicle plate that carries or will carry the Universal Symbol of Access; only one such set is allowed. It is ordered by mail through the DMV Custom Plates Unit, not online or in an office. Fees apply at first purchase; the page shows no charge for annual renewal. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Vehicle Registration and Plate Fee Exemption for Disabled Veterans
Certain disabled veterans may be exempt from vehicle registration and plate fees through the DMV.
Who it may help: The page lists veterans who receive a motor vehicle under the federal Title 38 vehicle benefit, and those applying for Medal of Honor or Former Prisoner of War plates. It does not describe the application steps; follow the DMV pages it points to. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Disabled Veterans E-ZPass (Thruway)
Qualifying disabled veterans may receive free, unlimited travel on the New York State Thruway through a non-revenue E-ZPass plan.
Who it may help: The only Thruway criterion is a fee-exempt DMV registration, with the vehicle registered in the veteran's name. Applicants submit a Thruway application with a copy of that registration and renew every two years. Coverage is the Thruway only. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
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