New York Veterans Benefits

New York veterans may be eligible for numerous veterans' benefits from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other federal agencies. In addition to these federal benefits, veterans can take advantage of several state benefits and services as well.

The New York State Division of Veterans' Services (DVS). The New York DVS advises each veteran on educational benefits, tax exemption possibilities, vocational rehabilitation, and other benefits to which they may be entitled.

10 Major Benefits for New York Veterans

• Health Care Benefits
• Disability Benefits
• Education Benefits
• Employment and Job Training Benefits
• Burial Benefits
• Advocacy Benefits
• Life Insurance Benefits
• Housing Benefits
• Entrepreneurship Benefits
• Discounts and Passes

From veterans disability benefits to financial aid for college classes, veterans can take advantage of several types of programs that can help them afford health insurance, starting a business, or even entertainment. Many resources are available for veterans to get the help they need, and New York state provides plenty of help to its veterans to navigate the system.

Benefits and Services for New York Veterans

New York veterans of the Armed Forces can receive valuable help from their state. New York benefits for veterans are a blend of existing VA and federal benefit programs with extra perks provided by the state. Veterans may call the state's toll-free hotline, 1-888-VETS-NYS (1-888-838-7697) to connect with their nearest VBA Office for information about all available benefits.

About New York Department of Veterans Services

The DVS is a New York state agency committed to advocating for veterans and veterans benefit programs. The agency assists eligible veterans and their families in connecting with the right programs and advising them on the necessary steps to apply for assistance. The DVS may help veterans and family members apply for assistance, file appeals, and request necessary documentation. It also manages state-specific veteran programs.

Regardless of a veteran's race, gender, ethnicity, national origin, age, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, and other demographics, the New York DVS honors, appreciates, and serves them. The DVS commits to including all veterans in its efforts and has special outreach programs for underrepresented groups, like women veterans and LGBTQ+ veterans.

Facts About New York Veterans

New York state has the 5th largest veteran population in the United States, with 838,000 vets. Suffolk County has the largest population of the state's veterans, with 72,000. More than half of New York's veterans are 65 or older, while about 8% are part of the post-9/11 generation under 35 years old.

About 3/4 of New York's veterans are wartime veterans, serving in the Gulf War era, Korea, World War II, Vietnam, and the post-9/11 era. Experts project that by 2040, nearly 37% of the state's veteran population will be minorities.

10 Major Benefits for New York Veterans

New York veterans can get assistance with health care, disability compensation, educational benefits, and much more.

Health Care Benefits

The following programs cater to specific healthcare needs that affect veterans, including mental health and women's health.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

A sudden injury to the brain can cause TBI, and the condition is prevalent among veterans. Commonly, falls, training accidents, and bullet wounds can cause TBI. People with the condition often experience trouble focusing, blurred vision, headaches, and dizziness, although symptoms can vary. Veterans Benefits Advisors can help you determine what healthcare services you may be eligible for as a person with TBI.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

A common condition among veterans, PTSD stems from a traumatic event or series of events. Veterans experiencing PTSD may have trouble sleeping, have symptoms of anxiety or depression, and withdraw from social situations.

The VA Crisis Line is available to help veterans who are in distress, need someone to talk to, or want to find PTSD resources. Call 1-800-273-8255, option 1.

Military Sexual Trauma (MST)

Trauma stemming from sexual violence can severely affect victims. The VA helps protect victims of military sexual trauma, known as MST, by providing mental and physical healthcare, advocating for the prevention of sexual assault, and providing resources to victims and their families.

What Is MST?

MST is sexual assault or harassment between military members. Sexual assault can include having sex against one's will, being physically touched without consent, and being pressured into engaging in sexual activity. Trauma can occur from any type of sexual assault or harassment and may happen to either gender.

MST Resources

The Department of Defense Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPRO) assists military members with reporting incidents of sexual assault while maintaining their privacy. The Safe Helpline is also available for services.

New York National Guard members can also contact the New York Division of Military and Naval Affairs Sexual Assault Prevention & Response Program for medical care and resources. The VA also provides physical and mental health treatment for MST, and Vet Centers can provide counseling for victims.

If you're a victim of domestic violence, contact the Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program (IPVAP) or the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV) for resources and assistance to stay safe.

Women Veterans

VA healthcare benefits help women veterans pay for female-specific health needs, like reproductive services, mammograms, and maternity care. VA facilities throughout New York staff Women Veterans Program Managers to help women navigate their benefits. 

New York Veterans Nursing Homes

New York State Department of Health (DOH) and State University of New York (SUNY) manage New York State Veterans' Homes, which offer skilled nursing services to eligible veterans and their dependents.

These nursing facilities offer both short-term and long-term care. Residents may receive memory care, medical and nursing services, and rehabilitation services, as needed. The homes also provide housekeeping and maintenance services, salon services, and recreation and activities for veterans.

Eligibility

Eligible veterans must have had an honorable discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces, been a resident of New York for one year, or entered their service in New York and have at least 30 days of active duty service. Spouses that require skilled nursing care may also be eligible if they've been married to the veteran for at least one year.

The VA pays a veteran's cost of the skilled nursing facility if they have a service-connected disability rating of at least 70%.

New York State Veterans' Homes are located in Batavia, Jamaica, Montrose, Oxford, and Stony Brook.

Benefits for Children of Vietnam War Veterans

Children of Vietnam War veterans may face a unique set of challenges as a result of their parent's exposure to Agent Orange and other chemicals used in the war. Some conditions connected to exposure include spina bifida, congenital heart disease, and pyloric stenosis.

Biological children of any Vietnam War veteran can receive a tax-free disability compensation monthly benefit and may also qualify for VA healthcare benefits. Biological children of female Vietnam War veterans may also receive tax-free compensation for other conditions related to chemical exposure.

Federal Health Benefits

A former service member can receive VA healthcare benefits through the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). The services VA healthcare provides cover preventative care and some diagnostic and treatment services. Some of the covered services include mental health care, radiology, and disease prevention.

Disability Benefits

The VA gives veterans disability benefits to eligible beneficiaries with a service-connected disability, meaning that their injury, illness, or condition was caused or made worse by their service in the armed forces. Each veteran deemed to have a service-connected disability will also receive a disability rating that determines how much compensation they can receive each month.

Disability Compensation

Veterans with a disability rating of more than zero are entitled to disability compensation. This monthly benefit is tax-free. The amount a veteran receives depends on their disability rating, which can range from 0-100% in 10% intervals.

Veterans with disability ratings of 10% or 20% cannot have more money added to their monthly benefit to account for a dependent, like a spouse or child. However, a disabled veteran with a 30% or higher rating can receive a higher amount each month for their dependents.

Special Monthly Compensation

The Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) program gives veterans with certain disabilities a higher monthly amount of disability benefits. Eligible conditions include, but are not limited to, joint immobility, paralysis, and loss of a limb. Veterans with a spouse or children may also be eligible for higher monthly SMC payments.

Veterans Pension

Wartime veterans with disabilities who did not receive a dishonorable discharge may qualify for a pension benefit paid by the VA. Military veterans must also fall within specific income and asset guidelines to qualify. A surviving spouse or dependent of a deceased veteran can also apply for VA pension benefits.

Aid & Attendance Housebound Benefit

The VA offers the Aid & Attendance Housebound Benefit, an extra monthly monetary amount, to veterans who are disabled and require assistance with daily activities or spend the majority of their time at home because of their condition. Veterans may also apply if they're in a nursing home. To find out if you're eligible, you can contact your pension management center (PMC).

Claims Assistance

Whether you apply for New York veterans benefits or VA benefits, someone is always able to assist you with your claims. For disability benefits, the best way to find help is by contacting a Veterans Benefits Advisor. These advisors can help you prepare and file your claim, ensuring that you have included all necessary information for the VA to process your claim.

Blindness

A blindness disability gets handled a bit differently by the VA and the state of New York. A veteran experiencing legal blindness may qualify for the following benefits in addition to disability compensation and other services.

New York State Blind Annuity

The New York State Blind Annuity program pays veterans an extra benefit amount if they qualify due to legal blindness. Veterans must have served on active duty service for at least 90 days unless they were discharged for a service-connected disability. They also must be a resident of New York state and have served during specific wartime periods.

Federal Benefits for Blindness

Veterans with blindness do not need to have a service connection for their blindness to receive specific benefits from the VA. This disability may qualify veterans for federal benefits like mental health services, job training, and guide dog assistance.

Education Benefits

The VA provides financial assistance and other benefits to veterans and their families who want to further their education or vocational training.

New York State Scholarships and Financial Aid

Several New York veterans benefits focus on scholarships – money to use toward tuition, fees, and books that students don't need to pay back. These scholarships can help veterans and their families make undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs more affordable.

Veterans Tuition Awards

The New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) provides Veterans Tuition Awards to give wartime veterans discharged honorably financial scholarships for part-time and full-time studies. Eligible veterans must be legal residents of New York or have lived in the state for the past 12 consecutive months.

Military Residence Waiver

Some veterans and their families may receive a waiver of residential requirements for financial awards granted by the HESC. This typically happens when New York is not a service member's primary residence but they were stationed in New York while on active duty.

Military Enhanced Recognition Incentive and Tribute (MERIT) Scholarship

The MERIT Scholarship assists military families with costs to attend school. The scholarship goes to dependents or a surviving spouse of a veteran who died or became permanently disabled during their military service on or after August 2, 1990.

Military Service Deferment

Some military members may get called to active duty while paying back their student loans. When this happens, they may defer their payments for up to 180 days of qualifying service.

Post-Active Duty Deferment

After completing active duty service, military members may also take advantage of an extra period of deferment in paying their student loans. This program allows for a deferment of up to 13 months unless the service member re-enrolls in school.

Regents Awards for Children of Deceased & Disabled Veterans

Children of deceased and disabled veterans can receive as much as $450 per year toward their college education. These scholarships are open to dependents whose parent is a New York state resident or was one at their time of death.

Veterans Speaker Program

Schools around the state invite veterans to share their military experiences so that school children can hear personal accounts of their accomplishments and sacrifices. Veterans interested in speaking at schools can apply and have an interview with the DVS.

Operation Recognition

Service members who completed at least one day of active duty service with an honorable discharge and are New York residents can earn a high school diploma through Operation Recognition. The program honors the efforts of veterans and ensures future success by allowing them simple access to a diploma.

Bureau of Veterans Education

New York State Bureau of Veterans Education reviews, approves, and oversees educational programs that accept veterans. Its goal is to make sure that each institution complies with enrollment and funding procedures for student veterans who want to use their VA educational benefits.

Federal Education Benefits

The VA offers the following benefits for veterans and their family members to obtain an affordable education.

Fry Scholarship

The Fry Scholarship is an amendment to the Post-9/11 GI Bill to cover the children of service members who lost their lives during their service. Put into effect in 2009, the Fry Scholarship can pay the full tuition and fees for dependent children along with a specific amount for books and supplies and a monthly housing allowance.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill

The most well-known military service educational benefit, the Post-9/11 GI Bill pays for a veteran's school or training. Veterans may qualify if they served on active duty on or after September 10, 2001. The funds pay for tuition, housing, books, and some relocating fees if you need to move to attend school.

Montgomery GI Bill

The Montgomery GI Bill is similar to the Post-9/11 GI Bill in what its funds cover. However, this bill is for active duty service members who have served at least two years on active duty service. Service members must also have a high school diploma or GED and entered active duty service after June 30, 1985, to qualify.

The Forever GI Bill

The Forever GI Bill amends several parts of VA educational benefits to expand the program for those who need it most. For instance, the Bill removes the 15-year time limit to use the Post-9/11 GI Bill for qualified veterans and allows for the transferring of some unused REAP benefits toward the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)

REAP assists members of the military Reserve with educational benefits. The amount of funds a Reserve member can receive depends on the length of time they were in the Reserves. Qualifying recipients must have served on active duty on or after September 11, 2001, for at least 90 days.

Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance Program (DEA)

The DEA program is for dependent children and the surviving spouse of a veteran who is disabled, has died, or has gone missing on duty. The program helps pay for education or training for these family members, including on-the-job training programs, apprenticeships, and college degree programs. Beneficiaries may elect to use either DEA or Fry Scholarship benefits, but not both.

Vocational Rehabilitation Program and Counseling

Also known as the Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program, the vocational rehabilitation program provides access to job training and career readiness services. Veterans may receive help in locating a job, preparing their resume, getting training for a career, or job coaching. VR&E provides different tracks to help veterans start businesses, live independently, or get back into the field in which they worked before signing up for military service.

Educational Assistance Test Program (Section 901)

This program is only available to qualifying service members who entered active duty service between September 30, 1980, and October 1, 1981. The service member's military branch selected specific individuals to qualify for the program, making it more restrictive than other educational benefits.

Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP)

VEAP pays veterans money for tuition based on a mutual contribution model of $2-to-$1. For every $1 the veteran contributes, the VA pays $2 toward that veteran's education. Qualifying veterans must contribute between $25 to $2,700 toward their education.

National Call to Service Program

People who completed a National Call to Service may qualify for this benefit, which is an alternative to the Montgomery GI Bill. The program pays either a $5,000 cash benefit, up to $18,000 toward the payment of a qualifying student loan, or educational assistance.

Free Education and Counseling Services are Available to Service Members and Veterans

The VA wants to see New York veterans and all veterans succeed, especially when it comes to their education and future careers. Therefore, the VA offers several resources for veterans and service members to get assistance in navigating their education. Career counseling, resume services, and educational counseling are all available for free. Interested parties can apply online, by mail, or at a regional office.

Employment and Job Training Benefits

New York veterans looking for assistance with getting back into the workforce can rely on the following New York veterans benefits for training and other resources.

Military Service Credit

One of the most helpful New York veterans benefits for workers is the military service credit. Veterans may use their experience in the service to apply the credit toward their retirement. Veterans can request a review of their service and qualifications by the Local Retirement System.

Additional Service Credits for Disabled Veterans

Veterans who have used their non-disabled veteran credits for an appointment or promotion in Civil Service and have since become disabled may qualify for additional service credits from New York state. These additional credits can be put toward a future appointment or promotion.

Experience Counts

Experience Counts allows veterans to use their time and specialization in the service to use as skills and experience for future jobs. This New York veterans program is intended to help veterans reenter the workforce as they transition back to civilian life.

New York State Department of Labor Employment Services

The New York State Department of Labor (DOL) works with veterans to assist them with job training, finding jobs, and preparing for a new career. The following New York veterans benefits come from the DOL to assist the state's former service members.

Veterans Priority Services

Eligible veterans can receive priority service in employment training programs and other New York State DOL resources. A veteran's eligible spouse may also qualify for this benefit.

Jobs for Veterans State Grant Program

The Jobs for Veterans State Grant Program funds State Workforce Agencies to hire more veterans for jobs they're qualified for. The grant program also allows funds to cover job training and employment resources for veterans.

Local Veterans Employment Representatives (LVERs)

LVERs are trained employment specialists that staff New York state career centers. These specialists understand the unique challenges that veterans face when getting back into the workforce and have the tools to help. LVERs are available to assist veterans for free.

Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA)

USERRA protects the rights of people who wish to leave their jobs to enter the military. The law ensures that people can return to their careers without repercussions. The law also protects the health insurance benefits to which workers may be entitled through their employer. USERRA advisors help these people understand their rights, eligible benefits, and processes for getting back into the workforce after completing their service.

New York State's Veterans with Disabilities Employment Program (55-C)

New York State's 55-C program allows up to 500 positions to be filled in state jobs by wartime veterans with disabilities. These positions are entry-level and open to the public to apply for. Interested veterans can apply for a job with their resume, DD-214, and VA disability rating letter.

Hire-A-Vet Credit

New York State encourages companies to hire veterans to fulfill open job positions with the Hire-A-Vet Credit. This credit allows businesses to earn up to $5,000 to hire a military veteran or up to $15,000 to hire a disabled veteran.

Military Service Claim for Unemployment Benefits

New York veterans benefits allow qualifying military members to receive unemployment benefits after being discharged from service. Reservists must have had at least 180 days of active duty service to qualify, while other eligible veterans must have completed a full term of enlistment.

Veteran Readiness and Employment

The Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program helps veterans successfully transition back into the workforce. Programs include supportive services for veterans to start businesses, services to support independent living, and career readiness and preparedness services. Vocational counseling, job training, and apprenticeships are additional veterans' benefits.

Burial Benefits

Burial benefits can assist a deceased veteran's family with expenses related to the veteran's funeral and give eligible beneficiaries earned recognition through memorial certificates and other rewards.

Important Documents

When New York veterans pass away, they may be eligible for burial benefits, like a veterans service and a burial allowance. The veteran's family members must furnish documentation that proves a veteran's eligibility, like their DD214, marriage certificate, and death certificate.

Supplemental Burial Allowance

In addition to VA veterans' benefits that allow for partial reimbursement of a veteran's funeral expenses, New York veterans benefits offer up to $6,000 for the family to cover expenses. Family members interested in receiving this benefit can apply online at veterans.ny.gov.

Presidential Memorial Certificates

A Presidential Memorial Certificate is a special certificate signed by the president of the United States to memorialize honorably discharged deceased veterans. The VA presents these certificates to a surviving spouse or next of kin of the deceased veteran.

Gold Star Parent Annuity Program

Gold Star Parents are parents of service members who died during wars in which the United States became involved before July 1st, 1958, or who died after this date during armed conflicts. This program provides an annuity payment to the families of these deceased soldiers. To remain eligible, parents must verify their eligibility annually.

Indigent Burial Allowance

Indigent veterans are those who were homeless or considered to be in need. The Indigent Burial Allowance comes from New York State to provide up to $2,000 to a Veterans Service Organization that offered burial services to an indigent veteran.

Federal VA Burial and Memorial Benefits

In addition to New York veterans benefits targeting burials of veterans, the VA offers other benefits to deceased veterans and their families.

Burial in National VA Cemetery

Veterans or families who wish for their veterans to be buried in a national cemetery maintained by the National Cemetery Administration (NCA) can do so at no cost. In some cases, a veteran's spouse or child can also be buried in a national VA cemetery.

Burial in a Private Cemetery

Families can also choose to bury their veteran loved one in a private cemetery while still receiving some of the same benefits, like a government-furnished headstone, a burial flag, and a marker or medallion. However, veteran family members may not receive compensation for burial in a private cemetery.

Burial Allowance

The VA's burial allowance reimburses families of deceased veterans for funeral and burial costs of their loved ones. This allowance is a flat fee of up to $2,000 for service-related deaths. The VA may also reimburse families for transportation costs of their loved one for burial in a national cemetery.

Headstones, Markers, and Medallions

Whether a veteran gets buried at a national cemetery or private cemetery, they can receive a free headstone or marker from the VA. If the family has already purchased a headstone or marker, the veteran may receive a medallion. Funeral directors can assist families with applying for the headstone, marker, or medallion.

Burial Flags

Veterans receiving an honorable discharge may have a free burial flag given to them and their families to drape over their casket at their funeral. After the funeral service is complete, the veteran's next-of-kin may keep the burial flag.

Funeral Honors

Military funeral honors ceremonies are given to deceased veterans at the request of their loved ones. Funeral services include presenting a burial flag to the family, playing taps, and involving military service members.

Survivor Benefits

The surviving spouse and dependents of a New York veteran can receive several benefits from the VA as well, including employment services, education and training programs, and health care benefits.

Surviving Spouse Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)

DIC pays benefits to surviving spouses and eligible dependents of veterans who died in the line of duty or from an injury or condition related to their service. The payments are set monthly amounts with additional benefits for spouses or dependents who are disabled or have dependent children.

Surviving Spouse Pension

Veterans may be eligible to receive a pension benefit from the VA. Their surviving spouse may also qualify for a pension after their death if the veteran served at least 90 days on active duty service and the family's income falls within federal guidelines.

How to File a Life Insurance Claim

Veteran family members needing to file a life insurance claim for their Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI) may do so by completing form SGLV 8283, Claim for Death Benefits. They may fax the form and the veteran's death certificate to 1-877-832-4943 or mail it to:

Office of Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (OSGLI)
PO Box 70173
Philadelphia, PA 19176-9912

Advocacy Benefits

Many New York veterans benefits promote advocacy for veterans and their families. The following resources assist veterans in specific circumstances.

Restoration of Honor Act

The Restoration of Honor Act assists veterans with an Other Than Honorable (OTH) discharge designation and with specific conditions, like a traumatic brain injury or gender identity issues. The Act helps these veterans access benefits, regardless of their discharge status.

Discharge Upgrade Possibility

Veterans who believe they wrongfully received a discharge other than honorable from their service may contact the New York DVS to potentially get an upgrade to their discharge status. Veterans should submit evidence of their wrongful discharge to the DVS to be reviewed by an advisory board.

New York Vet Centers

New York veterans can receive free veteran-focused services at Vet Centers across New York state. To qualify for services, a veteran must meet certain requirements, like being a victim of military sexual trauma or having served in the armed forces in an area of hostility.

Incarcerated Veterans Program

New York state helps incarcerated veterans understand their rights and gain access to the benefits to which they're entitled. Incarcerated veterans may receive counseling, get assistance in finding work upon release, and find help in restoring their benefits after returning home.

Life Insurance Benefits

The following VA life insurance plans are available for service members and veterans, each representing different groups.

Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI)

Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) is for those still in the service. The affordable plan offers coverage for up to $400,000 and gives members 120 days of free coverage upon leaving the service.

Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (FSGLI)

Service members with a spouse and dependents may elect coverage from the Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (FSGLI) to protect their family. Only service members who currently have SGLI can also receive FSGLI for coverage up to $100,000 for a spouse and $10,000 for each dependent child.

Traumatic Injury Protection (TSGLI)

TSGLI gives short-term insurance coverage for service members recovering from a traumatic injury before leaving their military service. TSGLI provides coverage up to $100,000.

Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI)

VGLI covers veterans who had SGLI when they were in the service or are within one year and 120 days of retiring from the Ready Reserves or National Guard. Veterans may receive between $10,000 and $400,000 in life insurance coverage with this plan.

Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance (S-DVI)

Veterans rated for a service-connected disability and do not have a dishonorable discharge may qualify for Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance. S-DVI offers up to $10,000 of primary coverage and up to $30,000 of supplemental coverage.

Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI)

Veterans with service-connected disabilities who have had to modify their homes to accommodate their disabilities may qualify for VMLI. This mortgage insurance is for homes with a mortgage and title that has been modified through a Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant. The coverage is for up to $200,000, which the VA pays directly to your lender.

Housing Benefits

Housing benefits assist New York veterans with finding and securing affordable housing.

Access to Home for Heroes

Veterans with low-income or moderate-income housing may qualify for assistance from this program, which pays for modifications and necessary repairs to make the home liveable and safe. Household income must not exceed 120 of the area's median income and the home must be the veteran's primary residence.

Homes for Veterans

The State of New York Mortgage Agency (SONYMA) manages this program, which gives veterans fixed-rate mortgages with low interest rates to make their homes more affordable. Veterans can also receive $3,000 or 3% of the home purchase price toward their down payment, as much as $15,000.

HUD-VASH

The Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program gives housing assistance to veterans through vouchers that they can use to rent affordable housing. Veterans must be homeless and eligible for VA health care.

Property Tax Exemptions

New York veterans may qualify for one of the following three property tax exemptions if they own a home in the state.

Alternative Veterans' Exemption

The Alternative Veterans’ Exemption is reserved for veterans who served during wartime or received a medal. The majority of jurisdictions in New York State participate in this exemption. Some school districts also recognize this exemption.

Cold War Veterans' Exemption

The Cold War Veterans’ Exemption is available in participating towns, cities, and counties for residential properties owned by veterans of the Cold War.

Eligible Funds Exemption

The Eligible Funds Exemption allows a partial property tax exemption for veterans who purchased their home using their pension, insurance, or similar funds. Some school districts may also allow this exemption.

New York State Property Tax Deadline Extension

New York State counties, cities, and towns may choose to extend the deadlines to pay property taxes to qualifying service members who own residential property in the state. Service members may be eligible when they are called to active duty service during periods of combat.

VA Home Loan

The VA Home Loan Guaranty is for members of the armed forces, veterans, and surviving spouses. The program backs lender-furnished mortgages for these groups to purchase a primary residential property. Because they're backed by the VA, the loans feature low down payments, low interest rates, and limited closing costs.

Some VA home loan programs also assist service members and veterans to make disability-related modifications to their homes or repair necessary features of a home.

Entrepreneurship Benefits

New York resident veterans interested in starting their own businesses can reach out to the following programs and resources for help.

New York State Veterans Business Outreach Center Program

This program is specifically for veterans looking to start their own business within the state of New York. New York State Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs) can assist with business counseling sessions, workshops, entrepreneurial training, financial consulting, and other resources to get veterans on their way to becoming business owners.

OGS Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business Program

The Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Act allows veterans to gain a certification that notes their business as one owned by a disabled veteran. Businesses must be independently owned and operated and have no more than 300 employees. Veterans must also have a service-connected disability with a rating of 10% or more.

New York State Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

The New York SBDC enlists the help of Veterans Business Advisors to offer specific guidance for veterans who want to start a small business or who own a small business. Veterans can receive business plan development assistance, funding guidance, business concept assessment, and more.

EntreSkills for Veterans

This free online tool gives veterans interactive lessons that walk them through starting and owning a business in New York. Veterans must be clients of the New York Small Business Development Center to receive assistance.

Operation Boots to Business

Boots to Business is an online curriculum designed to enhance veterans' knowledge of starting and running a business. The free program is funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration and is open to veterans and current service members.

Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC)

VBOCs provide numerous resources for veterans to get help starting and running a business. Your local VBOC can provide help with grants, resources for women business owners, and guidance for entrepreneurs.

Veteran Institute for Procurement (VIP)

Veterans can receive no-cost entrepreneurial training from VIP that focuses on procurement careers and businesses. Four different training programs meet veterans where they are in their particular field and career. VIP also offers mentorship, contracting opportunities, and educational events.

Military Spouses

The U.S. Small Business Administration helps not just veterans but also their spouses with becoming entrepreneurs. Several resources offered to veterans through the SBA are also offered to veteran spouses, including business training, business counseling, and contracting resources.

Veteran Owned Small Business Growth Training Program

This no-cost training program is one that veterans can participate in with their peers to better understand the entrepreneurial journey. The program is formatted in cohorts of 12-20 veterans at a time, has 13 peer-to-peer mentoring sessions, and lasts 26 weeks.

New York State Peddler’s License

Veterans without a dishonorable discharge who peddle, vend, or sell items in New York State may be able to apply for a peddler's license for free. The lifetime license allows these activities to take place on state highways, but counties, cities, towns, and villages may enact their own rules regarding peddlers.

Discounts and Passes

New York veterans may receive special benefits from the state in the form of discounts and passes.

Custom Veteran License Plate

Veterans can purchase custom license plates with special veteran-focused insignias for their New York registered vehicle. The plates do not have annual renewal fees but do cost an initial fee. View all military plates on the New York DMV website.

National Park Passes

Military service members and their dependents can receive a free America the Beautiful National Park Pass, which grants access to more than 2,000 national parks and recreational sites across the country. You can apply through the National Park Service website.

Lifetime Liberty Pass

For veterans wanting free access to New York state parks, the Lifetime Liberty Pass can help. This free pass allows for free vehicle entry into state parks along with additional benefits, like free golfing and camping discounts. Visit the New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation site to apply.

Reduced Fee Hunting & Fishing

Hunting and fishing licenses in New York are available at a reduced price for veterans with a disability rating of 40% or more. Veterans can find out more information through their Department of Environmental Conservation regional office.

FreshConnect

FreshConnect helps active duty service members, veterans, and their families buy fresh produce at local farmers' markets through FreshConnect checks. Each booklet is worth $20.

New York State Motor Vehicle Registration Fee Exemption

Some New York veterans may qualify for an exemption for vehicle registration fees. To be eligible, you must qualify for a Former Prisoner of War or Congressional Medal of Honor license plate or be a qualified disabled veteran.

Volunteer

The DVS encourages volunteers who are dedicated to helping service members, veterans, and their families get the support they need when applying for benefits and resources. If you're interested in volunteering, you can complete an application with the DVS.

Comprehensive Guide to New York Veterans Benefits

Both the VA and the state of New York ensure that veterans and their families are well taken care of through multiple programs and benefits that assist with everything from education to healthcare. The list above includes most New York veterans benefits and VA benefits that veterans can receive if eligible.

Veterans and their families should consider connecting with the DVS to find a Veterans Benefits Advisor who can help explain benefits for which they may be eligible and point them in the right direction to apply. Resources are also available at VA regional offices and Veterans Service Organizations.

VA Facilities in New York

Veterans Benefits Administration

National Cemetery Administration

Veterans Health Administration