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New York Veteran benefits

31 benefits from New York for Veterans and their families, on top of what VA gives. Many need no disability rating.

Each one says who qualifies, how to apply, the official link, and the date we last checked it. Rules change, so the official page has the final word.

Free help in New York

New York State Department of Veterans' Services is the state Veterans agency. They can tell you what you qualify for and help you apply.

Call 888-838-7697 State agency website

A Veterans service officer (VSO) helps with VA claims and state benefits for free.

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31 benefits

Property tax

  • No rating needed

    Alternative Veterans' Exemption (RPTL 458-a)

    A local-option property tax exemption for the primary residence of wartime veterans, based on a percentage of assessed value, with extra relief for combat service and service-connected disability.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veterans honorably discharged who served during a defined period of war, or received an expeditionary medal; also available to spouses and unremarried surviving spouses of veterans, for their primary residence.
    How to apply
    File Form RP-458-a with your local assessor along with DD-214 proof of service; must be filed by the locality's taxable status/filing deadline (commonly May 1).
    Official page

    Last checked October 26, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Cold War Veterans' Exemption (RPTL 458-b)

    A local-option property tax exemption for veterans who served during the Cold War era, reducing assessed value on a primary residence, with an added benefit for service-connected disability.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Honorably discharged veterans who served on active duty during the Cold War period (September 2, 1945 to December 26, 1991) and do not already receive another veterans' exemption; family members may qualify in some cases.
    How to apply
    File Form RP-458-b with your local assessor, along with proof of honorable discharge; disability documentation needed for the added disability portion.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Eligible Funds Veterans' Exemption (RPTL 458)

    An older-style property tax exemption for real property purchased with military pension, bonus, or insurance monies ("eligible funds") by a veteran or qualifying family member.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veterans or designated family members whose property was purchased using eligible military funds such as pension, bonus, or insurance proceeds.
    How to apply
    File Form RP-458 with the local assessor along with documentation showing the property was purchased with eligible funds.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Alternative Property Tax Exemption for Gold Star Parent

    New York State offers property tax exemptions to Gold Star Parents (parents of children who died in the line of duty while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces during a time of war). The exemption applies to primary residential property.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Gold Star Parent defined as parent of child who died in the line of duty while serving in U.S. Armed Forces during time of war. Taxing jurisdictions may opt to allow this exemption. Legal title must be in name of Gold Star Parent, or as life tenant or trustee/beneficiary of trust.
    How to apply
    Contact local assessor's office to determine if municipality offers this exemption. Provide documentation of child's military service and death.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Property Tax Exemption for Unremarried Surviving Spouse of Veteran

    New York State Real Property Tax Law provides property tax exemptions to unremarried surviving spouses of veterans for their primary residence. Exemption amount varies by municipality and type of veteran status.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Unremarried surviving spouses of veterans whose legal title to residential property is in their name alone or as a life tenant or trustee/beneficiary of a trust. Applies to primary residence.
    How to apply
    Contact local assessor's office. In NYC, contact Department of Finance. Provide documentation including DD-214 or other service documentation. Apply by March 15 for current tax year.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Income tax, retirement pay and other taxes

  • No rating needed

    Military Retirement Pay Exemption

    New York does not tax military pension payments received by retired service members or their beneficiaries; the full amount is subtracted from New York taxable income.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Any retired military service member or their beneficiary receiving military retired pay, regardless of New York residency status for the pay itself.
    How to apply
    Subtract the pension amount on the New York State income tax return (Form IT-201) following the instructions for pension and annuity income.
    Official page

    Last checked October 26, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    National Guard Active Duty Pay Subtraction

    New York National Guard members called to state or federal active duty can subtract their active-duty military pay from New York adjusted gross income for the period of that service.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. New York Army or Air National Guard members called to active duty; the subtraction applies for the duration of active duty service, but not to active duty for training.
    How to apply
    Claim the subtraction on the New York State income tax return using the military pay subtraction modification when filing Form IT-201.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • Certain disabilities

    New York State Blind Annuity Program

    An annual state payment to legally blind wartime veterans, or their unremarried surviving spouses, who live and are domiciled in New York; blindness need not be service-connected.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Certain serious disabilities (see who qualifies). New York resident veterans determined legally blind (20/200 vision in the better eye with correction, or 20-degree field limitation) who served at least 90 days active duty during a wartime period, or fewer days if discharged for a service-connected disability.
    legally blind (20/200 vision or 20-degree field limitation), not required to be service-connected
    How to apply
    Mail a completed Blind Annuity Application and Report of Legal Blindness form, with discharge paperwork, to the Department of Veterans' Services.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    NYSLRS Military Service Credit

    Allows members of the New York State and Local Retirement System to purchase additional service credit for honorably-discharged military service, which can increase their eventual pension.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. NYSLRS members honorably discharged from the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard or Public Health Service. The exact rules depend on which part of the law applies (for example, Article 20 needs five years of credited service before you apply).
    How to apply
    Submit a Request to Purchase Service Credit (Form RS5042) with a copy of your DD-214 to the Office of the State Comptroller before retiring.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    State Tax Treatment of Veterans' Benefits

    Benefits paid to a veteran or beneficiary under laws relating to veterans are treated the same for New York tax purposes as for federal tax purposes, so amounts excluded federally (like VA disability compensation) are not taxed by New York.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Any veteran or beneficiary receiving benefits under federal or state veterans' laws that are excluded from federal gross income.
    How to apply
    No separate application; these amounts are simply not reported as New York taxable income when filing.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Vehicles, driver's licenses and plates

  • Certain disabilities

    E-ZPass Disabled Veterans Non-Revenue Program

    Provides eligible disabled veterans with a special E-ZPass tag allowing free, unlimited travel on the New York State Thruway system.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Certain serious disabilities (see who qualifies). Disabled veterans who hold a fee-exempt NYS DMV vehicle registration in their own name. Getting that registration first requires VA approval on Form 21-4502 (automobile or adaptive equipment). No disability percentage or plate type qualifies by itself.
    How to apply
    Submit the E-ZPass Application for Disabled Veteran Non-Revenue Plan (TA-W5175) with a copy of the fee-exempt registration to the Thruway Authority's E-ZPass Operations office.
    Official page

    Last checked October 26, 2026.

  • Certain disabilities

    Vehicle Registration Fee Exemption for Disabled Veterans

    Exempts qualifying disabled veterans from New York vehicle registration and plate fees if they received a federal Title 38 grant for a specially adapted vehicle, or qualify for Medal of Honor or POW plates.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Certain serious disabilities (see who qualifies). Veterans who received federal funds under Title 38, Chapter 39 of the U.S. Code to purchase or modify a specially adapted vehicle, or who qualify for Congressional Medal of Honor or Former Prisoner of War plates.
    Recipient of Title 38 federal grant for specially adapted vehicle, or Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, or Former Prisoner of War
    How to apply
    Submit the Statement to Register a Vehicle Under Title 38 (or POW/Medal of Honor statement) to the NYS DMV with supporting VA documentation.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Veteran and Military Distinctive License Plates

    New York offers dozens of custom license plates honoring veterans, branches of service, and special statuses such as Purple Heart or POW, for cars and motorcycles.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Eligibility varies by plate type and generally requires proof of service (DD-214, Certification of Military Service, or discharge papers) matching the specific plate category.
    How to apply
    Order online or by mail using the Application for Custom Plates (CP-30), along with proof of service and a valid, soon-to-expire-free NY registration.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Veteran Status Designation on a NY DMV Photo Document

    Allows honorably discharged veterans to have the word "Veteran" printed on their New York driver license, learner permit, or non-driver ID, at no additional fee.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Qualified U.S. military veterans with a discharge documented as "Honorable" or "Under Honorable Conditions" who hold a New York State driver license, permit, or non-driver ID.
    How to apply
    Submit Form MV-44 with proof of honorable discharge at a DMV office, or mail the form and discharge proof to the DMV License Production Bureau.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Hunting, fishing and parks

  • No rating needed

    Lifetime Liberty Pass

    A free, never-expiring pass giving eligible veterans, and certain Gold Star family members, free vehicle entry to state parks and DEC day-use areas, plus free golf, swimming, and discounted camping.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. New York State resident veterans as defined by the Veterans' Services Law, veterans with a qualifying condition discharged other than bad conduct or dishonorable, discharged LGBT veterans, and certain Gold Star parents, spouses, and children.
    How to apply
    Order the pass online through NYS Parks, submitting proof of honorable discharge or veteran status; a DMV photo ID with Veteran designation can also be used directly at staffed facilities.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • 40%+

    Reduced Fee Hunting and Fishing Licenses for Disabled Veterans

    New York resident veterans with a service-related disability of 40% or more pay $5 for their first hunting, fishing, or trapping license each year. More licenses that year are free. They also get free bowhunting and muzzleloading privileges and first preference for Deer Management Permits.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: VA rating of 40% or higher. New York State resident veteran with a service-related disability rating of 40% or more. Show a VA letter with your case number one time; it stays in your license file. For Deer Management Permit preference, the VA letter must be dated in the current year.
    How to apply
    Provide the required VA disability letter one time at a license issuing agent location, then obtain licenses online, by phone, or in person going forward.
    Official page

    Last checked October 26, 2026.

School and tuition

  • No rating needed

    Military Enhanced Recognition Incentive and Tribute (MERIT) Scholarship

    Provides financial aid covering tuition and related costs for children, spouses, and dependents of New York service members who died or became severely and permanently disabled while performing military duties.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Children, spouses, and financial dependents of U.S. Armed Forces or state militia members who, while New York residents, died, are missing in action, or became severely and permanently disabled performing military duties.
    How to apply
    Establish eligibility through the HESC MERIT web supplement, then complete FAFSA and TAP applications each award year.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Military Residency Waiver for HESC Awards

    Waives the New York residency requirement for HESC financial aid for active-duty service members, or their spouses/dependents, who are stationed full-time in New York State.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. A member of the U.S. Armed Forces on full-time active duty and stationed in New York, or the spouse/dependent of such a member.
    How to apply
    Indicate active-duty stationing in New York when applying for HESC awards; no separate application form is required for the waiver itself.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Recruitment Incentive and Retention Program (RIRP)

    A New York State tuition benefit for members of the New York Army/Air National Guard and Naval Militia that pays tuition up to the SUNY in-state undergraduate rate at approved New York colleges.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Members in good standing of the NY Army National Guard, NY Air National Guard, or NY Naval Militia enrolled at least part-time in an undergraduate degree program in New York.
    How to apply
    Apply through your unit's Education Service Representative using DMNA Form 96-1, and complete FAFSA/TAP applications as required.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Veterans Tuition Awards (VTA)

    A HESC grant that covers tuition costs, up to the level of SUNY tuition, for eligible veterans attending SUNY, CUNY, private colleges, or approved vocational schools in New York.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. New York residents discharged under honorable conditions who served in qualifying combat or hostilities: Vietnam (Indochina) veterans, Persian Gulf veterans, Afghanistan veterans, or other veterans who served in hostilities for which an expeditionary medal was awarded or who received hostile fire or imminent danger pay. Covers undergraduate, graduate, and approved vocational study in New York.
    How to apply
    Complete the FAFSA and TAP application, then request a Student Payment Application from HESC to receive award payments.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • 40%+For family or survivors

    NYS Regents Awards for Children of Deceased and Disabled Veterans

    An annual scholarship for students whose parent served in the U.S. Armed Forces during a designated war or emergency and died, became severely disabled, or was classified missing in action or a POW.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: VA rating of 40% or higher. Undergraduate students whose veteran parent served during specified periods of war/national emergency and died, suffered 40% or more disability, or is MIA/POW; parent must be or have been a New York resident.
    How to apply
    Complete the Children of Veterans Award Web Supplement to establish eligibility, then apply for FAFSA and TAP each year for payment.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Jobs and hiring preference

  • No rating needed

    Additional Credit for Veterans in Civil Service Examinations

    Gives veterans and disabled veterans extra points added to their civil service exam scores for original appointment and promotion, plus preference in retention if a position is abolished.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veterans who served during a time of war (or have a qualifying condition/LGBT-veteran discharge) and were honorably discharged, are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, and are New York residents at time of application.
    How to apply
    Indicate veteran or disabled veteran status when applying to take a state or municipal civil service examination, providing proof of service and disability rating as applicable.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Business certification and contracts

  • 10%+

    Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (SDVOB) Certification

    Certifies businesses owned by service-disabled veterans so they can participate more fully in New York State contracting opportunities, which carry a statewide participation goal.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: VA rating of 10% or higher. One or more veterans with a service-connected disability rating of at least 10% must own at least 51% of the business, control day-to-day decisions, qualify as a small business, and maintain a significant presence in New York.
    How to apply
    Apply for certification through the OGS Division of Service-Disabled Veterans' Business Development, providing proof of disability rating, ownership, and control.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Homes, Veterans homes and cemeteries

  • Any rating

    Access to Home for Heroes/Veterans Program

    Provides financial assistance through local partners for accessibility modifications, emergency repairs, and code-violation fixes to the homes of low- and moderate-income disabled veterans.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Any VA service-connected rating, even 0%. Low- and moderate-income veterans with disabilities (household income not exceeding 120% of area median income) needing accessibility modifications to their primary residence, which may be owned or rented.
    How to apply
    Homeowners cannot apply directly; contact a Local Program Administrator (municipality or nonprofit) funded by HCR to apply on the veteran's behalf.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Indigent Veteran Burial Reimbursement

    New York State reimburses a Veterans Service Organization tasked by a county government with providing interment services for a veteran who died without sufficient funds for burial.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Applies when a county government assigns a congressionally chartered Veterans Service Organization to handle burial of an indigent veteran.
    How to apply
    The Veterans Service Organization submits the Application for Indigent Burial Reimbursement with supporting documentation to the Department of Veterans' Services.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    New York Military Funeral Honors

    The New York Army and Air National Guard provide military funeral honors at graveside for eligible veterans. Services include folding and presenting the U.S. flag and playing Taps, provided at no cost to families or funeral homes.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veterans discharged under honorable conditions and eligible service members. Federal law mandates that any military veteran who did not receive a dishonorable discharge is eligible.
    How to apply
    Families make requests for honors through their funeral director. Funeral director contacts the appropriate honor guard office for the veteran's branch of service.
    Official page

    Last checked October 26, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    New York State Veterans Cemetery – Finger Lakes

    New York's first and only state-owned veterans cemetery, located in Romulus, providing burial and a Final Committal Service for eligible veterans and their families.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Armed Forces veterans discharged under other than dishonorable conditions, plus their legal spouse and eligible dependent children; those who entered active duty after September 7, 1980 (enlisted) or October 16, 1981 (officers) generally must have served 24 consecutive months.
    How to apply
    Contact the New York State Department of Veterans' Services to arrange interment at the cemetery.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    New York State Veterans' Nursing Homes

    State-operated skilled nursing facilities providing long-term and rehabilitative care to veterans and their dependents at little or no out-of-pocket cost, with no means test.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Honorably discharged veterans with at least 30 days of active service who entered active duty from New York or have been a New York resident for one year, requiring skilled nursing care; spouses of eligible veterans may also qualify.
    How to apply
    Contact one of the five NYS Veterans' Homes (Oxford, Montrose, St. Albans, Long Island, Batavia) directly through their Admissions Department to apply.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    SONYMA Homes for Veterans Program

    A State of New York Mortgage Agency program offering veterans and active service members a fixed-rate mortgage at a discounted interest rate plus down payment assistance to buy a home in New York.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veterans discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, active-duty service members, and honorably discharged or currently serving National Guard/Reserve members; spouses and co-borrowers may also qualify; first-time buyer status is not required.
    How to apply
    Apply through a SONYMA-participating lender using proof of service (DD-214 or NGB Form 22) and, if not a first-time buyer, SONYMA Form 243.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    State Supplemental Burial Allowance

    Helps surviving family members cover funeral and interment costs, not covered by the federal government, for service members who died in combat or from hazardous-duty-related causes.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Family members of a service member who was a New York resident (or NY Army/Air National Guard member at time of entering active duty) and who died in a combat zone, from hazardous duty, or from related wounds.
    How to apply
    Submit the Burial Allowance application with proof of combat-related death and residency/Guard status to the Department of Veterans' Services.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Money, grants and bonuses

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Gold Star Families Annuity Program

    An annual state payment to Gold Star parents, spouses, and minor children of a deceased service member, honoring their loss regardless of whether the death occurred in combat.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. A gold star parent, spouse, or minor child of a deceased veteran, or of a service member who died on active duty, who is a resident and domiciled in New York State; death cannot be due to willful misconduct.
    How to apply
    Mail the Gold Star Families Annuity Program application with evidence of military service/death and proof of New York residency to the Department of Veterans' Services.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Also check

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