New York Department of Veterans Affairs

Empire Honor: New York's Top 10 Most Valuable Veterans Benefits

New York provides a wide array of benefits and services to its large veteran population, demonstrating a strong commitment to honoring their service with tangible support. Administered by the New York State Division of Veterans' Services, these programs offer significant advantages in taxation, education, and long-term care, which are especially valuable in a high-cost-of-living environment. While the personal value of each benefit can differ, a clear top tier emerges based on monetary impact, broad applicability, and life-altering assistance.

Here are the top ten, most valuable veterans benefits offered through the New York Department of Veterans Affairs:

1. Veterans' Property Tax Exemption: A cornerstone of support in New York, this program provides a significant reduction in property taxes for veterans. The benefit comes in three parts: a 15% reduction in assessed value for serving during a time of war, an additional 10% reduction for serving in a combat zone, and a further reduction for those with a service-connected disability. In many parts of New York, this can save homeowners thousands of dollars annually.
2. Full Exemption of Military Retirement Pay from State Income Tax: In a major financial advantage for career veterans, New York completely exempts military retirement pay and survivor's benefits from state and local income taxes. This policy allows retired service members to keep 100% of their hard-earned pension, providing a significant boost to their annual income.
3. New York State Veterans Homes: A critical component of long-term care, New York operates five excellent Veterans Homes across the state. These facilities in Batavia, Oxford, St. Albans, Montrose, and Stony Brook provide high-quality, affordable skilled nursing, rehabilitative, and memory care in a veteran-centric environment, an invaluable resource for aging veterans and their families.
4. Veterans Tuition Awards: This powerful educational benefit provides full-time and part-time tuition awards for eligible combat veterans attending an undergraduate or graduate degree program at a SUNY or CUNY institution. The award covers tuition costs, making higher education significantly more affordable and accessible for those who have served in combat theaters.
5. State Employment Preference: Honorably discharged veterans receive a significant hiring preference when applying for competitive civil service jobs. Five preference points are added to the examination scores of qualified veterans, and ten points are added for wartime disabled veterans, providing a substantial advantage in securing stable government careers.
6. Military Service Credit for Public Retirement: Veterans who are members of a New York public retirement system can "buy back" up to three years of their active-duty service time to be credited toward their state pension. This can lead to an earlier retirement age and a larger pension, offering substantial long-term financial security.
7. "Experience Counts" Initiative: This program helps veterans translate their military skills and training into civilian careers by streamlining the process for obtaining professional licenses and certifications in New York. This removes barriers and speeds up the process for veterans to enter the civilian workforce in their chosen field.
8. Free Admission to New York State Parks: The "Lifetime Liberty Pass" permits New York veterans with a 40% or greater service-connected disability to enter state parks, historic sites, and recreational facilities for free. This valuable quality-of-life perk encourages veterans and their families to enjoy the state's natural beauty.
9. New York State Veterans Cemeteries: The state operates a beautiful Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Amelia, providing a dignified and honorable final resting place for veterans, their spouses, and eligible dependents at no cost to the family for the plot and interment.
10. "VETERAN" Designation on Driver's License/ID Card: For no additional fee, veterans can have a "VETERAN" designation placed on their New York driver's license, learner permit, or non-driver ID card. This simple but important benefit serves as official proof of veteran status, ensuring easy access to the numerous retail and commercial discounts offered throughout the state.

These premier benefits showcase New York's strong and enduring commitment to its veteran community. For detailed eligibility requirements and to connect with a Veterans Benefits Advisor, veterans are encouraged to visit the official website of the New York State Division of Veterans' Services.

New York State Division of Veterans Affairs

Address:
2 Empire State Plaza
Albany, NY 12223

Phone: 1-888-838-7697
Email: [email protected]

Return to the WeSalute State Veterans Benefits Directory