The state of New York offers many veteran benefits for service members and Veterans that have served in the Armed Forces of the United States of America. These benefits include income and property tax exemptions, financial exemptions, education and training programs, hunting and fishing licenses, vehicle registrations, and assistance with employment. Your residency, military career, and disability status may result in certain differences in what benefits you may be eligible for. The following are benefits for the state of New York.
Retired Military Pay Income Taxes: Pension payments received by retired military personnel or their beneficiaries are totally exempt from New York State, New York City, and Yonkers income taxes.
New York Income Tax Benefits for Military Spouses: Military spouses qualifying under the Service Members’ Civil Relief Act (SCRA) may claim an exemption from New York State personal income tax withholding by their employer.
State Taxes on Combat Zone Pay: Military pay received for active service in a designated combat zone is exempt from New York State, New York City, and Yonkers taxes.
State Taxes on VA Disability Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): DIC is tax-free.
State Property Tax Exemption: Three different property tax exemptions are available to Veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Sales Tax:
Statewide: 4.0%
Counties: up to 4.875% additional
Average combined: 8.23%
Hunting Licenses & Permits for Disabled Veterans: New York resident Veterans with a 40 % or greater disability rating can get low-cost hunting and fishing licenses.
Hunting & Fishing Licenses for Active Duty: Active military members stationed outside New York who are home on leave for 30 days or less are entitled to free hunting, fishing or trapping licenses.
State Park Admission for Disabled Veterans: Wartime Veterans with a 40 % or greater disability are eligible for the Lifetime Liberty Pass, which provides free vehicle entry to state parks and many other privileges including free golf at 28 courses, free pool access at 36 pools, and discounted camping and cabin rentals.
Recruitment Incentive and Retention Program (RIRP): Pays tuition up to SUNY rates for members of the State Military Forces who meet residency and enrollment requirements.
Veterans Tuition Awards (VTA): For eligible Veterans in approved undergraduate, graduate, or vocational programs.
Regents Awards for Children of Deceased and Disabled Veterans: $450 per year for students whose parent died, is 40 %+ disabled, MIA, or POW due to service.
Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children: Eases school enrollment, placement, and graduation issues for children of military families.
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Eligibility for admission
Veterans must have served in the Armed Forces (deployment required)
Discharged other than dishonorable
Must be a New York resident Veteran
Spouses or unmarried surviving spouses (including Gold Star Parents) are also eligible if age and residency requirements are met
Charges for care may apply depending on circumstances
Civil Service Credit Preference: 10-point credit for disabled wartime Veterans, 5-point for wartime service, 2.5-point for other Veterans on original appointment exams.
New York State Department of Labor Career Centers: Provide priority of service for Veterans and eligible spouses.
Veterans with Disabilities Employment Program (55-c): Allows up to 500 positions to be filled with qualified wartime Veterans with disabilities without an exam.
Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA): Protects civilian job rights and benefits for Veterans and Reserve members.
Supplemental Burial Allowance: Up to $6,000 for military personnel killed in combat or on active duty in hostile/imminent danger locations on or after September 29, 2003.
National Cemeteries in New York:
Regional Benefit Offices
VA Medical Centers
Important Information
For first-time VA benefits applications, submit a copy of DD 214 (discharge paperwork). Honorable and general discharges qualify for most VA benefits. Keep these documents and medical records safe and accessible. VA eligibility generally requires discharge under conditions other than dishonorable. Veterans in prison or with multiple discharges should contact a VA regional office for clarification.
State veteran benefit programs and eligibility requirements change regularly due to federal and state government updates. This information serves as general guidance. Contact us for current program details and personalized benefits assistance.