Benefits for Disabled Veterans in the State of New York

Tax Exemptions and Financial Assistance

Do Disabled Veterans Pay Property Taxes in New York?

Yes, but New York offers three separate property tax exemption programs that can substantially reduce a disabled veteran’s tax bill. The most widely used is the Alternative Veterans’ Exemption, which is offered by more than 95% of counties, cities, towns, and villages in the state and provides additional reductions for combat service and service-connected disabilities.

Alternative Veterans’ Exemption

This exemption applies to the primary residence of a veteran who served during a designated time of war or received an expeditionary medal. It provides three layers of reduction in assessed value:

• 15% reduction for wartime service
• Additional 10% reduction for service in a combat zone or receipt of an expeditionary medal
• Additional reduction equal to half of the veteran’s VA disability rating (so a veteran with a 60% rating would receive an extra 30% reduction)

Each layer is capped by a maximum dollar amount set by the local taxing jurisdiction. State law sets the default ceilings at $12,000 (wartime), $8,000 (combat zone), and $40,000 (disability), but municipalities may raise them as high as $250,000 in high-cost counties such as those around New York City.

Cold War Veterans’ Exemption

Veterans who served on active duty during the Cold War period (1945–1991) but who do not qualify under the Alternative Veterans’ Exemption may apply for this separate exemption on their primary residence. It also includes an additional reduction for service-connected disability, equal to half of the rating. The exemption is optional at the local level, so eligibility depends on whether the city, town, or county has chosen to offer it.

Eligible Funds Exemption

This older exemption applies when a veteran (or designated person) uses military pension, bonus, or insurance proceeds to purchase a property. It provides a partial reduction equal to the eligible funds applied to the purchase. To apply for any of the three exemptions, file the appropriate RP-458 series form with your local assessor by March 1 (the taxable status date in most jurisdictions). Find out more.

Do Veterans Pay Sales Tax in New York?

There is no general sales tax exemption for veterans in New York. However, VA disability compensation, military disability retirement pay, and Survivor Benefit Plan annuities are all exempt from New York State, New York City, and Yonkers income taxes. Active-duty service members stationed outside New York may also avoid state sales tax on out-of-state vehicle purchases.

Blind Annuity Program

The New York State Blind Annuity is a tax-free monthly payment available to legally blind wartime veterans (or their unremarried surviving spouses) who are domiciled in New York. Blindness does not need to be service-connected to qualify. To be considered legally blind, the applicant must have 20/200 vision or worse in the better eye with best correction, or a 20-degree field-of-vision limitation.

The annuity is administered by the New York State Department of Veterans’ Services and can be applied for at any local office or by contacting the Blind Annuity Unit at (888) 838-7697. Find out more.

Housing Assistance

Beyond property tax relief, New York provides several state-level housing programs to help veterans afford a home, recover from a housing emergency, or escape homelessness.

Veterans Emergency Housing Program

The Veterans Emergency Housing Assistance Fund provides one-time grants of up to $2,000 to New York veterans facing an immediate housing hardship — such as overdue rent, threatened eviction, utility shut-off, or moving costs after a sudden displacement. To qualify, applicants must be a veteran living in New York and lack the funds to cover the immediate cost themselves. Find out more.

Homes for Veterans Program

Operated through the State of New York Mortgage Agency (SONYMA), this program offers eligible veterans fixed-rate mortgages at 0.375% below standard SONYMA rates, plus down-payment assistance. The program can be used in conjunction with a federal VA-guaranteed home loan and is available to veterans, active-duty service members, and reservists. Find out more.

New York Programs for Homeless Veterans

Veterans facing homelessness in New York can access several state and federal programs coordinated through the Department of Veterans’ Services:

• HUD-VASH (Supportive Housing) Program — combines a HUD housing voucher with VA case management and clinical services for chronically homeless veterans
• Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) — grants to community providers that help veterans and their families avoid eviction or rapidly find permanent housing
• VA Grant and Per Diem Program — funds transitional housing and supportive services for homeless veterans through nonprofit partners

Transportation Benefits

Do Veterans Get Free Car Registration in New York?

Yes, certain disabled veterans qualify for a Motor Vehicle Registration Fee Exemption in New York. The exemption is available to veterans who:

• Received a vehicle or adaptive equipment grant from the VA under Federal Title 38 (typically reserved for veterans with severe service-connected disabilities affecting mobility, vision, or limb function)
• Qualify for the Congressional Medal of Honor custom plate
• Qualify for the Former Prisoner of War custom plate

The exemption waives both the registration fee and the license plate fee on one vehicle. Find out more.

Disabled Veteran License Plates in New York

The Disabled Veteran license plate issued by the New York DMV displays the Universal Symbol of Access and is reserved for honorably discharged veterans who already qualify for a Symbol of Access plate. The plate costs $28.75 to order and renews free of charge each year. Applications must be submitted by mail using Form CP-30 along with a copy of DD-214 or NA Form 13038. Processing typically takes about six weeks.

New York also offers other military and veteran plates, including the Purple Heart, Medal of Honor, Former POW, Pearl Harbor Survivor, Gold Star Mother, and branch-of-service plates. Find out more.

Do Veterans Get a Toll Road Discount in New York State?

Yes — disabled veterans receive free, unlimited travel on the entire New York State Thruway through the Disabled Veterans E-ZPass Non-Revenue program. There is no toll discount for general veterans, but there are no rating-percentage thresholds for the E-ZPass benefit itself.

To qualify, a veteran must already hold a fee-exempt vehicle registration issued by the DMV — typically obtained by veterans who received a VA Automobile or Adaptive Equipment Grant. Once the registration is in hand, the veteran can apply for the non-revenue E-ZPass tag through the New York State Thruway Authority. Find out more.

Education Benefits

Does New York Offer Free College Grants to Disabled Veterans and Dependents?

Yes — New York runs several state-funded scholarship programs that, depending on the program, can cover full tuition at the SUNY rate or provide a fixed annual award to veterans, their children, and their surviving spouses.

Veterans Tuition Awards (VTA)

Administered by the Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC), the VTA covers up to the SUNY undergraduate tuition rate (or actual tuition charged, whichever is lower) at any approved SUNY, CUNY, private, or vocational institution in New York. The award supports full-time and part-time undergraduate, graduate, or vocational study.

To qualify, a veteran must be a New York State resident, hold an honorable discharge, and meet one of these service criteria: served in Vietnam (Nov. 1, 1955–May 7, 1975), Persian Gulf (Aug. 2, 1990–present), Afghanistan (Sept. 11, 2001–present), or received an Armed Forces, Navy, or Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal. Effective July 1, 2025, eligibility expanded to veterans who served at least four years on active duty, even without combat or expeditionary service. Apply through HESC by June 30 of the academic year. Find out more.

Operation Recognition

Veterans who left high school to enter active duty can earn a New York State high school diploma through this program, regardless of how long ago they served. Eligible applicants must be New York residents who served at least one day on active duty and received an honorable discharge. Diplomas can be awarded posthumously to family members of deceased veterans. Find out more.

Do Children of Disabled Veterans Go to College for Free in New York?

Yes — New York offers two separate programs for the children, spouses, and dependents of severely disabled or deceased veterans.

MERIT Scholarship

The Military Enhanced Recognition, Incentive and Tribute (MERIT) Scholarship provides financial aid to children, spouses, and financial dependents of U.S. Armed Forces or state-organized militia members who, while a New York resident, died or became severely and permanently disabled from injury or illness incurred in the line of duty (whether in combat or not), or were classified as missing in action.

There are no income limits. Recipients must be enrolled full-time at a New York college and the member of the United States Armed Forces or a state-organized militia must have been a resident of NYS at the time they died or became disabled while discharging their military duties. The award covers tuition, fees, room and board, books, supplies, and transportation at the SUNY rate, for up to four years of undergraduate study. Apply at hesc.ny.gov/merit.

Regents Awards for Children of Deceased and Disabled Veterans

This award provides up to $450 per year to children of veterans who served during a designated period of war or national emergency and who either died, are rated 40% or more disabled by the VA, were classified as missing in action, or were former POWs. The veteran parent must currently be (or have been at the time of death) a New York State resident.

For an overview of all New York state education benefits for veterans and dependents, visit the official portal. Find out more.

Employment Benefits for New York Veterans

New York Civil Service Veterans’ Preference

Wartime veterans who pass a New York civil service exam receive 5 additional points on competitive open exams (and 2.5 on promotional). Veterans rated with a service-connected disability receive 10 additional points on open exams (and 5 on promotional). The preference can be used only once for original appointment and once for promotion.

55-c Program for Veterans with Disabilities

Section 55-c of the Civil Service Law authorizes 500 entry-level state positions to be filled by qualified wartime veterans with a service-connected disability without the requirement to take a competitive exam. Eligible applicants include Purple Heart recipients and veterans with a VA disability rating of 10% or higher. Once placed, employees follow the standard probationary process and become permanent civil servants.

Hire-A-Vet Tax Credit

New York employers who hire a qualified veteran can claim a state tax credit of up to $5,000 per veteran, or up to $15,000 per disabled veteran. The veteran must work at least 35 hours per week for a full year and meet specific service requirements. The credit gives disabled veterans an extra advantage when applying for jobs in the state.

Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (SDVOB) Program

New York certifies businesses that are at least 51% owned and controlled by a service-disabled veteran (with a 10% or higher VA rating). The state’s procurement goal is to award 6% of state contracts to certified SDVOBs, one of the highest such targets in the country. Certification is administered by the Office of General Services and is free.

Career Center and Priority of Service

Veterans receive priority of service at all New York Department of Labor Career Centers, moving to the front of the line for job referrals, training, and assessment. Two specialist roles serve veterans at these centers:

• DVOP Specialists (Disabled Veterans’ Outreach Program) provide individualized case management for veterans with significant barriers to employment, including service-connected disabilities
• LVER Staff (Local Veterans’ Employment Representatives) advocate with employers, facilitate job referrals, and coordinate with training providers

New York’s Experience Counts initiative also recognizes military training toward state professional licensing in fields such as healthcare, transportation, and security, which can shorten the path to civilian credentials. Find out more.

Recreation Benefits

Time outdoors is an important part of recovery and quality of life for many disabled veterans. New York offers a generous Lifetime Liberty Pass and a discounted hunting and fishing license to help veterans enjoy state parks, forests, and waterways at little or no cost.

Do Disabled Veterans Get into New York State Parks for Free?

Yes. The Lifetime Liberty Pass provides eligible New York veterans and Gold Star family members with free, unlimited vehicle entry to most state-operated parks, day-use areas, boat launches, historic sites, arboretums, and park preserves.

The pass also includes free greens fees at state-operated golf courses, free admission to State Park pools, and discounts on camping and cabin rentals at most state and DEC campgrounds.

The pass is free and never expires. To qualify, the veteran must be a New York resident with an honorable (or other-than-bad-conduct/dishonorable) discharge. Gold Star eligibility extends to parents, spouses, domestic partners, and minor children of service members who died during armed conflict or specified military operations.

Apply online at parks.ny.gov or present a New York driver license or non-driver ID with the veteran status designation at any staffed facility. Find out more.

Do Disabled Veterans Get Discounts for Fishing and Hunting Licenses in New York?

Yes. New York offers a reduced-fee hunting and fishing license to disabled veterans with a service-connected disability of 40% or more (verified annually by the VA). Eligible veterans also receive preference for Deer Management Permits issued by the Department of Environmental Conservation. Find out more.

Health Care Benefits

For medical care, prescriptions, mental health services, and outpatient treatment, veterans in New York can access the VA New York and New Jersey Health Care Networks (VISN 2), which operate medical centers and community-based outpatient clinics across the state. New York also funds several state-specific health and long-term care programs for veterans. Find out more.

New York State Veterans Homes

New York operates five state veterans’ nursing homes providing skilled nursing care, rehabilitation, memory care, and end-of-life support. Eligible residents include honorably discharged veterans who completed at least 30 days of active service, plus their spouses and Gold Star parents.

• St. Albans Veterans’ Home – 178-50 Linden Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11434 | (718) 990-0353
• Batavia Veterans’ Home – 220 Richmond Avenue, Batavia, NY 14020 | (585) 345-2049
• Oxford Veterans’ Home – 4211 State Highway 220, Oxford, NY 13830 | (607) 843-3121
• Montrose Veterans’ Home – Route 9A, PO Box 188, Montrose, NY 10548 | (914) 788-6000
• Long Island State Veterans Home – 100 Patriots Road, Stony Brook, NY 11790 | (631) 444-8387

For veterans with a 70% to 100% service-connected disability rating, nursing care at a state veterans’ home is generally provided at no out-of-pocket cost through the VA’s per-diem program. Find out more about the New York State Veterans Homes.

Federal Benefits Available to New York Veterans

In addition to New York’s specific benefits, disabled veterans also get a wide range of federal VA disability benefits, including:

• Monthly tax-free compensation payments based on disability rating (calculate it here)
• Medical care, including mental health services and counseling
• Special compensation, Aid & Attendance and other financial benefits
• Home loans and housing benefits
• Vocational rehabilitation and employment services
• Survivor benefits
• Federal hiring preference

Eligibility for some of these benefits depends on the disability rating percentage. Use the links below to see what federal benefits disabled veterans can get with a rating of 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, etc.

• 50% VA disability benefits
• 60% VA disability benefits
• 70% VA disability benefits
• 80% VA disability benefits
• 90% VA disability benefits

100% Disabled Veteran Benefits

New York veterans with a 100% disability rating receive the highest level of federal VA benefits, including:

• Full monthly VA compensation
• Full VA healthcare coverage
• Dental care
• Adaptive equipment grants

See all federal benefits for a 100% disabled New York veteran →

100% Disabled Veteran Benefits for Spouse and Dependents

Spouses and family members of 100% disabled New York veterans may also be able to get several benefits:

• Property tax exemption continuation  
• CHAMPVA healthcare  
• Education benefits  
• DIC eligibility  
• Access to New York state resources

Benefits for Toxic Exposure

Several New York installations have documented toxic exposure, including contamination with PFAS chemicals, TCE, and other industrial solvents, asbestos, and unexploded ordnance.

New York State Military Bases with Known Toxins

• Plattsburgh Air Force Base (Plattsburgh, NY)
• Griffiss Air Force Base (Rome, NY)
• West Point Military Reservation (West Point, NY)
• Fort Drum (Watertown, NY)
• Seneca Army Depot (Romulus, NY)
• Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station (Niagara Falls, NY)
• Hancock Field Air National Guard Base (Syracuse, NY)

Veterans who served at a contaminated military base in the state of New York or elsewhere and developed related disabilities may be eligible for VA benefits. If you were exposed to toxins at a base in a different state, find it using the Military Base Toxic Exposure Map.

How to Get VA Disability Benefits

Free Guide to Winning VA Disability

Attorney Matthew Hill has written THE book on how to get VA disability compensation and benefits. And it’s yours at no cost. We’ll mail it to your home for free or give you a downloadable electronic version, whichever you prefer.

Legal Resources for Disabled Veterans

• New York State Department of Veterans’ Services Benefits
• Find a Veterans Services Office Near You
• Claims Assistance from a Veterans Benefits Advisor

Attorneys Specialized in VA Disability Law

Our VA-accredited lawyers proudly represent New York veterans who were denied or underrated by the VA, with no upfront costs. Contact us for a free evaluation – even if we don’t take your case, we’ll point you in the right direction!

• VA lawyers assisting veterans in the state of New York
• Brooklyn VA Disability Lawyers