New York State Veteran Benefits

The state of New York makes a concentrated effort to support its military and Veteran residents. While Veterans, Servicemembers and retirees have access to many federal-level benefits, often states must offer their own support of Veterans to assist their military residents with accessing these federal benefits or perhaps filling in any gaps to service and support from federal benefits. New York state Veteran benefits include such programs as the New York state property tax exemption for Veterans, the New York income tax exemption for Veterans, special license plates for designated Veterans, and the New York hunting license for Veterans, among many others. Keep reading to learn more about New York state Veteran benefits.

New York Veteran Financial Benefits

Former Servicemembers residing in New York have many New York state Veteran benefits available to them, including the New York state property tax exemption for Veterans and the New York income tax exemption for Veterans, especially disabled Veterans. In addition to these tax benefits, Veterans can access programs such as Veteran auto insurance to lower vehicle costs, Veteran life insurance for family protection, and Veteran debt relief programs, all designed to support financial security and a smoother transition to civilian life.

Auto Insurance for Veterans in New York

Finding cheap auto insurance for Veterans in New York can help former Servicemembers reduce their monthly expenses without sacrificing coverage. Many insurance providers in the state offer exclusive Veteran discounts in New York and flexible payment options tailored to active-duty members, Veterans, and their families. Companies such as GEICO, USAA, and State Farm are known for offering affordable Veteran auto insurance in New York plans. In addition to competitive rates, these insurers often include benefits like accident forgiveness and roadside assistance. To explore more options and savings, visit the main article on Veteran auto insurance in New York.

Life Insurance for Veterans in New York

Securing life insurance for Veterans in New York ensures peace of mind for Servicemembers and their families. Several plans are available through both private providers and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Veterans can choose from policies that include term life, whole life, or supplemental coverage options under programs like SGLI and VGLI. Many Veteran life insurance in New York policies offer affordable premiums and coverage amounts that fit a variety of financial situations. Learn more about available options by visiting Veteran Life Insurance in New York.

VA Life Insurance in New York

The Department of Veterans Affairs offers several programs for VA life insurance in New York to provide continued financial security for Veterans and their families. These include the Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI), Service-Disabled Veterans Life Insurance (S-DVI), and newer programs like VALife. Eligible Veterans can apply directly through the VA to maintain or upgrade their life coverage after leaving active duty. Each policy offers flexible coverage amounts and low premiums tailored to the needs of Veterans. Learn more about these plans at VA life insurance in New York.

Debt Relief for Veterans in New York

Financial hardship can affect anyone, and debt relief for Veterans in New York provides valuable support for those facing financial stress. The state partners with several nonprofit organizations and lenders to offer counseling, consolidation programs, and forgiveness options. New York Veteran debt relief grants may also be available to help cover overdue bills, mortgage payments, or other essential expenses. These programs are designed to help Veterans regain financial stability and reduce interest burdens. More information can be found in the main guide on Veteran Debt Relief in New York.

Property Tax Exemption for Veterans

Veterans have the opportunity to apply for property tax exemption under New York law and as part of the New York State Veterans benefits programs, assuming they meet certain eligibility requirements. The Real Property Tax Law, section 458, outlines the various circumstances in which a Veteran might receive a partial exemption under one of the three programs, the New York Alternative Veterans Property Tax Exemption, the New York Cold War Veterans Property Tax Exemption or the Eligible Funds Veterans Exemption. Veterans qualify for the alternative exemption, which is 15% of the property value, if they have a service-connected disability.

Income Tax Exemption for Veterans

Some military pay and benefits are generally exempt from New York State income tax. The New York State income tax exemption for Veterans includes military retirement pay, whether the Servicemember is active duty or not. However, general military pay is indeed subject to New York income taxes. The New York Military Spouse Residency Relief Act is a program in which the spouse of a Servicemember stationed in New York state, but is not themselves a resident, is exempt from New York income taxes on salaries earned while living in New York under military orders.

E-Z Pass for Disabled Veterans

Some states offer E-Z Pass programs that provide free or discounted toll travel for disabled Veterans, often requiring a fee-exempt vehicle registration or meeting specific disability criteria. The New York State Thruway Authority offers free, unlimited travel to certain qualifying disabled Veterans with a fee-exempt vehicle registration from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles and free tollway travel.

New York Veteran Education Benefits

Most people are familiar with the GI Bill, which provides tuition assistance and educational benefits at a federal level. However, many states, including New York, also offer state-level assistance to Veterans and Servicemembers pursuing an education. NY Veterans are eligible for the NY State Veterans Tuition Awards, which can be used in conjunction with the GI Bill. There is also a Military Residency Waiver for those stationed in New York from out of state, which waives out-of-state tuition and fees for those seeking an education while residing in New York if on active duty. There is also the Rainbow Division Veterans Foundation Scholarship Program, which awards undergraduate scholarships to soldiers assigned to the 42nd Infantry Division and descendants of RDVF members. Scholarship amounts have ranged from $500 to $5,000, depending on available funds. 

New York National Guard Tuition Assistance

As part of the New York State Veterans benefits, the New York State Recruitment Incentive and Retention Program is a state initiative for New York National Guard military personnel that will cover tuition for the State University of New York tuition rate. You can use it for up to eight semesters of full-time study or 16 semesters of part-time study. The maximum award that service personnel can receive is $1,700 every semester or $3,400 each year. To be eligible:

• You must be in the National Guard and in good standing.
• You have attended all training and exercises, or any make-up training.
• You are a New York resident for at least 186 days prior to submitting your application.
• Not under disciplinary action.

Military Enhanced Recognition Incentive and Tribute (MERIT) Scholarship

The Military Enhanced Recognition Incentive and Tribute (MERIT) Scholarship provides financial assistance to families and financial dependents of Servicemembers or state-organized militia who became permanently disabled or died while performing military duties in New York State.

New York Veteran Employment Benefits

As part of its extensive New York State Veteran benefits, NY offers many employment perks for Veterans living within its borders including free job help at many of its state career centers. Aside from the number of jobs for Veterans in New York, there are various other employment benefits for Veterans, including hiring preferences, job retention rights, and access to specialized programs like the Veterans with Disabilities Employment Program. The state also has the Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business program, which is run by the NYS Office of General Services. The goal of this program is to get more certified Veteran businesses to work on state contracts, with a target of 6% of all procurement spending. New York also offers paid family leave for military duty, re-employment rights for Servicemembers that protect placement in civilian jobs, and protections for those who must be deployed to return to work without penalty, loss of seniority, or compensation.

Civil Service Preference

Anyone looking for jobs for Veterans in New York will have a certain preference for civil service jobs. When hiring and promoting state employees, the state gives preference to Veterans. Veterans with disability ratings receive ten points of extra credit for open position exams and five points for promotion consideration. To qualify for this preference, applicants must be New York residents who served active duty, received an honorable or medical discharge, and have a service connected disability rating of 10% or above.

New York State Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (SDVOB)

The NYS SDVOB program is a state-regulated initiative designed to promote the inclusion of service-disabled Veteran-owned businesses in New York State’s economy by increasing their participation in state contracting opportunities. To become certified as an SDVOB, businesses must meet specific eligibility requirements, including being at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more service-disabled Veterans with a 10% disability rating or higher.

New York Veteran Health Insurance Benefits

New York Veterans can access a range of health insurance benefits, including VA health care, CHAMPVA for eligible dependents, and potentially TRICARE, depending on their service status and eligibility. Servicemembers and Veterans may access healthcare at a variety of VA clinics and hospitals, including the New York City Veterans Hospital. Some state-specific healthcare programs exist in the form of New York State benefits for 100% disabled Veterans as part of the general NY Veterans benefits program as well.

VA Health Care Facilities

New York offers some of the nation’s best medical care for Veterans through several VA hospitals in New York. Major facilities include the New York City Veterans Hospital, VA NY Harbor Healthcare System, and Northport VA Medical Center. The VA NY Harbor Healthcare System is part of the Veterans Health Administration and serves Veterans in New York and New Jersey through medical centers, clinics, mobile clinics, primary care, mental health care, rehabilitation, and extended care. These facilities provide a full range of services, including surgical care and specialty clinics, while the VA NY Harbor Healthcare System also operates multiple campuses across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens, ensuring Veterans have convenient access to quality care. With extensive outpatient programs and telehealth services, New York Veterans receive comprehensive healthcare support.

TRICARE for Retired Veterans in New York

TRICARE for retired Veterans in New York provides essential health coverage for military retirees and their dependents. The program offers several plans, including TRICARE Prime and TRICARE Select, which cover preventive care, prescriptions, and specialist visits. Eligible retirees can receive services through civilian providers or military treatment facilities, including VA hospitals in New York. TRICARE for retirees in New York also coordinates benefits with Medicare for those over age 65. Find more information about eligibility and enrollment at the article TRICARE for retirees in New York.

New York Veteran Home Benefits

New York offers several Veteran home benefits, including property tax exemptions, assistance with down payments through the “Homes for Veterans” program, free or reduced-cost Thruway travel for disabled Veterans, and the Veterans Emergency Housing Program for short-term assistance, as part of its New York State Veteran benefits program. Veterans may obtain a property tax exemption on their primary residential property, as well as short-term financial assistance of up to $2,000 a year to help with qualifying emergency housing needs. 

New York State Veterans Homes

In partnership with the VA, the state Department of Veterans Affairs maintains several New York State Veterans Homes to provide skilled nursing care and assisted living services to New York Veterans. These New York state Veterans homes provide care with no out-of-pocket costs to the resident and range from independent living to full-scale skilled nursing care and memory care. Veterans with a 70% or greater service-connected disability and a skilled nursing need are entitled to no-cost nursing home care at any State Veterans Home, with services paid for by the VA.

Homes for Veterans Program

This Veteran home loan program New York benefit allows qualifying Veterans to secure a home loan through the following:

• Interest rates that are 0.375% lower than regular interest rates.
• Down payment assistance up to $3,000 or 3% of the home value (maximum of $15,000).
• Veterans and their spouses or co-borrowers are not required to be first time homebuyers for benefits, as with some other loans.

New York Veteran Parks and Recreation Benefits

New York State provides Veterans and Gold Star families with free or discounted access to state parks, campgrounds, recreational facilities and historical sites through its Veterans park pass program.

New York State Park Pass for Veterans

The New York State Veteran Benefits program offers a special New York State Park Pass for Veterans. The Lifetime Liberty Pass includes the following benefits:

• Free admission to Veterans and Gold Star Families.
• Free green fees at state park golf courses.
• Free swimming pool entrance at state parks.
• Discounted campsite and cabin rentals.

New York Hunting & Fishing License for Veterans

New York resident Veterans with a 40% or greater service-related disability are eligible for reduced-fee hunting and fishing licenses, with a cost of $5 for one license, and the other two licenses are free. This New York hunting license for Veterans is available at DEC regional offices.

New York Veterans Cemeteries

As part of the NY Veteran benefits system, the state also operates several Veteran cemeteries and the New York Vietnam Veterans Memorial Plaza Square. Veterans who served active duty with an honorable discharge and their spouses are eligible for burial in any of the New York Veterans cemeteries. All applicants must also be New York residents at the time of death. 

New York is a state that makes an effort to honor its Veterans through many state-level benefits and perks. The Veteran home loan program New York benefit, the New York state park pass for Veterans and the VA NY Harbor Healthcare system are just some of the benefits Veterans can receive.