New York Veteran Benefits (2026 Guide)
A complete guide to state-level benefits for veterans living in New York, including property tax exemptions, education programs, employment preference, and more. These benefits are in addition to your federal VA benefits.
Official source: New York veterans affairs agency — applications, forms, and current filing deadlines come from the state directly.
Benefits at a Glance
New York's veteran benefits package includes property tax exemptions at the local level, full military retirement pay exemption, and the New York State Department of Veterans' Services providing resources from employment assistance to crisis intervention. The state's sheer size means benefits can vary significantly by county, making it important to know what's available locally.
Getting help in New York
Accredited claims help
New York State Department of Veterans' Services
Phone: (888) 838-7697
Verified September 2026. Call to confirm before you travel.
Local veterans offices
Every county in New York is required by law to have a veterans service office.
Verified September 2026.
Not sure what you qualify for yet? The briefing takes about three minutes and needs no signup.
Start the briefingProperty Tax Exemption
Local-option exemptions by service and disability; local-option full exemption for permanently and totally disabled veterans
Alternative Veterans Exemption (RPTL 458-a), where the municipality offers it: a 15% reduction in assessed value for veterans who served during a time of war or received an expeditionary medal, an additional 10% for combat zone service, and an additional reduction equal to half the veteran's service-connected disability rating, each subject to dollar limits set by the taxing jurisdiction. Municipalities may also offer a Cold War veterans exemption (10 or 15%) for active duty between September 2, 1945 and December 26, 1991; a veteran who receives the alternative exemption cannot also receive it. Municipalities and school districts may also adopt a full exemption for veterans the VA documents as permanently and totally disabled as a result of military service, for assessment rolls with taxable status dates on or after October 1, 2026. Localities may extend the alternative exemption to Gold Star parents. Unremarried surviving spouses also eligible. File Form RP-458-a with your assessor; in most communities the deadline is March 1.
Income Tax Benefits
Military retirement pay partially exempt
New York exempts up to $20,000 of military retirement pay from state income tax. VA disability compensation is tax-free.
Hunting & Fishing Licenses
$5 hunting, fishing or trapping license for 40%+ disabled veterans
New York residents who are military veterans with a 40% or greater service-related disability pay $5 for their first fishing, hunting or trapping license in a calendar year; later purchases of those license types in the same year are free. They also get free bowhunting and muzzleloading privileges (a base hunting license is required).
Education Benefits
Veterans Tuition Awards and Military Enhanced Recognition Incentive and Tribute (MERIT)
Veterans Tuition Awards cover full SUNY/CUNY tuition. MERIT scholarship for children and spouses of deceased service members. Excelsior Scholarship also available.
Employment & Hiring Preference
Veterans preference in state and local civil service
New York grants veterans preference in state and local civil service — 5 points for non-disabled veterans, 10 points for disabled veterans on competitive exams. Preference is add-on points to passing exam scores. New York State Department of Labor provides dedicated veteran employment services through career centers statewide.
Vehicles & DMV
Free DV plates; free NY Thruway E-ZPass
Free "Disabled Veteran" license plates. Disabled veterans receive free E-ZPass for the New York State Thruway system.
State Parks
Free state parks pass for disabled veterans
New York State Parks provides free Empire Pass (annual vehicle pass) for veterans with service-connected disability. Covers all 180+ state parks.
Housing & Veterans Homes
New York State Veterans Homes
New York operates 5 State Veterans Homes (Oxford, Batavia, Montrose, St. Albans, Stony Brook) providing skilled nursing and rehabilitative care for eligible veterans.
Veteran Business Programs
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (SDVOB) program
New York certifies Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (SDVOBs) with a 6% state procurement goal. Certified SDVOBs receive preferences on state contracts. The Division of Service-Disabled Veterans Business Development administers the program.
Veterans in New York
New York is home to over 590,000 veterans. Fort Drum (home of the 10th Mountain Division), West Point, and multiple National Guard facilities anchor the military presence. The VA NY Harbor Healthcare System, the Northport VA Medical Center on Long Island, and the Albany VA Medical Center provide comprehensive care. New York operates five state veterans homes and the New York State Department of Veterans' Services runs a peer-to-peer support program and crisis hotline. Local veteran service agencies in every county provide direct benefits assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions About New York Veteran Benefits
Does New York offer property tax exemptions for veterans?
Local-option exemptions by service and disability; local-option full exemption for permanently and totally disabled veterans. Alternative Veterans Exemption (RPTL 458-a), where the municipality offers it: a 15% reduction in assessed value for veterans who served during a time of war or received an expeditionary medal, an additional 10% for combat zone service, and an additional reduction equal to half the veteran's service-connected disability rating, each subject to dollar limits set by the taxing jurisdiction. Municipalities may also offer a Cold War veterans exemption (10 or 15%) for active duty between September 2, 1945 and December 26, 1991; a veteran who receives the alternative exemption cannot also receive it. Municipalities and school districts may also adopt a full exemption for veterans the VA documents as permanently and totally disabled as a result of military service, for assessment rolls with taxable status dates on or after October 1, 2026. Localities may extend the alternative exemption to Gold Star parents. Unremarried surviving spouses also eligible. File Form RP-458-a with your assessor; in most communities the deadline is March 1.
Are military retirement benefits taxed in New York?
Military retirement pay partially exempt. New York exempts up to $20,000 of military retirement pay from state income tax. VA disability compensation is tax-free.
What education benefits does New York offer veterans?
Veterans Tuition Awards and Military Enhanced Recognition Incentive and Tribute (MERIT). Veterans Tuition Awards cover full SUNY/CUNY tuition. MERIT scholarship for children and spouses of deceased service members. Excelsior Scholarship also available.
Do veterans get free or discounted hunting and fishing licenses in New York?
$5 hunting, fishing or trapping license for 40%+ disabled veterans. New York residents who are military veterans with a 40% or greater service-related disability pay $5 for their first fishing, hunting or trapping license in a calendar year; later purchases of those license types in the same year are free. They also get free bowhunting and muzzleloading privileges (a base hunting license is required).
Does New York give veterans hiring preference for state jobs?
Veterans preference in state and local civil service. New York grants veterans preference in state and local civil service — 5 points for non-disabled veterans, 10 points for disabled veterans on competitive exams. Preference is add-on points to passing exam scores. New York State Department of Labor provides dedicated veteran employment services through career centers statewide.
Are there veterans homes or housing programs in New York?
New York State Veterans Homes. New York operates 5 State Veterans Homes (Oxford, Batavia, Montrose, St. Albans, Stony Brook) providing skilled nursing and rehabilitative care for eligible veterans.
Do veterans get free or discounted state park access in New York?
Free state parks pass for disabled veterans. New York State Parks provides free Empire Pass (annual vehicle pass) for veterans with service-connected disability. Covers all 180+ state parks.
Want the full picture?
New York benefits sit alongside federal compensation, healthcare, education, housing, and employment benefits. The optional briefing walks through what may apply to your specific service.
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