State Taxes
Education Benefits
Employment Benefits
Unemployment Insurance
Division of Motor Vehicles Benefits
Health Insurance Benefits
Parks and Recreation Benefits
Miscellaneous Benefits
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Facilities in New York
New York Military Resource Locator
Resources

Summary of New York Military and Veterans Benefits: New York offers special benefits for service members, Veterans and their families including property tax exemptions, New York National Guard tuition assistance, Veteran and dependent education assistance, compensation for state active duty, employment assistance, civil service preference, special vehicle license plates, hunting, fishing license benefits and New York State Parks privileges. Eligibility for some benefits may depend on residency, military component, and Veteran disability status.

New York State Department of Veterans’ Services, Veterans Benefit Advisors: The New York State Department of Veterans’ Services, has trained Veterans Benefit Advisors who can assist Veterans, retired service members and their families find and apply for Veterans benefits under federal, state, and local laws. All their services are provided free of charge. For more information, please call 888-838-7697.
New York State Department of Veterans’ Services, Veterans Services Offices Directory

Learn more about the New York State Department of Veterans’ Services, Veterans Benefit Advisors

New York Military and Veterans State Benefit Highlights and Eligibility

What are my New York Military and Veterans State Tax Benefits?

New York Taxes on Military Retired Pay: Military retired pay received by retired service members is exempt from New York State, New York City, and Yonkers income taxes.

Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) does not withhold taxes for state or local income tax, but it is reported annually on IRS Form 1099-R. All TSP distributions are subject to state taxes and early distributions may incur higher taxes.
New York State Income Tax Information for Military Personnel and Veterans

Learn more about New York Taxes on Military Retired Pay

New York Taxes on Military Pay: Military pay received by resident service members is subject to New York income tax, with the following exceptions:

Resident service member stationed and living outside New York:

• Did not maintain a permanent residence in New York State during the tax year, and
• Maintained a permanent residence outside New York State during the entire tax year, and
• Spent 30 days or less in New York State during the tax year

Resident service member stationed overseas:

• Served in a foreign country for at least 450 days during any period of 548 consecutive days, and
• Spent 90 days or less in New York State during this 548 day period

New York State Income Tax Information for Military Personnel and Veterans

Learn more about New York Taxes on Military Pay

New York Military Spouse Residency Relief Act: A nonresident military spouse whose service member spouse is stationed in New York under military orders, is exempt from New York income taxes on wages earned in New York State. The nonresident spouse must pay taxes (if required) to their state of residence.
New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, Military Spouse Residency Relief Act Fact Sheet

Learn more about New York Income Tax Benefits for Military Spouses

New York State Taxes on Combat Zone Pay: Military pay received by an active duty service member serving in an area designated as a combat zone is exempt from New York taxes.
New York State Income Tax Information for Military Personnel and Veterans

Learn more about New York State Taxes on Combat Zone Pay

New York Tax Subtraction for National Guard Service Members Called to Active Duty: New York National Guard Service members called to state or federal active duty can subtract their military pay from their adjusted gross income. Service members can take this subtraction for the duration of their active duty service. Active duty for training does not qualify

Learn more about the New York Tax Subtraction for National Guard Service Members Called to Active Duty

New York State Taxes on Military Disability Retirement Pay: Military Disability Retirement Pay received as a pension, annuity or similar allowance for personal injury or sickness resulting from active service in the U.S. Armed Forces should not be included in taxable income. Some of the payments which are considered disability benefits include:

• Disability compensation and pension payments for disabilities paid to Veterans or their families
• Grants for homes designed for wheelchair living
• Grants for motor vehicles for Veterans who lost their sight or the use of limbs, or
• Benefits under a dependent-care assistance program

See IRS Publication 525 for more information.

Learn more about New York State Taxes on U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Military Disability Retirement Pay

New York State Taxes on U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Disability Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): DIC is a tax-free monetary benefit paid to eligible survivors of U.S. Armed Forces service members who died in the line of duty or eligible survivors of Veterans whose death resulted from a service-connected injury or disease.

Learn more about New York State Taxes on U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Disability Dependency and Indemnity Compensation

New York State Tax Exemption for Military Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RCSBP), Retired Serviceman’s Family Protection Plan (RSFPP) Annuities: SBP, RCSBP and RSFPP annuities are not taxed in New York.
New York State Income Tax Information for Military Personnel and Veterans

Learn more about the New York State Tax Exemption for Military Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RCSBP), Retired Serviceman’s Family Protection Plan (RSFPP) Annuities

New York State Veteran Property Tax Exemption: New York offers three different property tax exemptions for qualifying Veterans and their eligible family members. New York Property taxes are assessed by local cities, towns, school districts, or villages that may choose to offer one or more of these exemptions.

New York Alternative Veterans Property Tax Exemption – The following exemption is offered to eligible Veterans and their family members:

• 15% reduction in assessed value for Veterans who served during a time of war
• Additional 10% reduction in assessed value for Veterans who served in a combat zone, including recipients of an expeditionary medal
• Additional reduction in assessed value to Veterans who have a service-connected disability, equal to one-half of their disability rating

• Property must be the Veteran’s or eligible family member’s primary residence

Who is eligible for the New York Alternative Veterans Property Tax Exemption? Basic eligibility requirements include:

• Veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces during a time of war and received an honorable discharge
• Spouse or unremarried surviving spouse of an eligible Veteran
• Gold Star Parents of a service member who was killed while serving on active duty during a time of War
• If the Veteran and their spouse are deceased, the exemption can be passed on to their children or the Veteran’s parents

Please visit the Alternative Veterans Property Tax Exemption Eligibility Requirements for a complete list of eligibility requirements.

Application for Alternative Veterans Exemption from Real Property Taxation
Instructions for Alternative Veterans Exemption Application

New York Cold War Veterans Property Tax Exemption - The New York Cold War Veterans Property Tax Exemption is offered to Veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces during the Cold War. The amount of the reduction is subject to maximum limits set by the local community. This exemptionprovides:

• 10 or 15% reduction in assessed value (as adopted by the taxing jurisdiction)

• Additional reduction in assessed value for Veterans who have a service-connected disability they incurred while serving during the Cold War, equal to one-half of their disability rating

• Exemption is limited to 10 years in duration unless the taxing jurisdiction has made it indefinite, the disability portion of this exemption has no time limit
• Property must be the Veteran’s or their spouse’s primary residence

Who is eligible for the New York Cold War Veterans Property Tax Exemption? Basic eligibility requirements include:

• Veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces between September 2, 1945, through December 26, 1991, and received an honorable discharge
• Spouse or unremarried surviving spouse of an eligible Veteran

Please visit the Cold War Veterans Property Tax Exemption Eligibility Requirements for a complete list of eligibility requirements.
Application for Cold War Veterans Exemption from Real Property Taxation
Instructions for Cold War Veterans Exemption Application

New York Eligible Funds Veterans Property Tax Exemption - The Eligible Funds Veterans Exemption provides a reduction of the assessed value of a property that a Veteran purchased with eligible funds after discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces. This reduction is typically up to a maximum of $7,500. Eligible funds include:

• Military retired pay
• Bonus or insurance payments
• Monthly payments for a service-connected and non-service-connected disability or death
• Compensation paid to prisoners of war
• Mustering out pay
• Grants to purchase or modify specially adapted houses for Veterans with serious disabilities (100% exemption)

See the Instructions for Veterans Exemption from Real Property Taxation for a complete list of eligible funds.
Who is eligible for the New York Eligible Funds Veterans Property Tax Exemption? Basic eligibility requirements include:

• Veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and received an honorable discharge
• Spouse or unremarried surviving spouse
• Dependent Parents
• If the Veteran and their spouse are deceased, the exemption can be passed on to their children or the Veteran’s parents
• Property does not have to be the Veteran’s or their family member’s primary residence

Application for Veterans Exemption from Real Property Taxation

Applicants are required to submit official documentation as proof of honorable service, service during qualifying periods and proof of disability (if required).
Acceptable Military Records for Veterans Property Tax Exemptions

All applicants for a property tax exemption must submit applications and documentation to the assessor, or city or town clerk where the property is located. Applicants should contact their property taxing official regarding which Veterans’ exemptions are available, application deadlines and eligibility requirements.
New York State Office of Real Property Tax Services Directory
Veterans' Exemption Questions and Answers about Partial Exemption from Property Taxes in New York State

Learn more about New York State Veteran Property Tax Exemption

New York State Social Security Benefits Tax Exemption: New York State does not tax Social Security benefits.

Learn more about the New York State Social Security Benefits Tax Exemption

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What are my New York Military and Veterans Education Benefits?

New York State Recruitment Incentive and Retention Program (RIRP): RIRP is a state program for New York National Guard service members that will pay the cost of tuition up to SUNY (State University of New York) tuition rates. Service members must be enrolled in an undergraduate degree producing program either full or part time. RIRP may be used for no more than eight semesters of full time study (exceptions apply for five year programs), or no more than 16 semesters of part time study. The maximum award service members can receive is $1,700 per semester and $3,400 per calendar year.
Who is eligible for the RIRP?

• Active members of the New York National Guard
• Attended all scheduled drills and training or completed authorized make-up training
• Expiration Term of Service (ETS) must be after last semester RIRP funds are used
• New York resident for at least 186 days prior to application (excludes periods of active duty service)
• Not flagged for adverse action

For complete eligibility requirements, see the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs, Regulation 621-1. Service members are required to apply for all non-debt producing tuition financial aid for each semester they request RIRP funds.

Application deadlines are 15 August for fall semester and 15 December for the spring semester. For more information, and submission instructions please contact the New York Air National Guard Education Service Representative by calling 518-786-0460.

Learn more about the New York State Recruitment Incentive and Retention Program

New York State Veterans Tuition Awards (VTA): VTA offers awards for full-time and part-time study for eligible Veterans enrolled in an approved undergraduate or graduate degree program, or an approved vocational training program in New York. Awards are made up to the SUNY (State University of New York) tuition rates.

Full-time study is defined as 12 or more credits per semester (or the equivalent) or 24 or more hours per week in a vocational training program.

Part-time study is defined as at least three but fewer than 12 credits per semester (or the equivalent) or six to 23 hours per week in a vocational training program.

VTA can be used in conjunction with the Montgomery GI Bill but may not be used with the Yellow Ribbon program or the Post 9/11 GI Bill. Combined tuition benefits available to a student cannot exceed the actual tuition.

Veterans can receive awards for up to 10 semesters for undergraduate degrees, six semesters for graduate degrees and four semesters for vocational training programs
Who is eligible for VTA?To be eligible Veterans must meet the following requirements:

• Legal resident of New York and lived in New York for 12 continuous months prior to the beginning of the term
• Received an honorable discharge after service in the U.S. Armed Forces during one of the following time periods:
  • Vietnam Veteran who served in Indochina from February 28, 1961, through May 7, 1975
  • Persian Gulf Veteran who served in the Persian Gulf on or after August 2, 1990
  • Afghanistan Veteran who served in Afghanistan during hostilities on or after September 11, 2001
  • Served in hostilities after February 28, 1961, and received an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
• U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
• Graduated high school in the U.S., earned a high school equivalency diploma, or passed a federally approved Ability to Benefit Test
• Meet good academic standing requirements
• Tuition charges are at least $200 per year
• Must complete the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) Application and Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for all undergraduate or graduate study
• Not be in default on any state or federal student loan or on any repayment of state awards

Applicants must a complete New York State VTA online application and provide any required documentation. All applications must be completed by June 30 of the upcoming academic year. For more information, please contact the Higher Education Services Corporation, Scholarship Unit at scholarships@hesc.ny.gov.

Learn more about the New York State Veterans Tuition Awards

New York State Military Enhanced Recognition Incentive and Tribute (MERIT) Scholarship: The New York State MERIT Scholarship provides financial aid to the children, spouse and financial dependents of service members who were serving in the U.S. Armed Forces or the New York National Guard and died or became severely and permanently disabled in the line of duty. MERIT is also available to resident Veterans who become severely and permanently disabled as a result of injury or illness that occurred in the line of duty.

MERIT awards cover tuition for four years of full-time undergraduate study (exceptions apply for five year programs) up to SUNY (State University of New York) tuition rates. MERIT can also be used to cover non-tuition costs such as books, supplies, transportation and room and board costs. Recipients can receive up to a maximum of $13,415 per semester if living on campus and a maximum of $8,250 per semester if commuting to college.
Who is eligible for New York State MERIT Scholarships? For a Veteran or their dependents to be eligible the Veteran must meet the following requirements:

• New York resident while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces or New York National Guard

• Died or became severely disabled* in a combat zone or during training in preparation for duty in a combat zone, or

• Declared missing in action

*Severely disabled means to be permanently disabled and unable to work, as determined by a doctor.

Student eligibility requirements:

• Enrolled as a full-time student taking 12 or more credits per semester at an approved postsecondary institution in New York
• Graduated high school in the U.S., earned a high school equivalency diploma, or passed a federally approved Ability to Benefit Test
• Be in good academic standing
• Not be in default on any state or federal student loan or on any repayment of state awards

Applicants must a complete New York State MERIT Scholarship online application and provide any required documentation to establish eligibility. Applicants who are applying based upon eligibility due to a disability must also submit the New York State Total and Permanant Disability Verification Form. Applications should be completed for every member of the family who will use this scholarship, even if they are not currently old enough to attend college to prevent having to establish eligibility.

Once eligibility is established, students must complete the and Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by June 30 of each academic year. For more information, please contact the Higher Education Services Corporation, Scholarship Unit at scholarships@hesc.ny.gov.

Learn more about the New York State Military Enhanced Recognition Incentive and Tribute Scholarship

New York State Regents Awards for Children of Deceased and Disabled Veterans (CDDV): The CDDV provides financial aid to students whose parent(s) served in the U.S. Armed Forces during specific times of military conflict. This award is $450 per year.
Who is eligible for the New York State Regents Awards for CDDVs? For the child of a Veteran to be eligible the Veteran must be a current New York resident or was a New York Resident at the time of their death and must meet one of the following requirements:

• Died during a specified time period while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces
• Awarded a 40% or more service-connected disability rating from the VA
• Declared missing in action or a prisoner of war

Served during one of the following times of military conflict:

• Afghanistan - September 18, 2001, through end of hostilities
• Iraq - October 16, 2002, through end of hostilities
• Persian Gulf - August 2, 1990, through end of hostilities
• Vietnam/Indochina - December 22, 1961, through May 7, 1975
• Korean Conflict - June 27, 1950, through January 31, 1955
• World War II - December 7, 1941, through December 31, 1946
• World War I – April 6, 1917, through November 11, 1918
• Merchant Seaman during the period from December 7, 1941, through August 15, 1945
• Received the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for service in:
  • Panama – December 20, 1989, through January 31, 1990
  • Grenada – October 23, 1983, through November 23, 1983
  • Lebanon – June 1, 1983, through December 1, 1987

Students who were born with spina bifida whose parent is a Vietnam Veteran who served in Indochina between December 22, 1961, through May 7, 1975, must contact the Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) at 888-697-4372 for application instructions.

Applicants must complete the New York State Child of Veteran Award online application and provide any required documentation to establish eligibility.

Once eligibility is established, students must complete the and Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by June 30 of each academic year. For more information, please contact the HESC Scholarship Unit at scholarships@hesc.ny.gov.

Learn more about the New York State Regents Awards for Children of Deceased and Disabled Veterans

New York State Military Residency Waiver: New York State residency requirements to be eligible for educational financial assistance from the Higher Education Services Corporation is waived for an active duty service member stationed in New York and their dependents.

Learn more about the New York State Military Residency Waiver

New York Patriot Plan, Educational Leave of Absence for Service Members Called to Active Duty: The New York Patriot Plan provides an educational leave of absence for students who are service members called to active duty service in the U.S. Armed Forces. Students who are unable to complete a semester because they are called to active duty will be given a non-punitive withdrawal and given the option of a refund or credit of tuition and campus fees.

Service members must provide a copy of their orders to active duty within seven days of receipt, or they can sign an affidavit and provide an address or telephone number to verify the orders. Service members should contact their educational institution’s financial aid office for more information.

Learn more about New York Patriot Plan, Educational Leave of Absence for Service Members Called to Active Duty

Leave of Absence for New York State Veterans who are Public Employees to Continue Study: New York public officers and employees, who served in the U.S. Armed Forces on or after January 31, 1955, are authorized a leave of absence for up to four years to continue their education or take a refresher or a retraining course. To be reinstated employees must apply for reinstatement within sixty days after the end of their course of study.

Leave of Absence for New York State Veterans who are Public Employees to Continue Study

Rainbow Division Veterans Foundation (RDVF) Scholarship Program: The RDVF Scholarship Program provides undergraduate scholarships to Soldiers assigned to the 42 ^nd Infantry Division and descendants of RDVF members. Scholarship amounts have ranged from $500 to $5,000 based on available funding.
Who is eligible for the Rainbow Division Veterans Foundation (RDVF) Scholarship Program? Students must meet the one of the following requirements to be eligible:

• Soldier currently assigned to the 42 ^nd Infantry Division and in good standing
• A descendant of a current RDVF Veteran or Legacy Member:
  • Descendant is defined as spouse, children, spouses of children, descendants and spouses, and all blood and adopted relatives and their spouses
• An immediate Gold Star Family Member (mother, father, sibling, spouse, or child) of an Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, or more recent named operation Soldier who died while serving in the 42 ^nd Infantry Division

All applicants must be sponsored by a current RDVF Veteran or Legacy Member who is a paid-up lifetime member prior to the date of application.

Applicants must complete the scholarship application and provide the following:

• A letter of nomination from their scholarship sponsor
• Official high school transcripts and official college transcripts (if applicable)
• SAT or ACT scores
• Two letters of recommendation
  • From a school representative (teacher, professor, coach, counselor, principal etc.)
  • General character reference

• Essay (from topics listed on the application instructions)

The application period is from March 1 through July 15 each year, applications must be postmarked by 15 July. Completed applications can be mailed to:

Scholarship Chairman
3427 Long Shadow Drive
Baldwinsville, NY 13027

For more information, please email 42IDscholars@gmail.com, or call 585-507-8363.
Rainbow Division Veterans Foundation Scholarship Instructions and Application

Learn more about the Rainbow Division Veterans Foundation Scholarship Program

New York Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (MIC3): The purpose of this compact is to remove barriers to educational success imposed on children of military families because of frequent moves and deployment of their parents by:

• Facilitating the prompt enrollment of children of military families and ensuring that they are not placed at a disadvantage due to difficulty in the transfer of educational records from the previous school district or variations in entrance or age requirements
• Facilitating the student placement process through which children of military families are not disadvantaged by variations in attendance requirements, scheduling, sequencing, grading, course content or assessment. Facilitating the qualification and eligibility for enrollment, educational programs and participation in extracurricular academic, athletic and social activities
• Facilitating the on-time graduation of children of military families
• Providing for the enforcement of administrative rules implementing the provisions of this compact
• Providing for the uniform collection and sharing of information between and among member states, schools and military families under this compact
• Promoting coordination between this compact and other compacts affecting military children
• Promoting flexibility and cooperation between the educational system, parents and the student in order to achieve educational success for the student

MIC3 Assistance Request

Points of Contact
Phone: 845-392-6333 / 315-779-7010

Learn more about the New York Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children

New York State Operation Recognition, High School Diplomas for Veterans: New York offers high school diplomas to Veterans who left high school before graduating to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Who is eligible for New York State Operation Recognition, High School Diplomas for Veterans? To be eligible, Veterans must meet the following requirements:

• New York resident
• Served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for at least one day
• Was discharged under honorable conditions

The child or spouse of a deceased eligible Veteran may apply and accept a posthumous diploma on the Veteran's behalf.

Applicants must provide official documentation to confirm dates of service and discharge status.

• DD214 (Department of Defense discharge form)
• Form WD AGO 53-55 (Enlisted Record and Report of Separation)
• Honorable Discharge Certificate

To apply applicants should take their official documentation to a New York state school that issues general or local diplomas. New York City Veterans should contact the New York State Education Department at adulted@nysed.gov for assistance. For more information, please call 518-474-8940 or email adulted@nysed.gov.
New York State Education Department, Operation Recognition Webpage

Learn more about New York State Operation Recognition, High School Diplomas for Veterans

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What are my New York Military and Veterans Employment Benefits?

New York State Department of Labor, Employment Assistance for Veterans: New York State Career Centers offer free job search services to all jobseekers. Career Centers help assess an individual’s needs, skills, and interests and guide them through their job search.

Career Centers have Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program Specialists (DVOPS) and Local Veterans' Employment Representatives (LVERS) who are dedicated staff members to specifically help Veterans and their spouses.

DVOPS provide intensive case management services to Veterans with significant barriers to employment. They also provide a full range of employment Services, including comprehensive assessments, individual employment plans, job referrals, referrals to training and support services, and resume and interview preparation assistance.

LVERS are Veterans who specialize in advocating on behalf of Veterans with business, industry, and community organizations to promote employment and training opportunities for Veterans. They also provide services including job matching and job placement for Veterans, conduct employer outreach, inform federal contractors of the process to hire qualified Veterans, and promote credentialing and licensing opportunities for Veterans.

All Career Centers offer priority of Service to Veterans and their eligible spouses. Priority of service means:

• Served first by the next available staff member
• Receive early access to a service or resource
• When services or resources are limited, those eligible receive access before or instead of others

To be eligible for DVOPS and LVERS assistance and priority of service Veterans must have served at least one day on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and received a discharge other than dishonorable. Active duty for training does not count for this requirement.

The spouse or unremarried spouse of the following are also eligible:

• Veteran who died of a service-connected disability
• Service member serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces who is listed for 90 or more days as one of the following:
  • Missing in action
  • Captured in the line of duty by a hostile force
  • Forcibly detained or interned in the line of duty by a foreign government or power
• Veteran who has a total service-connected disability rating from the VA
• Veteran who died while a service-connected disability was in existence

U.S. Department of Labor, Training and Employment Guidance Letter, Priority of Service
New York State Career Centers Directory

Learn more about New York State Department of Labor, Employment Assistance for Veterans

New York State Public Employee Military Leave and Compensation for Reserve Component Service Members: New York State public employees who are service members serving in a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces are authorized 22 workdays (30 calendar days) of military leave with full pay per calendar year. Military leave is authorized when a service member is ordered to state or federal active duty, this includes attendance at a service school, schools conducted by the U.S. Armed Forces or advanced training.

In addition, the state will continue to provide family coverage under the state's health insurance plan, free for the period of federally ordered military duty (up to 12 months minus the period the employee is in full pay status).

After leave at full pay has been used, service members will receive the difference between their regular state salary and their regular military pay while they are on active duty.
Who is eligible for New York State Public Employee Military Leave and Compensation for Reserve Component Service Members? New Yorkstate employees who are service members serving in a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces ordered to active duty or authorized training are eligible for military leave.

Learn more about New York State Public Employee Military Leave and Compensation for Reserve Component Service Members

New York State Civil Service, Veterans Hiring Preference: New York offers Veterans’ preference when hiring for state employment and promotions. Preference is given by adding additional credits on passing competitive examinations to Veterans.

Disabled Veterans receive 10 points additional credit on open-competitive examinations and five points in promotion examinations. Non-disabled Veterans are granted five points in open-competitive examinations and two and one-half points in promotion examinations.
Who is eligible for New York State Civil Service, Veterans Hiring Preference? To be eligible Veterans must meet the following requirements:

• New York resident Veteran who served on active duty of the U.S. Armed Forces (other than for training purposes)
• Received an honorable discharge or will be honorably discharged at the time of appointment
• Must have a 10% or more service-connected disability rating and receiving compensation from the VA (for disabled Veterans preference only)

Learn more about New York State Civil Service, Veterans Hiring Preference

New York State Paid Family Leave for Military Families: New York employers must offer paid family leave to assist with family situations arising when a service member is serving on active duty in a foreign countryor has been notified of an impending mobilization for active duty to a foreign country. Family members may be eligible to take up to 12 weeks of paid family leave at 67% of their pay.

The following family members of a service member are eligible to take family leave:

• Spouse
• Domestic partner
• Child
• Parent

Situations when family leave may be authorized:

• Short-notice military deployment
• Military events (official ceremonies or informational briefings related to the active duty)
• Service member’s rest, recuperation or counseling
• Post-deployment activities (arrival ceremonies and reintegration events)
• Making financial or legal arrangements
• Making childcare arrangements for the service member’s child

An employer’s insurance carrier will receive and process requests for paid family Leave and make all benefit payments.

For more information call the Paid Family Leave Helpline at 844-337-6303, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
New York State Paid Family Leave Application

Learn more about New York State Paid Family Leave for Military Families

New York State Veterans with Disabilities Employment Program (55-c): Section 55-c of the New York State Civil Service Law authorizes 500 entry level positions to be filled with qualified wartime Veterans with disabilities. Eligible Veterans who meet the minimum qualifications for the position will not be required to take an initial written examination.
Who is eligible for New York State Veterans with Disabilities Employment Program (55-c)? To be eligibleVeterans must have served on a full-time active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces (other than for training) and received a Purple Heart or have a 10% disability rating from the VA. Veterans must also have served during one of the following wartime periods:

• Vietnam War - February 28, 1961, through May 7, 1975
• Hostilities in Lebanon - June 1, 1983, through December 1, 1987
• Hostilities in Grenada - October 23, 1983, through November 21, 1983
• Hostilities in Panama - December 20, 1989, through January 31, 1990
• Hostilities in the Persian Gulf - August 2, 1990, through the date on which hostilities end
• Veterans who received an Expeditionary Medal

To apply Veterans must submit a completed Application for New York State Governor’s Programs to Hire Persons with Disabilities Under Sections 55-b and 55-c (submission instructions on the form), their DD214 and VA Benefit Summary Letter. The New York Department of Civil Service will provide the Veteran an eligibility letter to be submit with their resume when applying for entry level civil service positions.

Applicants will also receive access to the 55-b/c Recruitment Resources Program Portal where they can submit up-to-date employment and contact information for consideration by state agencies filling entry-level positions.
55-b/c Program Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about New York State Veterans with Disabilities Employment Program

New York State Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (SDVOB): The Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Act allows eligible Veteran business owners to become certified as a New York SDVOB, with the goal of encouraging and supporting them to play a greater role in state contracting opportunities. New York has a 6% goal to include SDVOBs in state contracting.
Who is eligible to be Certified as a New York Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business? For businesses to qualify as a SDVOB they must meet the following requirements:

• One or more Veterans have a service-connected disability rating of at least 10% and must own at least 51% of the business
• Disabled Veteran(s) must have the authority to control day-to-day business decisions
• Business must qualify as a small business in New York State
• Business must maintain a significant business presence in New York State

To learn more, or to apply for certification as a SDVOB, contact the Division of Service-Disabled Veterans’ Business Development by phone at 518-474-2015, or by email at veteransdevelopment@ogs.ny.gov.
Division of Service-Disabled Veterans' Business Development Website
Division of Service-Disabled Veterans’ Business Development, Vendor Certification Application

Learn more about New York State Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business

Federal Employment Veteran’s Hiring Preferences: By Federal law, Veterans who are disabled or who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces during certain specified time periods or in military campaigns are entitled to preference over non-Veterans in hiring into the Federal civil service and in retention during reduction in force. Veterans may be entitled to 5 or 10 points included in any scoring process for examination or interviews.

5-point Hiring Preference: Five points are added to the examination score or rating of a Veteran who served:

• During a war, or
• During the period April 28, 1952, through July 1, 1955, or
• For more than 180 consecutive days, other than for training, any part of which occurred after January 31, 1955, and before October 15, 1976, or
• During the Gulf War from August 2, 1990, through January 2, 1992, or
• For more than 180 consecutive days, other than for training, any part of which occurred during the period beginning September 11, 2001, and ending on August 31, 2010, the last day of Operation Iraqi Freedom, or
• In a campaign or expedition for which a campaign medal has been authorized. Any Armed Forces Expeditionary medal or campaign badge, including El Salvador, Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, Southwest Asia, Somalia, and Haiti, qualifies for preference

10-point Compensable Disability (CP) Preference:Ten points are added to the examination score or rating of a Veteran who served at any time and who has a compensable service-connected disability rating of at least 10% but less than 30% .

10-Point 30% Compensable Disability Preference (CPS): Ten points are added to the passing examination score or rating of a Veteran who served at any time and who has a compensable service-connected disability rating of 30% or more.

10-Point Disability Preference (XP): Ten points are added to the passing examination score or rating of:

• A Veteran who served at any time and has a present service-connected disability or is receiving compensation, disability retirement benefits, or pension from the military or the VA but does not qualify as a CP or CPS, or
• A Veteran who received a Purple Heart

10-Point Derived Preference (XP): Ten points are added to the passing examination score or rating of spouses, surviving spouses, or mothers of Veterans. Both a mother and a spouse (including surviving spouse) may be entitled to preference based on the same Veteran's service if they both meet the requirements. However, neither may receive preference if the Veteran is living and is qualified for Federal employment.

Ten points are added to the passing examination score or rating of the spouse of a disabled Veteran who is disqualified for a federal position along the general lines of their usual occupation because of a service-connected disability. Such a disqualification may be presumed when the Veteran is unemployed and:

• Is rated by appropriate military or VA authorities to be 100% disabled and/or unemployable, or
• Has retired, been separated, or resigned from a civil service position because of a disability that is service-connected in origin, or
• Has attempted to obtain a civil service position or other position along the lines of their usual occupation and has failed to qualify because of a service-connected disability

Preference may be allowed in other circumstances but anything less than the above warrants a more careful analysis.

A campaign medal holder or Gulf War Veteran who originally enlisted after September 7, 1980, (or began active duty on or after October 14, 1982, and has not previously completed 24 months of continuous active duty) must have served continuously for 24 months or the full period called or ordered to active duty. The 24-month service requirement does not apply to 10-point preference eligible Veterans separated for disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty, or to Veterans separated for hardship or other reasons under Title 10 U.S.C. 1171 or 1173.

Learn more about Federal Employment Veterans’ Hiring Preferences

Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA): USERRA protects civilian job rights and benefits for Veterans and members of reserve components. USERRA also protects service member rights and benefits by clarifying the law, improving enforcement mechanisms, and adding Federal Government employees to those employees already eligible to receive Department of Labor assistance in processing claims.

Absence from Work for Military Duty: USERRA establishes the cumulative length of time that an individual may be absent from work for military duty and retain reemployment rights to five years. Exceptions to the five-year limit, include initial enlistments lasting more than five years, periodic National Guard and U.S. Armed Forces Reserve training duty, and involuntary active duty extensions and recalls, especially during a time of national emergency. USERRA establishes that reemployment protection does not depend on the timing, frequency, duration, or nature of an individual's service if the basic eligibility criteria are met.

Disability Accommodation: USERRA provides protection for disabled Veterans, requiring employers to make reasonable efforts to accommodate the disability. Service members recovering from injuries received during service or training may have up to two years from the date of completion of service to return to their jobs or apply for reemployment.

Return to Work without Loss of Seniority: USERRA provides that returning service members are reemployed in the job that they would have attained had they not been absent for military service, with the same seniority, status and pay, as well as other rights and benefits determined by seniority. USERRA also requires that reasonable efforts (such as training or retraining) be made to enable returning service members to refresh or upgrade their skills to help them qualify for reemployment. USERRA also provides that while an individual is performing military service, they are deemed to be on a furlough or leave of absence and are entitled to the non-seniority rights accorded other individuals on non-military leaves of absence.

Extension of Health and Pension Plans: Health and pension plan coverage for service members is provided for by USERRA. Individuals performing military duty of more than 30 days may elect to continue employer sponsored health care for up to 24 months; however, they may be required to pay up to102% of the full premium. For military service of less than 31 days, health care coverage is provided as if the service member had remained employed. USERRA clarifies pension plan coverage by making explicit that all pension plans are protected.
Who is eligible for USERRA Benefits?Veterans, U.S. Armed Forces Reserve or National Guard service members who leave a position for training or active military service are eligible.

The Department of Labor, through the Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS) helps all who have claims under USERRA, including Federal and Postal Service employees.
employees.
VETS Regional Office Locations

Learn more about Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act

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What are my New York Military and Veterans Unemployment Insurance Benefits?

New York Unemployment Insurance (UI): UI provides temporary financial assistance for workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own. UI is a partial, short-term replacement of lost wages while workers are seeking other work and is not intended to be a permanent source of income. Benefits are not based on financial need. Employers pay all costs of the UI program.

The amount of benefits applicants may be eligible for is determined by the amount of work they performed and wages they earned during the 18 months prior to filing the claim. To be eligible workers must be ready, willing, and able to work, and actively looking for work during each week in which they are claiming benefits.

Applicants for UI can use the New York State Department of Labor, Estimate UI Benefits Calculator to estimate how much assistance they will receive.

Information required to file a claim:

• Social Security Number
• Driver license or Motor Vehicle ID card number
• Complete mailing address
• Daytime contact phone number where applicants can be reached 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday through Friday
• Alien Registration card number (if not a U.S. Citizen)
• Names and addresses of all employers for the last 18 months
• Employer Registration number or Federal Employer ID Number (FEIN) of most recent employer (FEIN can be found on W-2 forms)
• Copies of forms SF8 and SF50 for former federal employees
• Most recent DD214, for former service members
• Bank account number and routing number for direct deposit payments

How to File:

UI applicants have two ways file a claim, online using the New York State Department of Labor, Online Claim portal (best to apply between 7:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.), or by phone at 888-209-8124, Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
New York State Department of Labor, UI Claimant Handbook

Learn more about New York Unemployment Insurance

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What are my New York Military and Veterans Department of Motor Vehicles Benefits?

Veteran Designation on a New York State Photo Document: New York offers a Veteran designation on New York driver licenses, learner permits and non-driver photo ID cards for honorably discharged Veterans. There is no additional fee for the Veteran designation, all other regular transaction fees will apply.

Veterans are required to provide one of the following documents as proof they received an honorable discharge:

• DD214 that indicates an honorable discharge
• DD215 that indicates an honorable discharge
• If discharged before January 1,1950, an Honorable Discharge form WD AGO 53, WD AGO 55, WD AGO 53-55, NAVPERS 553, NAVMC 78PD or NAVCG 553, Enlisted Separation Paper or NA Form 13038

Veterans can apply at any New York State Department of Motor Vehicle Office or by mail to:

DMV License Production Bureau
6 Empire State Plaza, Room 331
Albany, NY 12228

New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Application for Permit, Driver License or Non-Driver ID Card

Learn more about Veteran Designation on a New York State Photo Document

New York Vehicle Registration Fee Exemptions for Eligible Veterans: Eligible Veterans can receive an exemption of vehicle registration fees and vehicle plate fees.
Who is eligible for New York Vehicle Registration Fee Exemptions for Veterans? To be eligible Veterans must meet one of the following requirements:

• Receive federal funds for the purchase or modification of a specially adapted vehicle to accommodate a service-connected injury or disability Title 38 Ch. 39 U.S. Code
• Eligible for and apply for the New York Medal of Honor custom license plates
• Eligible for and apply for the New York Prisoner of War custom license plates

New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Statement to Register a Vehicle with Former POW or Congressional Medal of Honor Plates
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Statement to Register a Vehicle Under Title 38

Learn more about New York Vehicle Registration Fee Exemptions for Eligible Veterans

New York State Thruway Authority, E-ZPass Disabled Veterans Non-Revenue Program: The New York State Thruway Authority offers free, unlimited travel anywhere on the Thruway for disabled Veterans who have a fee-exempt vehicle registration for a specially adapted vehicle (see section above).

Veterans must submit a completed E-ZPass Application for Disabled Veteran Non-Revenue Plan, TA-W5175 and a copy of their fee-exempt vehicle registration to:

New York State Thruway Authority
Office of E-ZPass Operations
P.O. Box 189
Albany, NY 12201-0189
Phone: 518-471-5848

Learn more about the New York State Thruway Authority, E-ZPass Disabled Veterans Non-Revenue Program

New York Special Military and Veteran Vehicle License Plates: New York offers 52 military and Veteran distinctive license plates to honor the service and sacrifice of eligible service members, Veterans, retired service members, and certain family members. Specific eligibility and documentation requirements will apply.

New York State law requires custom license plate applicants to pay two different fees, an initial fee when ordering a custom plate and an annual fee when renewing a vehicle registration. Most vehicle registrations in New York State are issued for two years. All applications, required documents and payment can be mailed to:

New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Custom Plates Unit
P.O. Box 2775
Albany, NY 12220

New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Application for Military and Veteran Custom Plates

Learn more about New York Special Military and Veteran Vehicle License Plates

New York Congressional Medal of Honor License Plate: Recipients of the Medal of Honor are eligible for the New York Congressional Medal of Honor license plates.There are no fees for this license plate, and it cannot be personalized. Applicants must provide official documentation as proof they received the Medal of Honor when they apply.

In addition, applicants must provide a completed New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Statement to Register a Vehicle with Former POW or Congressional Medal of Honor Plates to be eligible for a registration fee exemption.

Learn more about the New York Congressional Medal of Honor License Plate

New York Disabled Veteran License Plate: New York offers the Disabled Veteran license plate to Veterans who have a New York license plate with the universal symbol of access. There is an initial custom plate fee of $28.75, no annual plate renewal fee and it cannot be personalized. Veterans are required to provide a copy of their DD214 when they apply.

Veterans who do not have a license plate with the universal symbol of access must also provide a completed New York State Department of Motor Vehicle, Instructions and Application for Parking Permit or Licenses Plates for Persons with Severe Disabilities at the time of application.

Learn more about the New York Disabled Veteran License Plate

New York Gold Star Mother License Plate: New York offers the Gold Star Mother license plates to mothers of service members who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.Applicants must provide official documentation stating their child died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. There is an initial custom plate fee of $28.75, no annual plate renewal fee and it cannot be personalized.

Learn more about the New York Gold Star Mother License Plate

New York Purple Heart Recipient License Plate: Recipients of the Purple Heart are eligible for New York Purple Heart license plate. Veterans must provide their DD214, Certification of Military Service (NA FORM 13038), or other official documentation as proof they received the Purple Heart. There is an initial custom plate fee of $28.75, no annual plate renewal fee and they may be personalized. Personalized plates have an additional $60 personalization fee and a $31.25 annual renewal fee.

In addition to mail-in applications this license plate may be ordered online (select the block that says “Order a Purple Heart Recipient custom plate online” at the Learn more… link below).

Learn more about the New York Purple Heart Recipient License Plate

New York U.S. Army Veteran License Plate: Veterans who served in the U.S. Army are eligible for the New York U.S. Army Veteran license plate. Veterans must provide a copy of their DD214, Certification of Military Service (NA FORM 13038), or discharge papers that indicate they served in the U.S. Army. There is an initial custom plate fee of $38.75, no annual plate renewal fee and plates may be personalized. Personalized plates have an additional $70 personalization fee and a $31.25 annual renewal fee.

In addition to mail-in applications this license plate may be ordered online (select the block that says “Order a U.S. Army Veteran custom plate online” at the Learn more… link below).

Learn more about the New York U.S. Army Veteran License Plate

Automatic License and Registration Extension for New York Resident Service Members: New York driver licenses and vehicle registration of service members serving on active duty relating to the War on Terrorism and military action in Iraq will automatically be extended.

New York driver licenses are extended throughout a service member’s military service and until six months after discharge or separation. Discharged or separated service members may renew an expired New York driver license up to 30 months after their separation or discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces (six-month extension plus 24-month grace period).

Vehicle registrations of service members are extended for up to 60 days after returning to New York. Service members must show proof of military service or separation. Liability insurance coverage must be maintained at all times.

Learn more about Automatic License and Registration Extension for New York Resident Service Members

New York Second Party Vehicle Registration Transactions for Service Members: Service members serving in the U.S. Armed Forces who are unable to visit a New York Department of Motor Vehicles to register or sell a vehicle can authorize another person to conduct the transaction for them. Service members must complete the appropriate form (below) for authorization for another person to register a vehicle or when changing ownership.
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Affirmation for Renewal of Registration for Absentee Owner
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Certification of Disposition of Vehicle on Behalf of Absentee Owner

Learn more about New York Second Party Vehicle Registration Transactions for Service Members

New York State Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Motor Vehicles Purchased Out-Of-State by Service Members: New York offers a full exemption from New York sales and use tax on a motor vehicle purchased in another state by a New York resident service member serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. The service member must have paid the other state's sales, use, excise, usage or highway use tax to be eligible for this exemption. A receipt showing payment of sales, use, excise, usage or highway use tax paid must be provided.

Service members must complete the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, Claim for Sales and Use Tax Exemption (check box 12a) and provide a military ID or other official documentation of military service. If a certificate of discharge is used, the date of discharge must be after the purchase of the motor vehicle.

Learn more about the New York State Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Motor Vehicles Purchased Out-Of-State by Service Members

New York Vehicle Sales Tax Deferral for Service Members: New York resident service members who do not live in New York can defer their sales tax payment until they separate from the U.S. Armed Forces or return to New York.
Who is eligible for the New York Vehicle Sales Tax Deferral? Service members must meet the following requirements to be eligible:

• New York resident
• Current active duty service member serving in the U.S. Armed Forces stationed outside New York
• Do not live in New York or keep a residence there

Service members must complete the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, Claim for Sales and Use Tax Exemption (check box 12b).

Learn more about the New York Vehicle Sales Tax Deferral for Service Members

New York Commercial Driver License (CDL) Military Skills Test Waiver: New Yorkoffers a CDL military skills test waiver to service members and former service members based on their military training and experience.
Who is eligible for the New York CDL Military Skills Test Waiver? Applicants must meet the following requirements to be eligible:

• Currently have a valid New York State driver license or have a valid out of state driver license to be exchanged for a New York State driver license
• Meet all other requirements to qualify for a New York State CDL
• Currently employed (or within the last year) in a military duty position that required the operation of a military vehicle similar to a commercial motor vehicle (CMV)
• Operated a CMV of the type the driver operates or expects to operate for at least two years before:
  • Application date if still serving in the U.S. Armed Forces
  • Date of discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces

In addition, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Not had more than one license (except for a military license) in the past two years
• Not had any license suspended, revoked, or cancelled in the past two years
• Not had any convictions for any type of motor vehicle for the disqualifying offenses (listed on the application)
• Not had more than one conviction for any type of motor vehicle for serious violations (listed on the application)

Applicants must submit completed certification forms (including certification by their commanding officer) to any New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Office.
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, CDL Certification for Military Waiver of Skills Test

Learn more about New York Commercial Driver License Military Skills Test Waiver

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What are my New York Military and Veterans Health and Insurance Benefits?

New York National Guard Medical Coverage and Compensation for Injury, Illness or Disability incurred while on State Active Duty: New York National Guard Service members who become ill, injured, or disabled in the line of duty while serving on state active duty are eligible for compensation for required medical care and to receive their military pay until they can return to their usual occupation (up to 90 days). Their military pay will be the equivalent of the pay for an active duty service members at the same pay grade and length of service.

Compensation will not be paid when similar benefits are provided under any federal law or regulation.

Learn more about New York National Guard Medical Coverage and Compensation for Injury, Illness and Disability incurred while on State Active Duty

Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) Premium Reimbursement Program for New York National Guard Service Members: The SGLI Premium Reimbursement Program provides reimbursement for premiums that service members pay for SGLI during qualifying periods of service.
Who is eligible for the SGLI Premium Reimbursement Program? To be eligible the service member must be an active member of the New York National Guard serving on:

• State active duty (not for training)
• Federal active duty (not for training)
• Active Duty Operational Support (ADOS)
• Active Guard Reserve (AGR) unless mobilized
• Federal active duty (not for training)
• New York Air National Guard Military Personnel Appropriation (MPA) Tour

Service members are required to submit a completed Service Member's Group Life Insurance Premium Reimbursement Application, a copy of their orders and their Leave and Earnings Statement(s) (LES) for the months they are requesting reimbursement. New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs, Regulation 1-2 has specific information on the application submission process based on the type of service performed (page 2-2). The application deadline is November 1 of each year for duty performed in the previous federal fiscal year.

Learn more about the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance Premium Reimbursement Program for New York National Guard Service Members

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Life Insurance: The VA provides valuable life insurance benefits to Veterans, active and reserve component service members and their families to provide financial security given the extraordinary risks involved in military Service. The VA provides the following life insurance benefit programs:

• Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI)
• Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI)
• Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (FSGLI)
• Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance Traumatic Injury Protection Program (TSGLI)
• Service-Disabled Veterans’ Life Insurance (S-DVI)
• Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI)

Learn more about U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Life Insurance

TRICARE Reserve Select Health Insurance: TRICARE Reserve Select is a premium-based plan, available worldwide for Selected Reserve, (U.S. Armed Forces Reserve and National Guard service members) and their families who meet the following qualifications:

• Not on active duty orders
• Not covered under the Transitional Assistance Management Program
• Not eligible for or enrolled in the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program or currently covered under FEHB, either under their own eligibility or through a family member

This plan provides comprehensive health care coverage when a service member is not on active duty and covered by active duty TRICARE benefits.

Learn more about TRICARE Reserve Select Health Insurance

Military Association of New York State Sponsored Life Insurance (SSLI): The SSLI program offered through the Military Association of New York to New York National Guard Service members is made up of several voluntary group life policies designed to help meet the needs of service members and their families.

Key Benefits of SSLI:

• Up to $1,000,000 in coverage available
• Service members are covered in combat
• Claims usually paid within 24 to 48 hours
• All occupational specialties are eligible for coverage
• Spouse and child coverage available
• Coverage does not end, and rates will not go up when the service member separates from the National Guard

Who is eligible for Military Association of New York SSLI? New York National Guard service members and their dependents are eligible for coverage. For more information, please call 800-633-8333.

Learn more about the Military Association of New York, State Sponsored Life Insurance

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What are my New York Military and Veterans Parks and Recreation Benefits?

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Military and Veterans Benefits: TheNew York State Department of Environmental Conservation offers several benefits to Veterans and service members.

Patriot Plan, Free Hunting, Fishing and Trapping Licenses for Service Members: New York resident service members serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces stationed outside New York who are home on leave for 30 days or less are eligible to free hunting, fishing or trapping licenses.

New York resident service members serving in the New York National Guard or the U.S. Armed Forces Reserves (stationed in or living in New York) are also eligible.

Service members are required to provide the following:

• Military ID card
• Completed New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Certification of Military Active Service
• Leave paperwork that indicates duty station outside New York and leave for 30 days or less (for active duty service members)

• Hunter education program certificate (if applicable)

Service members can apply online at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Online Licensing System or in person at any New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, License Issuing Agent.

Resident License Prices for Nonresident Military Service Members: Nonresident service members stationed in New York State for 30 days or more are eligible for resident prices for fishing, hunting or trapping licenses.

Reduced Fee Hunting, Fishing and Trapping Licenses for Disabled Veterans: New York residentVeterans who have a 40% or more service-connected disability rating from the VA are eligible for:

• Fishing, hunting and trapping license for $5
• Free bow hunting and muzzle loading privileges (base hunting license is required)
• Preference on New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Deer Management Permit selection

Veterans must apply the first time at a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, License Issuing Agent. Veterans are required to provide documentation from the VA that clearly states they have a permanent service-connected disability. Once entered in the system Veterans can make purchases using the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Online Licensing System, by phone 866-933-8857 (Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) or at a License Issuing Agent.

Veterans whose disability rating is not permanent must provide a VA Benefit Summary Letter (dated within the current year) with their annual case number and their disability percentage to a License Issuing Agent, or they can use the Online Licensing System.

Learn more about New York Military and Veterans Hunting, Trapping and Fishing Benefits

New York State Park Empire Pass: The New York State Empire Pass provides unlimited day-use vehicle entry to most facilities operated by New York State Parks and the Department of Environmental Conservation. This wallet-sized card can be shared within a household and is not assigned to a specific vehicle, only one free Empire Pass per household.
Who is eligible for New York State Park Empire Pass? Service members serving in the New York National Guard or U.S. Armed Forces Reserves who are currently serving on active duty in support of the war on terrorism are eligible for a free Empire Pass.

Applicants must complete the Patriot Plan Program Application and provide a copy of the service member’s orders to active duty. Submit applications and orders online to empirepassport@parks.ny.gov, or by mail to:

Empire Pass
New York State Parks
Albany, NY 12238

For questions or further assistance please call 518-474-0458.
Empire Pass Guidelines

Learn more about the New York State Park Empire Pass

New York State Lifetime Liberty Pass for Veterans and Surviving Family Members: The Lifetime Liberty Pass is available free to eligible New York Veterans and surviving family members. The Lifetime Liberty Pass authorizes discounted use of state parks, historic sites, and recreational facilities operated by the Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation (New York State Parks), and the New York Department of Environmental Conservation.

Lifetime Liberty Pass benefits includes:

• Free entry to:
  • Most state parks and DEC operated day-use areas
  • State operated boat launch sites
  • Historic sites
  • Arboretums
  • Park preserves
• Free greens fees at state-operated golf courses
• Free swimming pool entrance at state park pools
• Discounted camping and cabin rentals at most state parks and DEC campgrounds

The pass holder must be present when using the pass. For a complete listing of benefits, restrictions, and rules, please refer to the Lifetime Liberty Pass Guidelines.

Who is eligible for New York State Lifetime Liberty Pass for Veterans and Surviving Family Members? The Lifetime Liberty Pass is available to New York resident Veterans and surviving family members as follows:

Veteran Eligibility:

The following New York resident Veterans are eligible for the Lifetime Liberty Pass:

• Veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and received a discharge other than dishonorable
• Veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and received a less than honorable discharge for reasons related to sexual orientation or gender identity
• Veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and received a less than honorable discharge for reasons related to Military Sexual Trauma (MST), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Consolidated Laws of New York, Veterans Service, Article 1, Section 1

Surviving Family Member Eligibility:

The following New York resident surviving family members are eligible for the Lifetime Liberty Pass:

• Surviving spouse
• Biological Parents, stepparents, or adoptive parents
• Biological child, stepchild, or adopted child

For a surviving family member to be eligible the Veteran must have been killed in the line of duty under one of the following circumstances:

• In combat against an enemy of the U.S.
• In a military operation against a foreign force
• While supporting allied forces in an armed conflict (where the U.S. wasn't directly involved)
• In an international terrorist attack against the U.S. or a friendly nation
• In a peacekeeping mission outside the U.S.

Those eligible can request a pass online at the New York State Parks Store, Lifetime Liberty Pass webpage. Veterans will be required to provide a copy of one of the following:

• New York State Department of Motor Vehicles photo ID with Veteran status designation
• DD214
• DD215
• NGB Form 22
• WD AGO 53, 55 or 53-55
• NAVPERS 553
• NAVMC 78PD
• NAVCG553
• NA Form 13038

Surviving family members will be required to provide a copy one of the following documents:

• DD1300 Report of Casualty
• U.S Department of Defense telegram death notification

Eligible Veterans also have the option to show their New York State Department of Motor Vehicles photo ID with Veteran status designation to park staff to receive their discount.

Learn more about the New York State Lifetime Liberty Pass for Veterans and Surviving Family Members

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What are my New York Military and Veterans Miscellaneous Benefits?

New York Veterans Speaker Program: The New York Veterans Speaker Program maintains a pool of Veterans who can be invited as speakers to supplement classroom instruction concerning a particular era in American Military History.

Interested Veterans are required to complete a short application and an interview with the New York Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS). Once approved, Veterans will become part of the DVS speaker’s pool.

To request a speaker application please contact the New York State Department of Veterans’ Services at DVSInfo@veterans.ny.gov with the subject line ‘Veterans Speaker Program'

Learn more about the New York Veterans Speaker Program

New York Gold Star Parent Annuity: The New York Gold Star Parent Annuity is a semi-annual annuity payment to each Gold Star parent of a U.S. Armed Forces service member who died in armed conflict.
Who is eligible for the New York Gold Star Parent Annuity? Applicants must be the biological parent, stepparent, or parent through adoption of a service member who died in armed conflict while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces and meets the requirements for a Gold Star Parent, as defined in U.S. Code Title 10 Section 1126. Gold Star Annuity recipients are required to verify eligibility on a yearly basis.

The parents must live in and be a resident of New York. The following documentation is required to process a Gold Star Parent Annuity request:

• Completed Gold Star Parent Annuity Application form
• Evidence of military service of the deceased Veteran, such as DD1300 (Report of Casualty) or a copy of the telegram from the U.S. Department of Defense confirming death of the service member
• Proof of New York State residency, such as property tax bill, utility bill, voter registration, pay stub or current New York State driver’s license

Annuities will be paid twice a year in March and September.

Mail the completed application and supporting documentation to:

New York State Department of Veterans' Services
ATTN: Gold Star Annuity Program
2 Empire State Plaza
17th Floor
Albany, NY 12223-1551

New York State Department of Veteran's Services, Gold Star Annuity Program Application

Learn more about the New York Gold Star Parent Annuity

New York State Cold War Certificate: The New York Cold War Certificate may be awarded to Veterans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces during the Cold War. Certificates may be awarded posthumously to a designated survivor of a deceased Veteran, no more than one certificate may be awarded.
Who is eligible for the New York State Cold War Certificate? Veterans must meet the following requirements to be eligible:

• Served in the U.S. Armed Forces during the Cold War from September 2, 1945, through December 6, 1991
• Current New York State resident or was a New York State resident at the time of qualifying service
• Received an Honorable Discharge or General Discharge, Under Honorable Conditions

Applicants will be required to submit the Veterans Report of Separation (WD AGO Form 53-55, DD214, or NGB Form 22, etc.). For more information, please call 518-591-5296. Applications and documentation may be submitted by email to ng.ny.nyarng.list.cold-war@army.mil or by mail to:

Division of Military and Naval Affairs
ATTN: MNGA-AWD
330 Old Niskayuna Road
Latham, NY 12110-3514

Application for New York State Cold War Recognition Certificate
Application for New York State Cold War Recognition Certificate, Primary Next of Kin

Learn more New York State Cold War Certificate

New York Resident Service Member and Family Military Voter Registration: New York resident service members serving in the U.S. Armed Forces and their family members stationed outside New York may register as a military voter. This registration authorizes them to receive an absentee ballot for all federal, state, and local elections they are eligible to vote in.

Voters may register by completing a Voter Registration and Absentee Ballot Request and forwarding it to the New York State, County Board of Elections in their county of residence.

Learn more about New York Resident Service Member and Family Military Voter Registration

State of New York Mortgage Agency (SONYMA), Homes for Veterans Program: The Homes for Veterans Program offers fixed-rate mortgages at low interest rates and down payment assistance for eligible Veterans.

Program features:

• Veterans, and their spouses or co-borrowers, need not be a first-time homebuyer
• Interest rates 0.375% lower than SONYMA standard interest rates
• Down payment assistance up to the greater of $3,000 or 3% of the home purchase price, up to $15,000
• No points or origination fees
• Minimum borrower cash contribution only 1%

Who is eligible for the SONYMA, Homes for Veterans Program? Veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and received a discharge under conditions other than dishonorable are eligible and do not need to be first time homebuyers.

The following applicants must be first time homebuyers:

• Active duty U.S. Armed Forces service members stationed in New York
• Active or honorably discharged National Guard service members
• Active or honorably discharged U.S. Armed Forces Reserve service members

To apply for a SONYMA loan Veterans must contact a SONYMA participating lender.
New York State Homes and Community Renewal, Optional Add-On Features Webpage

Learn more about the State of New York Mortgage Agency, Homes for Veterans Program

New York State Blind Annuity Program: The Blind Annuity Program pays annuities to legally blind wartime Veterans or a deceased Veteran’s surviving spouse.
Who is eligible for the New York State Blind Annuity Program?To be eligible Veterans must be legally blind (20/200 vision in the better eye with best correction or has 20-degree limitation of field of vision) and meet the following requirements:

• New York State resident
• Served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces during a time of war (or received the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal) for at least 90 days, unless discharged earlier due to a service-connected disability
• Blindness does not have to be service-connected
• Unremarried surviving spouse of an eligible Veteran

Applicants must provide proof of legal residence, Veteran’s discharge paperwork, acompleted New York State Department of Veterans’ Services, Blind Annuity Application and a Report of Legal Blindness/Request for Information to:

New York State Department of Veterans' Services
c/o Blind Annuity
2 Empire State Plaza, 17 ^th Floor
Albany, NY 12223

Learn more about the New York State Blind Annuity Program

New York State Veterans’ Nursing Homes: New York has five State Veterans’ Nursing Homes that provide quality care to eligible Veterans and their dependents who require skilled nursing care and rehabilitative services.

New York State Veterans’ Homes Locations:

New York State Veterans’ Home at St. Albans - 250 bed facility

17850 Linden Boulevard
Jamaica, NY 11434
Phone: 718-990-0353

New York State Veterans’ Home at Batavia - 126 bed facility
220 Richmond Avenue
Batavia, NY 14020
(adjacent to the VA Medical Center)
Phone: 585-345-2049

New York State Veterans’ Home at Oxford – 242 bed facility
 
4211 State Hwy. 220
Oxford, NY 13830
Phone: 607-843-3100

Long Island State Veterans' Home – 350 bed facility
100 Patriots Road
Stony Brook, NY 1179-3300
Phone: 631-444-VETS (8387)

New York State Veterans’ Home at Montrose - 252 bed facility

2090 Albany Post Road
Montrose, NY 10548
Phone: 914-788-6000

Who is eligible for care at the New York State Veterans’ Nursing Homes? All applicants must require skilled nursing care and meet the following requirements:

Veteran Eligibility:

• Entered active duty service in the U.S. Armed Forces from New York, or was a New York resident for one year prior to application
• Served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for at least 30 days and received an honorable discharge

Spouse and Unremarried Surviving Spouse of a Veteran Eligibility:

• Spouse of an eligible Veteran, if married for one year prior to application; if the Veteran dies, the spouse may continue to stay at the Veterans Home
• Unremarried surviving spouse of a deceased eligible Veteran, if married for one year prior to the Veterans death
• Unremarried surviving spouse of a service member who died on active duty (30 day active duty requirement does not apply)

Parent of a Veteran Eligibility: Mothers and fathers of a service member who died while serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces (Gold Star Parents) are also eligible (30 day active duty requirement does not apply).

Admission priorities following the following order:

• Veteran accompanied by their spouse
• Wartime Veterans
• Non-wartime Veterans
• Spouses and unremarried surviving spouses
• Gold Star Mothers and Fathers

For more information, applicants should contact the New York Veterans’ Nursing Home directly.
New York State Veterans’ Homes Application for Admission
New York State Veterans’ Homes, Admission Policy Fact Sheet

Learn more about the New York State Veterans’ Nursing Homes

New York State Supplemental Burial Allowance: New York offers surviving family members of a service member who died as a result of service in a combat zone a Supplemental Burial Allowance of up to $6,000. This money is used to pay for funeral and burial costs not covered by the federal government.
Who is eligible for the New York State Supplemental Burial Allowance? For the service member’s family to be eligible the service member must have been a New York State resident at the time of their death, or a New York National Guard service member who died after being called to active service. The service member’s death must have been under the following circumstances:

• Died in a combat zone
• Died while receiving hazardous duty pay
• Died from wounds sustained in a combat zone or while receiving hazardous duty pay

To apply for the Supplemental Burial Allowance, family members must complete New York State Department of Veterans' Services, Application for Supplemental Burial Allowance and submit copies of the following documentation:

• Document proving the service member’s combat-related death (DD1300 Report of Casualty, a death certificate listing cause of death, etc.)
• Document proving one of the following:
  • Service member was a resident of New York State at the time of their death
  • Service member was a member of the New York National Guard when they entered active duty service, during which period of service they died
• Proof of family relationship to the service member
• Documentation of funeral/burial benefits paid by the VA
• Documentation of all funeral/burial expenses

Completed applications and supporting documentation can be emailed to DVASupplementalBurialAllowance@veterans.ny.gov or mailed to:

New York State Department of Veterans’ Services
Attn: Supplemental Burial Allowance
2 Empire State Plaza, 17^thFloor
Albany, NY 12223

For more information, please call the New York State Department of Veterans’ Services Help Line at 888-838-7697, or email DVASupplementalBurialAllowance@veterans.ny.gov.

Learn more about the New York State Supplemental Burial Allowance

New York Incarcerated Veterans Program: The New York Incarcerated Veterans Program is designed to address the readjustment and reentry needs of Veterans returning to society following incarceration.

The goal of the program is to:

• Help incarcerated Veterans become aware of their entitlements, benefits, and available community resources
• Help verify Veteran status
• Provide counseling to address service-related problems
• Assist Veterans in reinstating VA benefits after incarceration

For more information, please call 888-838-7697.

Learn more about the New York Incarcerated Veterans Program

New York Vendors’ License for Veterans who Served Overseas: Veterans who served overseas in the U.S. Armed Forces and received a discharge other than dishonorable and their surviving spouses are eligible for a free lifetime Veterans vendor’s license.

This license provides Veterans and surviving spouses the right to vend and sell goods, wares, merchandise, or solicit trade on the highways within a specific jurisdiction.

For more information and to apply Veterans should contact their County Clerk’s Office. Please note this license does not supersede any restrictions placed by cities, towns, or villages. An additional no-fee license may be necessary depending on the city, town, or village.
New York County Clerk Directory

Learn more about the New York Vendor’s License for Veterans who Served Overseas

New York Restoration of Honor: The New York Department of Veterans’ Services can help to restore access to state Veterans benefits to Veterans who received an Other Than Honorable Discharge, or a General, Under Honorable Conditions Discharge due to certain conditions. This determination does not change a Veteran’s official character of discharge on their discharge paperwork. This determination refers only to a Veteran's character of discharge to qualify for New York State benefits.
Who is eligible for New York Restoration of Honor? To be eligible Veterans must have received an Other Than Honorable Discharge or a General, Under Honorable Conditions Discharge due to any of the following:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Military sexual trauma (MST)
• Sexual orientation
• Gender identity

For more information or questions please email generalcounsel@veterans.ny.gov or RestoreVetHonor@veterans.ny.gov. Applications and any required documentation (listed on the application) can be emailed to RestoreVetHonor@veterans.ny.gov or mailed to:

New York State Department of Veterans’ Services
ATTN: Appellate Unit
2 Empire State Plaza, 17th Fl
Albany, NY 12223

New York Restoration of State Benefits Application and Instructions

Learn more about New York Restoration of Honor

New York State Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS) FreshConnect Checks: The New York DVS Veterans Benefits Advisors offer FreshConnect Checks to Active Duty service members, Veterans, their immediate family members, as well as unremarried surviving spouses of Veterans. These checks may be used to purchase produce and other food items at participating farmers markets throughout New York State.

Veterans Benefits Advisors issue FreshConnect Checks on a first-come, first-served basis, generally between July through December. Only one booklet of checks is offered per household.

For more information, please call 888-838-7697 or visit a DVS Veterans Services Office.
New York Farmers Market Directory

Learn more about New York State Department of Veterans’ Services FreshConnect Checks

New York State Veterans Cemeter y – Finger Lakes: The New York State Veterans Cemetery – Finger Lakes offers a dignified final resting place for Veterans and their eligible family members.

The cemetery provides a burial plot, opening and closing of the grave, a government provided grave marker (including installation) and perpetual care.
Who is eligible for Burial at the New York State Veterans Cemetery – Finger Lakes? Service members, Veterans or their family members must meet one of the following requirements to be eligible for burial at the New York State Veterans Cemetery – Finger Lakes:

• Discharged from active duty service in the U.S. Armed Forces under conditions other than dishonorable, or
• Died while serving on active duty, or
• Served at least 20 years in the National Guard or U.S. Armed Forces Reserves and qualified for military retired pay (or would have qualified except death occurred before age 60), or
• Reserve component service members if they were activated for federal service, (active duty for training does not qualify)
• Spouse and dependents of an eligible Veteran or Service member (burial of dependent children are limited to unmarried children under 21 years old, or 23 years old if a full-time student at an approved educational institution, or a child who develops a lifelong disability prior to age 21)

 
For more information, or to schedule a burial please contact the cemetery.

New York State Veterans Cemetery - Finger Lakes
Address: 6632 State Rt. 96 A, Ovid, NY 14521
Phone: 607-379-0197
Fax: 315-539-1943

New York State Veterans Cemetery - Finger Lakes, Burial Application
New York State Veterans Cemetery - Finger Lakes Brochure

Learn more about the New York State Veterans Cemetery – Finger Lakes

U.S. Military Academy (USMA), West Point Post Cemetery: The West Point Post Cemetery is America’s oldest post cemetery and provides a serene, historic location for the burial of those eligible. Those buried in the cemetery include service members from as far back as the Revolutionary War, USMA Cadets, Medal of Honor recipients, astronauts, athletes, senior military officers and their families.

The West Point Post Cemetery offers both in ground burials and placement of cremated remains in a columbarium niche. Next of kin may also request chapel services and Military Funeral Honors. Services and burials are scheduled on a first come, first served basis at the time of need.
Columbarium Information
Who is eligible for Burial at the USMA, West Point Post Cemetery? Eligibility requirements for burial include:

• Service member who graduated from the USMA, who was a U.S. citizen as a cadet and at the time of death
  • Service member must have died in the line of duty or had been honorably discharged
  • Served during wartime in the armed forces of a foreign ally and died under honorable conditions
• Current USMA cadets
• Service members serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces who were assigned to the USMA at their time of death
• Service members serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces who were assigned to the USMA when they retired
• Service members serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces who were assigned to the USMA when they retired due to a physical disability, service members (not otherwise eligible) who die while assigned to the Medical Holding Detachment at Keller Army Hospital are not eligible
• Officers appointed as a professor at the USMA

Service members and Veterans who meet eligibility requirements may choose to have their spouse and eligible family members buried at West Point. For family member eligibility information please see the VA, National Cemetery Administration Eligibility webpage.

For more information please contact the USMA Cemetery at West Point Memorial Affairs Office:

West Point Military Academy
Memorial Affairs Office
Cemetery Responsible Official
329 Washington Road
West Point, NY 10996
Email: memorialaffairs@westpoint.edu
Phone: 845-938-2504

Please note the cemetery is located on an active military installation and has specific entry and identification requirements due to force protection measures. Please visit the U.S. Army Garrison West Point Access Information for more information.
West Point Post Cemetery Eligibility Information
West Point Post Cemetery Intake Questionnaire

Learn more about the U.S. Military Academy, West Point Post Cemetery

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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Facilities in New York:

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Facilities in New York: The VA has numerous resources available for Veterans and family members. Please see the local location listing for your nearest facility.

Learn more about U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Facilities in New York

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Cemeteries in New York: The VA National Cemetery Administration maintains eight national cemeteries in New York. Please see the local location listing for the nearest cemetery.

Learn more about U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Cemeteries in New York

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Military Installations in New York

Please see the New York Military Resource Locator for additional information

Active Duty:

Army
Fort Drum
Watervliet Arsenal
U.S. Military Academy at West Point
Fort Hamilton

Air Force
There are no active-duty Air Force Bases in New York State

Navy
Naval Support Facility Saratoga Springs

National Guard:
New York National Guard Joint Headquarters

New York Army National Guard

New York Air National Guard
174 ^th Attack Wing and Hancock Field Air National Guard Base
109 ^th Airlift Wing
106 ^th Rescue Wing
105 ^th Airlift Wing
107 ^th Attack Wing

U.S. Army Reserve (USAR):
99 ^th Readiness Division

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Resources

New York State Department of Veterans' Services

Army National Guard Benefits

Air National Guard Benefits

New York State Department of Labor

New York State Department of Motor Vehicle, Military and Veterans License Plates

U.S. Office of Personnel Management, Veterans' Preference

New York State Department of Civil Service

New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, Information for Military Personnel and Veterans

New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs

Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission, New York

New York Consolidated Laws

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Service Organization Directory

Military State Tax Guide

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