Veteran Benefits & Resources in New York

Introduction

New York is home to more than 650,000 military veterans, supported by a strong network of state programs, VA healthcare systems, and local veteran service organizations. With a long history of military service and one of the largest state veteran populations in the country, New York offers a wide range of support for veterans and their families.

This guide highlights key benefits, healthcare services, and organizations available in New York so veterans can easily access assistance with education, housing, employment, healthcare, and community support.

Key Veteran Benefits in New York

Veterans Property Tax Exemptions

New York offers multiple property tax exemption programs, including:

• Alternative Veterans Exemption
• Cold War Veterans Exemption
• Eligible Funds Exemption

These programs can significantly reduce property taxes depending on service and eligibility.

Source:
https://dos.ny.gov/property-tax-exemptions-veterans 

New York State Veterans Tuition Awards

Provides tuition assistance for eligible veterans attending approved colleges and universities in New York.

Source:
https://hesc.ny.gov/pay-for-college/financial-aid/types-of-financial-aid/grants/veterans-tuition-awards.html 

Veteran Employment Preference

Veterans receive preference in New York civil service hiring, improving access to state government jobs.

Source:
https://www.cs.ny.gov/jobseeker/veterans/ 

Veteran Designation on New York Driver License

Veterans can add a “Veteran” status designation to their New York State driver license or ID.

Source:
https://dmv.ny.gov/driver-license/veteran-status-designation-photo-document 

New York State Division of Veterans’ Services

Provides assistance with benefits claims, advocacy, and support programs across the state.

Source:
https://veterans.ny.gov

VA Disability Benefits by Rating in New York

Understanding how your VA disability rating impacts your benefits can help you take full advantage of both federal VA programs and New York-specific benefits.

100% Disabled Veterans

Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating receive the highest level of support.

In New York, this includes:

• Enhanced property tax exemptions depending on program eligibility
• Full federal VA compensation at the highest rate
• Comprehensive VA healthcare at no cost
• Eligibility for CHAMPVA (dependents) and commissary/exchange privileges
• Access to additional state support programs and services

New York’s tax exemption programs can provide meaningful relief, especially when combined.

70% Disabled Veterans

Veterans rated at 70% disability receive strong federal benefits and access to expanded programs.

Key benefits include:

• Higher monthly VA compensation
• Priority access to VA healthcare and specialty services
• Eligibility for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU)
• Expanded access to mental health and long-term care programs

State-level benefits increase depending on program eligibility.

50% Disabled Veterans

At the 50% disability rating, veterans reach an important healthcare threshold.

This includes:

• No-cost VA healthcare for all conditions
• Increased monthly compensation
• Access to a broader range of VA medical services and prescriptions

This level significantly improves access to care.

Lower Ratings (10%–40%)

Veterans with disability ratings between 10% and 40% still receive meaningful benefits, including:

• Monthly tax-free VA compensation
• VA healthcare for service-connected conditions
• Eligibility for Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E) programs
• Access to state and local veteran services

While New York’s largest financial benefits are tied to higher ratings, these levels still provide important foundational support.

No matter your rating, working with a New York State Veterans Service Officer (VSO) can help ensure you’re receiving every benefit you’ve earned—and assist with increasing your rating if your condition has worsened.

VA & Healthcare Resources

New York veterans have access to a large VA healthcare network across the state.

VA Medical Centers

• James J. Peters VA Medical Center
• VA New York Harbor Healthcare System
• Buffalo VA Medical Center
• Syracuse VA Medical Center

These facilities provide primary care, specialty care, mental health services, rehabilitation, and long-term care.

Community Clinics

VA outpatient clinics are located throughout New York in areas such as Albany, Rochester, and Long Island.

Vet Centers

Vet Centers provide confidential counseling and transition assistance for combat veterans and their families.

VA Facility Locator
https://www.va.gov/find-locations/

County / Local Veteran Service Offices

New York veterans can receive assistance from County Veterans Service Agencies, which help veterans:

• File VA disability claims
• Access federal and state benefits
• Obtain military service records
• Connect with local veteran resources

Directory of County Veteran Services:

https://veterans.ny.gov

Veteran Housing & Long-Term Care

New York State Veterans Homes

New York operates several state veterans homes providing long-term care and skilled nursing services.

Examples include:

• New York State Veterans Home at St. Albans
• New York State Veterans Home at Batavia
• New York State Veterans Home at Oxford

Source:
https://health.ny.gov/facilities/veterans/ 

Housing Assistance for Veterans

New York veterans experiencing housing instability can access assistance through VA housing programs such as HUD-VASH, along with state and nonprofit housing programs.

Source:
https://www.va.gov/homeless/

Veteran Charities & Nonprofit Support

New York State Veterans Foundation

Supports programs that assist veterans and their families across New York.

https://nysvf.org 

Soldiers’, Sailors’, Marines’, Coast Guard and Airmen’s Club

Provides housing and support services for service members and veterans in New York City.

https://ssmaclub.org 

Clear Path for Veterans

Offers programs supporting mental health, wellness, and transition services for veterans.

https://clearpath4vets.com 

Veteran-Owned Businesses & Entrepreneurship

New York offers several resources supporting veteran entrepreneurs.

New York Small Business Development Center

Provides training, counseling, and business development support.

https://nysbdc.org

Veterans Business Outreach Center

Offers mentorship and support for veteran-owned businesses.

https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/resource-partners/veterans-business-outreach-center-vboc-program

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

New York offers a state-level SDVOB certification program, helping veteran-owned businesses compete for state contracts.

https://ogs.ny.gov/Veterans/

Community Events & Veteran Engagement

New York hosts a wide range of veteran-focused events throughout the year, including:

• Veteran job fairs and hiring events
• Homeless Veteran Stand Down programs
• Community veteran resource fairs
• Networking and support groups

How to Get Help

Veterans in New York can take the following steps:

1. Contact your County Veterans Service Agency

2. Visit your nearest VA medical center or outpatient clinic

3. Explore programs through the New York State Division of Veterans’ Services

4. Connect with nonprofit organizations for additional support

New York State Division of Veterans’ Services
https://veterans.ny.gov

Support Veteran-Owned Businesses

Know a New York veteran-owned business or nonprofit that should be featured?

Submit a nomination or tag them on the Veterans Intel Report Facebook page.

We highlight veteran-owned businesses every month as part of our Salute & Support Sunday series. 🇺🇸

Last Updated: May 2026