New York Veteran Benefits
Discover 14 state benefits available to New York veterans based on your disability rating and service history.
Benefit Categories in New York
🏛️Tax Benefits(3)
Alternative Veterans Property Tax Exemption
Any Veteran15% exemption on assessed value for wartime veterans, with additional 10% for combat zone service and further exemptions for disabled veterans.
Learn more →Eligible Funds Property Tax Exemption
Any VeteranUp to $7,500 property tax exemption based on the portion of purchase price paid with eligible funds such as VA mortgage proceeds or military pension.
Value: Up to $7,500 exemption
Learn more →Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemption
10%+Additional property tax exemption for disabled veterans, scaled by disability rating — up to 50% exemption for 100% disabled.
Value: Up to 50% exemption
Learn more →🎓Education & Training(3)
Veterans Tuition Award (VTA)
Any VeteranTuition assistance for eligible veterans attending SUNY, CUNY, or degree-granting proprietary schools — up to full SUNY tuition.
Value: Up to full SUNY tuition
Learn more →Regents Award for Children of Veterans
Any Veteran$450 per year for children of deceased or disabled veterans attending college in New York State.
Value: $450/year
Learn more →Military Enhanced Recognition Incentive (MERIT)
Any VeteranTuition supplement for children and spouses of veterans who died or became severely disabled during military service in combat zones.
Learn more →🏥Healthcare(1)
NY Vet Center Counseling
Any VeteranFree counseling, readjustment services, and benefits assistance at New York Division of Veterans' Services offices statewide.
Learn more →💼Employment(1)
Civil Service Preference
Any VeteranAdditional credits on New York civil service examinations — 5 points for non-disabled veterans, 10 points for disabled veterans.
Learn more →💰Compensation(1)
Blind Veterans Annuity
Any VeteranAnnual annuity (currently ~$1,395/year, adjusted for COLA) for wartime veterans who are legally blind — blindness need not be service-connected.
Value: ~$1,395/year (COLA-adjusted)
Learn more →🚗Transportation(2)
Disabled Veteran License Plates
Any VeteranDisabled Veteran specialty plate featuring the Universal Symbol of Access. $28.75 initial fee, no annual renewal fee.
Learn more →NY Thruway Toll Exemption
Any VeteranFree unlimited travel on the NYS Thruway for disabled veterans with loss or permanent loss of use of limbs or blindness (VA Form 21-4502).
Value: Free tolls
Learn more →🌲Recreation & Parks(2)
Free State Parks Access (Lifetime Liberty Pass)
Any VeteranFree day-use vehicle admission to New York state parks and recreational facilities for honorably discharged veterans.
Learn more →Free Hunting & Fishing License
40%+$5 hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses (buy one and get the other two free) for disabled veterans with a 40% or higher VA disability rating.
Value: $5 per license (buy one, get two free)
Learn more →⚑Burial & Memorial(1)
NY State Veterans Cemetery
Any VeteranFree burial with honors at the New York State Veterans Cemetery at Finger Lakes for eligible veterans and their spouses.
Learn more →2026 VA Disability Compensation Rates
Monthly payment amounts effective December 1, 2025. These federal rates apply to all New York veterans.
| Rating | Veteran Alone | With Spouse |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 | $180.42 |
| 20% | $356.66 | $356.66 |
| 30% | $552.47 | $617.47 |
| 40% | $795.84 | $882.84 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 | $1,241.90 |
| 60% | $1,435.02 | $1,566.02 |
| 70% | $1,808.45 | $1,961.45 |
| 80% | $2,102.15 | $2,277.15 |
| 90% | $2,362.30 | $2,559.30 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 | $4,158.17 |
Rates for 10-20% are the same regardless of dependents. Dependent additions apply at 30%+. View complete rate tables →
Frequently Asked Questions — New York Veteran Benefits
How many state veteran benefits does New York offer?▾
What disability rating do I need for New York veteran benefits?▾
Does New York offer property tax exemptions for disabled veterans?▾
What education benefits are available to New York veterans?▾
How do I apply for New York veteran benefits?▾
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