Blind Veterans Annuity
Annual annuity (COLA-adjusted; current rate confirmed by NYS DVS) for wartime veterans who are legally blind — blindness need not be service-connected.
State BenefitNew YorkMonthly Compensation
Verified May 12, 2026 against veterans.ny.gov
At a glance
- Benefit type
- Monthly Compensation — New York
- Who it's for
- Veterans, Survivors
- VA rating needed
- No rating requirement
- Estimated value
- $1,695.96/year (2025 rate; confirm current rate with NYS DVS)
- Where it applies
- New York
- Last verified
- May 12, 2026
What is Blind Veterans Annuity?
Blind Veterans Annuity is a New York monthly compensation benefit for veterans, survivors. Annual annuity (COLA-adjusted; current rate confirmed by NYS DVS) for wartime veterans who are legally blind — blindness need not be service-connected. The listed value is $1,695.96/year (2025 rate; confirm current rate with NYS DVS).
Who qualifies
- Veterans
- Survivors
- Available to any veteran
- New York residency
Who is eligible
Eligibility
Wartime veteran with at least 90 days of active duty (less acceptable if discharged for service-connected disability) who is legally blind (defined as visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with correcting lenses, OR visual field of 20 degrees or less). The blindness need NOT be service-connected. Must be a New York State resident. Service must have been during a specified wartime period.
What Blind Veterans Annuity covers
Surviving spouse
Un-remarried surviving spouse may also qualify if the deceased veteran met all criteria, even if the veteran never received the benefit.
Covers
An annual annuity, COLA-adjusted from a statutory base originally set at $1,000. Paid in addition to any federal VA compensation. NYS DVS lists the rate effective January 1, 2025 as $141.33 monthly ($1,695.96 per year); confirm the current rate with NYS DVS at 1-888-838-7697.
How to apply for Blind Veterans Annuity
How to apply
Contact the New York State Department of Veterans' Services at 1-888-838-7697. Provide proof of legal blindness (statement from licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist, or VA documentation) and proof of New York residency.
Verified information & sources
- Last verified
- May 12, 2026
- Official source
- veterans.ny.gov
Compiled and fact-checked against the official source linked above. Benefit rules and dollar amounts change over time — always confirm current details at the official source before applying. A county Veterans Service Officer (VSO) is a free, accredited advocate who can review your eligibility and help you file at no cost.
How VetUnlock verifies benefitsFrequently asked questions about Blind Veterans Annuity
Who qualifies for Blind Veterans Annuity?
Blind Veterans Annuity is for Veterans, Survivors; available to any veteran; new york residency. See the eligibility details on this page and confirm with the official source before applying.
How much is Blind Veterans Annuity worth?
The listed value is $1,695.96/year (2025 rate; confirm current rate with NYS DVS). Amounts can change — confirm the current figure at the official source linked on this page.
How do I apply for Blind Veterans Annuity?
Apply through the official source linked on this page. A county Veterans Service Officer (VSO) can review your eligibility and help you file at no cost.
Where can I verify Blind Veterans Annuity?
Benefit rules and dollar amounts change, so always confirm current details at the official source linked on this page. A free, accredited county or state Veterans Service Officer (VSO) can also verify your eligibility and help you apply.