State Benefit·New York·💰Monthly Compensation

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.

Verified May 12, 2026againstveterans.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: Annual annuity (rate confirmed by 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 Annual annuity (rate confirmed by NYS DVS).

Who qualifies

VeteransSurvivors

Available to any veteran
New York residency

How to apply

Apply through the official New York agency.

Open application

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. The current dollar amount is not published on the NYS DVS web page; confirm the current rate by calling NYS DVS at 1-888-838-7697.

How to apply for Blind Veterans Annuity

How to apply

Contact the New York State Division 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.

Open application Verify at official source

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.

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Frequently 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 Annual annuity (rate confirmed by 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.

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