Veteran Benefits in New York

Alternative veterans exemption

Who qualifies

Qualifying wartime or expeditionary-medal veterans, their spouses, and unremarried surviving spouses who own qualifying residential property. It must be the veteran's or surviving spouse's primary residence, except for medical absence or institutionalization. Discharge must meet the statute's honorable-conditions or Restoration of Honor alternatives.

What you get

A 15% assessed-value exemption, plus 10% for qualifying combat service and an additional exemption equal to half the service-connected disability rating. Base caps are $12,000, $8,000 and $40,000, respectively, adjusted for assessment ratios; local laws may change those caps.

How to apply

Apply to the local assessor by the applicable taxable status date. Confirm local availability and limits.

Official page (opens in a new tab) Real Property Tax Law 458-a

Permanent and total disability exemption, local option

Who qualifies

Qualifying veterans whose primary residence is in a jurisdiction that adopts this exemption. VA must specifically certify permanent and total disability resulting from military service. The veteran must satisfy the section's other requirements and its honorable-conditions or Restoration of Honor discharge alternatives.

What you get

Full exemption of the primary residence from property taxation, special district charges, assessments and special ad valorem levies. Applies to assessment rolls with taxable status dates on or after October 1, 2026.

How to apply

Check adoption and the filing process with the local assessor. Provide VA documentation explicitly certifying permanent and total service-related disability.

Official page (opens in a new tab) Real Property Tax Law 458-a(11)

Specially adapted housing property tax exemption

Who qualifies

Seriously disabled veterans eligible for federal financial assistance for adapted housing, or who received and used that assistance to acquire or modify suitable housing. The qualifying primary residence may also be owned by the veteran and spouse or an unremarried surviving spouse.

What you get

Full exemption of the residence and necessary land from property tax, special district charges and assessments, and special ad valorem levies.

How to apply

Apply to the local assessor using Form RP-458, completing the specially adapted housing item.

Official page (opens in a new tab) Real Property Tax Law 458(3)

Military retirement pay exemption

Who qualifies

Retired military personnel and their beneficiaries receiving military pension payments.

What you get

Military pension payments are fully exempt from New York State income tax.

How to apply

Subtract the eligible distribution included in federal adjusted gross income when preparing the New York return.

Official page (opens in a new tab) Tax Law 612(c)(3)

Veterans Tuition Award

Who qualifies

New York resident veterans with at least four active-duty years or qualifying Vietnam, Persian Gulf, Afghanistan or expeditionary service under Education Law 669-a. Discharge must meet the statute's honorable-conditions or Restoration of Honor alternatives. Students must enter an approved program and satisfy the applicable residency, prior-education and student-aid good-standing requirements.

What you get

Pays actual tuition up to the SUNY resident undergraduate tuition rate, prorated for part-time study. Statutory duration limits depend on the program; Montgomery GI Bill and Pell benefits do not reduce the award.

How to apply

Degree students should complete FAFSA and TAP first, then the Veterans Tuition Award application through HESC.

Official page (opens in a new tab) Education Law 669-a and 661

Military Enhanced Recognition Incentive and Tribute Scholarship

Who qualifies

Qualifying children, spouses and financial dependents of U.S. Armed Forces or state-militia members who, while New York residents, died, were missing in action, or became severely and permanently disabled through qualifying service or training. Qualifying severely and permanently disabled members can also receive the award. Disability requires a medical determination that the member cannot work for pay.

What you get

Scholarship support for tuition, mandatory fees and non-tuition attendance costs, subject to SUNY-based limits and offsets for overlapping aid.

How to apply

Use HESC's MERIT eligibility application and submit its required evidence. General annual student-aid requirements apply.

Official page (opens in a new tab) Education Law 668-e, 668-d and 661

Recruitment Incentive and Retention Program

Who qualifies

Eligible active New York Army National Guard, Air National Guard and Naval Militia members who are legal state residents, have no bachelor's degree, maintain military and academic standing, and meet DMNA training and service-obligation rules. Part-time study requires at least six semester credits or four quarter credits.

What you get

Pays tuition up to the lesser of actual tuition or the SUNY rate after applicable grant aid. Fees, books, room and board are excluded.

How to apply

Submit the current DMNA Form 96-1, memorandum of understanding and financial-aid evidence through the unit or Education Service Representative. Apply for other available grants. Fall applications are due August 15; spring applications are due December 15.

Official page (opens in a new tab) Education Law 669-b; DMNA Regulation 621-1

Civil service veterans examination credits

Who qualifies

Qualifying veterans who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents and New York residents when applying for appointment or promotion. They must pass the competitive examination. Disabled-veteran status requires qualifying disability certification at 10% or more under the law.

What you get

For original appointments, 5 additional points for veterans or 10 for disabled veterans. Promotion exams provide 2.5 or 5 points, respectively. Credits are generally usable for one permanent appointment or promotion, subject to statutory exceptions.

How to apply

Claim credits between applying for the examination and establishment of the eligible list, and provide documentary proof before the list is established.

Official page (opens in a new tab) Civil Service Law 85

Reduced-fee licenses for disabled veterans

Who qualifies

Veterans resident in New York for at least 30 days before applying, with a certified service-connected disability of at least 40% and qualifying discharge under the statute.

What you get

Eligible sporting licenses and privileges, excluding turkey permits, renew for a $5 annual fee.

How to apply

Provide eligibility proof at a license issuing agent location.

Official page (opens in a new tab) Environmental Conservation Law 11-0715(4)

Lifetime Liberty Pass

Who qualifies

New York resident veterans meeting Veterans' Services Law 1, qualifying former state-active-duty militia members, and eligible Gold Star parents, spouses or domestic partners and minor children.

What you get

Free or discounted access to covered state parks and recreation facilities, including day-use entry and discounted camping. The pass holder must be present; some amenities and concession-operated facilities are excluded.

How to apply

Order a free Lifetime Liberty Pass and follow the document instructions. Veterans with a veteran-designated New York DMV photo ID may use staffed facilities with that credential.

Official page (opens in a new tab) Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Law 13.19

State veterans homes

Official page (opens in a new tab)