New York offers a comprehensive suite of benefits to veterans, including financial assistance, educational opportunities, housing programs, and recreational privileges.
Housing Benefits
- Access to Home for Heroes: Financial assistance to make homes accessible for veterans with disabilities.
- Homes for Veterans Program: Offers fixed-rate mortgages with interest rates lower than standard SONYMA mortgages, plus down payment assistance for veterans​​.
Financial Benefits
- Income Tax: Active-duty military pay is tax-free under specific conditions, and retired pay and SBP payments are also tax-free in New York. Property tax exemptions are available for veterans based on their military service, with additional benefits for service-connected disabilities​​.
- Spouse Unemployment Benefits: Available for military spouses who quit their jobs due to their spouse’s military transfer​​.
Education Benefits
- Veterans Tuition Awards: For full or part-time study at eligible schools for honorably discharged New York resident wartime veterans.
- Regents Awards for Children of Deceased and Disabled Veterans: Offers up to $450 per year to dependents of veterans who served in wartime or during a national emergency and either died as a result of service or have a 40% or higher VA disability rating​​.
Employment Benefits
- Civil Service Credit Preference: Additional credit in civil service exams for veterans and disabled veterans.
- Veterans with Disabilities Employment Program (55-c): Allows veterans with a VA disability rating of at least 20% to apply for state jobs without an exam​​.
Recreational Benefits
- Hunting Licenses & Permits for Disabled Veterans: Low-cost licenses for NY resident veterans with a 40% or greater disability rating.
State Park Admission for Disabled Veterans: Wartime veterans with a 40% or greater disability are eligible for the Lifetime Liberty Pass, which provides free vehicle entry to state parks and other benefits​​.