New York lists 16 veteran benefits: 3 property tax, 2 income tax, 2 education, 1 employment, 3 vehicle, 2 recreation, 2 financial, 1 veterans home.
Reduces assessed value on a veteran's primary residence: 15% reduction for wartime service, an additional 10% for service in a combat zone, and an additional reduction equal to one-half of the VA service-connected disability rating. Percentage benefits are subject to maximum dollar limits set by each local taxing jurisdiction (county/city/town/village; applies to school taxes only where the school district has opted in). Most communities require application by March 1. Separately, veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating (or 100% via individual unemployability under VA standards) receive a full property tax exemption on the primary residence. It was established by Chapter 672 of the Laws of 2025 and made mandatory statewide, school districts included, by Chapter 77 of the Laws of 2026, and applies to assessment rolls with taxable status dates on or after October 1, 2026 (the 2027 assessment roll). The veteran must be discharged or released under honorable conditions. The partial exemptions (Alternative Veterans, Cold War, Eligible Funds) remain available for veterans below the 100% threshold.
Local-option exemption for veterans who served on active duty during the Cold War period (Sept 2, 1945 to Dec 26, 1991). Provides a percentage reduction in assessed value plus an additional reduction equal to one-half of the VA service-connected disability rating, subject to locally adopted dollar caps.
Reduces assessed value of property a veteran purchased using 'eligible funds' (pension, bonus, or insurance/discharge monies). Reduction is based on the amount of eligible funds used, commonly cited up to a maximum of $7,500 of assessed value. Apply to local assessor.
Military pension/retirement payments received by retired military personnel or their beneficiaries are totally exempt from New York State, New York City, and Yonkers income taxes. No age or dollar cap on the military portion (separate from the general $20,000 pension exclusion for ages 59.5+).
Benefits paid to or on account of a veteran under laws relating to veterans are treated the same for NY tax as for federal. Because VA disability compensation is excluded from federal gross income, it is not subject to New York State income tax.
Covers cost of attendance (tuition, fees, room/board, books) for children, spouses, and financial dependents of NY residents who died or became severely and permanently disabled in military service. Applications accepted year-round.
Provides awards up to the full cost of SUNY undergraduate tuition (or vocational training) for eligible NY veterans at approved NY schools. As of July 1, 2025, eligibility expanded so veterans who served at least four years active duty qualify even without combat service; both full- and part-time students eligible. Awards are not reduced by Montgomery GI Bill benefits or Pell Grants.
Additional points added to passing civil service exam scores: 5 points (non-disabled veterans) or 10 points (disabled veterans, VA-certified service-connected disability of 10% or more) on open-competitive exams; 2.5/5 points on promotional exams. Credits are usable once for a single permanent appointment.
NY DMV issues Disabled Veteran and Disabled American Veteran custom license plates to qualifying veterans with a service-connected disability. Distinct specialty/custom military plates (e.g., Medal of Honor, Former POW) are also available.
Disabled veterans meeting NY Thruway Authority criteria can obtain an E-ZPass Disabled Veteran Non-Revenue (toll-free) plan for travel on the NY Thruway.
Veterans receiving a motor vehicle under Federal Title 38 (automobile/adaptive equipment grant, via VA Form 21-4502), or those qualifying for Congressional Medal of Honor or Former Prisoner of War custom plates, are exempt from DMV registration fees and vehicle plate fees.
Free lifetime pass for all resident NY veterans (no disability rating required) and Gold Star families. Provides free vehicle entry to state parks, DEC day-use areas, boat launches and historic sites; free golf at 28 state park courses; free entry at 36 state park pools; and discounted camping/cabin rentals at all 119 state park and DEC campgrounds.
Resident veterans with a VA service-connected disability of 40% or more can obtain a Sportsman license (fishing, big game, small game) for $5, plus a free bow hunting license and free muzzleloading license. Requires a VA letter stating disability is 40% or more.
Pays an annuity from the State of New York to eligible Gold Star Parents, Spouses, and Children of a deceased service member. The death does not have to have occurred in a combat theater.
For service members who died in combat, NY offers surviving family members a supplemental burial allowance of up to $6,000 to defray funeral/interment costs not covered by the federal government. A family member must have borne part or all of the funeral/interment cost.
Five state-operated veterans homes (Oxford, Montrose, St. Albans, Long Island/Stony Brook, Batavia) provide skilled nursing and rehabilitative care to eligible veterans and eligible dependents. Operated by NY Dept of Health; several rated 'Best in NY' by U.S. News.
Sources: tax.ny.gov, hesc.ny.gov, cs.ny.gov, dmv.ny.gov, veterans.ny.gov.
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