Navigate VA benefits and New York-specific veteran benefits. Learn about disability compensation, NYS tax exemptions, VETSFIRST program, and how to file claims at the New York VA Regional Office.
New York veterans have access to both federal VA benefits and a comprehensive suite of state-specific benefits that can significantly improve quality of life. From disability compensation and pension to state income tax exemptions, property tax relief, and the VETSFIRST referral program, New York provides robust support for those who served.
This guide walks you through every benefit available, how to apply, and where to get free help with your claims. Whether you're filing your first VA claim or appealing a denial, New York has accredited counselors and veteran service organizations ready to assist you at every step.
VA disability compensation is a tax-free monthly payment for veterans with service-connected disabilities. Ratings range from 0% to 100% in 10% increments, with 2026 monthly payments ranging from $171.23 (10%) to $3,737.85 (100%). Veterans with dependents receive additional compensation. The New York VA Regional Office at 245 West Houston Street in Manhattan processes claims for New York veterans.
How to file: File online at VA.gov, call 1-800-827-1000, or visit the New York VA Regional Office. Work with an accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO) like the American Legion, VFW, or DAV for free claims assistance.
Wartime veterans with limited income who are 65+ or permanently and totally disabled may qualify for VA pension. The Aid and Attendance benefit provides additional monthly payments for veterans who need help with daily activities. In 2026, the maximum annual pension rate for a single veteran is $16,551, with Aid and Attendance adding up to $25,020.
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) provides monthly payments to surviving spouses and children of veterans who died from service-connected conditions. Survivors' Pension is available to low-income surviving spouses and children of wartime veterans.
New York fully exempts military retirement pay from state income tax. VA disability compensation and VA pension are also completely exempt from New York state and local income taxes. This benefit took full effect starting in 2023, making New York one of the most tax-friendly states for military retirees.
New York provides generous property tax exemptions for veterans under Real Property Tax Law. The Alternative Veterans Exemption (Section 458-a) provides a 15% exemption for wartime service, an additional 10% for combat zone service, and up to 50% for service-connected disabilities. These exemptions apply to county, city, town, and school district taxes on a veteran's primary residence.
Eligible New York veterans can receive tuition assistance at SUNY and CUNY schools through the Veterans' Tuition Awards program. The award covers up to full tuition at SUNY or an equivalent amount at CUNY institutions, available for undergraduate and graduate study.
Disabled veterans in New York may qualify for a free EZ-Pass transponder and discounted tolls on the New York State Thruway, bridges, and tunnels. Veterans with a disability rating of 40% or higher are eligible for reduced tolls, while 100% disabled veterans may receive free passage.
New York offers free or reduced-cost sporting licenses to disabled veterans. Veterans with a 40% or greater disability rating can receive a free hunting and fishing license from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.
The NYS Division of Veterans' Services employs accredited Veterans Benefits Counselors at offices across the state who provide free claims assistance. The VETSFIRST program at 1-888-838-7697 connects veterans with counselors who can help navigate the benefits system. Regional offices are located in Albany, New York City, Buffalo, Syracuse, and other locations.
The American Legion, VFW, DAV, and other VSOs maintain a strong presence across New York with accredited claims agents at VA facilities and community offices. Many VSOs have representatives at the New York VA Regional Office in Manhattan for convenient walk-in assistance.
Veterans with a 100% permanent and total VA disability rating typically qualify for the largest stack of state benefits in New York. Common categories include property tax exemption, vehicle registration and license plate fee waivers, free or reduced state park access, tuition waivers for the veteran or their dependents, and priority access to state veterans homes.
Confirm current eligibility, rates, and application steps with the New York Department of Veterans Affairs before applying.
American Legion Department of NY accredited service officer support for Brooklyn-area veterans. Service officers help draft VA claims, gather evidence, and represent veterans through the appeals process at no cost.
Student Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Bronx area. SVA chapters provide peer support, advocacy, and connections to GI Bill, scholarship, and career resources.
VA Regional Office and benefit-counselor lookup for veterans in Albany, NY. Confirm in-person hours, schedule a claims appointment, or find your nearest VBA benefits office.
Student Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Syracuse area. SVA chapters provide peer support, advocacy, and connections to GI Bill, scholarship, and career resources.
VA Regional Office and benefit-counselor lookup for veterans in Bronx, NY. Confirm in-person hours, schedule a claims appointment, or find your nearest VBA benefits office.
Accredited county Veterans Service Officer for Rochester area veterans. Free help filing VA disability, pension, dependency, and burial benefit claims. Walk-in and appointment hours vary by office; call before visiting.
Accredited county Veterans Service Officer for Albany area veterans. Free help filing VA disability, pension, dependency, and burial benefit claims. Walk-in and appointment hours vary by office; call before visiting.
Student Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the New York area. SVA chapters provide peer support, advocacy, and connections to GI Bill, scholarship, and career resources.
Accredited county Veterans Service Officer for Bronx area veterans. Free help filing VA disability, pension, dependency, and burial benefit claims. Walk-in and appointment hours vary by office; call before visiting.
Accredited county Veterans Service Officer for Yonkers area veterans. Free help filing VA disability, pension, dependency, and burial benefit claims. Walk-in and appointment hours vary by office; call before visiting.
American Legion Department of NY accredited service officer support for Albany-area veterans. Service officers help draft VA claims, gather evidence, and represent veterans through the appeals process at no cost.
Student Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Rochester area. SVA chapters provide peer support, advocacy, and connections to GI Bill, scholarship, and career resources.
Veterans Resource Center (VRC) and certifying-official support for GI Bill students at community and technical colleges in the Bronx area. Help with VA Form 22-1995, Yellow Ribbon, and credit-for-prior-learning evaluations.
American Legion Department of NY accredited service officer support for Yonkers-area veterans. Service officers help draft VA claims, gather evidence, and represent veterans through the appeals process at no cost.
American Legion Department of NY accredited service officer support for Rochester-area veterans. Service officers help draft VA claims, gather evidence, and represent veterans through the appeals process at no cost.
VA Regional Office and benefit-counselor lookup for veterans in Rochester, NY. Confirm in-person hours, schedule a claims appointment, or find your nearest VBA benefits office.
Veterans Resource Center (VRC) and certifying-official support for GI Bill students at community and technical colleges in the Albany area. Help with VA Form 22-1995, Yellow Ribbon, and credit-for-prior-learning evaluations.
New York state veterans affairs office providing benefits counseling, claims assistance, and connections to state veteran programs.
American Legion Department of NY accredited service officer support for Buffalo-area veterans. Service officers help draft VA claims, gather evidence, and represent veterans through the appeals process at no cost.
Accredited county Veterans Service Officer for Brooklyn area veterans. Free help filing VA disability, pension, dependency, and burial benefit claims. Walk-in and appointment hours vary by office; call before visiting.
Recently verified benefits resources serving New York, ordered by most recent verification.
Student Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Brooklyn area. SVA chapters provide peer support, advocacy, and connections to GI Bill, scholarship, and career resources.
Veterans Resource Center (VRC) and certifying-official support for GI Bill students at community and technical colleges in the Brooklyn area. Help with VA Form 22-1995, Yellow Ribbon, and credit-for-prior-learning evaluations.
American Legion Department of NY accredited service officer support for Brooklyn-area veterans. Service officers help draft VA claims, gather evidence, and represent veterans through the appeals process at no cost.
VA Regional Office and benefit-counselor lookup for veterans in Brooklyn, NY. Confirm in-person hours, schedule a claims appointment, or find your nearest VBA benefits office.
Accredited county Veterans Service Officer for Brooklyn area veterans. Free help filing VA disability, pension, dependency, and burial benefit claims. Walk-in and appointment hours vary by office; call before visiting.
Student Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Bronx area. SVA chapters provide peer support, advocacy, and connections to GI Bill, scholarship, and career resources.
