Programs & services
Listed on the organization's official site (veterans.ny.gov), checked Aug 18, 2026. Always confirm availability with the organization.
- New York State Department of Labor Employment ServicesVeterans seeking employment and training services in New York State.
- Military Service Claim for Unemployment BenefitsRecently discharged service members who meet the listed discharge and service conditions.
- Veterans with Disabilities Employment Program (55-c)Qualified wartime Veterans with disabilities, including those with a service-connected disability rating of 10% or higher.
- Veterans Benefits Advisors consultationsVeterans who need assistance or want to learn more about benefits and services they may be eligible for.
Eligibility
A qualified Veteran is someone who served on active duty in the US Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Reserves, National Guard, New York Guard or New York Naval Militia, and was released from active duty by general or honorable discharge after September 11, 2001. Qualified Veterans must attest that they were not employed for 35 or more hours in the previous 180 days. Any Veteran who has received the Purple Heart medal or who has a disability rating assigned by the U.S. VA of at least 10 percent is automatically eligible.
How to apply
Summarized from the program's official site (veterans.ny.gov), checked Aug 18, 2026. Always confirm details with the program.
- Use New York State Department of Labor employment and training programs to receive Veterans priority service.
- Contact the New York State Department of Labor for assistance with employment services.
- If filing a military service unemployment claim, file your claim and have your most recent DD Form 214 (Member 4) with you.
- Mail a copy of your DD Form 214 to the Telephone Claim Center to process your unemployment claim.
- If applying for the Veterans with Disabilities Employment Program (55-c), visit the Civil Service website to learn how to apply for a 55-c Letter of Eligibility (LOE).
- If you need help, call a Veterans Benefits Advisor, schedule a phone or video consultation online, or use the search to find a Services Office near you.
What to bring
- Most recent separation DD Form 214 (Member 4)
- Letter of certification of a service-connected disability rating of 10% or higher from the U.S. Veterans Administration
What to expect
For military service unemployment claims, the Department of Labor processes your claim after it receives a copy of your DD Form 214. The initial Monetary Determination may not list federal or military wages; follow its instructions for missing employment and earnings so those wages can be used to calculate your correct benefit rate.
Contact
- Serves all of New York
Next step
See every New York program for this need, how they fit together, and what to try first.
Read the New York guideWas this resource helpful?
Source: New York State Department of Veterans' Services, the official New York state veterans agency. Details can change; confirm directly with the program.
View source page (veterans.ny.gov/new-york-state-department-labor-employment-services)
More verified resources in New York
Student Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Albany 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 Albany area. Help with VA Form 22-1995, Yellow Ribbon, and credit-for-prior-learning evaluations.
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Chapter 31, VR&E) services for service-connected Albany veterans pursuing employment, self-employment, or independent living. Tuition, fees, books, and a monthly subsistence allowance may be covered.
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Chapter 31, VR&E) services for service-connected Syracuse veterans pursuing employment, self-employment, or independent living. Tuition, fees, books, and a monthly subsistence allowance may be covered.