A National Guard unit saw the most combat during World War II
Think about the World War II shows and films that stuck with you, like “Band of Brothers,” “The Pacific,” or “Saving Private Ryan.
New York Veteran Benefits (2026)
What New York offers veterans on top of federal VA benefits — property tax relief, state income-tax treatment of retirement pay, and education programs. Compiled from official state sources.
Property tax exemption
New York offers three locally adopted veterans property tax exemptions; the most common, the Alternative Veterans Exemption, reduces assessed value by 15% for wartime service, an additional 10% for combat-zone service, and a further amount equal to half of the veteran's service-connected disability rating, all subject to dollar caps that vary by municipality. Veterans must apply through their local assessor (deadline is March 1 in most communities). A new exemption for veterans rated 100% permanently and totally disabled takes effect for assessment rolls with taxable status dates on or after October 1, 2026.
Military retirement pay & state income tax
Military retirement pay is fully exempt from New York State income tax (as well as New York City and Yonkers income taxes), with no age or income limits.
Education benefits
The Veterans Tuition Award, administered by the NYS Higher Education Services Corporation, pays up to the full SUNY in-state undergraduate tuition rate for eligible veterans at approved colleges and vocational programs. Effective July 1, 2025, the program expanded so veterans with four years of active-duty service qualify even without combat service.
Also worth knowing
The Lifetime Liberty Pass gives New York resident veterans free vehicle entry to most state parks and DEC day-use areas, free state-park pools and golf greens fees, and discounted camping; since April 2024 it is open to all resident veterans with no disability rating required.
Where to apply & verify
- New York State Department of Veterans' Services — the official state agency for these programs
- Verified veteran services in New York — directory of local organizations
- New York veteran resources & news
- VA disability pay dates 2026 · 2026 VA disability rates
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Other states
NevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahoma All 51 →
About this information: Compiled July 2026 from official state sources and verified references. Benefit rules change through legislation — always confirm details with New York State Department of Veterans' Services or a Veteran Service Officer before making decisions. This is general information, not legal or financial advice.