New York

Veterans who served during a qualifying war period or received an expeditionary medal receive a tiered property tax exemption: 15% for wartime service, an additional 10% for combat zone service, and an additional amount equal to 50% of disability rating for disabled veterans.

Locality must have opted in to this exemption; most have. Three tiers: wartime service (up to 15%), combat zone (additional 10%, up to 25% total), and disability (additional exemption equal to 50% of disability rating on assessed value).

Veterans who served during the Cold War (September 2, 1945 through December 26, 1991) receive a 15% exemption on assessed value, plus additional exemption for disabled veterans.

Parents of service members who died in service receive a full property tax exemption on their primary residence.

New York fully exempts military retirement pay from state income tax, saving veterans from the state's 4% to 10.9% income tax rates on their retirement income.

Pay received while on active duty outside New York for 30 or more consecutive days is exempt from NY state income tax.

Veterans with service-connected disability can get special DV license plates. Veterans with 100% disability receive free plates.

New York offers specialty plates including Veteran, Purple Heart, Medal of Honor, POW, Gold Star, and branch-specific plates. Medal of Honor and POW plates are free.

Full tuition at SUNY/CUNY schools or up to $6,695/year at private institutions for undergraduate study, and $3,190/year for graduate study. Available for up to 8 semesters (undergraduate) or 6 semesters (graduate).

Must apply for TAP (Tuition Assistance Program). Part-time enrollment receives pro-rated awards. Qualifying service periods include Afghanistan, Persian Gulf, Vietnam, Korea, and other designated periods.

Full tuition, room and board, and books/supplies at SUNY/CUNY (or equivalent at private institutions) for children, spouses, or financial dependents of veterans who died or became severely and permanently disabled during qualifying service.

Children of veterans who died, became disabled (40%+), or were POW/MIA as a result of service receive $450 per year in addition to other financial aid.

Members of the NY Army or Air National Guard receive tuition awards for undergraduate and graduate study at SUNY, CUNY, or community colleges.

Veterans receive in-state tuition at all SUNY and CUNY schools regardless of state residency status.

Non-disabled veterans receive 5 additional credits on civil service exam scores, and disabled veterans receive 10 additional credits. Credits can only be used once and some veterans can transfer credits to a spouse.

Veterans receive priority of service at NYS Department of Labor Career Centers statewide, with dedicated LVER and DVOP staff and access to programs like Helmets to Hardhats.

New York recognizes military experience toward professional licensing requirements and offers expedited licensing for veterans and military spouses.

Service-disabled veterans can certify their business as an SDVOB and access state contracting set-aside goals (6% target for state contracts).

NY resident veterans with 40% or higher service-connected disability receive free hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses.

Active duty military on leave visiting New York can fish for free. Active duty stationed in NY may purchase resident-rate licenses.

Five state veterans' homes provide skilled nursing, rehabilitation, adult day health care, and dementia care at locations in Batavia, Montrose, Oxford, St. Albans (Queens), and Stony Brook.

Free counseling and referral services statewide with veteran counselors available in every New York county.

State-funded peer-to-peer counseling program run by veterans for veterans, available in many New York counties at no cost.

All veterans receive free admission to New York State Parks on Veterans Day, Memorial Day, and select holidays.

Disabled veterans with a service-connected disability receive a free Empire Passport (normally ~$80), providing unlimited access to New York State Parks.

Honorably discharged veterans can get the "VETERAN" designation added to their NY driver's license or ID card by presenting DD-214 at the DMV.

NYS Division of Veterans' Services provides free VA claims assistance with veteran counselors available in every New York county.

New York pioneered veterans treatment courts, now available in many counties including NYC, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, and others, providing alternative sentencing for veteran defendants.

New York has multiple national cemeteries including Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga, Long Island, Calverton, Woodlawn, Bath, and Cypress Hills, providing free burial for eligible veterans.

NYS resident veterans who lost their sight as a result of military service receive an annual annuity payment from the state.

New York state employees receive up to 30 days per year of paid military leave for ordered duty.