Vet Pay ChartNew York disabled veteran benefits
Official state programs, rating thresholds and other eligibility conditions. Checked September 30, 2026.
| Program | Benefit | Who may qualify |
|---|---|---|
| Property taxLocal-option veterans exemptions | The alternative exemption includes wartime and combat reductions plus a disability reduction equal to half the service-connected rating, subject to local dollar limits. Municipal adoption is required. A new optional full permanent-total exemption starts with taxable-status dates on or after October 1, 2026. | Qualifying primary residence, service and discharge status; apply to the local assessor. The new full exemption requires VA documentation explicitly stating service-connected permanent total disability and the alternative-exemption eligibility conditions.Official program details |
| Vehicle registrationQualifying vehicle fee exemptions | Registration and plate fee exemptions cover specified adapted-vehicle, Medal of Honor and former-POW pathways. | For the disability pathway, federal funds for a qualifying specially adapted vehicle are required. A VA rating alone does not establish the exemption; DMV documentation and vehicle requirements apply.Official program details |
| Hunting and fishingReduced-price sporting licenses | Qualifying disabled veterans can obtain $5 hunting, fishing and trapping licenses, with specified additional hunting privileges and deer-permit preference. | New York resident with at least 40% service-connected disability; provide VA documentation to a license-issuing agent for initial enrollment. Species, permit and safety rules still apply.Official program details |
| State parksLifetime Liberty Pass and Access Pass | The Lifetime Liberty Pass offers specified park and recreation privileges to eligible resident veterans. The separate Access Pass serves qualifying residents with disabilities, including veterans rated 40% or higher. | Liberty Pass requires New York residency and qualifying service and discharge documentation; statutory alternative discharge pathways exist. No disability rating is required. Facility exclusions and passholder rules apply. Access Pass has separate disability documentation requirements.Official program detailsAdditional eligibility rules |
| EducationVeterans Tuition Award | Eligible veterans receive tuition assistance for approved full-time or part-time undergraduate, graduate or vocational study, subject to tuition and other-aid limits. | New York residency and student requirements apply. Service pathways include at least four years of active duty or specified combat or expeditionary service, with qualifying discharge status. The award does not require a VA disability rating.Official program details |
| Income taxMilitary retirement exemption | Military retired pay is exempt from New York State, New York City and Yonkers income taxes. VA disability compensation is tax-free. | Qualifying military retired pay; other income has separate tax rules.Official program details |
| EmploymentCivil-service veteran credits | Qualifying disabled veterans receive 10 open-competitive examination credits or five promotion credits. Other eligible veterans receive smaller credits. | Passing examination, New York residency, qualifying active service and discharge; disabled-veteran credits require at least 10% service-connected disability and compensation. Credit-use limits apply.Official program details |
Property tax rating thresholds
Before you apply
Bring your current VA benefit or award letter and the documents required by the administering agency. Exemptions may require an application, county approval and renewal. Federal compensation and state benefit eligibility are separate.
Keep exploring
Sources for this page
- veterans.ny.gov —
- www.tax.ny.gov — pit/property/exemption/altvetoverview.htm
- veterans.ny.gov — new york state motor vehicle registration fee exemption
- myarmybenefits.us.army.mil — Benefit Library/State/Territory Benefits/New York
- parks.ny.gov — visit/passes/lifetime liberty pass
- parks.ny.gov — visit/passes/access pass
- hesc.ny.gov — programs policies and procedures/program description
- www.tax.ny.gov — pit/property/exemption/vetexempt.htm
Retrieved September 30, 2026. Published VA rates, official rules and eligibility terms control.