| Military retirement pay | Exempt. Military retired pay is not taxed by New York State, New York City or Yonkers, and Survivor Benefit Plan annuities are not taxed either. |
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| Property tax | Veteran property tax breaks in New York are local options, so check with your assessor. Under the Alternative Veterans exemption, localities that offer it cut assessed value by 15% for wartime service, another 10% for combat zone service, and an extra amount equal to half the veteran's service-connected disability rating. Each locality sets a dollar cap. Separately, localities and school districts may offer a full exemption on the primary home of a veteran with a permanent and total service-connected disability. |
| Alternative Veterans property tax exemption Taxes | Optional local exemption: 15% off assessed value for wartime service, up to 10% more for combat zone service, plus half of the disability rating; caps vary by locality. |
| Military retired pay exemption Taxes | Retired pay is exempt from New York State, NYC and Yonkers income taxes. |
| $5 fishing and hunting base license Recreation | Veterans rated 40% or more service-connected pay $5 for a base license and get preference in deer permit selection. |
| Disabled Veteran plates Vehicles & ID | Disabled Veteran and Purple Heart plates cost $28.75 to start with no yearly renewal fee; Medal of Honor plates are free. |
| Tuition aid for veterans and families Education | Veterans Tuition Awards (capped at SUNY tuition), MERIT scholarships, and $450 a year for children of certain veterans (CDDV). |
| National Guard tuition help Education | The Guard's Recruitment Incentive and Retention Program pays up to $1,700 a semester and $3,400 a year. |
| Civil service hiring preference Jobs | Disabled veterans get 10 points on open-competitive state exams and 5 on promotion exams; other veterans get 5 and 2.5. |
Last checked 2026-11. State rules change often; confirm with New York State Division of Veterans' Services before you rely on any benefit.