How to Reduce Your Points and Your Insurance Premiums

If you take a DMV-approved accident prevention course, you can:

1. reduce your driver violation point total by a maximum of four points, and
2. save 10 percent on your automobile liability & collision insurance premiums.

An accident prevention course cannot prevent a mandatory suspension or revocation. An accident prevention course and point reduction do not affect a driver responsibility assessment. You cannot use the course as a credit against future driver violation points. The DMV computer system automatically applies the point reduction when your course completion is added to your record. Your record shows your convictions and the points they carry, and has a notation that you completed the course and that a reduction of up to 4 points has been applied. Your driver record does not show any summary or total that includes the subtraction of the points. The reduction is automatically applied within the DMV computer system.

For more information please visit: https://transact.dmv.ny.gov/pirp/

Hunting Licenses & Fishing Permits are available at reduced cost to Veterans with a 40% or greater disability rating and free to NYS residents who are active members of the NYARNG, US Reserve or Active Duty.

Who is eligible for Reduced Cost licenses & permits?

1. Disabled veterans with at least a 40% service connected disability
2. Applicant must have received an honorable discharge
3. Applicant must have been a resident of New York State for 30 days immediately prior to date of application

What documentation is required to prove eligibility?

1. A Certificate of Release or
2. Discharge from Active Duty
3. Certificaton from VA of percent of disability

How do you apply?
Apply at any licensing entity

Who is eligible for Free licenses?
Under the Patriot Plan, NYS Residents who are active service members of either the New York State Organized Militia, U.S. Reserve Forces, or certain members of the U.S. Armed Forces. (Inactive service status does not qualify an individual for free DEC sporting licenses)

What free license types will be available to qualifying military personnel?
The following FREE license types will be available: Small/Big Game, Trapping, Fishing

What documentation is required to prove eligibility for Free Licenses?

1. US Armed Forces Identification Card
2. Affidavit (available at www.dec.ny.gov/permits)
3. Authorized leave orders showing applicant stationed outside of NY (for Active duty service members only)

For additional information contact
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation at www.dec.ny.gov OR

http://nysparks.com/

A Disabled Veteran who is qualified for and obtains a fee exempt vehicle registration from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles may enroll in the Authority's Disabled Veteran Non-Revenue E-ZPass program. Enrollment in the program allows free, unlimited travel for the disabled veteran anywhere on the Thruway system when the disabled veteran is traveling in a qualifying vehicle; (2-axle, 4-tire cars, vans or pickup trucks or motorcycles).

Use the form below to apply.

DISABLED VETERAN NON-REVENUE E-ZPASS APPLICATION
( TA-W5175 - PDF, 2 pages/53kb)

The Disabled Veteran Non-Revenue E-ZPass program does not provide non-revenue travel on other tolling facilities offering E-ZPass. If you wish to use your tag on other tolling facilities offering E-ZPass, you must establish a revenue account.

Use the form below to apply.

APPLICATION FOR DISABLED VETERAN E-ZPASS REVENUE PLAN
( TA-W5080 - PDF, 4 pages/443kb)

Most military veterans are not exempt from vehicle registration fees. You can qualify to be exempt from registration fees and vehicle plate fees if:

• you are a qualified disabled veteran under Federal Title 38, or
• you qualify for and apply for Congressional Medal of Honor custom plates, or
• you are 62 years of age or older and you qualify for and apply for Former Prisoner of War custom plates.

Form MV-1E (Statement to Register a Vehicle under Title 38) and form MV-1G (Statement to Renew a Vehicle under Title 38) have information about the exemption for disabled veterans who are qualified under Federal Title 38. You can find these forms on the DMV Forms page at the DMV web site.

The Custom Plates page on the DMV web site has the information to apply for Congressional Medal of Honor custom plates or Former Prisoner of War custom plates.

The New York State Veterans' Homes are skilled nursing facilities owned and operated by the New York State Department of Health and SUNY for veterans and their dependents. They exist to provide quality care to all eligible veterans and dependents in need of skilled nursing care and rehabilitative services.

There are five New York State Veterans Homes in the State. Four of the homes are operated by the New York State Department of Health.

NYS Veterans Home at St. Albans
178-50 Linden Boulevard
Jamaica, NY 11434-1467
(718) 990-0353
http://www.nysvets.org/homes/stalbans/welcome.html

NYS Veterans Home
220 Richmond Avenue
Batavia, NY 14020
(585) 345-2049
http://www.nysvets.org/homes/batavia/welcome.html

NYS Veterans' Home at Oxford
4211 State Highway 220
Oxford, NY 13830
(607) 843-3121
http://www.nysvets.org/homes/oxford/welcome.html

Long Island State Veterans Home
State University of New York at Stony Brook
100 Patriots Road
Stony Brook, NY 11790-3300
(631) 444-(VETS) 8387
http://www.listateveteranshome.org/

Montrose
Route 9A
PO Box 188
Montrose, NY 10548
(914) 788-6000
http://www.nysvets.org/homes/montrose/welcome.html

Who is eligible for care?

1. The applicant must require skilled nursing care and,
2. have entered active duty from the State of New York or be a New York State resident for one year prior to application for admission, and
   
3. veteran must also have had an honorable discharge from the US Armed Forces, and
   
4. veteran must have had at least thirty (30) days of active service
   
5. A spouse of an otherwisw qualified veteran, unless legally separated, may be admitted to the Home if the spouse was married to an eligible veteran for 1 year prior to application and requires skilled nursing care.
   
6. A veteran accompanied by their spouse both of whom require skilled nursing care will recieve the highest priority for admission followed by "wartime" veterans; "non-wartime" veterans, spouses and unremarried surviving spouses, and then Gold Star mothers and fathers

How to apply?
An application and full requirements for admission can be obtained from www.nysvets.org or contacting one of the above homes.

For more information, Call
1-888-838-7697

Veterans Tuition Awards (VTA) are awards for full-time study and part-time study for eligible veterans matriculated at an undergraduate or graduate degree-granting institution or in an approved vocational training program in New York State.

NOTE: Students previously approved for this award must apply for payment each year. Those students attending a vocational school or who are attending an approved undergraduate or graduate program part-time may apply for payment for the current academic year by completing the supplement.

Award Amounts
For full-time study, a recipient shall receive an award of up to the full cost of undergraduate tuition for New York state residents at the State University of New York, or actual tuition charged, whichever is less. Full-time study is defined as twelve or more credits per semester (or the equivalent) at a degree-granting institution, or twenty-four or more hours per week in a vocational training program.
For part-time study, awards will be prorated by credit hour. Part-time study is defined as at least three but fewer than twelve credits per semester (or the equivalent) at a degree-granting institution, or six to twenty-three hours per week in a vocational training program.

2012 - 2013 Awards
For the 2012-13 academic year, awards will be set at $5,595 or tuition, whichever is less. If a Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) award is also received, the combined academic year award cannot exceed tuition. Thus, the TAP award may be reduced accordingly. NOTE: Tuition payments received by a veteran under the Chapter 33 Program and Yellow Ribbon component will be considered duplicative of any VTA award students may have received. However, payments received under the Montgomery GI bill do not duplicate the VTA award.

Combined tuition benefits available to a student cannot exceed the actual tuition. Students attending high tuition schools may be eligible to receive both the Federal and State benefits. Additionally, students whose “Percentage of Maximum Benefit Payable” under the Chapter 33 Program is less than 100% of tuition may also receive both Federal and State benefits.

Duration

Full-time Study
Undergraduate Degree-Granting Programs - Awards are available for up to eight semesters (four years) of undergraduate study. Awards can be made available for up to 8 semesters of undergraduate study for enrollment in an approved five-year program or for enrollment in an approved program of remedial study.
Graduate Degree-Granting Programs - Awards are available for up to six semesters (three years) of graduate study.
Vocational Training Programs - Awards are available for up to a maximum of four semesters (two years) of study in an approved vocational training program.

Part-time Study
Undergraduate Degree-Granting Programs - Awards are available for up to the equivalent of eight semesters (four years) of full-time undergraduate study in a four-year program. Awards can be made available for up to the equivalent of ten semesters (five years) of full-time study for enrollment in an approved five-year undergraduate study.
Graduate Degree-Granting Programs - Awards are available for up to the equivalent of six semesters (three years) of part-time graduate study.
Vocational Training Programs - Awards are available for up to a maximum of eight semesters (four years) of part-time study in an approved vocational training program.

Approved programs are defined as undergraduate degree, graduate degree, diploma, and certificate programs at degree-granting institutions, or noncredit vocational training programs of at least 320 clock hours specifically approved by the New York State Division of Veteran's Affairs' Bureau of Veterans Education.

Eligible Veterans
Eligible students are those who are New York State residents discharged under honorable conditions from the U.S. Armed forces and who are:

1. Vietnam Veterans who served in Indochina between February 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975.
2. Persian Gulf Veterans who served in the Persian Gulf on or after August 2, 1990.
   Afghanistan Veterans who served in Afghanistan during hostilities on or after September 11, 2001.
3. Veterans of the armed forces of the United States who served in hostilities that occurred after February 28, 1961 as evidenced by receipt of an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Navy Expeditionary Medal or a Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal.

These students must also:

1. Establish eligibility by applying to HESC.
2. Be New York State residents.
3. Be US Citizens or eligible noncitizens.
4. Be matriculated full or part- time at an undergraduate or graduate degree-granting institution in New York State or in an approved vocational training program in New York State.
5. Have applied for the Tuition Assistance Program for full-time undergraduate or graduate study.

How to Establish Eligibility
Complete the New York State Veterans Tuition Award Supplement or contact HESC. Be sure to print the Web Supplement Confirmation, sign and return it along with the required documentation according to the instructions.

Questions regarding eligible service or how to document service should be directed to the HESC Scholarship Unit at 1-888-697-4372.

How to Apply for Payment
Once you have established your eligibility, you must apply for payment. While you need only establish your eligibility once, you must apply for payment each year.

Apply for payment as follows:
Undergraduate and Graduate Full-time Study - Apply for payment by doing one of the following:

Apply online by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — the form used by virtually all colleges, universities and vocational schools for awarding federal student aid and most state and college aid — and then linking to the TAP on the Web application,

or

For veterans who do not anticipate filing a FAFSA, complete a Scholarship Grant Payment Application. For a copy of the application call HESC at 1-888-697-4372.

Undergraduate Part-time Study - Complete only the Veterans Tuition Award Supplement.
Graduate Part-time Study - Complete only the Veterans Tuition Award Supplement.
Vocational Training Program - Complete only the Veterans Tuition Award Supplement.

Military Service Recognition Scholarships provides financial aid to veterans, children, spouses, and financial dependents of members of the US Armed Forces who while NYS residents, died or became severely and permanently disabled while engaged in hostilities or training for hostilities.

This award covers up to four years of full-time undergraduate study (or five years in a approved five year bachelor’s degree program) and includes the following:

1. At a public college or university (SUNY or CUNY): Actual tuition and mandatory educational fees; room and board charged to the student (on campus) or an allowance for room and board for commuter students; and allowances for books, supplies, and transportation.
2. At a private institution: An allowance equal to SUNY four-year college tuition and mandatory educational fees, and allowance for room and board, books, supplies and transportation.

Who is eligible?
Eligible recipients include veterans, children, spouses and financial dependents of members of the US Armed forces who, while NYS residents, on or after August 2, 1990 :

1. Died, or became severely and permanently disabled as a result of injury or illness suffered or incurred, or are classified as missing in action in a combat theater or zone of operations; or who died as a result of injuries incurred in these areas; OR
   
2. Died, or became severely and permanently disabled as result of injury or illness suffered or incurred during military training operations in preparation for duty in a combat theater or combat zone of operations.

What is required to apply?

1. Must establish eligibility by applying to the Higher Education Services Corp (HESC) at www.hesc.org or call 1-888-697-4372.
   
2. Veteran parent must be a NYS resident
   
3. Have applied for the Tuition Assistance Program and Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Regents Awards for Children of Deceased & Disabled Veterans provide up to $450 per year to students whose parent(s) served in the US Armed Forces during specified times of national emergency.

Who is eligible?
Eligible students are those whose veteran parent(s) are NYS residents and who served in the US Armed forces during one of the following periods of war or national emergency:

1. WW I between Apr 6, 1917 and Nov 11, 1918; or in
2. WW II between Dec 7, 1941 and Dec 31, 1946; or in
3. Korea between June 27, 1950 and Jan 31, 1955; or in
4. Vietnam between Dec 22, 1961 and May 7, 1975; or in
5. Persian Gulf on or after Aug 2, 1990; or in
6. Afghanistan on or after Sept 11, 2001
7. Or students whose parent(s) was the recipient of the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Navy Expeditionary Medal or the Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal for participation in operations in Lebanon, Grenada or Panama. And as a result of service, the veteran either died, suffered a 40% or more disability, was classified as missing in action, or was a prisoner of war.
   

What is required to apply?

1. Must establish eligibility by applying to the Higher Education Services Corp (HESC) at www.hesc.org or call 1-888-697-4372.
2. Veteran parent must be a NYS resident
3. Have applied for the Tuition Assistance Program and Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
   

All applications must be completed by May 1st of the academic year for which an award is sought.

For Additional Information contact
Higher Education Services Corp (HESC) at www.hesc.com or call 1-888-697-4372.

The Blind Annuity Program benefit is for legally blind NYS wartime veterans or the surviving un-remarried spouse of the blind veteran. In 2013 the program authorizes an annuity payment of up to $1,299.12 in monthly payments of $108.26.

Who is eligible for the Blind Annuity?
To be eligible, an applicant must meet the following requirements:

How do you apply for the Blind Annuity?
Complete and submit the following forms to the NYS Division of Veterans’ Affairs:

What documentation is required to prove eligibility?

For More Information
Call 1-888-838-7697 or 518-486-3602

Homes for Veterans Program offers fixed-rate mortgages with interest rates 0.5% below the already low interest rates charged on SONYMA mortgages with closing cost assistance.

The Homes for Veterans Program features the following:

Who is eligible for the mortgage program?

To be eligible, an applicant must meet the following requirements:

The applicant must be a veteran who serve in the active military, naval, or air service who was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.

What documentation is required to prove eligibility?
In order to qualify for the Homes for Veterans Program, the veteran must supply the following documentation with their SONYMA mortgage application:

How do you apply?
Contact the State of New York Mortgage Agency (SONYMA) at 1-800-382-HOME (4663) or www.mortgagecorp.com and get pre-qualified with a SONYMA participating lender.

For More Information,
Call 1-888-838-7697 or 518-474-6784

Gold Star Parent Annuity authorizes an annuity payment of up to $500 per Gold Star parent of a deceased veteran.

Who is eligible for the Gold Star Parent Annuity?
To be eligible, an applicant must meet the following requirements:

1. The applicant must be a Gold Star Parent (as defined in 10 USC 1126)
2. The applicant must be a resident of New York State
3. The applicant must verify that their income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. This verification is based upon the submittal of a copy of their latest calendar year Federal Tax return, or an affirmation that certifies that they are not required to file a federal income tax return.

What documentation is required to document evidence of military service of the deceased?
DD Form 1300 (Report of Casualty) or a copy of the telegram from the Department of Defense advising the parent of his or her loss, shall be submitted with the application.

What is the Income limit to qualify for the Annuity?
In order to qualify for the Annuity Program, the applicant’s income must be at or below 200% the federal poverty level. For 2011: Household Maximum Income Allowed for eligibility is $21,780 for one person, $29,420 for two, for each addition person, add $7,640

What documents must be submitted to prove income eligibility?
Submit a copy of the current year’s Federal Tax Return. If not required to file an income tax return the past year, a completed affirmation form to certify that income eligibility.

How do you apply for the Gold Star Parent’s Annuity? What forms must be completed?
All forms and supporting documentation with the exception of the direct deposit form are to be submitted to the NYS Division of Veterans’ Affairs

1. Application Form
2. Evidence of Military Service of the Deceased Veteran
3. Copy of the previous year’s Federal Tax Return, or a fully executed affirmation
4. Direct Deposit Form
5. Proof of NYS Residency

Are there deadlines for submitting an application, and when will payment be approved?
Applications may be sent at anytime; payments will be authorized and disbursed in semi-annual installments (March and September)

Is there a recertification process?
Yes. Applicants approved for the Gold Star Parent Annuity payments are required to verify their eligibility on a yearly basis.

Does incarceration affect a gold star parent’s eligibility to receive the annuity?
Yes: No entitlement shall be paid to or for a gold star parent who is incarcerated. Pursuant to a misdemeanor or felony conviction for any part of the period beginning sixty-one days after his or her imprisonment begins and ending with his or her release.

For More Information,
Call 1-888-838-7697 or 518-474-6784

NYS Veterans' Property Tax Exemption provides a partial exemption on real property taxes to veterans’ of defined periods of war, veterans who received expeditionary medals or certain family members, as allowed by law.

There are three levels of benefits, depending on whether the veteran served in combat and/or was disabled. Exemptions are also subject to dollar limitations, pursuant to state and local law.

Section 458 of the Real Property Tax Law provides a partial exemption on property owned by a veteran that has been purchased with pension, bonus, or insurance monies – referred to as “eligible funds”


Section 458-a of the Real Property Tax Law is available only for residential property of veterans who served during wartime or received an expeditionary medal – referred to as “alternative veterans’ exemption”


Section 458-b of the Real Property Tax Law is available only for residential property of veterans who served during the Cold War period – referred to as “Cold War exemption”

Who is eligible for the Property Tax Exemption?
To be eligible, an applicant must be one of the following:

1. A qualified veteran
2. The spouse of a qualified veteran (un-remarried surviving spouse)

What documentation is required to prove eligibility?

1. A copy of a Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty
2. Copy of deed to home (title must be veterans’ or spouses name)

How do you apply?
An Application for Veterans Exemption from Real Property Taxation (Form RP-458) must be filed with the local assessor.

1. Application Form
2. Evidence of Military Service
   (DD214/copy of a Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty)

Are there deadlines for submitting applications?
Applications must be filed on or before taxable status date. Check with your assessor for exact date they would need to receive your application to ensure you meet all local deadlines.

For Additional Information:
1-888-838-7697
http://www.tax.ny.gov/pit/property/exemption/vetexempt.htm

Supplemental Burial Allowance of up to $6,000 is authorized for certain military personnel killed in combat or while on active duty in hostile/imminent danger locations on or after September 29, 2003.

The supplemental burial allowance provides a maximum of $6000 payment to defray funeral and burial expenses for members of the armed forces who were residents of NYS and who were receiving special pay for duty subject to hostile fire or imminent danger at the time of their death.

Who is eligible?
The burial allowance will be paid to the family member responsible for funeral and burial expenses. Recipients eligible for reimbursement are, in order of priority:

1. Surviving spouse or domestic partner of qualified decedent
2. Adult children of qualified decedent
3. Parents of qualified decedent
4. Any other relative of qualified decedent

What documentation is required?

1. Proof of Death (casualty report, death certificate)
2. Proof of decedent’s NYS residency
3. Proof of relationship to decedent (marriage certificate, birth certificate)
4. Statement of account from funeral home (showing name of decedent, nature and cost of all services rendered and any unpaid balance)
5. Copy of receipted bills
6. Completed application for any allowance granted by federal government

Is there a time limit to apply for this allowance?
Yes. Applications must be received within two years of permanent burial or cremation of the body.

How do you apply?
Applications can be obtained from any of the State Veterans Counseling Offices or by clicking HERE. Submit completed applications to:

NYS Division of Veterans’ Affairs
c/o Finance Unit
#2 Empire State Plaza
Albany, NY 12223

For Additional Information Contact
1-888-838-7697

The Governor's Programs to Hire Persons/Veterans with Disabilities consist of two specialized programs. These programs are coordinated efforts to place individuals with disabilities in entry-level State jobs. No initial written or oral examinations are required for appointment. You must however, submit a formal application and a medical evaluation may be necessary for program certification.

Who are wartime veterans?
Veterans of the armed forces of the United States who served during time of war and have a disability might qualify for the 55-c Program. Veterans must have served on a full-time active basis, other than active duty for training purposes. Civil Service Law defines "time of war" to include:

World War I
April 6, 1917 - November 11, 1918

World War II
December 7, 1941 - December 31, 1946

Korean War
June 27, 1950 - January 31, 1955

Vietnam War
February 28, 1961 - May 7, 1975

Persian Gulf Conflict
August 2, 1990 to the date upon which such hostilities end

"Time of war" also includes the following hostilities, as established by receipt of the following:

Armed Forces expeditionary medal, Navy expeditionary medal, or Marine Corps expeditionary medal

Hostilities in Lebanon
June 1, 1983 - December 1, 1987

Hostilities in Grenada
October 23, 1983 - November 21, 1983

Hostilities in Panama
December 20, 1989 - January 31, 1990

Who are wartime veterans with disabilities?
The Employee Health Service (EHS) of the New York State Department of Civil Service will certify that the veteran is medically eligible. Medical eligibility is based on the degree of functional limitation, rather than the type of disability. The veteran may be required to undergo an examination (at no cost) by an EHS physician or an outside consultant to become eligible for the 55-c Program. A service connected disability is not a requirement in order to apply for this program.

While veterans with disabilities are not require to take a written or oral examination, they must meet the educational and/or experience qualifications for the position. Veterans certified eligible for the 55-c Program receive no guarantees of State employment, and they are not placed on a "list".

There are no "55-c jobs". Rather, State agencies may convert any entry-level position that is filled via an open-competitive civil service examination to a non-competitive 55-c position for a 55-c appointment.

State agencies are not required to participate in this program. Many personnel directors, however, find that the 55-c Program provides the ideal appointment alternative for quality candidates or for positions otherwise under a hiring freeze due to budgetary constraints.

(Currently, the Division of the Budget permits agencies to fill positions under a hiring freeze with qualified 55-c appointments. Such positions may be filled without Division of the Budget approval provided the agency can fund those positions within approved funding and personnel levels.)

How do I apply for eligibility under Section 55-c?
You may apply by completing a special application form, DPM01, and returning it along with a resume and a copy of a recent medical statement signed by your physician. The documentation must clearly state the nature of your disability and the extent of your functional limitations. To obtain an application and information packet, click on the link above or you may call or write the New York State Department of Civil Service (see below). The completed application and medical statements should be submitted to this same address.

New York State
Department of Civil Service
55 b/c Program
55 Mohawk Street
Cohoes, NY 12047

Please contact the New York State Department of Civil Service with any questions at 518-233-3118 local number 1-866-297-4356 toll free number

http://www.cs.ny.gov/dpm/c55.cfm