New York military retirement pay tax
Military retirement pay is exempt from New York income tax.
New York disabled veteran license plate
Eligibility: Not based on disability percentage or specialty plate — tied specifically to receiving the VA Automobile/Adaptive Equipment Grant (VA Form 21-4502) for a specially adapted vehicle.
How to apply: Complete VA Form 21-4502, send to your VA Regional Office; once approved, get a fee-exempt registration from DMV; then apply for the "Disabled Veterans E-ZPass Non-Revenue Plan" (Form TA-W5175).
Agency: DMV (registration), NYS Thruway Authority (tolls), VA Regional Office (NYC/Buffalo) for the grant
Registration, parking, and toll notes
Registration + plate fee exemption with the grant.
Real but LIMITED program: free/unlimited travel ONLY on the NY State Thruway system — does NOT cover MTA bridges/tunnels or other NY toll roads, which need a separate paid E-ZPass account.
New York property tax benefits
2026: Existing Alternative Veterans Exemption relief combines eligible wartime, combat and disability components, subject to local adoption and caps. The new permanent-and-total exemption also requires local adoption, including by school districts, and applies to rolls with taxable status dates on or after October 1, 2026. It is not automatic statewide relief. The new application was still pending on September 5; RP-458-a (8/24) covers the existing program only. File with the local assessor by the applicable local deadline.
New York education benefits
New York Veterans Tuition Awards help eligible veterans with approved degree or vocational tuition, capped at the SUNY resident undergraduate rate or actual tuition if lower. Establish eligibility with HESC, then request payment each academic year; approval is not automatic.
New York recreation benefits
New York residents with 40%+ service-related disability pay $5 for the first qualifying hunting, fishing or trapping license purchased in a calendar year; the other types are free if obtained that same year. One-time agent verification is required. The separate Lifetime Liberty Pass has no disability minimum and does not make all camping or services free.
How to apply for recreation benefitsEducational disclaimer
VetOps is not VA, a VSO, DMV, DOT, a tax advisor, or a government agency. This guide is educational only, does not provide legal, financial, or tax advice, and does not guarantee benefits or tax outcomes.