Veterans Resources

____ Have “Veteran” printed on your driver’s license for free at the County DMV

               https://dmv.ny.gov/more-info/veteran-status-designation-photo-document

____ File your DD214 with the County Clerk’s Office for safekeeping, and learn about discounts at local businesses with the “Return the Favor” Program https://www.cayugacounty.us/365/

____ Free admission to National Parks and Federal Recreation lands https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1207/11-8-2022-lifetime-pass.htm

____ Ensure that you are getting Veteran property tax exemptions, including new Cold War, and additional exemption for a Veterans Affairs disability rating. https://www.cayugacounty.us/459/

____ NYSEG credit for disabled Veterans https://www.nyseg.com/w/heap-and-eap-programs

____ RG&E credit for disabled Veterans https://www.rge.com/account/waystopay/help-with-bill/eap

____ Transportation to medical appointments https://www.cayugacounty.us/599/

____ Office for the Aging helps those 60+ with wellness issues https://www.cayugacounty.us/507/

____Veteran Affairs benefits at https://www.va.gov, 800-827-1000:

____ Compensation for current medical conditions that can be connected to military service or if service-connected conditions have gotten worse. If over 30% rated, ensure dependents are included                           https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/

____ Support for surviving spouses of Veterans who died of service-connected conditions       https://www.va.gov/disability/dependency-indemnity-compensation/

____ Low or no cost VA health care depending on service, medical conditions, and income.

                https://www.va.gov/health-care/

____VA Dental Benefits: https://www.va.gov/health-care/about-va-health-benefits/dental-care/

____ Non-service-connected pensions for very low-income Veterans and surviving spouses https://www.va.gov/pension/eligibility/

____ Payments for Aid and Attendance for those who need help with Daily Activities or Housebound benefits. https://www.va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound/

Potential New York State Veteran Benefits. These and more at :     https://veterans.ny.gov/

____ Low-cost hunting at fishing permits for Veterans with >40% rating

____ Free State Park Admission for Veterans with >40% compensation rating

____ Veteran License Plates https://dmv.ny.gov/plates/military-and-veterans

____ Various Education Benefits for Veterans and family members

____ Veteran Employment Assistance https://dol.ny.gov/services-veterans

____ Blind Annuity https://veterans.ny.gov/new-york-state-blind-annuity-program

Programs that can help with housing improvement, energy efficiency and utilities.

____ Low-income energy conservation assistance: 1-877-NYSMART.

       https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/EmPower-New-York-Program 

____Other Energy Conservation Programs: https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-programs#category=homeowners

____Housing Help https://www.usa.gov/housing-help

____USDA rural home repair loans and grants https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-programs

____Bishop Sheen Foundation: https://sheenhousing.org/services/

____Homsite Development: https://www.homsite.org/home-improvement

____Finger Lakes Community Action: https://www.fingerlakescommunityaction.org/programs

          Housing Efficiency Weatherization 315-333-4155

         Older Adults Safe Home Modification Program 315-333-4155

____Low Income Water Assistance: https://otda.ny.gov/programs/water-assistance/

____NYSEG and RG&E Utilities with disconnect notice ($200 grant): 800-599-4327 https://www.nyseg.com/account/waystopay/helpwithbill/project-share

Programs that can help with safety, mental health and substance abuse issues.

____Veterans Suicide Hotline: 988 press 1 or Text 838255 or chat online through the VA Mental Health Website: https://www.va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/mental-health/

____Confidential Help for Alcohol & Drugs (CHAD) https://www.chadcounseling.org/ (315) 253-9786

____ Homeless Vet Hotline: 877-424-3838

____ Women Veterans Call Center: 855-829-6636. https://www.va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/womens-health-needs/

____Domestic Violence Assistance: 24-hour hotline (315-255-6221) https://caphelps.org/programs/

____ Cayuga County Adult Protective Unit at (315) 253-1446

____ Legal Resources: https://www.va.gov/OGC/LegalServices.asp https://www.nysda.org/page/AboutVDP

____ Burial Benefits are available based on each Veterans nature of service:

____Veteran Affairs: https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/eligibility/

____New York State: https://veterans.ny.gov/state-supplemental-burial-allowance

We offer metal markers with flags (and other support to Veterans), thanks to generous donations to our Veteran Support Fund.