Disabilities Support - Veterans

Department of Veterans' Services


Individual Care

VA Claims
CoveredNYCVet
Individual Care
Family Care
Housing
Health
Wellness
Business and Entrepreneurship

VA Claims

CoveredNYCVet

Individual Care

Family Care

Housing

Health

Wellness

Business and Entrepreneurship


Disabilities Support

DVS represents veterans looking to secure disability compensation from the VA. We support veterans with disabilities that are the result of a disease or injury incurred or aggravated during active military service, as well as veterans with post-service and non-service-connected disabilities.

DVS connects veterans with disabilities to employment opportunities, job training programs, resources to modify their homes, obtain New York State certification as Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (SDVOB), access accessible transportation, and more.

Connect to services by filling out the VetConnectNYC form:

Request Services on VetConnectNYC

See below for a list of resources for veterans with disabilities:

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Click a topic, or press the enter key on a topic, to reveal its answer.

Accessibility Home Modifications

Rebuilding Together NYC (RT NYC) provides accessibility modifications for disabled veterans, so they can stay in their homes. Modifications include wheelchair ramps and lifts, stair glides, handrails, grab bars, and ADA-compliant bathrooms. Receive an application by emailing intake@rebuildnyc.org with "Veteran Interest" in the subject line.

Disability Compensation

VA Disability Compensation benefits are available to veterans with service-connected illnesses or disabilities. These VA disability benefits include Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), Special Monthly Compensation (SMC), and general disability pay, which is a tax-free monetary payment. To receive VA compensation benefits and services, the veteran's character of discharge or service must be under other than dishonorable conditions (e.g., honorable, under honorable conditions, general). For benefits support, fill out the form at VetConnectNYC (select "Benefits Navigation" as your preferred service).

Social Security Disability and Veterans Affairs Disability — How Do They Compare?

Social Security Administration Helpful Links

The United States Social Security Administration (ssa.gov)

Information for Military & Veterans | SSA

Expedited Processing of Veteran’s 100% Disability Claims (May 2021) (ssa.gov)

my Social Security | SSA

Social Security Number and Card | SSA

Disability Benefits | SSA

Supplemental Security Income | SSA

Appeal A Decision | Disability Benefits | SSA

Survivors Benefits | SSA

Retirement Benefits | SSA

Medicare Benefits | SSA

Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs | SSA

Social Security Office Locator, SSA Office Locator Social Security Office Locator, Social Security

Publications | SSA

Social Security Forms | Social Security Administration (ssa.gov)

Protect Yourself from Social Security Scams | SSA

Disability Service Facilitators

New York City has identified Disability Service Facilitators (DSFs) at each agency. See the list of agency DSFs along with their contact information.

Employment Support

The Veteran Readiness and Employment program provides veterans with service-connected disabilities support to help them live independently and employment services including:

job training

resume development

job-seeking skills coaching

NYS's Veterans with Disabilities Employment Program authorizes that 500 state government positions be filled with qualified wartime veterans with disabilities. Learn how to apply to jobs.

NYC: AtWork is an employment program that recruits, pre-screens, and connects New Yorkers with disabilities to jobs and internships with established business partners in both the public and private sectors.

Section 55-a of the New York State Civil Service Law allows a qualified person with a certified mental or physical disability to be hired into competitive civil service positions without having to take an exam. Eligibility for the 55-a Program is determined by the New York State Office of Adult Career and Continuing Education Service – Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR) or the New York State Commission for the Blind (NYSCB), depending on the type of disability. For more details, please review the 55-a FAQs. If you have any questions, contact (212) 386-1701 or via email.

Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business

The US government awards at least 3 percent of all federal contracting dollars to Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB) each year. Learn more about the U.S. Small Business Administration's SDVOSB program and how your business can compete for set-aside federal contracts.

New York State aims to have 6 percent of all state contracts owned by Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (SDVOB). Become certified as an SDVOB with New York to get access to state contracting opportunities.

Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA)

Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) free membership connects veterans with spinal cord injuries or related diseases to services including assistance with your earned VA benefits, help with employment and higher education, sports and recreation opportunities, and access to PVA’s research and advocacy efforts.

Service Animals

Service dogs are trained to help veterans with disabilities perform daily tasks. Guide dogs assist those with visual impairments. And psychiatric service dogs offer support to veterans struggling with PTSD and other mental health conditions. Learn the steps to adopt a service dog.

Veterans should develop an emergency preparation plan for their service animals. For guidance, view this Office of Emergency Management preparation page for pets and service animals.

Transportation Services

The Accessible Dispatch Program gives people with disabilities access to green and yellow wheelchair-accessible taxis. To schedule a ride, call 311 or 646-599-9999. You can also download the Accessible Dispatch app.

Disabled American Veterans operates free transportation to VA medical facilities for sick and injured veterans. To find out whether there is a DAV van near you, use the Hospital Service Coordinator Directory to contact a coordinator.