Governor Hochul Highlights Affordability Initiatives to Support New York's Veterans and Their Families

Governor Hochul today joined veterans on Long Island to highlight new and ongoing affordability initiatives aimed at better supporting New York’s veteran community. Joined by New York State Assemblymember Steve Stern at American Legion Post 360 in Huntington, Governor Hochul urged veterans and their families to check their eligibility status for benefits administered through the State, and to register for programs that lower costs and put money back in New Yorkers’ pockets.

“New York’s veterans stepped up when our country needed them the most, putting everything on the line to protect our communities and our freedoms. We owe it to them to make sure that they never have to struggle to access their hard-earned benefits that provide security for themselves and their families,” Governor Hochul said. “Since taking office, I have been committed to supporting New York veterans, and I will continue to prioritize efforts that make their lives healthier, more secure, and more affordable.”

In recognition of the service and sacrifice of New York’s veterans, Governor Hochul earlier this month signed a legislative package designating New York as a Purple Heart state, expanding employment opportunities for disabled veterans and strengthening protections for veterans’ benefits. The GUARD VA Benefits Act (S8150/A8476) establishes new safeguards to prevent pension poaching, benefit theft and fraud by unaccredited representatives. Under this law, anyone who attempts to defraud veterans in New York State can be charged with a new class A misdemeanor for unaccredited representation and face up to $10,000 in civil penalties per violation. The law also creates a veterans' services fund supported by collected civil penalties to provide grants to certified veteran service organizations that help veterans prepare and present benefits claims.

The Guard VA Benefits Act builds on Governor Hochul’s longstanding commitment to making life more affordable for veterans. The FY26 Enacted Budget expands support for Gold Star families by broadening eligibility for the Gold Star Annuity that was previously limited to parents of service members who died in combat. More recently, New York enacted legislation expanding eligibility for the Veterans Tuition Award, enabling more veterans and their families to pursue a college education.

New York State Department of Veterans’ Services Commissioner Viviana M. DeCohen said, “Governor Kathy Hochul continues to demonstrate what true leadership looks like. At a time when far too many Veterans and Military families are feeling the pressure of rising costs, food insecurity, and federal instability, the Governor is delivering real solutions that make New York more affordable, safer, and stronger for all who served. Her commitment is not symbolic — it is lived out in vital protections that prevent exploitation, proven programs that ease financial strain, and smart policies that help all who serve build secure, stable lives. We are profoundly grateful for the Governor’s clear vision and her unwavering dedication to those who served our nation and continue to serve our communities every single day.”

Additional Veterans Benefits Offered in New York:

• Emergency Housing Fund (EHF): Provides up to $2,000 in immediate financial assistance for eligible veterans facing housing emergencies, from the need for essential repairs to temporary shelter, helping prevent crises before they escalate. Since January 2025, the state Department of Veterans Services has made 724 payments totaling nearly $1.1 million to qualifying veterans.
• Property Tax Exemptions for Veterans: New York offers three major property tax exemptions — Alternative Veterans, Cold War Veterans, and Eligible Funds — at the county, city, town, and village level. Many school districts also offer these exemptions, which reduce long-term housing costs for thousands of veterans statewide.
• State Vehicle Registration Fee Exemption: Eligible veterans can reduce their cost of maintaining their personal vehicles by receiving an exemption from both registration and license plate fees through the state Department of Motor Vehicles.

The opening of the fully-federally funded Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) was forestalled for weeks due to the 43-day federal government shutdown and the Trump Administration's subsequent delay in releasing funds. As the shutdown ended, Governor Hochul directed the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA), which administers the federal HEAP funds, to be ready to open the program expeditiously upon receiving the funds, as early as November 24. Typically it can take four weeks or more for the federal government to release the funds following the budget agreement. However, on Monday, Governor Hochul called on the federal government to release the funds immediately, so New York and other states can open their programs. On Tuesday, HHS sent notice to all state LIHEAP recipients that it will release HEAP funds by the end of November. Assuming the federal government keeps their word and releases the funds to New York State by the end of November, New Yorkers will be able to apply by the first week in December.

The State’s Energy Assistance Program (EAP) is separate from federal heating assistance, offering monthly discounts on energy bills throughout the year that provide up to $500 in annual savings per household. Eligibility is based on household income. For instance, a family of four is eligible if their annual income is up to $80,160, while a family of five is eligible if their annual income is up to $92,988.

EAP currently serves about one million households statewide, but state officials estimate around 1.5 million more households are eligible to enroll and receive discounts. New Yorkers can enroll directly through their local energy provider.

For more information about eligibility and enrollment, visit http://ny.gov/EAP.

Governor Hochul also expanded income eligibility for the EAP in 2026 to ensure more New Yorkers receive energy discounts. Further updates on this initiative will be provided in the coming weeks.

Federal HEAP funds delay also alarmed the disenrollment of many New Yorkers from their State EAP benefits. The Department of Public Service estimated this would lead to tens of thousands of customers being automatically disenrolled from receiving EAP benefits every month without State action. Most residential customers in EAPs are automatically enrolled after their heating utility receives a grant, which the utility credits to their bills. Utilities maintain these customers’ EAP enrollment as long as they received a grant within the preceding 12 months.

Additionally, last month in response to the Trump administration stripping food assistance from three million New Yorkers, Governor Hochul allocated over $100 million in state funds for food banks and pantries, declared a state of emergency and launched a website to connect New Yorkers to food assistance services.

State Senator Jessica Scarcella Spanton said, “Thank you to Governor Hochul for your commitment to keeping New York safe and affordable. Prohibiting unauthorized out-of-state militias from entering New York for military activity is essential to keeping New Yorkers safe and upholding the integrity of our institutions. On the affordability end, this measure will help keep costs down and make energy more affordable for New Yorkers.”

State Senator Siela Bynoe said, "The newly signed GUARD Act will ease the financial strain on veterans by strengthening protections against those who would unlawfully charge fees to assist them in accessing their benefits. It is our duty in Albany to ensure that veterans in our state have access to the benefits, services and support they have earned. I was glad to partner with Assemblymember Steve Stern in passing this new law, which was ceremonially signed today.

As we continue our work to relieve the strain of the cost of living, this new law ensures that veterans can access the benefits they’ve earned without financial abuse, fear or fraud."

State Senator Mario Mattera said, “Our veterans have given our state and our nation more than we can ever repay. Their courage, sacrifice, and steadfast commitment to protecting our freedoms remind us every day that we owe our veterans an unpayable debt. That is why I was proud to vote for this new law to provide them some protection. As we expand affordability initiatives and strengthen protections for those who have served, we must honor their sacrifice not just with words, but with action. God bless our veterans, their families, and God bless America.”

Assemblymember Steve Stern said, "As the Chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee of the New York State Assembly, I thank Governor Hochul for coming to Huntington to sign my bill to protect veterans from bad actors who attempt to take advantage of veterans by fraudulently seeking payment for services without proper accreditation from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. The Governing Unaccredited Representatives Defrauding (GUARD) VA benefits act will increase penalties on individuals and entities who act in violation of federal and state law, and ensure that the brave men and women who sacrifice so much to protect our great nation are not taken advantage of by scammers. Suffolk County is home to the largest veterans population in New York and I also thank the many veterans who joined us today to mark this important effort."

Assemblymember Tommy John Schiavoni said, "New York State serves as a vital conduit between the federal government and the United States Veteran, and it's critical that state governments do everything they can to highlight and expand on services and benefits for those who put everything on the line. Thanks to Governor Hochul, New York is continuing its unwavering commitment. I'm proud of the work New York State is doing on behalf of Veterans all across the state, and especially here on Long Island which is home to one of the highest Veteran populations in the country."

Assemblymember Keith Brown said, "I was proud to vote for the GUARD VA Benefits Act because protecting our veterans is non-negotiable. This law ensures that the men and women who serve our nation are safeguarded from pension poaching, fraud, and bad actors who try to exploit them. Our veterans have earned every benefit they receive, and I will always stand firmly behind measures that honor their service and strengthen the support they deserve."