New York State Programs

This section provides you with information about the various New York State awards, scholarships, and other benefits available to veterans and their family members. You can also link to the NYS Division of Veterans’ Affairs Web site for additional information on veterans’ benefits.

Financial Aid for Veterans and Their Families
New York State Programs
Veterans Tuition Awards	Provides awards for full-time study and part-time study to eligible veterans matriculated at an undergraduate or graduate degree-granting institution or in an approved vocational training program in New York State.
Military Service Recognition Scholarship	Provides financial aid to children, spouses and financial dependents of those who, while New York State residents in service in the Armed Forces of the United States or state organized militia, at any time on or after August 2, 1990, died, became severely and permanently disabled, or was classified as missing in action in a combat zone while engaged in hostilities or training for hostilities.
NYS Regents Awards for Children of Deceased and Disabled Veterans	Provides $450 per year to students whose parent(s) served in the U.S. Armed Forces during specified periods of time and died as a result of such service, was discharged under other than dishonorable conditions and suffers a 40% or more disability as a result of such service, is now deceased and suffered a 40% or more disability as a result of such service, is classified as a former prisoner of war, or is classified as missing in action. The veteran must be a current New York State resident or have been a New York State resident at the time of death or classification as missing in action.
Recruitment Incentive and Retention Program	Provides financial aid to any active member who has successfully completed advanced individual training or commissioning and other requirements of the NYS Division of Military and Naval Affairs for tuition benefit eligibility upon his or her enrollment in a degree-producing curriculum in any institution. Information and applications for this program may be obtained from the N.Y.S. Division of Military and Naval Affairs.

Military Residency Waiver

The New York State residency eligibility requirement for recipients of awards administered by HESC is waived for a member of, or for the spouse or dependent of a member of, the armed forces of the United States who is on full-time active duty and is stationed in this state.

More Information

If you have questions, contact the Scholarship Unit at 1-888-NYSHESC (1-888-697-4372).
Additional Information is available at NYS Division of Veterans' Affairs.