Veteran Employees With Disibilities Program (55c)
Workers with Disabilities Program (55-c)
The Governor's Programs to Hire Persons/Veterans with Disabilities consist of two specialized programs. These programs are coordinated efforts to place individuals with disabilities in entry-level State jobs. No initial written or oral examinations are required for appointment. You must however, submit a formal application and a medical evaluation may be necessary for program certification.
In 1987, the late Assemblyman Richard Connors and the late Senator Michael Tully, sponsored legislation which authorized the Civil Service Commission to designate 500 positions (Section 55-c of the New York State Civil Service Law) normally filled through competitive examination, for the exclusive purpose of hiring disabled wartime veterans.
Who are wartime veterans?
Veterans of the armed forces of the United States who served during time of war and have a disability might qualify for the 55-c Program. Veterans must have served on a full-time active basis, other than active duty for training purposes. Civil Service Law defines "time of war" to include:
World War I
April 6, 1917 - November 11, 1918
World War II
December 7, 1941 - December 31, 1946
Korean War
June 27, 1950 - January 31, 1955
Vietnam War
February 28, 1961 - May 7, 1975
Persian Gulf Conflict
August 2, 1990 to the date upon which such hostilities end
"Time of war" also includes the following hostilities, as established by receipt of the following:
Armed Forces expeditionary medal, Navy expeditionary medal, or Marine Corps expeditionary medal
Hostilities in Lebanon
June 1, 1983 - December 1, 1987
Hostilities in Grenada
October 23, 1983 - November 21, 1983
Hostilities in Panama
December 20, 1989 - January 31, 1990
Who are wartime veterans with disabilities?
The Employee Health Service (EHS) of the New York State Department of Civil Service will certify that the veteran is medically eligible. Medical eligibility is based on the degree of functional limitation, rather than the type of disability. The veteran may be required to undergo an examination (at no cost) by an EHS physician or an outside consultant to become eligible for the 55-c Program. A service connected disability is not a requirement in order to apply for this program.
While veterans with disabilities are not require to take a written or oral examination, they must meet the educational and/or experience qualifications for the position. Veterans certified eligible for the 55-c Program receive no guarantees of State employment, and they are not placed on a "list".
There are no "55-c jobs". Rather, State agencies may convert any entry-level position that is filled via an open-competitive civil service examination to a non-competitive 55-c position for a 55-c appointment.
State agencies are not required to participate in this program. Many personnel directors, however, find that the 55-c Program provides the ideal appointment alternative for quality candidates or for positions otherwise under a hiring freeze due to budgetary constraints.
(Currently, the Division of the Budget permits agencies to fill positions under a hiring freeze with qualified 55-c appointments. Such positions may be filled without Division of the Budget approval provided the agency can fund those positions within approved funding and personnel levels.)
How do I apply for eligibility under Section 55-c?
You may apply by completing a special application form, DPM01, and returning it along with a resume and a copy of a recent medical statement signed by your physician. The documentation must clearly state the nature of your disability and the extent of your functional limitations. To obtain an application and information packet, click on the link above or you may call or write the New York State Department of Civil Service (see below). The completed application and medical statements should be submitted to this same address.
New York State
Department of Civil Service
55 b/c Program
55 Mohawk Street
Cohoes, NY 12047
Please contact the New York State Department of Civil Service with any questions at 518-233-3118 local number 1-866-297-4356 toll free number
