New York – The New York City Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS) announced today that it will begin to assist veterans and their families with Veterans Affairs (VA) claims in order to help more of the city’s 210,000 veterans receive the federal benefits that they earned. This work is now possible because of increased partnership between DVS and the New York State Division of Veterans’ Services (NYS DVS).
“Processing claims acknowledges the physical sacrifice that Veterans made for their country, it supports their financial and emotional well-being, and it strengthens DVS’ bonds with New York City’s Veteran community. This work provides a no cost, direct service to New York City Veterans, enabling them to unlock a host of earned VA benefits, many of which are lifelong,” said Lieutenant Colonel James Hendon, Commissioner, New York City Department of Veterans’ Services.
Eligible veterans who are injured whether physically or mentally in the line of service can apply for disability compensation – a monthly monetary benefit paid to them – by submitting a VA disability claim. DVS will be able to process those claims along with claims for G.I. Bill benefits and non-service-connected pension for veterans and their families.
Until now, the NYS DVS and other Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) have been responsible for assisting veterans with their VA claims in New York City. NYS DVS trained and accredited five members of DVS’s Community Services team to process claims and assist NYC Veterans and their families who are in need of claim advisement. NYC DVS’ Veterans Service Officers are important additions to NYS DVS’ staff and other VSOs work in New York City to assist New York veterans with applying for local, state and federal benefits earned by their service to their city, State and Nation. NYS DVS will also allow NYC DVS to use their web-based systems to p
This initiative signals a strengthened partnership between the two state and city agencies. In 2019, the NYS DVS generated $63 million in tax-free, monthly recurring federal monies to Veteran families across New York State. Conservative estimates show DVS claims processing will generate $3.3 million annually for New York City’s veterans. “I am proud of the achievements of the Division of Veterans’ Services with over 13,000 claims filed annually and millions of dollars funneled directly into the hands of those who matter most, our veteran families. This is an important and critical component of New York State’s ongoing commitment to Veterans and Military families,” said Colonel (U.S.A. Ret.,) Jim McDonough, Director of the New York State Division of Veterans’ Services. “New York remains dedicated to helping Veterans receive the benefits they have earned in service to our Nation. We are thrilled to work with New York City in increasing the amount of assistance available for New York City’s Veteran community.”
Veterans can contact the New York City Department of Veterans Service at (212) 416-5250 and www.nyc.gov/vets.
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About the New York City Department of Veterans’ Services
The New York City’s Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS) strives to improve the lives of all veterans and their families. Our mission is straightforward: to foster purpose-driven lives for NYC service members, veterans, and their families through effective connections with the NYC community; targeted advocacy at the local, state, and national level; compassionate service, ensuring we make it easier to access services and benefits they’ve earned. We believe veterans are civic assets strength and demonstrated commitment to public service help NYC thrive. For more information on DVS, please visit our website at www.nyc.gov/vets, call 212-416-5250, or follow us on social media @nycveterans
About the New York State Division of Veterans’ Services
The New York State Division of Veterans’ Services is New York’s advocacy agency for all veterans, service members, and their families. For 75 years, the Division has connected generations of veterans, members of the military, and their families and dependents to multiple economic, medical, and social benefits and services earned as a result of their military service.
In calendar year 2019 alone, the Division’s accredited Veterans Benefits Advisors, all of whom are veterans themselves, brought in more than $700 million in tax-free monetary benefits from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs for New York State’s veterans and their family members. Additionally, the Division remains a leading entity for direct advocacy on behalf of veterans, service members, and their families in obtaining the full range of state and local veterans’ benefits. At all times, the Division strives to provide high-quality support, advice, and advocacy for all individuals who rendered military service to our Nation and State. For more information, visit www.veterans.ny.gov, email [email protected] or follow us @NewYorkVeterans.
