What is the Veterans' Property Tax Exemption for New York City residents and how do I apply for it?
A. The current Veterans Exemption is limited to the primary residence of a veteran and is based on type of service (war era and combat zone) and service-related disability rating.
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How do I obtain a copy of my discharge papers, service records, or medical records?
A. If you do not have a copy of your discharge papers, service records, or medical records you can obtain them by filling out a Standard Form 180 - Request Pertaining to Military Records. You can download a copy from this site or obtain a copy from your local State Division of Veterans' Affairs office or the United States Department of Veterans' Affairs.
Download Standard Form 180 - Request Pertaining to Military Records
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My pension/disability check has not arrived yet. Can you verify when it was mailed?
A. No, the Mayor's Office of Veterans' Affairs is a liaison office. We do not dispense benefits from this office. If you need to inquire about when your pension or disability check was mailed you may contact the United States Department of Veterans' Affairs at 212-807-7229, or write them at: 245 West Houston Street, New York, New York, 10014.
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How do I get a General Vendors License?
A. In order to receive a General Vendors License, you must take your DD-214 and a current form of identification to: the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs, 42 Broadway, 5th Floor, Licensing Division. The hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
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I was born overseas while my mom/dad was in the military. How can I get a copy of my birth certificate?
A. You may call 202-955-0307, or write:
Department of State
Vital Records Section
Suite 510
1111 19th Street NW
Washington, DC 20522
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How can I obtain contact information of a buddy from an old unit?
A. The Privacy Act of 1974 prohibits releasing the last known address of former service members without their written consent. However, the agency identified below will assist your search by forwarding your letter to the service member's last know address. Instead, to pursue locating a former service member:
- Write a letter to the service member. Place this letter in a sealed and stamped envelope, including your full name and return address.
- Write a letter addressed to the National Personnel Records Center requesting their assistance with your search. Be sure to include the service member's name, serial number and/or social security number, and date of birth if available.
- Place your envelope addressed to the service member AND the letter to the National Personnel Records Center in ONE envelope.
Address this envelope to:
National Personnel Records Center
9700 Page Blvd.
St. Louis, Missouri 63132-5200
Please note: current addresses for discharged service members are not maintained at the Records Center. This center only has the service member's last officially recorded address. Letters to service members the Record Center cannot identify, or who are deceased, will be returned to you.
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How can I provide military funeral honors for a veteran who has recently died?
A. Military Funeral Honors have always been provided whenever possible. However, the law now mandates the rendering of Military Funeral Honors for an eligible veteran if requested by the family. As provided by law, an Honor Guard detail for the burial of an eligible veteran shall consist of not less than two members of the Armed Forces. One member of the detail shall be a representative of the parent service of the deceased veteran. The honor detail will, at a minimum, perform a ceremony that includes the folding and presenting of the American flag to the next of kin and the playing of Taps. The veteran's parent Service Representative will present the flag. Taps will be played by a bugler, if available, or by electronic recording. Today, there are so few buglers available that the Military Services often cannot provide one. For more information, please visit www.cem.va.gov.
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Who is eligible for Military Funeral Honors?
A. The following are eligible for Military Funeral Honors:
- Military members on active duty or in the Selected Reserve.
- A former military member who served on active duty and departed under conditions other than dishonorable.
- Former military members who completed at least one term of enlistment or period of initial obligated service in the Selected Reserve and departed under conditions other than dishonorable.
- Former military members discharged from the Selected Reserve due to a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty.
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How can I participate in the military buy-back? Which periods of service are eligible? Who determines eligibility?
A. Veterans who served in the Armed Forces during a time of war are eligible to buy back up to three years of credit toward retirement. You must also submit a copy of your Discharge Certificate (DD-214). You may buy back a maximum of 3 years of active military service. The periods of service covered are:
World War II - December 7, 1941, to December 31, 1946
Korean War - June 27, 1950, to January 31, 1955
Vietnam War - February 28, 1961, to May 7, 1975
*Lebanon - June 1, 1983, to December 1, 1987
*Grenada - October 23, 1983, to November 21, 1983
*Panama - December 20, 1989, to January 31, 1990
**Iraq - August 2, 1990, to End of Hostilities
*Conditioned on receipt of Expeditionary Medal.
**Conditioned on service rendered in the following countries in the Gulf Regions: Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates; Oman, the Gulf of Aden; the Gulf of Oman; the Persian Gulf; the Red Sea; and the airspace above these locations.
Please contact your individual pension fund for more information:
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Q. I am a returning OEF/OIF veteran. How do I apply for benefits?
A. Returning veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom should register for benefits with the US Department of Veterans Affairs immediately upon return. You can bring your DD-214 to the VA's Regional Office at 245 West Houston Street in Manhattan, Tel. 212-807-7229. To register for medical benefits only, you may also bring your DD-214 to any VA Hospital, including the New York Harbor Healthcare System facilities at 423 East 23rd Street in Manhattan and 800 Poly Place in Brooklyn or the James J. Peters facility at 130 West Kingsbridge Road in the Bronx. To locate the nearest VA facility, visit the VA's facilities locator and directory. Additional information about New York City benefits, including housing, employment, and education is also available on this Web site for your reference.
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