Nearly three-quarters of the approximately 890,000 veterans living in New York served during wartime, including 31 percent in the Vietnam War-era, according to a snapshot released today by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.

“New York is home to nearly 900,000 men and women who have served bravely to safeguard our freedom,” DiNapoli said. “Across the country and in our state, we’ll be forever indebted to our veterans for their service and their sacrifices. We need to offer essential programs for the men and women who serve in our military to show our appreciation for their service and support their return to civilian life.”

DiNapoli’s report highlighted the programs and services offered to New York’s veterans by the state’s Division of Veterans’ Affairs and other agencies. The 2014-15 state budget allocated more than $21 million for veteran’s programs and services including counseling and benefit assistance services, tuition awards, peer-to-peer support services and nursing homes.

DiNapoli’s report, which includes data on veterans in every county in New York, also found that:

• Suffolk County is home to the largest population of veterans in the state.
• Hamilton County is home to the least number of veterans, but has the highest concentration.
• As of 2014, 92.6 percent of New York’s veterans were men, and 7.4 percent were women. 
• The largest number of New York’s veterans were in the 65 to 69 age group.
• Federal spending for veterans in New York exceeded $6.1 billion in 2014; Erie County received the largest share, at more than $548 million.

With both federal and state programs providing important services, DiNapoli urged policy makers at all levels to continuously examine whether existing initiatives appropriately meet the needs of New York's veterans.

DiNapoli also noted that the New York State Common Retirement Fund has a program to provide loans to veterans. The state pension fund partnered with the New York Business Development Corporation (NYBDC) Partnership to create a $5 million commitment for fixed-rate small business loans for returning military veterans who are also business owners. Veterans who serve in the Guard or Reserve, or have been honorably discharged from active duty may apply, through the NYBDC, for small business loans up to $150,000 to start or expand a business.

Review DiNapoli’s State Support for New York’s Veterans snapshot.

Learn about the New York State Common Retirement Fund’s loan program for veterans.