New York State Blind Annuity Program
A recurring cash annuity paid by New York State to legally blind wartime veterans or their unremarried surviving spouses.
Who it is for
Veterans who are legally blind (20/200 vision or worse in the better eye with glasses, or a very narrow field of vision) and live in New York State. The blindness does not need to be caused by military service. You generally need at least 90 days of active duty during a wartime period, or less if discharged for a service-connected disability. Unremarried surviving spouses of qualifying blind wartime veterans can also apply.
Focus: Veterans with disabilities, Surviving spouses and families
Before you start
How you apply: Apply directly to the program.
How to apply
- Complete the Blind Annuity Application and the Report of Legal Blindness forms linked from the program page.
- Mail the forms to the Department of Veterans' Services as instructed on the page.
Deadline: Applications are accepted anytime. (Rolling, apply any time)
Verified as of 2026-07-03. Resources are checked periodically against their official source. Details, amounts, and deadlines change. Confirm the current information on the official page before you rely on it.