How to apply for New York State Blind Annuity (Cash Payment for Blind Wartime Veterans)

Who it's for

New York pays a monthly annuity to legally blind wartime veterans — and to their unremarried surviving spouses — who live in New York State. The 2025 rate is $141.33 per month, about $1,696 per year. The blindness does not need to be connected to military service: legal blindness means 20/200 vision in the better eye with best correction, or a field of vision limited to 20 degrees. The veteran needs wartime service of at least 90 days on active duty (less if discharged early for a service-connected disability). Apply by mailing the Blind Annuity application and a Report of Legal Blindness form, with the discharge paperwork, to DVS — or call 1-888-838-7697 for help.

What you'll need

• Completed Blind Annuity Application from DVS
• Report of Legal Blindness form completed by an eye-care provider
• DD-214 or other military discharge paperwork showing wartime service

Where to apply

What to say when you call

“Hello, I'm calling to ask about New York State Blind Annuity (Cash Payment for Blind Wartime Veterans). I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need completed blind annuity application from dvs, report of legal blindness form completed by an eye-care provider, dd-214 or other military discharge paperwork showing wartime service — is anything else required? What is the best next step?”

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Confirm eligibility: the veteran must have served during a recognized wartime period — at least 90 days on active duty, or less if discharged early for a service-connected disability — and must live and be domiciled in New York State. Unremarried surviving spouses of qualifying veterans may also apply.
2. Gather your military discharge paperwork, such as a DD-214, that shows wartime service.
3. Get the Blind Annuity Application form from the New York State Department of Veterans' Services (DVS). You can request it online or by calling DVS at 1-888-838-7697.
4. Have a licensed eye-care provider complete the DVS Report of Legal Blindness form. This form certifies that vision meets the legal blindness standard — 20/200 or worse in the better eye with best correction, or a field of vision limited to 20 degrees. The blindness does not need to be connected to military service.
5. Complete the Blind Annuity Application fully and review it for accuracy before submitting.
6. Submit your completed Blind Annuity Application, the Report of Legal Blindness form, and your military discharge paperwork to DVS by mail — or call 1-888-838-7697 if you need help with the process.

What to expect: After DVS receives your application, staff will review your documents to verify wartime service, New York domicile, and legal blindness certification. Processing times vary, so contact DVS at 1-888-838-7697 to ask for an estimate on your specific case. If approved, you will receive a monthly annuity payment. There is no renewal information provided for this program, but notify DVS promptly of any changes in your residency or marital status, as eligibility requires continued New York domicile, and a surviving spouse's benefit ends upon remarriage.