Making A Brighter Future For Our Veterans And Their Families

Assemblyman
Joe Giglio 		Joe Giglio

Serving Those Who Defend Us
Assembly Seal

Dear Friend,

The freedom that each of us enjoys is the result of the sacrifices of courageous men and women, all of whom have risked their lives to preserve the principles laid out by our founding fathers. While our soldiers fight for freedom abroad, it is our duty to ensure that veterans programs help ease the transition to private life for both returning soldiers and non-combat veterans. That is why I have been a consistent voice for veterans, and I will continue to work to ensure that State government does its part.

This brochure outlines several helpful programs that provide aid to veterans, as well as important phone numbers that veterans may call to seek assistance. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact my district office at (716) 373-7103.

Sincerely,

Signature
Joe Giglio
Member of the Assembly

Important Numbers for
Veterans Assistance
Courtesy of
Assemblyman Joe Giglio 		Joe Giglio
New York State Division of
Veterans’ Affairs		 888-838-7697
Cattaraugus County
Veterans’ Services 		(716) 701-3297
Chautauqua County
Veterans’ Services		 (716) 661-8255
Allegany County
Veterans’ Services 		(585) 268-9387
VA Information on Health Care Benefits and Services 877-222-8387
VA Information on Health Care Eligibility 800-929-8387
VA Education Benefits 888-442-4551
VA Insurance 800-669-8477
VA Home Loan Guarantee 888-244-6711
National Center for
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder 		802-296-6300
National Coalition
for Homeless Veterans		 800-838-4357
Employment
Helmets to Hardhats 		866-741-6210
Troops to Teachers 800-231-6242
Small Business Administration 800-827-5722
Hire Vets First 877-872-5627
VetBiz:
Center for Veterans Enterprise		 866-584-2344

Click here for printable directory.

Property Tax Relief for
Cold War Veterans

The Cold War property tax exemption provides veteran homeowners, who served on active duty between September 2, 1945 and December 26, 1991, meaningful relief from the crushing burden of rising property taxes. Eligible Cold War veterans may receive a property tax exemption between 10 and 15 percent of their home value, not to exceed $8,000 or $12,000. The exemption requires local government approval. Contact your local assessor for additional information.

"Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few."
— Winston Churchill

Assemblyman Joe Giglio

STANDING BY THOSE WHO HAVE RISKED SO MUCH

State Veterans Tuition Award
Our brave veterans have risked their lives to protect us. That is why it is imperative that we honor their courage when they return home. The Veterans Tuition Award (TWA) provides combat veterans who served in the hostilities of Vietnam, Afghanistan and the Persian Gulf with tuition assistance benefits equal to either the cost of SUNY undergraduate tuition or the equivalent at any other New York State higher education institution, or at an approved vocational training program.

For more information, please visit www.veterans.state.ny.us or www.hesc.com. You may also feel free to contact my district office at (716) 373-7103.

Awards for Children of Deceased and Disabled Veterans
New York State created Regents Awards for Children of Deceased and Disabled Veterans to provide financial aid to students whose parent(s) served in the U.S. Armed Forces during specified times of war and/or national emergency. Eligibility requirements must be met and those who qualify receive a non-competitive award of $450 per year. Please call (888) 697-4372 or visit www.hesc.com for additional information.

Cell Phones for Soldiers

The Cell Phones for Soldiers program collects cell phones, as well as accessories, and helps turn them into prepaid calling cards to be distributed to U.S. Military personnel stationed overseas. The program enables military men and women stationed abroad to stay in contact with their families and loved ones back home.

Assemblyman Giglio encourages individuals who have old cell phones no longer in use to donate them to this great cause. A drop-off site has been set up at the Assemblyman’s district office. For additional information, feel free to call (716) 373-7103.
Military Service Recognition Scholarship
The Military Service Recognition Scholarship is available to certain children, spouses and financial dependents of members of the U.S. Armed Forces or state-organized militia who were residents of New York State and died or became severely/permanently disabled during hostilities or training for hostilities on or after August 2, 1990. The Scholarship provides funds to help meet the cost of attending college and recipients are subject to eligibility requirements. Please call (888) 697-4372 or visit www.hesc.com for additional information.

Homes for Veterans Program
The Homes for Veterans Program is administered by the State of New York Mortgage Agency (SONYMA) and the New York State Division of Veterans’ Affairs. Eligible veterans may receive fixed interest rate mortgages with rates considerably lower than offered by standard banks. The program requires only a minimal down-payment and closing cost assistance is available. Interested veterans should contact SONYMA at (800) 382-4663 or visit www.nyhomes.org. Also, feel free to contact my district office at (716) 373-7103.

Licenses and Permits
Licenses and permits for small/big game, trapping and fishing are available at a reduced cost to veterans with a 40% or greater disability and are free to New York State residents who are active members of the NYARNG, U.S. Reserve or Active Duty. Eligibility requirements must be met. Contact my district office at (716) 373-7103 or visit www.dec.state.ny.us for additional information.

GI Bill Benefits
Federal On-The-Job Training and Apprenticeship Training benefits may be available to eligible veterans through the GI Bill. Additional information may be found by visiting www.veterans.state.ny.us or www.va.gov.


Assemblyman Joe Giglio
700 West State Street
Westgate Plaza
Olean, NY 14760
(716) 373-7103
Serving Those Who defend Us.
Back