Services for Veterans

The New York State Department of Labor Veterans’ Program has specialized staff that are dedicated to helping veterans and eligible persons gain a competitive edge in today’s labor market.

As a veteran or eligible person, you receive priority services in all New York State employment and training programs for which you are eligible and qualified. This priority of service is guaranteed by federal law and by the New York State Veterans Bill of Rights for Employment Services.

We are proud to offer Priority of Service to veterans and their eligible spouses. This means that if you served on Active Duty in the United States Armed Forces, you will:

• Be served first by the next available staff member
• Get first priority for jobs and training for which you are eligible and qualified

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Download Veteran Services Fact Sheets

Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program Specialists (DVOPs) are veterans themselves. They provide individual career services exclusively to veterans and eligible persons who have significant barriers to employment. They also provide a full range of employment services, including comprehensive assessments, individual employment plans, job referrals, referrals to training and support services, and resume and interview preparation assistance.

List of Disabled Veterans' Outreach Specialists

Local Veterans' Employment Representatives (LVERs) staff are also veterans. They specialize in advocating on behalf of veterans and eligible persons with business, industry, and community organizations to promote employment and training opportunities. They also provide services for veterans and eligible persons, including job matching and job placement, conduct employer outreach, inform Federal contractors of the process to hire qualified veterans, and promote credentialing and licensing opportunities.

List of Local Veterans' Employment Representatives

State & Federal Programs

There are a variety of programs available at the state level and nationally to help Veterans translate their military experience into academic credit, a professional credential or certification. There's also specialized training programs, apprenticeships and various education benefit programs to assist Vets with forging their way after serving their country. 

Learn About Training and Education

Lifelong Learning with Coursera

Most veterans are eligible to take free classes with Coursera in partnership with the NYS Department of Labor. Coursera is an online learning platform that offers over 7,000 courses and learning activities that could help you learn new skills, build on the knowledge you already have, and launch a new civilian career. 

Learn More About Coursera

Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) 

You may receive Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) (Formerly known as Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment) services to help with job training, education, employment accommodations, resume development, and job seeking skills coaching. Other services may be provided to assist Veterans and Service members in starting their own businesses or independent living services for those who are severely disabled and unable to work in traditional employment.

Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) 

The “Experience Counts” program grants veterans credit toward state licenses for military experience. For example, Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) fees can be waived for military members with recent experience driving trucks and heavy equipment during their service. The program also recognizes certain military training as credit towards licensure for veterans to become armed and unarmed security guards.

Learn About the Program

The New York State Department of Civil Service hosts the Veterans Temporary Hiring Program Portal which provides a centralized location for qualifying Post9/11 veterans to submit up-to-date employment and contact information to be considered by New York State agencies hiring for temporary positions.

Learn About The program

For information about Department of Labor veterans services, call 1-888-469-7365 and ask for the Veterans Program. You can also email [email protected] for general inquiries. For information about veterans benefits, contact the New York State Department of Veterans' Services, call 1-888-VETS-NYS or visit veterans.ny.gov.