Albany, NY - March 2, 2017 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced a number of new high-tech features to the New York State Veterans’ App that will improve access to state programs and services for veterans and their families. In February 2016, New York launched a free mobile app to help the state's 834,000 veterans, along with their family members, to conveniently connect with valuable services and programs in their local communities.

"These new features will help make it easier and more convenient for New York veterans to learn about and access the resources available to them in the Empire State," Governor Cuomo said. "These brave New Yorkers answered the call and helped defend the values that this state and nation were founded upon and this administration is committed to doing everything it can to honor their service and help ensure they get access to the benefits for which they are entitled."

By incorporating geo-fencing, or the ability to create a digital boundary, alerts can be sent to people regarding events and resources within a specific region. Additionally, the push notifications will now also provide interactive links that users can simply tap and be directed to the proper websites containing information about updates in healthcare, housing, education, employment claims and benefits.

Eric J. Hesse, the Director of New York State Division of Veterans’ Affairs said, “We appreciate the support of the Governor and the Office of Information Technology Services in our continued development of the NYS Veterans’ App. As we continue to push for additional awareness and usage of the NYS Veterans’ App we thought it important to be able to reach targeted veteran populations, which is what these new features will accomplish.”

Integrating geo-fencing into the app’s update allows veterans and their families to access personalized resources based on their current locations and with this upgrade, these individuals have access to up-to-the-minute information about temporary and permanent programs. The enhanced mobile app will retain all of its original features, including providing information related to Federal and State Veterans’ Benefits programs and the ability to alert veterans and their families about changing decisions and policies of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.

The Division of Veterans’ Affairs was able to alert specific New York veterans to healthcare changes and provide the link to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs webpage regarding information about these changes. Additionally, with the “Near Me” feature on the mobile app, veterans and family members are able to find the nearest Division of Veterans’ Affairs office and schedule an appointment with a Veterans Benefits Advisor to help them file a claim.

This system permits veterans and their family members to instantly discover new developments regarding the resources available to them and their loved ones. The new New York State Veterans App provides an important medium for delivering information and access to services for veterans throughout New York State. It is a vital tool for reaching out to all New York State veterans and their family members.

The New York State Division of Veterans’ Affairs worked collaboratively with ITS to enhance the mobile app, which won the “Best Mobile/Wireless Project” from the Center for Digital Government in 2016. To access the New York State Veterans App, follow the links below:

For iOS Devices 

For Android Devices 

To explore more of New York State’s official mobile apps, visit www.ny.gov/mobileapps.

About the Division of Veterans' Affairs
New York State's Division of Veterans' Affairs assists veterans and their family members the rest of the way. For 70 years, the Division has connected generations of veterans, members of the Armed Forces, and their families and dependents to multiple economic, medical, and social benefits and services earned as a result of military service. The Division maintains 68 field offices to assist veterans and their families at the local level throughout every region in New York. In calendar year 2015 alone, the Division's accredited Veterans Benefits Advisors successfully prepared, presented, and prosecuted approximately $75 million worth of claims and appeals for monetary benefits from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs for New York State’s Veterans and their family members. At all times, the Division strives to provide high-quality support, advice, and advocacy for the men and women who served our Nation and State.