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NYC Department of Veterans' Services (DVS) Weekly Newsletter

New from DVS

Now Processing VA Benefit Claims
The New York City Department of Veteran Services (NYC DVS) has partnered with the New York State Division of Veterans' Services (NYS DVS) to process VA claims for disability compensation, GI Bill benefits, and service-connected pensions.  

Earlier this year, NYS DVS trained and accredited five members of NYC DVS staff to process claims and assist NYC veterans and their families who are in need of claim advisement. NYS DVS will also allow NYC DVS to use their web-based systems to process VA claims.

For the first time, New York City and New York State will work together to get City veterans the benefits they deserve! Read more here. 

“Processing claims acknowledges the sacrifice veterans made for their country.”
- DVS Commissioner James Hendon

Empire Vets: New Job Site for Veterans

DVS and GI Go Fund have launched Empire Vets, a new site that helps veterans find employment in critical COVID-19 roles.

Empire Vets includes thousands of local job postings and a military skills translator to help veterans find the right job for their talents. Visit Empire Vets here. 

Special thanks to the Gantcher Family Foundation for making this project possible.

2020 Commencement Address
DVS Commissioner James Hendon 
addresses the Student Veteran Class of 2020

Congratulations to the Student Veteran Class of 2020! We are confident that you are ready to lead and serve.

We encourage you all to watch DVS Commissioner Hendon’s video commencement address.

"I need you to not be discouraged. Contemplate bigger and broader than what’s in front of you. Be global, not local, with your thoughts...All of you wore a uniform, but your service is not over. We still need you."
- Commissioner James Hendon

DVS Spotlight Program

Veteran Housing & Support Services

The New York Times recently reported that the economic downturn is uniquely impacting renters: "The United States, already wrestling with an economic collapse not seen in a generation, is facing a wave of evictions."

New York City veterans who are worried they may get evicted after the rent moratorium ends on August 20th should contact DVS as soon as possible: connect@veterans.nyc.gov | (212) 416-5250.

Need to Know

Tele-Town Hall:
Hiring Veterans with Disabilities
The New York State Division of Veterans’ Services and the New York Department of Civil Service will host a Tele-Town Hall on the 55-b/c program also known as the Governor's Program to Hire Individuals and Veterans with Disabilities. This event will include an overview of the program, eligibility criteria, and time for a Q&A. 

When:
Tuesday, June 2nd | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Register here.

"New Yorkers for New York"

The Open Center, in partnership with Operation Warrior Shield and the COVID Care Network, has launched New Yorkers for New York, a free public service created for NYC residents struggling with stress and anxiety. The program offers an array of free tools, resources, and services to provide New Yorkers with the mental and emotional wellness support we need. 

The service includes: 

  • a toolkit for managing stress and anxiety designed specifically for frontline workers with limited time
  • 1:1 counseling and small group healing and therapy sessions
  • on-demand library of wellness resources including videos, podcasts, articles, and more
Learn more here. 

COVID-19 Veteran Resources
For a complete list of resources visit our COVID-19 Resource page.

Healthcare

COVID-19

Visit New York State's COVID-19 testing website to find the nearest COVID-19 testing sites. If you would like to be tested for COVID-19 please make an appointment online or call 888-364-3065.

Business Support

Low-Interest Loan

The New York Forward Loan Fund provides affordable loans to small businesses with 20 or fewer employees and less than $3 million in gross revenues. Priority will be given to industries and regions that have been reopened. Learn more here. 

Virtual Veterans Events
For a complete calendar of upcoming events, visit OurVeterans.NYC.

Virtual Career Summit for Veterans with Disabilities 

Media can shatter myths or reinforce stereotypes depending on who is telling the story. That's why we need more veterans with disabilities working in media as filmmakers, producers, and executives.

Veterans with disabilities interested in becoming media professionals should attend the "Lights! Camera! Access!" Career Exploration Virtual Summit on June 7th.

The event will give veterans an opportunity to network with professionals from AT&T, NBCUniversal, Google, and the Casting Society of America and will feature:

  • Industry Panels
  • Speed Interviews
  • Resume Reviews
  • Flash Mentoring
  • Virtual Networking
  • Professional Workshops

Apply here. 
Deadline extended to June 1st

Reflecting on Memorial Day 2020

We hope everyone had a great Memorial Day. It was a day to remember the sacrifice of our servicemembers and celebrate the freedom they provided. As we move forward, we must remember to honor those we've lost by continuing to serve those who are still with us.

Please contact DVS if you or a veteran you know is struggling with food insecurity, unemployment, housing issues, or mental health challenges:

connect@veterans.nyc.gov
(212) 416-5250
Please follow us at www.nyc.gov/vets, on social media @nycveterans, or via email at connect@veterans.nyc.gov. For the latest information regarding COVID-19's impact on NYC's Veteran community visit the DVS COVID-19 resource page.
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New York City Department of Veterans' Services 
1 Centre Street, Suite 2208
New York, NY 10007 
(212) 416-5250
www.nyc.gov/vets


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