Recipients of New York State's Blind Annuity to Receive 4.0% Cost of Living Adjustment in 2010

ALBANY, NY (01/04/2010)(readMedia)-- New York State's Blind Annuitants will receive a 4.0 percent Cost Of Living Adjustment (COLA) to their monthly benefit beginning in January 2010, announced James D. McDonough, Jr., Director of the New York State Division of Veterans' Affairs.

The monthly benefit for annuitants will increase from $97.82 to $101.73, according to Director McDonough, who explained that by New York State statute, the annual COLA is based on the preceding year's adjustment provided for compensation and pension benefits administered by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

The Division of Veterans' Affairs administers the annuity benefit, which serves more than 4,500 legally blind veterans and surviving spouses.

"I am pleased that New York's blind veterans will receive a cost of living increase on their annuity payments this year," Governor Paterson said. "Our veterans served honorably and in these difficult economic times, every little bit of well-deserved assistance makes a difference."

"The blind annuity is one of many benefits New York State provides to our veterans, and their families, said Director McDonough." Veterans or family members with a question regarding the blind annuity, or any other veterans' benefit, can contact their nearest state veterans counseling office for help. For the location of a local counseling office call toll-free 1-888-VETS NYS (838-7697) or check the Division's web site www.veterans.ny.gov

Eligibility for the benefit requires the veteran to be a visually impaired resident of the state, who served in the military during wartime, and who was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.

In order to receive the annuity an otherwise eligible veteran must be classified as blind by the New York State Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped.

Unremarried surviving spouses of annuitants are eligible to continue receiving the benefit if they continue to reside in New York State.