On Veterans Day, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation that expands civil service benefits for all honorably discharged veterans.
The legislation (S.763 – Gounardes / A.5447 – Abbate) provides all honorably discharged veterans the ability to receive additional points on civil service examinations in recognition of their service.
For original appointment, the credit is five points for a non-disabled veteran and 10 points for a disabled veteran. For promotions, the credit is 2.5 points for a non-disabled veteran and five points for a disabled veteran.
Previously, only veterans who served during specific times and theatres of war were eligible for these credits.
Expanding the points credit to veterans who served our nation honorably outside of specific times of war especially benefits women, who for many years could not serve in combat roles.
This law, a CSEA priority bill, went into effect on November 11, but will only apply to examinations created after the effective date.
“The dedicated men and women who have courageously served our country all deserve respect and recognition for their service,” CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan said. “Thank you to Governor Hochul and our state legislators for supporting this important legislation to provide greater fairness and parity for all veterans who honorably served our nation.”
