Disability & Long-Term Care · Surprise rank #331
Have a Disability? New York 55-b/55-c Can Open Some State Jobs Without the Initial Written Exam
New York’s 55-b and 55-c programs let approved people with disabilities compete for certain entry-level state jobs without first taking the usual competitive written civil-service exam.
Who
Job seekers with a qualifying physical or mental disability who can perform the duties of an eligible state job; 55-c additionally requires qualifying veteran status.
Where: New York State government employment
What to do
Start here: Use the Department of Civil Service 55-b/c Recruitment Resources Center to review the program and apply for eligibility before pursuing designated vacancies.
Eligibility: You must be certified/approved for the program and meet the minimum qualifications for the specific job. Medical documentation or evaluation may be required. Approval does not itself create a job offer.
What you get
The programs authorize noncompetitive appointment to designated entry-level state positions. 55-b serves qualified people with disabilities; 55-c is for qualified veterans with disabilities.
Benefit: A pathway to designated New York State jobs without the initial written civil-service exam; salary and benefits depend on the position.
Possible value: No cash grant. The value is access to state employment opportunities that may otherwise require placement from a competitive exam list.
Good to know
Important: The exam waiver applies only to eligible positions and does not waive job qualifications, interviews or hiring decisions. A program eligibility letter is generally time-limited and must be renewed as required.
Availability: Active New York State hiring pathway.
Why people miss it: Applicants often assume every state job requires getting onto a civil-service exam list first.
Sources reviewed: Aug 10, 2026