ALBANY — A new law to help more veterans gain access to benefits is going into effect.

The law ensures that veterans are given proper assistance and informed of the benefits they’re entitled to when dealing with state agencies.

State Assemblyman Billy Jones, D-Chateaugay, proudly announced the news Friday. “North Country veterans shouldn’t have to jump through hoops to get health benefits or information about the assistance they’ve earned,” he said in a press release.

The new law requires state agencies and local governments to ask their customers whether they or a family member is a veteran to ensure more veterans learn about assistance and benefits available through the state Division of Veterans’ Affairs or local veterans’ service agencies. This information is kept private and is only used to inform the veteran of benefits and assistance they may not already be receiving.