Gold Star Families Annuity Program

The Gold Star Families Annuity Program Benefit authorizes an annuity payment to each Gold Star parent or sibling of a deceased Servicemember. There will be an annual increase at a rate equal to the percentage increase of benefits set by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Applicants approved for the Gold Star Families Annuity Payment are required to verify eligibility on a yearly basis. 

“New York State’s Gold Star Family Annuity honors the service and sacrifice of the parents, spouses, and children who have lost a loved one in service to our nation.

To be eligible for the Annuity, the applicant must be either:

1. The biological parent, step-parent, or parent by adoption who was serving in the role of a parent to the Service Member at the time of the Service Member’s death; or
2. The spouse or domestic partner of a Service Member at the time of the Service Member’s death; or
3. The biological child, step-child, or child by adoption of a Service Member who was killed in action if that child is either under the age of 18, or between the ages of 18 and 23 and attending school, or incapable of self-support due to a disability that began prior to the child’s eighteenth birthday.

Important Considerations:

1. Combat service is not required for eligibility. The Service Member’s death does not need to take place in a combat theater for the family members to qualify for the Annuity.
2. Residency and domicile in New York State is required for eligibility. Acceptable evidence for proving residence and domicile can include, but is not limited to, a copy of the applicant’s property tax bill or utility bill, voter registration documentation, pay stub or current NYS Driver's License.
3. Remarriage by a Gold Star Spouse does not discontinue the Gold Star Spouse’s eligibility for the Annuity.
4. Application for the Annuity must include a Department of Defense Form 1300 (Report of Casualty), a copy of the telegram from the United States Department of Defense advising the family member of the Service Member’s death, or any other evidence acceptable to the New York State Department of Veterans’ Services Commissioner or designee verifying the in-service death of the Service Member.  
5. The Annuity is disbursed in semi-annual installments, paid in March and September.