Overview and Eligibility
The Gold Star Families Annuity Program authorizes an annuity payment from the State of New York, managed by the Department of Veterans’ Services, for all eligible Gold Star Parents, Spouses, and Children.
To qualify for this benefit, the death of a Service Member does not have to take place in a combat theater. The death of the Service Member cannot be caused by the Service Member’s willful misconduct.
A parent, for Annuity eligibility purposes, includes stepparents and/or parents by adoption of the deceased Service Member.
A spouse, for Annuity eligibility purposes, includes domestic partners of the deceased Service Member, utilizing the definition of this term in State law. Remarriage by a Gold Star Spouse does not discontinue the Gold Star Spouse’s eligibility for the Annuity.
A child, for Annuity eligibility purposes, must be under the age of 18, or between the ages of 18 and 23 and attending school, or be recognized as a “child incapable of self-support” due to the onset of a disability prior to the age of 18 that prevents that child from being able to care for themselves independently. Stepchildren and/or children by legal adoption of the deceased Service Member can qualify.
The Annuity is disbursed in semi-annual installments, paid in March and September. The total annual payment from this benefit increases each year by the percentage authorized in the federal cost-of-living adjustment, with an annual increase of no less than 1% and no more than 4%.
New York State residency and domicile is required for eligibility for the Annuity. 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, New York State voter registration documentation, pay stub listing New York State as the recipient’s address, or current New York State Driver's License or Non-Driver’s Identification Card.
An applicant’s 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.
Apply
Applications may be submitted at anytime. Payments will be authorized and disbursed in semi-annual installments (March and September). The following documentation is required to process a Gold Star Families Annuity Program Benefit:
1. Gold Star Families Annuity Program Benefit Application form.
2. Evidence of military service of the deceased Veteran. Acceptable evidence includes a DD Form 1300 (Report of Casualty); or a copy of the telegram from the U.S. Department of Defense advising the parent of his or her loss.
3. A proof of New York State residency. Acceptable evidence includes a copy of the applicant’s property tax bill or utility bill, voter registration documentation, pay stub or current NYS Driver's License.
Mail the completed application and supporting documentation to:
New York State Department of Veterans’ Services
Attn: Gold Star Annuity Program
2 Empire State Plaza
17th Floor
Albany, NY 12223-1551
For questions pretaining to Gold Star: Gold Star Email
Contact Assistance
If you need assistance, or just want to learn more about the benefits and services you may be eligible for, schedule an appointment with one of our Veterans Benefits Advisors, all Veterans themselves.
- Call 1-888-838-7697 to speak to an advisor.
- Schedule a phone or video consultation online.
- Use our search to find a Services Office near you.