Gold Star Parent Annuity Program

The Gold Star Parent Annuity Benefit authorizes an annuity payment to each Gold Star parent 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 Annuity Payment are required to verify eligibility on a yearly basis. 

 To be eligible, applicants must meet the following requirements: 

1. Applicant must be a Gold Star Parent (as defined in 10 U.S.C. 1126): Please Note: Federal Law defines a Gold Star Parent as the Parent of:
   1. A Servicemember who lost their life during World War I, World War II, or during any subsequent period of armed hostilities in which the United States was engaged before July 1, 1958; OR
   2. A Servicemember who lost their life after July 1, 1958 in any of the following circumstances: 
      1. while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States; or
      2. while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or
      3. while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict in which the United States is not a belligerent party against an opposing armed force; OR
   3. A Servicemember who lost their life after March 28, 1973, in any of the following circumstances: 
      1. an international terrorist attack against the United States or a foreign nation friendly to the United States, recognized as such an attack by the Secretary of Defense; or
      2. military operations while serving outside the United States (including the commonwealths, territories, and possessions of the United States) as part of a peacekeeping force. 
   4. The term 'Gold Star Parent' for this Annuity includes any biological parent, step-parent, and parent by adoption who was serving in the role of a parent to the Servicemember at the time of the Servicemember's death.
2. Applicant must be a New York State resident and domiciliary