New York State Gold Star Families Annuity Program (Gold Star Families Annuity)
Pays a yearly annuity, split into two installments in March and September, to Gold Star parents, spouses or domestic partners, and children of service members who died in service. The payment amount rises each year with a cost-of-living adjustment of at least 1 percent and no more than 4 percent.
Who it is for
New York residents who lost a service member: parents (including stepparents and adoptive parents), spouses or domestic partners (remarriage does not disqualify), and children under 18, or 18 to 23 if in school, or any age if a disability that began before age 18 leaves them unable to support themselves. The death does not have to happen in combat, but it cannot be caused by the service member's own willful misconduct.
Focus: Surviving spouses and families
Before you start
How you apply: Apply directly to the program.
How to apply
- Complete the Gold Star annuity application form from the DVS website.
- Gather proof of the service member's death in service (DD Form 1300 or the Department of Defense notification) and proof of New York residency, such as a tax bill, utility bill, or driver's license.
- Mail everything to NYS Department of Veterans' Services, Attn: Gold Star Annuity Program, 2 Empire State Plaza, 17th Floor, Albany, NY 12223-1551, or call 1-888-838-7697 for free help.
Deadline: The program page does not list a filing deadline. Call DVS at 1-888-838-7697 to confirm timing before you file. (Deadline not confirmed)
Verified as of 2026-07-05. Resources are checked periodically against their official source. Details, amounts, and deadlines change. Confirm the current information on the official page before you rely on it.