What Is the Wyoming Veteran Burial Allowance for Gold Star Families?

Wyoming provides a burial allowance to help cover funeral and burial costs for eligible veterans, including service members whose deaths are connected to military duty. For Gold Star families the surviving relatives of military members who died while serving on active duty this allowance can offset some or all of the expenses tied to laying their loved one to rest.

The Wyoming Veterans Commission administers these benefits. The allowance typically applies toward costs like casket or urn purchase, funeral home services, transportation of remains, and cemetery fees. Wyoming state law authorizes this financial support as a recognition of the sacrifice made by both the veteran and their family.

Who Qualifies as a Gold Star Family in Wyoming?

A Gold Star family includes the surviving spouse, children, parents, or other designated next of kin of a U.S. military service member who died during active duty service, including combat operations, training accidents, or other line-of-duty deaths. Wyoming recognizes Gold Star families under both state and federal definitions.

To claim the burial allowance, you generally need to demonstrate your relationship to the deceased service member through documentation such as a marriage certificate, birth certificate, or legal next-of-kin designation. The service member's DD Form 214 or equivalent military discharge records will also be required to verify eligibility.

How Much Does Wyoming Pay for a Veteran Burial Allowance?

The amount of the burial allowance varies depending on the circumstances of the veteran's death and whether the burial takes place in a state or national veterans cemetery. Wyoming's allowance may cover up to a set dollar amount for eligible funeral-related expenses. This amount is subject to change based on legislative updates, so it's important to confirm the current figures directly with the Wyoming Veterans Commission.

Families should also know that the state funeral transportation assistance programs may provide additional help with costs related to transporting the veteran's remains, which is separate from but complementary to the burial allowance.

When Should a Gold Star Family Apply for the Burial Allowance?

You should apply as soon as possible after the service member's death. Wyoming generally requires that claims be submitted within a specific time frame following the burial or cremation. Waiting too long can result in a denied claim, even if the family would otherwise qualify.

Start by contacting the Wyoming Veterans Commission or your county veterans service officer. They can walk you through the required paperwork and help you avoid delays. Having military records, a death certificate, and funeral receipts ready before you apply speeds up the process considerably.

Does the Burial Allowance Cover All Funeral Costs?

No. The Wyoming burial allowance is meant to offset funeral expenses, but it rarely covers the full cost of a funeral or memorial service. The national median cost of a funeral with burial in the United States exceeds $7,000, according to the National Funeral Directors Association. State burial allowances typically cover only a portion of that.

Families can supplement the state allowance with federal VA burial benefits, life insurance proceeds, or other assistance. If your loved one is buried in a national or state veterans cemetery, many of the cemetery-related costs such as the plot, headstone, and grave opening/closing are provided at no charge. Eligibility for state veteran cemetery benefits extends to most branches and service eras, including Space Force members.

What Documents Do You Need to Submit?

Typical documentation requirements include:

• Military discharge papers (DD Form 214 or equivalent)
• Death certificate
• Proof of relationship to the deceased (marriage certificate, birth certificate, legal documentation)
• Itemized funeral and burial receipts
• Completed application form from the Wyoming Veterans Commission
• Copy of the service member's military orders (if death occurred on active duty)

If you're having trouble locating military records, the county veterans service officer can help you request copies through the National Personnel Records Center.

Can Gold Star Families Receive Both State and Federal Burial Benefits?

Yes. Wyoming's burial allowance does not replace federal VA burial benefits it works alongside them. The VA offers a service-connected burial allowance for veterans who died from a service-related condition and a non-service-connected burial allowance for other eligible veterans. Gold Star families may qualify for the higher service-connected rate.

Additionally, families may be eligible for a government-furnished headstone or marker, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate at no cost. If you're unsure about burial flag eligibility for veteran funeral services, the Wyoming Veterans Commission or a VA regional office can confirm your family's entitlement.

What Are Common Mistakes Families Make When Filing?

Several avoidable errors can delay or reduce the burial allowance:

• Missing the filing deadline. Each state sets a window for submitting claims. Missing it can mean losing the benefit entirely.
• Incomplete paperwork. Submitting without all required documents forces the commission to request additional information, adding weeks to the process.
• Not keeping funeral receipts. The allowance is reimbursement-based. Without itemized receipts, the state cannot verify eligible expenses.
• Assuming the funeral home handles everything. While some funeral directors are familiar with veteran benefits, it's the family's responsibility to file the state claim.
• Forgetting about federal benefits. Some families only apply for the state allowance and miss out on additional VA burial compensation.

Does Wyoming Offer Anything Beyond the Burial Allowance?

Wyoming may offer additional support for Gold Star families, including property tax exemptions, educational benefits for surviving children and spouses, and special license plates. These aren't part of the burial allowance itself, but they represent ongoing state recognition of the family's sacrifice.

Other states also provide burial-related support that families can learn about for comparison or if the veteran had ties to another state. For instance, New Hampshire's veteran burial assistance eligibility differs from Wyoming's, and New Jersey's funeral benefits for Purple Heart recipients include provisions specific to combat-wounded veterans.

How Do You Contact the Wyoming Veterans Commission?

You can reach the Wyoming Veterans Commission by:

• Visiting their office in Cheyenne
• Calling their main phone line during business hours
• Working through your county veterans service officer, who can assist with paperwork and filing

The Wyoming Department of Veterans Affairs website also provides downloadable forms and current program information. If your family is dealing with an active-duty death, the military's Casualty Assistance Officer assigned to your case should also be able to connect you with state-level benefits.

Practical Checklist for Gold Star Families Filing in Wyoming

1. Obtain the service member's DD Form 214 or active-duty military records.
2. Secure a certified death certificate (request multiple copies).
3. Collect all itemized funeral and burial receipts.
4. Gather proof of your relationship to the deceased.
5. Contact the Wyoming Veterans Commission or your county veterans service officer to get the current application form.
6. Ask about federal VA burial benefits at the same time you may qualify for both.
7. Submit your application before the filing deadline.
8. Keep copies of everything you send.
9. Follow up within 30 days if you haven't received a response.
10. Ask about additional state benefits for Gold Star families, including property tax exemptions and education assistance.

Tip: Don't wait until the funeral is over to start gathering documents. Ask your Casualty Assistance Officer or county veterans service officer to help you collect records while the military processes its own paperwork this overlap can save you weeks.