WYOMING STATE VETERAN BENEFITS
We endeavor to keep this information current, but it is subject to change without notice.
WYOMING EDUCATION BENEFITS
Wyoming Statute 19-14-16
While the program morphed in 2018, the Equality State still waives tuition and fees for overseas combat veterans, and some surviving spouses and dependents. If Veterans are currently enrolled, they still can attend the University of Wyoming or any one of seven Wyoming community colleges for 10 semesters. Those currently enrolled should plan to use all of their entitlement under this program before must the end of August 2020. After this date, the entitlement for new enrollees and continuing participants is 8 semesters of tuition-paid education in eight years. Restrictions apply.
WyNG Educational Assistance
This plan provides tuition assistance to allow eligible members of the State’s National Guard to attend college in Wyoming. It is intended as a supplemental program and Guard members must be in good standing to be eligible. Other rules and restrictions apply.
WYOMING VETERAN EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
All Veterans with other than dishonorable discharges receive 5 extra points added to their successful exam scores, giving them a hiring preference over non-veterans for state jobs. Veterans rated with a service-connected disability of 10 percent or more have the advantage of 10 preference points. Some surviving spouses could also receive a hiring preference.
Military Assistance Trust Fund
The Military Assistance Trust Fund provides emergency monetary grants in support of service members and/or families whose financial hardship relates directly to state or federal military duty.
WYOMING VETERAN FINANCIAL BENEFITS
Property Tax Exemption
Certain Veterans can get $3,000 off their primary residence’s assessed value for tax purposes or have their vehicle licensing fee waived if they do not own their own home. The Veterans who would qualify are those who are disabled with a service-connected condition, or who served overseas and received an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal or equivalent. In addition, Veterans must be residents of Wyoming for at least three years before applying. A qualified Veteran’s surviving spouse could also qualify if he or she remains unmarried.
Military Assistance Trust Fund
When Wyoming military family members experience emergencies or hardships because of their service member’s state or federal military duty, they can apply to the Military Assistance Trust Fund for assistance. There is an application and budget sheet with a qualifying process to receive an emergency grant.
WYOMING VETERAN RECREATION BENEFITS
Fishing Licenses
- Resident disabled veterans can apply to receive a lifetime fishing license at no charge. To be eligible, Veterans must have a service-connected disability rated at 50 percent or greater
- Any VA Hospital within Wyoming, the Wyoming Department of Health or the Wyoming Department of Family Services can issue a special Limited Fishing Permit for hospitalized Veterans. This permit allows them to fish for free when directly overseen by the institution
- Wyoming residents who have been awarded a Purple Heart can get a free lifetime fishing licenses, good for as long as the recipient remains a Wyoming resident
- Resident military personnel who are deployed to a combat zone on active duty can get a free resident daily fishing license to enjoy while home on leave
- Non-resident active duty personnel pay the resident rate for fishing licenses if they are stationed in Wyoming for at least 90 days
- Wyoming allows resident Veterans who are at least 65 and who have lived in the state for at least 30 years to obtain a fishing license free of charge
Hunting Licenses
- Resident disabled veterans can apply to receive a lifetime fishing license at no charge. To be eligible, Veterans must have a service-connected disability rated at 50 percent or greater
- Any VA Hospital within Wyoming, the Wyoming Department of Health or the Wyoming Department of Family Services can issue a special Limited Fishing Permit for hospitalized Veterans. This permit allows them to fish for free when directly overseen by the institution
- Wyoming residents who have been awarded a Purple Heart can get a free lifetime fishing licenses, good for as long as the recipient remains a Wyoming resident
- Resident military personnel who are deployed to a combat zone on active duty can get a free resident daily fishing license to enjoy while home on leave
- Non-resident active duty personnel pay the resident rate for fishing licenses if they are stationed in Wyoming for at least 90 days
- Wyoming allows resident Veterans who are at least 65 and who have lived in the state for at least 30 years to obtain a fishing license free of charge
State Parks
Disabled resident veterans with a VA rated disability of 50% or greater can get a lifetime day use and camping pass at no charge. With this pass, disabled veterans have access to all state parks, archaeological and historic sites, and recreational areas in the Equality State.
WYOMING VETERANS HOME
The Veterans Home of Wyoming is three miles west of Buffalo in the foothills of the Bighorn Mountains. Eligibility criteria and admission guidelines include:
- Must have a valid one-year residency at time of application or intent to permanently reside if less than one year
- If a Veteran, must have separated from the armed forces with an honorable discharge
- Must be unable to work due to disability, disease, old age and such, or have no means of adequate support for daily life
- May be a dependent of a qualified Veteran
- If the facility is at less than 90% capacity and no veteran or qualifying veteran dependent application is pending, the facility may accept resident non-veterans. Preference for admissions always go to the Veteran first, then their qualifying dependents, then non-veterans
- The facility has final approval authority on applications.
The home charges a monthly fee to residents, based on their ability to pay. The monthly maintenance fee covers services such as room, meals, laundry, nursing services, activities and weekday transportation.
WYOMING VETERANS CEMETERY
Evansville’s Oregon Trail State Veterans’ Cemetery opened in 1983. Veterans who have other than dishonorable discharges may be interned there, regardless of residency. The qualifying veteran may also have his or her spouse, handicapped or minor children buried in the same plot. There is no charge. Burial services are not held graveside; all services are held in the chapel and patio areas.
You can find more information regarding these benefits and other programs at the Wyoming Military Department website.