Wyoming

Wyoming Veteran Benefits

If you are a veteran who calls Wyoming home, or a servicemember currently stationed at the Air Force base near Cheyenne, you have access to a variety of different benefits.

With programs that can help you afford a home or reduce your property taxes to services that include access to state parks and other recreational perks, Wyoming does its best to support its veterans.

Wyoming Residents Save

$208/mth

Savings based on 2015 active loan data

25 Lunches

*Based on an average lunch price of $8.08

Veteran Home Loans

When it comes to helping veterans and servicemembers buy homes, Wyoming takes its nickname as the Equality State very seriously. Originally created to put returning servicemembers on equal footing with those who served, the VA home loan program provides a lot of benefits for those who qualify.

One of the best benefits? You can use the program anywhere in Wyoming. Or, if you're stationed here but want to buy a home, you could always purchase one near Warren Air Force Base so it's still quick and easy for you to get to work.



Other benefits for VA loans include:

  • Lower interest rates, on average, than other types of loans
  • Lower credit score requirements
  • No requirement to make a downpayment
  • No private mortgage insurance (PMI) requirement

These benefits are available because the VA backs every single VA loan with a guaranty. Essentially, if a veteran is unable to pay and their home goes into foreclosure, the VA is willing to pay back the lender a portion of the loan.

Your personal finances, choice of lender, and credit score, often have a big impact on the rate, terms, and amount of your VA loan. That's why, to get the most out of your loan, you should make sure you're prepared.

Part of your preparation should include comparing offers from more than one lender. Lenders all have their own policies and guideline regarding rates, loan amounts, and closing costs. By comparing them, you can really ensure that you choose the offer that works best for you. Of course, we always hope you include Low VA Rates as one of the companies you're considering.

Veteran Housing Benefits

Veteran's Property Tax Exemption Program

As one of only three property tax relief programs in Wyoming, the Veteran's Property Tax Exemption Program provides combat veterans with a $3,000 reduction of the assessed value of their home.

Because property tax amounts are based on a home's assessed value, a reduction of one, in turn, leads to a reduction of the other. In turn, it also means you will likely pay less for your monthly mortgage payment, part of which gets paid towards property taxes.

In order to qualify for the veteran's property tax exemptions, you must meet the following eligibility requirements (for a full explanation, see Chapter 14, Section 17 of the administrative rules for Wyoming's Department of Revenue):

  • Be a Wyoming resident for 3 or more consecutive years
  • Have an honorable discharge
  • Meet one of the service requirements, which can be fulfilled by a qualified Expeditionary Medal or service in WWI, WWII, Korea, or Vietnam

In addition, surviving spouses of a veteran who would have qualified may also receive the exemption, as long as they do not remarry and they continue to meet all other requirements.

You must apply for the exemption every year by the deadline, which is always the fourth Monday in May. To apply, you will need to visit the local office for your County Treasurer to pick up the application form. When you turn it back in, you will need to include proof of your honorable discharge, such as:

  • DD Form 214
  • DD Form 214N
  • DD Form 214MC
  • WD AGO Form 53-55
  • NAVMC 78-PD
  • NAVPERS-533

Veterans' Home of Wyoming

If you want to maintain your independence while still receiving additional care, the Veterans' Home of Wyoming (VHW) could be the perfect solution.

At the home, they offer assisted living and other medical care, financial counseling, recreation services, and a strong focus on community, all for a small fee that is based on your individual ability to pay. Other services include, but are not limited to:

  • Laundry
  • Transportation
  • Physical fitness
  • 24/7 nursing
  • Meal & dietary services
  • Fishing

There are some eligibility requirements in order for you to qualify to live there. These include the inability to earn a living, being a Wyoming resident, etc. Preference for admission is given first to veterans, then their dependents.

The first step towards admission is to call the home at 307-684-5511 to request a pre-admission packet. Once you receive it, you should fill it out and return it to the home along with a copy of your DD-214, income verification, and any other requested documents.

Military Assistance Trust Fund

If you're facing an emergency financial hardship, you might qualify for help from the Wyoming Military Assistance Trust Fund.

Though your hardship must be directly related to your state or federal military service, you can use it for a variety of different concerns, including housing, auto repairs, emergency travel needs, and more. However, you will need to provide a cost estimate.

In addition to having a service-connected hardship, you will also need to meet at least one the following conditions in order to qualify for the fund:

  • Be a member of the Wyoming National Guard or a Wyoming-based reserve unit
  • Be a resident of Wyoming who is a member of a reserve unit not based in Wyoming
  • Be a resident of Wyoming in uniformed service (see W.S. 19-11-103(a)(ix) for a definition)

The immediate family members of servicemembers who meet the above conditions can also apply. This includes spouses, dependent children, dependent parents, etc.

To apply, you will need to completely fill out the Grant Application Package. Once all forms have been filled in, you can contact the Wyoming Military Trust Fund Assistance Office at 307-772-5208 for further instructions on how and where to turn it in. They can also any questions you might have while you are working on the application.

Resources for Homeless Veterans

While all homeless services in Wyoming are open to veterans, there are also a couple specialized services that cater exclusively to current and former members of the Armed Forces.

Freedom Hall is a transitional shelter in Sheridan, Wyoming, that has 11 beds available for male veterans and servicemembers. Run by the Volunteers of America – Northern Rockies (VOANR), Freedom Hall is open 24/7.

During your stay, you will experience weekly case management to help you with life skills training, access to the local VA facility, transportation to jobs and appointments, and other services that will help you get back on your feet.

Another program run by VOANR is the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program. It offers support through housing stability, short-term financial aid (if needed), case management services, and more.

Veteran Education & Employment Benefits

Education Benefits

By helping you and your family get an education through various programs, Wyoming is helping ensure your future success, both in and outside of the military. These different programs can help you afford courses and state universities and community colleges through tuition waivers, scholarships, and more.

State Approving Agency

In Wyoming, the State Approving Agency (SAA) manages all of the education programs that have been approved for use of your GI Benefits.

The easiest way to find out if a program you're interested in is approved is to call or email the agency and speak with the state contact, Timothy Fisher. He can be reached at 307-777-8160 or timothy.fisher@wyo.gov.

If you're not sure what program you're interested in, you can also visit the VA's Web Enabled Approval Management System (WEAMS). To use this system:

  1. Click on the WEAMS link
  2. Find Wyoming on the map
  3. Click on it
  4. Click on any of the listed institutions for more information

Because of the standards and guidelines put in place by Wyoming's SAA, you can be assured that any approved program will provide you with a quality education.

Operation Recognition: High School Diplomas for Veterans

Veterans who left high school early during to fight in WWII, Vietnam, and Korea could still receive their high school diploma. "Operation Recognition" is administered by the Wyoming Veterans Commission. To learn more about how veterans can receive their diploma, even if it's posthumously, you can call the Commission at 800-833-5987.

In-State Tuition Rates for Veterans

Wyoming's legal code (see section (e), specifically) allows veterans and active-duty servicemembers to qualify for in-state tuition at the University of Wyoming, as well as any community college, as long as they meet all of the necessary conditions, which include:

  • Proof of qualifying service
  • Intent to live in Wyoming while enrolled
  • Evidence of either the service member's active duty status or their discharge before enrollment

Members of all branches in the military may qualify, including the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Commissioned Corps, and National Guard or Reserves units in addition to the five main branches of the military.

Free Tuition for War Orphans & Veterans

As a veteran, you can qualify for free tuition at the University of Wyoming and any in-state community college for up to eight semesters within an 8 year time period if you:

  • Were given a discharge that was not dishonorable
  • Served in Vietnam between August 5. 1964–May 7, 1975, or received an Expeditionary Medal for overseas combat
  • Have been a Wyoming resident for at least a year

This benefit can also be extended to surviving spouses and dependents if their veteran spouse or parent died during active duty service. However, the dependent child must be 22 or younger when they first apply.

In order for a veteran to apply, you must bring your DD-214 to the financial aid office of the whichever school you plan on attending. If you have any questions, you can contact the manager for the program using an online form.

Wyoming National Guard Educational Assistance Plan

Members of the Wyoming National Guard can get 100% free tuition (and fees) covered by the state National Guard Educational Assistance Plan as long as they meet the following requirements:

  • Complete basic or officer training (unless waived by the adjutant general in special cases) before enrolling
  • Actively participate in your National Guard duties while enrolled
  • Commit to serve in the Wyoming National Guard for at least 6 years, including previous contracts
  • Agree, in writing, to serve at least 2 more in years after receiving assistance
  • Have a declared major or educational objective
  • Maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA
  • Meet all other academic standards and remain in good standing

You must also be enrolled at the University of Wyoming or one of Wyoming's community colleges in order to qualify for 100% tuition. However, authorized courses at private institutions may be partially covered. More details about the eligibility requirements and authorized courses can be found in Wyoming's legal code.

Employment Benefits

Wyoming offers a variety of specialized services to veterans to help them improve their employment prospects after leaving the service. From dedicated specialists who provide outreach on your behalf to preference in state employment, keep reading to find out how you can get additional help finding work in Wyoming.

Wyoming Department of Workforce Services Veterans Program

The Veterans Program offered by Wyoming's Department of Workforce Services (DWS) has a variety a helpful benefits for former servicemembers looking for work after separating from the military.

One of the main benefits is priority of service. Essentially, when a veteran or their eligible spouse visits one of Wyoming's Employment & Training Workforce Centers, they will be helped before any civilian visitors. They will also be first to receive notifications of open positions and training referrals.

Wyoming's veterans are also served by Local Veterans Employment Representatives who reach out to employers. They then work with these employers to match veterans to available jobs and positions. As part of their outreach efforts to Wyoming businesses, they:

  • Conduct seminars
  • Host job search workshops
  • Organize networking groups
  • Provide job development services

And more. In addition, disabled veterans are further served by Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program Specialists. Like the employment representatives, these specialists also focus on outreach, though they focus on those veterans who have educational or economic disadvantages, are homeless, or have other employment barriers.

The DWS also hosts once-a-month meetings on Warren Air Force base where they provide a variety of useful tools veterans can use for reemployment.

Preference Points for State Employment Interviews

Veterans, along with surviving spouses of deceased veterans, qualify for preference when they apply for a position at any Wyoming government agency or department. This preference only applies prior to the interview process; after the interview, decisions will be made on merit alone.

If a veteran is qualified for a position that uses a numerical scoring system, their score will receive a 5% boost. Additional preference is given to disabled veterans over non-disabled veterans, and qualified veterans with disabilities will receive, in total, a 10% addition to their score.

If the position does not use a scoring system prior to the interview process, veterans and surviving spouses will still be given preference.

First Responder Retirement Contributions

If you were called into federal service under Title 10 and your duties included serving as a first responder, Wyoming law allows for you to make contributions into a state retirement system as if your service has never caused a lapse.

As part of the First Responder Fund, any contributions you make should be matched by your employer, with interest, as long as it occurs within the first five years after your reemployment. You will also be granted credit that counts towards your eligibility for other retirement benefits.

Other Veteran Benefits

Oregon Trail State Veterans' Cemetery

If your discharge status from the military is anything other than "dishonorable," you can qualify for burial in Wyoming's state veterans' cemetery. After you pass, your surviving spouse and any minor child or handicapped child can also be buried with you on the same plot.

Burial plots are FREE, but you cannot select one as they are given out as needed and on a first-come, first-served basis.

Burial Benefits

Veterans who die without enough money to cover their funeral expenses don't have to worry. State law in Wyoming requires that indigent veterans be allotted up to $500 to have their body prepared and brought to the state veterans' cemetery. This benefit applies as long as they received any other discharge type that was not dishonorable.

Free Recording of Honorable Discharges

If you're a veteran of the Armed Forces, the government of Wyoming allows you to have your discharge recorded completely free of charge. It will also be kept confidential.

To take advantage of your free DD-214 recording, simply visit your local County Clerk's office.

Free Fishing & Hunting Licenses

As a state with some of the most beautiful rivers and open land, Wyoming is a great place to enjoy the great outdoors while hunting or fishing. As a veteran, there are many options for free hunting and/or fishing licenses, including:

  • Free fishing license for disabled veterans
  • Free bird, small game, and fishing licenses for disabled veterans
  • Free hunting and fishing license for Purple Heart Recipients
  • Free hunting & fishing licenses for active duty servicemembers on leave
  • Special limited fishing permit for hospitalized veterans
  • Pioneer bird, small game, and fishing license
  • Donated big game licenses for disabled veterans

Each license has its own set of requirements, so make sure you check them out before you apply.

Finally, servicemembers stationed in Wyoming can qualify for the resident price on licenses after only 90 days.

Free Lifetime Veteran's Permit State Parks Pass

Veterans who have at least 50% disability caused by their service in the military can receive a free lifetime pass to the state parks, camping sites, recreation areas, historic sites, and archaeological areas.

This benefit also covers any one who may be traveling in the same vehicle as the veteran, and it applies to all fees, including both day use and overnight fees, as well as any other fees that may be charged.

Veteran Designation on Wyoming Driver's Licenses

It's possible in Wyoming to add a veterans designation to your driver's license as a way of quickly validating your service.

Marked with a simple red "V" in the top-right corner of your license, the veteran designation can help simplify things when you want to take advantage of a veteran or servicemember discount offered by local businesses.

The application process is also simple.Start by filling out the verification form. Then submit it, along with a copy of your DD-214 or Release of Discharge from Active Duty form to the Wyoming Veterans Commission (WVC) at least a week before you head into a WYDOT station.

After verifying with WVC that your forms have been received, it's time to fill out the actual license application at a WYDOT station. When filling out the form, you must mark the part that says you'd like the veterans designation. While you won't have to pay any special fee for the designation, you will still need to pay the standard renewal fee.

Once your application is complete and you've turned it in, you should receive your new license withing 3 weeks.

Special Veteran License Plates

You can celebrate and honor your veteran status by choosing one of the following military-themed specialty license plate options that may apply to you:

  • Former POW
  • Gold Star
  • Purple Heart Recipient
  • Disabled Veteran
  • Pearl Harbor Survivor
  • National Guard
  • Veteran Plates*

*These plates may require a $50 fee in addition to your registration dues. All other plate types are free or are waived or covered by an organization.

In order to qualify for these plates, you must be a Wyoming resident and have the vehicle titled in your name. An exemption may be made if you have share joint ownership of the car with an immediate family member. You must also meet any additional eligibility requirements of the specific plate you're interested in.

Veteran Benefits Assistance

County Veteran Service Officer (CVSO) Program

The Wyoming Veterans Commission employs Veteran Service Officers (VSOs). Each VSO typically serves between 3–4 counties; you can see which one is assigned to your area by click the link above.

The primary purpose of a VSO is to help Wyoming veterans just like you understand and take advantage of both your federal and state benefits.

Transition Assistance Advisor

Transition Assistance Advisors (TAA) are another resource veterans can use to get support and help understanding the services available to them. They also coordinate services for veterans between multiple providers. You can give them a call at 307-772-5163 is you have any questions or need help.

Women Veterans

Female veterans in need of medical care in Wyoming can visit the VA medical center in Cheyenne. This center has a specialized Women's Health Program to help female veterans navigate and treat their unique concerns.

Another Wyoming program for female veterans is P.O.W.W.O.W., which stands for Promoting Our Women Warriors Of Wyoming. By working in conjunction with Wyoming's two medical centers, they are able to provide additional support to Wyoming's female veterans through annual events and two dediciate Women Veterans Program Managers.

Their annual events offer a chance to Wyoming's female veterans to gather together to support one another. They also have two Women Veterans Program Managers

Military Records

If you indicated Wyoming as your home of record when you separated from the military, a copy of your service records, including your DD-214 form, should be available at the Military Department Records Office location in Cheyenne. They also maintain records for all retirees and veterans who served in the Army and Air National Guard.

If you need access to these records, you can call them at either 307-777-8162 or 307-777-8163.

About Low VA Rates

As one of the leaders for VA home loans in Wyoming, Low VA Rates is able to offer competitive rates anywhere in the state.

Why? Because we truly believe in supporting veterans, especially when it comes to helping them take advantage of their VA benefits by doing what we can to make owning a home more affordable. Often, when other lenders turn you down, we're still willing and able to help you get approved for a mortgage.

There's no obligation when you call and talk to one of our experienced VA loan officers. If you want to learn more about the types of rates we can offer, simply give us a call today at 866-569-8272. You're also welcome to get started by contacting us online.

Get Started Today

Your dream home is a call away