Wyoming Department of Veterans Affairs

Equality State Honor: Wyoming's Top 10 Most Valuable Veterans Benefits

The state of Wyoming offers a solid and practical package of benefits to honor its veterans, reflecting the self-reliant and supportive spirit of the Cowboy State. Administered by the Wyoming Veterans Commission, these programs provide significant advantages in taxation, recreation, and employment. While the personal value of each benefit can differ, a clear top tier emerges based on monetary impact, broad applicability, and quality-of-life enhancements.

Here are the top ten, most valuable veterans benefits offered through the Wyoming Department of Veterans Affairs:

1. Veterans' Property Tax Exemption: A cornerstone of financial support, this benefit provides a significant reduction in property taxes. Eligible honorably discharged veterans can have $3,000 of their home's assessed value exempted from county property taxes. This provides a meaningful and recurring annual savings for thousands of veteran homeowners.
2. No State Income Tax: While a benefit for all residents, the complete absence of a state income tax is a major financial advantage for veterans. This means that military retirement pay, disability compensation, survivor benefits, and any other post-service income are not taxed at the state level, allowing veterans to keep significantly more of their money.
3. State Employment Preference: Honorably discharged veterans receive a hiring preference when applying for public employment. Five points are added to the examination scores of qualified veterans, and ten points are added for disabled veterans who have a 10% or greater disability rating, providing a substantial advantage in securing stable government careers.
4. Wyoming Veterans' Home: A key component of the state's long-term care solution, the Veterans' Home of Wyoming in Buffalo provides quality domiciliary and nursing care for eligible veterans and their spouses. Access to this affordable, veteran-centric facility is a vital resource for aging or disabled veterans.
5. Free State Park & Recreation Area Access: Wyoming provides a free lifetime "Veterans' Remount" permit to its state parks, recreation areas, and historical sites for resident veterans with a 50% or greater service-connected disability. This is a wonderful quality-of-life perk that encourages enjoyment of Wyoming's world-renowned natural beauty.
6. Free Hunting and Fishing Licenses: The state honors its 100% disabled resident veterans with a free lifetime bird, small game, and fishing license. This valuable benefit allows veterans to fully participate in the state's rich outdoor and sporting traditions.
7. Wyoming Oregon Trail State Veterans' Cemetery: Located in Evansville, the state's beautiful Veterans' Cemetery provides a dignified and honorable final resting place for veterans, their spouses, and eligible dependents. The state provides the plot, opening and closing of the grave, and perpetual care at no cost to the family, alleviating a significant financial and emotional burden.
8. Free Tuition and Fees for War Orphans and Veterans' Dependents: Wyoming provides a waiver of tuition and fees at the University of Wyoming and the state's community colleges for the surviving children of veterans who died in service. This powerful benefit also extends to the dependents of veterans who are listed as POW/MIA.
9. "VETERAN" Designation on Driver's License/ID Card: For no additional fee, veterans can have a "VETERAN" designation placed on their Wyoming driver's license or ID card. This simple but important benefit serves as official proof of veteran status, ensuring easy access to the numerous retail and commercial discounts offered throughout the state.
10. Vehicle License Plates: Wyoming offers special license plates for disabled veterans, former POWs, and Pearl Harbor survivors. These plates not only recognize service but, for disabled veterans, also include an exemption from certain registration fees, providing a recurring annual savings.

These premier benefits showcase Wyoming's strong and enduring commitment to its veteran community. For detailed eligibility requirements and to connect with a County or State Veterans Service Officer for assistance, veterans are encouraged to visit the official website of the Wyoming Veterans Commission.

Wyoming Department of Affairs

Address:

Mailing Address: 
Wyoming Veterans Commission
5410 Bishop Blvd. 
Cheyenne, WY 82009

Physical Address: 
5800 Central Ave. 
Cheyenne, WY 82009

Phone: 1-800-833-5987

Return to the WeSalute State Veterans Benefits Directory