Veterans Benefits in Wisconsin

Last verified: APR 22, 2026

Wisconsin veterans are eligible for 12 state and federal benefit programs, including Healthcare, Education, Employment, and more. Most state programs require state residency and a VA-issued disability rating; eligibility thresholds vary by program. This page lists every benefit with source URLs, application paths, and 2026 verification status.

What healthcare benefits does Wisconsin offer to veterans?

Wisconsin Veterans Homes (King, Union Grove, Chippewa Falls)

Subsidized long-term care (VA offsets a portion of cost)

Wisconsin operates three Veterans Homes providing 24-hour skilled nursing care, assisted living, memory care, and rehabilitation to eligible veterans, their spouses, surviving spouses, and Gold Star Parents.

Agency: Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA)

Note: Three facilities: King (est. 1887, largest), Union Grove (southeastern WI), and Chippewa Falls (northwestern WI). Must have entered service from WI or resided in WI for 12 consecutive months since discharge.

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Which education benefits are available to Wisconsin veterans?

Wisconsin VetEd Reimbursement Grant

Up to UW-Madison undergraduate tuition rate per semester (up to 8 semesters)

Reimburses eligible Wisconsin veterans for tuition and fees at UW System, WI Technical Colleges, and approved private institutions. Up to 120 credits or 8 semesters for veterans with 731+ days of active duty.

Agency: Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA)

Note: Reimburses up to full tuition at UW/WTCS. Last-dollar program: Ch.33 tuition payments reduce VetEd reimbursement dollar-for-dollar. Best value for veterans with partial GI Bill eligibility.

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Wisconsin Veterans Assistance Grant

Up to full tuition coverage

Provides tuition grants to eligible Wisconsin veterans attending the University of Wisconsin system, private colleges, or technical colleges.

Agency: Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA)

Note: Reimbursement-based grant — apply after each semester. Covers UW system, technical colleges, and approved private colleges. Must have served on active duty for at least 90 days.

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Wisconsin Veterans Retraining Grant

Up to $3,000/year ($6,000 maximum over 2 years)

Provides up to $3,000/year ($6,000 max over 2 years) for recently unemployed or underemployed veterans pursuing retraining or skills development.

Agency: Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA)

Note: For veterans who are recently unemployed or underemployed. Must be enrolled in an approved retraining program.

Apply →Source

Wisconsin National Guard Tuition Grant

Up to 100% of UW-Madison in-state tuition rate (approx. $5,500/semester)

Covers up to 100% of in-state tuition for enlisted members and warrant officers of the WI National Guard pursuing a first bachelor's degree. Up to 8 semesters.

Agency: Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs (DMA)

Note: For currently serving enlisted and warrant officer WI National Guard members. Must maintain 2.0 GPA. Maximum 8 semesters. Covers tuition only.

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Which employment benefits does Wisconsin offer to veterans?

Wisconsin Veterans Employment Preference

10–20 preference points; non-competitive appointment at 30%+ disability

Wisconsin provides 10-20 preference points on civil service exams. Veterans with 30%+ disability may be appointed non-competitively without exam.

Agency: Wisconsin Division of Personnel Management (DPM)

Note: Point tiers: 10 (non-disabled veteran), 15 (disability < 30%), 20 (disability ≥ 30%). Non-competitive appointment option at 30%+ disability.

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Which financial benefits does Wisconsin offer to veterans?

Wisconsin Veterans Trust Fund Emergency Assistance

Up to $7,500 lifetime ($3,000/year subsistence; $800/year dental)

Provides Subsistence Aid (up to $3,000/year) and Health Care Aid (dental up to $800/year) grants, with a combined lifetime maximum of $7,500.

Agency: Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA)

Note: Must demonstrate financial need and have exhausted all other sources. Apply through County Veterans Service Officer.

Apply →Source

How does Wisconsin handle veteran property tax exemptions?

Wisconsin Military Retirement Pay Tax Exemption

100% state income tax exemption on military retirement pay

Wisconsin fully exempts all military retirement pay from state income tax, including SBP and RSFPP payments. No income cap or age requirement.

Agency: Wisconsin Department of Revenue

Note: Full exemption — no income cap, no age requirement. Covers all U.S. military retirement payments including SBP and RSFPP. Also covers Coast Guard, NOAA, and PHS.

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Wisconsin Disabled Veterans Property Tax Credit

Full property tax credit

Veterans with a 100% permanent and total service-connected disability receive a full property tax credit on their primary residence in Wisconsin.

Agency: Wisconsin Department of Revenue

Note: Claimed on your Wisconsin income tax return, not through the county. Surviving unremarried spouses of eligible veterans also qualify. Must own and occupy the property as primary residence.

Apply →Source

Which recreation benefits does Wisconsin offer to veterans?

Wisconsin Disabled Veteran Recreation Card

$100–$200/year (combined hunting, fishing, and park admission)

Veterans with 50%+ service-connected disability receive free small game hunting, fishing, state park vehicle admission, Heritage Hill admission, and state trail access.

Agency: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR)

Note: Per Wis. Stat. § 29.236. Requires 50%+ service-connected disability or individual unemployability. Covers small game hunting, fishing, state park vehicle admission, Heritage Hill, and state trail fees.

Apply →Source

Which additional benefits does Wisconsin offer to veterans?

Wisconsin Veterans Treatment Courts

Alternative sentencing with treatment (avoids incarceration)

Wisconsin operates multiple Veterans Treatment Courts providing alternative sentencing with treatment for veterans whose offenses are related to service-connected behavioral health issues.

Agency: Wisconsin Court System

Note: Locations include Milwaukee, Dane, Rock, Sheboygan, Kenosha/Racine/Walworth, Northeast Wisconsin, and Iron County. Other-than-dishonorable may qualify.

Apply →Source

Wisconsin State Veterans Cemeteries

Free burial for eligible veterans

Wisconsin operates three state veterans cemeteries at Spooner, King, and Union Grove providing free burial to eligible veterans.

Agency: Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs

Note: Three locations: Spooner, King, and Union Grove. Veterans interred at no cost. Spouses and dependent children incur a burial fee.

Apply →Source
“Full exemption — no income cap, no age requirement. Covers all U.S. military retirement payments including SBP and RSFPP. Also covers Coast Guard, NOAA, and PHS.”

Frequently asked questions

What benefits does Wisconsin offer to disabled veterans?

Wisconsin offers 12 veteran benefit programs spanning Healthcare, Education, Employment, Financial, Tax, Recreation, Other. Eligibility requirements vary by program — most require a VA-issued disability rating and state residency.

Do I need a specific disability rating to qualify for Wisconsin veteran benefits?

Many Wisconsin benefit programs require a minimum VA disability rating — commonly 10%, 50%, or 100%. Some programs, such as education assistance or employment preference, have no rating requirement. Check each benefit listing on this page for the specific threshold.

Do I need to be a Wisconsin resident to claim state veteran benefits?

Most Wisconsin state benefits require current state residency. Some programs require continuous residency for one or more years. Federal VA benefits are available to all eligible veterans regardless of state of residence.

Can I stack Wisconsin benefits with federal VA benefits?

Yes — in most cases, state and federal veteran benefits are stackable. For example, a property tax exemption from Wisconsin does not reduce your federal VA disability compensation. Some federal needs-based programs may offset certain state payments; review each program's terms.

Where do I apply for Wisconsin veteran benefits?

Applications for Wisconsin state benefits are typically submitted through the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs or the administering state agency. Application links are listed directly on each benefit card on this page. Federal VA benefits are applied for at VA.gov.

Does Wisconsin offer a property tax exemption for disabled veterans?

Yes — Wisconsin has at least one property tax benefit listed for veterans. Eligibility typically requires a minimum disability rating and state residency. See the Tax section on this page for the current threshold and application link.

Does Wisconsin have a veteran tuition waiver or education assistance program?

Yes — Wisconsin offers education benefits for veterans. These may include tuition waivers, National Guard tuition assistance, or supplemental GI Bill top-ups. See the Education section on this page for current programs and eligibility.

Is an honorable discharge required to qualify for Wisconsin veteran benefits?

Most Wisconsin state benefit programs and all federal VA benefit programs require an honorable or general (under honorable conditions) discharge. Veterans with other-than-honorable discharges may still qualify for some programs; consult a VSO or accredited claims agent for individual eligibility.

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