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Veterans Benefits in Wisconsin

12 benefit programs available in Wisconsin.

Healthcare

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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Education

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.

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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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Employment

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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Financial

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.

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Tax

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.

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Recreation

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.

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Other

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.

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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.

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