Wisconsin offers various benefits for veterans. On this page, you’ll find a concise overview of each of these benefits.
Wisconsin Veterans Homes
Wisconsin boasts three veterans homes located in Chippewa Falls, King, and Union Grove. While residency in Wisconsin is not a requirement for admission, preference is given to Wisconsin residents.
To qualify for admission, individuals must have received an honorable discharge from the military.
Additionally, spouses, surviving spouses, and Gold Star Parents are eligible for admission.
A monthly fee is required for residency.
Wisconsin Veteran Financial Benefits
Income Tax
Military retirement and SBP (Survivor Benefit Plan) payments are exempt from taxes.
Disabled Veterans Property Tax Credit
The Wisconsin Veterans & Surviving Spouses Property Tax Credit provides eligible veterans and surviving spouses who have not remarried with a property tax credit for their primary residence.
Eligibility extends to veterans rated 100% disabled or unemployable by the VA. Surviving spouses may also qualify if they receive Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC).
Assistance to Needy Veterans Grant
The Assistance to Needy Veterans Grant (ANVG) program offers restricted financial aid to individuals facing financial hardship and who have utilized all available aid options. These grants can be utilized for designated healthcare and basic living expenses, up to specified maximum grant limits.
Aid to Military Families
Relatives of activated or deployed military personnel, as well as unremarried surviving spouses and dependent children of eligible veterans who died in the line of duty during active duty or inactive duty for training, may be eligible for financial aid in case of emergencies. These emergencies encompass situations such as medical crises, major appliance or household utility breakdowns, vehicle repairs, natural disasters, and more.
Wisconsin Veteran Employment Benefits
Veterans Retraining Grants
Veterans who have recently become unemployed or are underemployed may qualify for a grant of up to $3,000 per year, renewable for a maximum of two years, if they demonstrate financial need while undergoing retraining for employment.
Veterans Preference
Honorably discharged veterans receive an additional 10 points added to their passing score on a state civil service examination. Veterans with a service-connected disability of less than 30% are entitled to 15 points, while those with a rating of 30% or higher receive 20 points added to their passing score.
Certain spouses of disabled or deceased veterans may also qualify for additional points added to their passing score.
Veterans with a service-connected disability of at least 30% may be eligible for noncompetitive hiring for permanent, entry-level positions with the state. For further details, consult the hiring agency.
Wisconsin Veteran Education Benefits
Wisconsin G.I. Bill
The Wisconsin GI Bill covers full tuition and segregated fees for qualified veterans and their dependents for a maximum of eight full-time semesters or 128 credits, whichever is higher, at any University of Wisconsin System or Wisconsin Technical College System institution.
Typically, veterans must possess an honorable discharge, wartime service experience, and Wisconsin state residency to qualify. For dependents to be eligible, the veteran must have a disability rating of at least 30%. For further information, reach out to your school or the Wisconsin VA.
VetEd Education Grant
The Veterans Education (VetEd) grant program offers a reimbursement grant structured on a credit-bank system linked to the duration of active duty military service. Veterans who have not obtained a bachelor’s degree may qualify for this program.
Upon successful completion of courses at an eligible University of Wisconsin, technical college, or accredited private college, VetEd reimburses tuition and fees.
Wisconsin Veteran Recreation Benefits
Disabled Veterans Fishing License
Disabled veterans in Wisconsin with a VA disability rating of 70% or higher qualify for a discounted fishing license fee.
Active Duty Hunting, Trapping, and Fishing Licenses
Wisconsin residents on active duty leave are eligible for a complimentary small game license, turkey permit, and fishing license. Additionally, they have the option to purchase a bonus antlerless deer carcass tag for any ONE unit with a quota, even if it’s sold out. They can also acquire a sturgeon spearing license after the October 31 deadline, valid until the end of the open season for spearing sturgeon. Furthermore, they are entitled to a one-time transfer of a Class A Bear license.
All other hunting, trapping, or fishing licenses can be obtained at resident rates.
Non-resident active duty members stationed in Wisconsin are eligible to purchase licenses at the resident rate.
Returning Veterans Hunting & Fishing Licenses
Wisconsin resident veterans who have recently returned home can receive a one-time complimentary small game, archery, gun deer, or annual fishing license.
Purple Heart Recipients Licenses
Purple Heart recipients have the privilege of purchasing a spring turkey harvest authorization without needing to be awarded one through the turkey drawing. Additionally, they are eligible for a one-time transfer of a Class A bear license.
Moreover, Purple Heart recipients can obtain the Conservation Patron license at reduced fees, applicable to both residents and non-residents. Non-resident Purple Heart recipients can acquire hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses at the resident rate.
State Parks
Disabled veterans with a disability rating of 70% or higher are eligible to receive waivers for vehicle admission and trail pass fees at Wisconsin state parks.
Wisconsin Veterans Cemeteries
Wisconsin maintains three veterans cemeteries located in King, Spooner, and Union Grove.
Eligible for burial are honorably discharged Wisconsin resident veterans and their dependents. While there is no fee for the veteran’s burial, a nominal fee applies for the interment of dependents.
