Wisconsin Veteran Benefits

Wisconsin has a strong commitment to supporting its veterans, offering a comprehensive range of benefits and programs to assist those who served in the military. This guide provides a detailed overview of the state-specific benefits available to veterans in Wisconsin, including financial benefits, recreational opportunities, educational programs, housing and employment assistance, burials and memorials, tax incentives, and other valuable resources. These benefits may change over time. Please check with the individual state's veterans assistance office for the most current state benefit information. Below is a detailed breakdown of these benefits:

Wisconsin Veteran Financial Benefits

  • Property Tax Credit for Disabled Veterans: Wisconsin offers a property tax credit to veterans with a 100% service-connected disability, as well as to their unremarried surviving spouses. This credit covers the full amount of property taxes on the primary residence.

  • Veterans Trust Fund: This fund provides financial assistance to eligible veterans and their families in cases of emergency or financial need. It can be used to cover medical expenses, emergency repairs, and other unforeseen costs.

  • Veterans Employment Assistance Grants: Wisconsin offers grants to organizations that provide employment training and support services to veterans, helping them secure and maintain meaningful employment.

  • Veterans Pension: Certain veterans who meet age and income requirements, and who served during wartime, are eligible for a pension provided by the federal government.

  • Financial Assistance for Homeless Veterans: Wisconsin has programs to assist homeless veterans in securing housing, with additional support for food, clothing, and transportation.

  • Military Retirement Pay Exemption: Wisconsin does not tax military retirement pay, providing significant financial relief to retired veterans.

Recreation Benefits

  • Free State Park Admission: Wisconsin provides free lifetime admission to state parks for veterans with a 70% or greater service-connected disability.

  • Reduced Hunting and Fishing Licenses: Veterans with a 70% or greater service-connected disability are eligible for free or reduced hunting and fishing licenses. Additional discounts are available for disabled veterans participating in specific adaptive hunting programs.

  • Veteran Camping Discounts: Wisconsin offers discounts on camping fees at state parks and campgrounds for veterans with a service-connected disability.

  • Veterans Outdoor Recreation Programs: Various organizations in Wisconsin host outdoor activities for veterans, including hunting, fishing, and camping excursions designed specifically for veterans and their families.

  • Veterans Recreation Grants: These grants support organizations that offer recreational opportunities to veterans, including adaptive sports programs and therapeutic outdoor activities.

Education Programs

  • Wisconsin G.I. Bill: This program offers tuition remission for eligible veterans and their dependents at University of Wisconsin System schools and Wisconsin Technical College System schools, covering up to 128 credits.

  • Veterans Education and Training Grants: Wisconsin provides grants to veterans pursuing vocational training or continuing education to enhance their career prospects.

  • Veterans Employment Training Programs: Wisconsin offers specialized employment training programs for veterans, focusing on skills development and job placement.

  • Academic Credit for Military Training: Wisconsin colleges and universities may grant academic credit for military training and experience, allowing veterans to earn credit toward degrees or certifications.

  • Veterans Education Assistance for National Guard Members: Wisconsin National Guard members may be eligible for state tuition assistance for college or vocational training.

  • Veterans Scholarships and Grants: Wisconsin provides scholarships and grants to veterans and their dependents, supporting their pursuit of higher education and career advancement.

  • Veterans Apprenticeship Programs: The state supports apprenticeship programs that help veterans gain hands-on experience in skilled trades, leading to stable employment opportunities.

Housing and Employment

  • Wisconsin Veterans Home: Wisconsin operates multiple veterans homes offering residential and nursing care to eligible veterans. These facilities provide a range of services, including medical care, meals, and social activities.

  • Veterans Transitional Housing Programs: Wisconsin has programs designed to help homeless veterans transition into stable housing, offering temporary housing and supportive services.

  • Veterans Preference in State Employment: Veterans in Wisconsin receive hiring preference for state jobs, giving them a competitive edge in securing state employment.

  • Veterans Employment and Training Assistance: Wisconsin offers employment and training assistance to veterans seeking civilian employment, including job placement services and career counseling.

  • Veterans Business Loans: The state provides low-interest loans to veterans interested in starting or expanding their businesses, encouraging entrepreneurship among veterans.

  • Housing Assistance for Disabled Veterans: Wisconsin offers assistance programs to help disabled veterans secure and maintain suitable housing, including home improvement grants and support for adaptive modifications.

  • Veterans Housing Grants: These grants support organizations that provide housing and supportive services to veterans in need, including transitional housing and emergency shelters.

Burials and Memorials

  • Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemeteries: Wisconsin operates multiple veterans memorial cemeteries, providing burial services for eligible veterans and their families. These cemeteries offer grave sites, headstones, and perpetual care.

  • Military Funeral Honors: Wisconsin ensures that all eligible veterans receive military funeral honors, with uniformed personnel performing flag-folding, flag presentation, and playing Taps.

  • Burial Allowance for Veterans: The state provides a burial allowance to help cover funeral expenses for eligible veterans, with additional support for service-connected deaths.

  • Headstone and Marker Services: Veterans buried in Wisconsin veterans cemeteries receive government-provided headstones or markers, ensuring proper recognition of their service.

  • Veterans Memorials and Monuments: Wisconsin has a variety of memorials and monuments dedicated to veterans, honoring their service and sacrifice.

  • Pre-Burial Eligibility Determination: Veterans and their spouses can apply for pre-burial eligibility determination, ensuring that burial arrangements in Wisconsin veterans cemeteries are in place ahead of time.

  • Veterans Funeral Planning Assistance: Wisconsin provides assistance to veterans and their families in planning and organizing funerals, helping with arrangements and coordination of military honors.

Tax Incentives

  • Military Retirement Pay Exemption: Wisconsin does not tax military retirement pay, providing significant financial relief to retired veterans.

  • Property Tax Credit for Disabled Veterans: Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability receive a property tax credit on their primary residence, reducing their financial burden.

  • Tax Credit for Employers Hiring Veterans: Wisconsin offers tax credits to employers who hire veterans, encouraging businesses to employ veterans.

  • Sales Tax Exemption for Veterans Organizations: Qualified veterans organizations in Wisconsin receive sales tax exemptions, reducing their operating costs and allowing them to invest more in supporting veterans.

  • Homestead Tax Exemption: Veterans over 65 years old or those with a service-connected disability may be eligible for a homestead tax exemption, reducing the assessed value of their home for tax purposes.

  • Income Tax Exemption for Military Service: Wisconsin exempts income earned while on active military service from state income tax, providing relief for veterans during deployments.

  • Business Start-Up Tax Credits for Veterans: Wisconsin offers tax credits to veterans who start businesses, fostering entrepreneurship and economic growth among veterans.

VA Benefit Resources in Wisconsin

  • Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA): The WDVA provides a wide range of services to veterans, including assistance with state and federal benefits applications, financial aid, and outreach programs.

  • VA Medical Centers: Wisconsin has several VA medical centers, including those in Milwaukee and Tomah, providing healthcare and medical services to veterans.

  • Veterans Crisis Hotlines and Support Centers: Wisconsin has crisis hotlines and support centers for veterans experiencing mental health issues or seeking emotional support, providing a critical lifeline in times of need.

  • Transportation Assistance for VA Appointments: Wisconsin offers transportation programs to help veterans travel to and from VA medical appointments, ensuring they can access necessary healthcare services.

  • Veterans Employment Resources: These programs assist veterans in finding employment, providing job training, career counseling, and job placement services.

Wisconsin offers a comprehensive array of benefits and services for veterans, demonstrating its commitment to supporting those who served. This guide provides an overview of key benefits specific to Wisconsin, but there are additional resources available through local veterans' organizations and community groups. Veterans and their families are encouraged to explore all available programs and seek assistance from state and federal agencies to maximize their benefits. Whether it's financial support, educational opportunities, housing assistance, or healthcare, Wisconsin provides robust resources to ensure veterans receive the support they need. For disabled Veterans seeking VA compensation or additional benefits, consultation with us at ForTheVeteran can offer expert guidance.

How can we help?

We are deeply understand VA Disability Benefits and work closely with you to get you all the benefits you're owed. Our team includes veterans and their families who understand the sacrifices you've made. We know how military service can affect your health, and our goal is to make sure you get the benefits you deserve.