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Wisconsin Veteran benefits

25 benefits from Wisconsin for Veterans and their families, on top of what VA gives. Many need no disability rating.

Each one says who qualifies, how to apply, the official link, and the date we last checked it. Rules change, so the official page has the final word.

Free help in Wisconsin

Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs is the state Veterans agency. They can tell you what you qualify for and help you apply.

Call 800-947-8387 State agency website

A Veterans service officer (VSO) helps with VA claims and state benefits for free.

Find a service officer near you Wisconsin's list of local offices
Your VA disability rating
Who is it for?

25 benefits

Property tax

  • 100%+For family or survivors

    Disabled Veterans and Surviving Spouses Property Tax Credit

    A refundable state income-tax credit that reimburses eligible 100%-disabled veterans and their unremarried surviving spouses for property taxes paid on their Wisconsin home and up to one acre of land. WDVA certifies eligibility and DOR administers the credit through the income tax return.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: 100% VA rating, or paid at the 100% rate through TDIU (also called IU). Must be a Wisconsin resident veteran certified by WDVA as honorably discharged with a service-connected disability rating of 100 percent, or a 100 percent rating based on individual unemployability, or an unremarried surviving spouse of such a veteran.
    How to apply
    Obtain WDVA certification of eligibility (Form WDVA 1805 residency affidavit), then claim the credit on the Wisconsin income tax return filed with the Department of Revenue.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Income tax, retirement pay and other taxes

  • No rating needed

    Military Retirement Pay Income Tax Exemption

    Wisconsin does not tax retirement payments from the U.S. military retirement system, including Survivor Benefit Plan payments, on the state income tax return.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Any recipient of U.S. military retirement system payments, including retirees and their surviving spouses/family members receiving Survivor Benefit Plan or Retired Serviceman's Family Protection Plan payments.
    How to apply
    Subtract the exempt military retirement income when filing the Wisconsin Form 1 income tax return; no separate application is required.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • 100% P&T

    Wisconsin Disability Income Exclusion

    Veterans and others who are retired on permanent and total disability and whose disability income is taxable on the federal return may qualify for an additional state income exclusion under sec. 71.05(6)(b)4.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: 100% VA rating that is Permanent and Total (P&T). Taxpayer must be retired on permanent and total disability and have disability income that is taxable for federal income tax purposes.
    How to apply
    Claim the exclusion on the Wisconsin income tax return following DOR Publication 128 instructions; no separate application form is required.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Vehicles, driver's licenses and plates

  • Any rating

    US Disabled Veteran Parking License Plates

    Wisconsin issues special license plates for veterans with an eligible permanent disability incurred during active military service, which must be displayed when parking in spaces reserved for persons with disabilities.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Any VA service-connected rating, even 0%. Veteran must have an eligible permanent disability incurred while in active U.S. military service, certified by a qualifying VA health care specialist.
    How to apply
    Complete Form MV2172 with certification from a VA medical facility health care specialist and mail it to the Wisconsin DMV; these plates are not issued at DMV walk-in counters.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Veteran Identifier on Driver License or State ID

    Wisconsin veterans can add a Veteran Identifier mark to their driver's license or state ID card, making it easier to show proof of veteran status for benefits and discounts.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Completed initial term of obligated service in the Reserves or National Guard with an honorable discharge, or service with a special guerrilla unit in Laos between February 28, 1961 and September 18, 1978; active duty for training alone does not qualify.
    How to apply
    Call WDVA at 1-800-WIS-VETS (Option 1) or apply via MyWisVets with a DD214/DD215 before visiting the DMV, since the DMV cannot add the designation without WDVA confirmation.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Gold Star Family License Plate

    Wisconsin offers Gold Star license plates to immediate family members of service members who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Non-personalized plates are issued at no cost, and personalization is now available at no cost.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Close family member (spouse, parent, grandparent, sibling, child, stepchild, stepparent or grandchild) of a service member who died while serving and who meets the rules for the Gold Star lapel button.
    How to apply
    Apply online through Wisconsin Department of Transportation special plates system at wisconsindot.gov or contact the Special Plates Unit. Provide documentation of military service and death.
    Official page

    Last checked October 3, 2026. Law: 10 U.S.C. 1126(a)(1)-(3).

Hunting, fishing and parks

  • 50%+

    Annual Disabled Veteran Recreation Card

    A combined no-fee card that gives disabled Wisconsin veterans the rights of a resident small game hunting license and a resident fishing license, and also serves as a vehicle admission receipt and state trail pass.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: VA rating of 50% or higher, or paid at the 100% rate through TDIU (also called IU). Resident veteran receiving disability compensation benefits resulting in a disability rating of 50 percent or greater, or receiving benefits due to being individually unemployable.
    How to apply
    Apply through a DNR license agent or DNR Service Center with proof of disability rating; there is no issuing fee.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • 70%+

    Disabled Veteran or Former POW Free State Park/Forest/Trail Pass

    Certain Wisconsin resident disabled veterans and former prisoners of war can receive free or discounted admission to Wisconsin's state parks, forests, and trails via a DNR-issued identification card.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: VA rating of 70% or higher, or paid at the 100% rate through TDIU (also called IU). Available to Wisconsin resident veterans receiving VA disability compensation for a disability of 70 percent or more, or who are rated individually unemployable, or are former POWs.
    How to apply
    Complete the Disabled Veteran Free State Park/Forest/Trail Pass application, have it certified by a County Veterans Service Officer, and mail it to the DNR Bureau of Parks and Recreation for an identification card.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    One-Time Free Hunting or Fishing License for Recently Returned Veterans

    Recently discharged Wisconsin resident veterans can choose a one-time free small game, archery, gun deer, or annual fishing license under a WDVA/DNR partnership program.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. The veteran must have separated from military service under honorable conditions within the past 365 days and have served during a designated 'war period' beginning September 11, 2001.
    How to apply
    Contact WDVA to determine eligibility and receive a voucher code, then redeem it at a DNR Service Center or by calling the DNR Call Center within 365 days of discharge.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Purple Heart Recipient Hunting and Fishing Privileges

    Wisconsin resident and nonresident Purple Heart medal recipients can buy a discounted Conservation Patron license and receive resident-rate hunting, fishing, and trapping approvals, plus special turkey, bear, and elk application privileges.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Must be a verified recipient of the Purple Heart medal who presents proof at a DNR Service Center.
    How to apply
    Provide documentation of the Purple Heart award at a DNR Service Center to have eligibility recorded, then purchase licenses at any license agent or online.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • 70%+

    Resident Veteran's Disabled Fishing License

    Wisconsin offers a discounted annual disabled-person fishing license to veterans receiving VA disability compensation, letting them fish at a reduced fee.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: VA rating of 70% or higher, or paid at the 100% rate through TDIU (also called IU). Available to veterans receiving Veteran's Disability Compensation for a disability of 70 percent or more, or who receive service-connected disability benefits due to being individually unemployable.
    How to apply
    Apply at any location selling DNR licenses with proof of VA disability compensation.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

School and tuition

  • No rating needed

    Veterans Education (VetEd) Reimbursement Grant

    A state grant that reimburses eligible Wisconsin veterans for tuition and fees after successful completion of undergraduate courses at UW, technical college, or approved private schools, based on a credit-bank tied to length of active-duty service.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veteran must not yet have earned a bachelor's degree, must achieve at least a 2.0 GPA per semester, and household income must be below $50,000 plus $1,000 per dependent beyond two dependents.
    How to apply
    Apply through MyWisVets.com, a County/Tribal Veterans Service Officer, or by submitting Form WDVA 2200 within 60 days of the course start date.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Wisconsin GI Bill Tuition Remission

    A state-funded program that provides full remission of tuition, academic fees, and segregated/material fees to eligible veterans and certain spouses, surviving spouses, and children at University of Wisconsin System and Wisconsin Technical College System schools.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Requires WDVA certification of qualifying service (e.g., active duty for two continuous years, or 90 days during a designated wartime period) and Wisconsin residency; the student must also qualify for tuition residency and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0.
    How to apply
    Two-step process: apply to WDVA for certification of eligibility, then submit the school's Wisconsin GI Bill application (WDVA Form 2029) to the school's Veteran Certifying Official.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Private Institution Grants for Veterans and Dependents

    State grants that offset tuition for eligible veterans and dependents of deceased or disabled veterans attending Wisconsin private nonprofit colleges that belong to the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Available to an eligible veteran or a defined dependent (spouse, child, etc.) of a deceased or disabled veteran; if the veteran was not a Wisconsin resident at entry into service, the dependent must have resided in Wisconsin for at least 3 consecutive years before enrolling.
    How to apply
    Apply through the Higher Educational Aids Board and the private institution's financial aid office using the required certification forms.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Jobs and hiring preference

  • 30%+

    Noncompetitive Appointment of Certain Disabled Veterans

    Wisconsin allows state appointing authorities to hire a qualifying disabled veteran directly into a classified-service vacancy without requiring a competitive civil service exam.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: VA rating of 30% or higher. The disabled veteran must have served in the U.S. armed forces and be on a permanent disability list, or be rated by the VA, with a disability rating of at least 30 percent, and present written federal certification of the disability issued within the year preceding appointment.
    How to apply
    Present written documentation of the qualifying disability rating directly to the state appointing authority for the vacant classified-service position.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    One-Time Occupational or Professional License Fee Waiver for Veterans

    Since 2012, Wisconsin veterans may qualify for a one-time waiver of the fee for an occupational or professional license issued by DNR or other state licensing agencies to help ease their transition to civilian work.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Available to veterans as certified by WDVA for a one-time waiver on qualifying department licenses.
    How to apply
    Contact WDVA's Veterans Benefit Resource Center to determine eligibility for the fee waiver program before applying for the license.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • Any rating

    State Civil Service Veterans Hiring Preference

    Wisconsin adds preference points to civil-service exam grades for veterans, disabled veterans, and certain spouses applying for state classified-service jobs, increasing their chance of certification for hire.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Any VA service-connected rating, even 0%. A veteran (generally at least 180 days of active duty, not training) receives 10 points; a disabled veteran receives 15 points; a disabled veteran with at least a 30 percent disability rating receives 20 points; the unremarried spouse of a veteran who died of a service-connected disability, or the spouse of a veteran with at least a 70 percent disability, may also receive 10 points.
    What you get at each level
    • Veteran (180+ days active duty, non-training): 10 points
    • Disabled veteran: 15 points
    • Disabled veteran with at least 30% rating: 20 points
    How to apply
    Submit the Veterans Preference Supplement form when applying for a state classified-service position through Wisc.Jobs.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Business certification and contracts

  • No rating needed

    Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (DVB) Certification

    The Department of Administration certifies Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses, which may receive a price preference when bidding on state procurement contracts and a low-bid waiver of up to 5 percent of the lowest qualified bid.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Business ownership and control must not have changed within two years before applying, and the business must maintain at least 51 percent disabled veteran ownership to remain certified.
    How to apply
    Submit a department-supplied application with three years of business taxes and required documentation to the DOA Disabled Veteran Business Certification Program, along with a $50 application fee plus $100 for two annual renewal fees.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    WDVA Veteran-Owned Business Certification

    WDVA offers a certified Veteran-Owned Business logo that helps qualifying businesses identify, promote, and distinguish themselves, and certified businesses may be eligible for preference on state contract bids.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. The business must be at least 51 percent owned by one or more veterans who meet WDVA's qualifying service requirements (e.g., two continuous years of active duty, or 90 days during a designated wartime period).
    How to apply
    Register as a vendor and submit the WDVA Veteran-Owned Business Request for Certification with required documentation.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Homes, Veterans homes and cemeteries

  • No rating needed

    Military Funeral Honors Program

    Wisconsin provides military honors for all eligible veterans and guard members who meet legal requirements for the honor. Funeral homes coordinate arrangements with military honor guards.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. All veterans and National Guard or reserve members who meet legal requirements for military honors and are buried in Wisconsin.
    How to apply
    The funeral home arranges military honors. If the veteran died out of state and had a funeral without honors, the Veterans Service Office can help arrange funeral honors.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Veterans Housing and Recovery Program

    Funded through the Veterans Trust Fund, this WDVA program helps homeless veterans and those at risk of becoming homeless obtain the services needed for employment and affordable housing.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Homeless veterans or veterans at risk of homelessness in Wisconsin.
    How to apply
    Contact WDVA's Housing and Financial Services division or a County Veterans Service Officer for referral and case management.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Wisconsin Veterans Homes (Long-Term Care)

    WDVA operates three skilled nursing homes for veterans and their spouses at Chippewa Falls, King, and Union Grove, providing 24-hour skilled nursing care.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Open to eligible veterans and their spouses; admission requires application, medical assessment, and bed availability.
    How to apply
    Contact the specific Wisconsin Veterans Home (Chippewa Falls, King, or Union Grove) directly to begin the admissions process.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemeteries

    WDVA operates and maintains three state veterans cemeteries (Northern in Spooner, Central near King, and Southern near Union Grove) offering casket and cremation burial, columbarium niches, and scattering gardens with government markers.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Eligible veterans, their spouses, and dependent children may choose ground casket burial, ground cremated burial, or columbarium placement of cremated remains.
    How to apply
    Contact the specific cemetery office (Northern, Central, or Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery) to arrange interment.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Money, grants and bonuses

  • No rating needed

    Veterans Assistance Grants: Health Care Aid and Subsistence Aid

    Wisconsin gives small emergency grants to veterans in money trouble after all other help is used up. Subsistence Aid helps with lost income from illness, injury, or disaster, up to $3,000 in 12 months. Health Care Aid helps pay for some dental, vision, and hearing care. The lifetime limit for both is $7,500.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Wisconsin veteran under state law, with household income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. Also the unremarried surviving spouse or dependent children of a service member who died on active duty in the line of duty, or the family of an activated or deployed Wisconsin service member who lost income and has an emergency. For Subsistence Aid, apply within 12 months of the income loss.
    How to apply
    Apply through your County or Tribal Veterans Service Office. Use WDVA 2450 for Health Care Aid or WDVA 2453 for Subsistence Aid. Questions: DVAMBCOVetsBenefitsGrants@dva.wisconsin.gov.
    Official page

    Last checked October 26, 2026.

Other help

  • No rating needed

    Veterans Outreach and Recovery Program (VORP)

    A WDVA program focused on treatment and recovery that connects veterans to community mental health and support services statewide.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Available to veterans, including members of the National Guard and Reserves, statewide.
    How to apply
    Contact WDVA or a local County Veterans Service Officer to be connected with a VORP outreach specialist.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Also check

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