Wisconsin veteran benefits
Veteran Compass lists 35 Wisconsin programs for veterans and their families. Each one links to the official government page, because rules, amounts and deadlines change. This is a guide to what is worth looking into, not a decision about whether you qualify. Federal VA benefits, such as health care, disability compensation and the GI Bill, also apply in Wisconsin; see the full directory or use the Benefit Finder.
Burial
Wisconsin State Veterans Cemeteries
State veterans cemeteries provide burial for eligible veterans, and spouses and dependent children may also be buried there. The page says eligible veterans pay no interment fee unless a private vault is used, and it lists separate fees for family members.
Who it may help: Veterans generally need a discharge under other than dishonorable conditions, death on active duty, or qualifying Guard or Reserve service of at least 20 years with retirement-pay eligibility. The page says Wisconsin residency is no longer required, and exceptions can apply. Pre-registration is available through MyWisVets or form WDVA 2111. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Military Funeral Honors
WDVA coordinates military funeral honors, including uniformed personnel, Taps, folding and presenting the flag to next of kin, and rifle volleys. The page says the honors are free for eligible veterans.
Who it may help: Veterans who died on active duty or in the Selected Reserve, were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, completed a Selected Reserve enlistment honorably, or were discharged for a service-connected disability may be eligible. The funeral director or family can submit the request with proof of service and WDVA Form 2800. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Education
Wisconsin GI Bill Tuition and Fee Remission
A state program that waives tuition and segregated fees at University of Wisconsin System and Wisconsin Technical College System schools for up to eight semesters or 128 credits, whichever is greater. Certain spouses, surviving spouses and children may also use it.
Who it may help: A veteran must live in Wisconsin when applying, have been a Wisconsin resident when entering active duty or lived in the state three consecutive years before the term, have an honorable discharge from active duty, and meet one of the listed service tests (war-period service, enough peacetime service, a qualifying discharge reason, listed medals or crisis-zone service). Family members must be tied to a veteran who meets the residency and rating (at least 30 percent) or death-related rules on the page, and children must be at least 17 and under 26. Students must also qualify for in-state tuition at the school, and apply through MyWisVets or WDVA forms. Check the official page for current rules.
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WDVA Retraining Grant
Financial help for recently unemployed or underemployed veterans retraining for new work through technical education or on-the-job training. Awards are based on financial need.
Who it may help: Applicants must show they are unemployed (recent involuntary layoff or discharge after steady prior employment) or underemployed (income below federal poverty guidelines after an involuntary reduction). Training must be at a Wisconsin technical college or an approved private occupational school, or an on-the-job program, and four-year programs do not qualify. The grant may not be combined with another WDVA education grant for the same period. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Wisconsin Veterans Grant for Private Nonprofit Schools
A tuition grant for qualifying veterans, spouses and dependent children attending private nonprofit colleges that belong to the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities. The Higher Educational Aids Board runs it and WDVA certifies eligibility.
Who it may help: Veterans generally must be Wisconsin residents who meet the page's residency, honorable-discharge and service requirements. Spouses and children qualify through a veteran with a 30% or higher service-connected rating, or a veteran who died on active duty, of a service-connected disability, or in the line of duty; children must be at least 17 and under 26. The grant is combined with Wisconsin GI Bill benefits under a shared credit limit. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
WDVA VetEd Reimbursement Grant
Reimburses tuition and fees after a veteran successfully completes a course at UW institutions, Wisconsin technical colleges or approved private institutions. Credit limits depend on length of active-duty service.
Who it may help: For veterans who have not yet earned a bachelor's degree, with a household income limit stated on the page and a minimum semester GPA. Wisconsin GI Bill benefits must be used first if you qualify for them, and the reimbursement is reduced by other tuition aid. Applications must arrive within 60 days of the course start date. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Wisconsin National Guard Tuition Grant
A Department of Military Affairs tuition grant program. The page works as a portal for applicants, school certifying officials and Guard education offices, explains how to apply online, and does not describe who qualifies or the amount.
Who it may help: The page does not list eligibility requirements; it points to the state statute on educational benefits, a reference manual and FAQs. Applications are accepted only during a window around each academic term and must be submitted online with a MyWisconsinID. Additional requirements apply; confirm with the Department of Military Affairs. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Employment
WDVA Veterans Employment Grant (for Employers)
A grant paid to Wisconsin employers who hire a veteran with a qualifying service-connected rating and keep them employed. The employer applies, not the veteran.
Who it may help: The employer applies, not the veteran. The veteran must work at the employer's Wisconsin business and stay employed for 12 consecutive months. The page lists the application window as ongoing. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
DWD Veteran Employment Services
Job centers give veterans and covered persons priority of service, and specialists provide individualized career help for those with significant barriers to employment. Staff also work with employers on hiring veterans.
Who it may help: Veterans and covered persons can visit a Wisconsin job center for one-on-one help. The page says individualized specialist services target veterans and eligible persons with significant barriers to employment. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Veterans Professional/Occupational Licensure Fee Waiver
A one-time waiver of the initial license fee for eligible veterans, redeemed with the state licensing agency using a code from WDVA. It does not apply to renewals.
Who it may help: Applicant must be a Wisconsin resident (registered to vote with Wisconsin domicile) seeking an initial license, and be a veteran under state law, a current Guard or Reserve member with at least 12 months of honorable service, or a former Guard or Reserve member with an honorable-conditions discharge. The waiver can be used once. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
DSPS Military Credentialing Benefits
The Department of Safety and Professional Services lists several credentialing aids for veterans, service members and spouses, including evaluation of military training toward license requirements, reciprocity for credentials from other jurisdictions, and renewal extensions during active duty.
Who it may help: Each item has its own rules: for example reciprocity is for service members, former service members and spouses already credentialed elsewhere, and the credit for military training depends on showing substantial equivalency to the credential requirements. Some items direct you to WDVA or to specific forms. Check the official page for current rules.
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Veteran Farmer Assistance and Outreach Program
A WDVA and Department of Agriculture program offering access to agricultural resources, guidance on a farm business plan, and a certified Veteran-Owned Farm logo for eligible farms.
Who it may help: Veterans must meet the state definition of veteran, which involves honorable active duty for set periods, with listed exceptions. An immediate family member can apply if the veteran died in service, went missing in action, or died of a service-connected disability. Applicants submit WDVA Form 1038. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Veteran-Owned Business Certification (WDVA)
WDVA offers a certified Veteran-Owned Business logo that helps businesses identify and promote themselves in the marketplace. The page does not describe contracting preferences and links to a separate Disabled Veteran Business Certification run by the Department of Administration.
Who it may help: At least 51% of the business must be owned by one or more veterans, and each veteran owner must meet one of the page's service criteria (such as honorable active duty for a set period or an honorable discharge for a service-connected disability). Applicants send an application, proof of ownership and a DD-214 for each veteran owner. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Veterans Non-Competitive Appointment Program (State Jobs)
Lets veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or higher be matched to state agency job openings without going through the usual competitive hiring process.
Who it may help: Applicant must be a 30%-or-higher disabled veteran (per a military permanent disability list or a VA determination), provide recent written documentation, and not hold a permanent state government position or have restoration rights to one. Apply through Wisc.Jobs with a resume, DD214 and disability documentation. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
DWD Apprenticeship Information for Veterans (C2C and VIP)
The Department of Workforce Development explains how registered apprenticeships can count for certain VA education benefits and describes two union-based training programs, Combat to Construction and Veterans in Piping.
Who it may help: The page says C2C and VIP serve veterans, returning veterans, reservists and National Guard members. It gives no application steps and links to the sponsoring unions' websites; it does not list detailed eligibility for the VA education benefits and points to WDVA, the VA and the county veterans service office for more information. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Family
Gold Star License Plates
Wisconsin issues Gold Star plates to Wisconsin motorists who have an immediate family member who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. The page says no issuance fee is required for non-personalized plates. The state page showed its online plate service as unavailable, so confirm the application method with the Division of Motor Vehicles.
Who it may help: The deceased family member must meet the federal Gold Star lapel button criteria cited on the page, and the applicant must be the owner or lessee of the vehicle. Listed relationships include spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, grandchild, stepparent and stepchild. The page notes the special plates online service was unavailable when read. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Military Spouse Educator License
A non-renewable Wisconsin license for educators who hold a valid out-of-state license and have a spouse on active military duty, without needing to pass Wisconsin teacher assessments.
Who it may help: Applicant must hold a valid teacher, administrator or pupil services license from another state and have a spouse on active military duty. Because the license cannot be renewed, another pathway to licensure is needed to stay licensed. Contact the DPI licensing help desk for details. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Financial
Veterans and Surviving Spouses Property Tax Credit
A refundable credit that can return property taxes paid on a veteran's primary Wisconsin home and up to one acre of land. WDVA certifies eligibility and the credit is claimed through the Wisconsin income tax return.
Who it may help: Veterans must have honorable-conditions active-duty service, entered service as a Wisconsin resident or lived in Wisconsin five consecutive years after entering, and currently live in Wisconsin. Unremarried surviving spouses may qualify through several paths listed on the page, including death in service or continuous Dependency and Indemnity Compensation. The property must be the primary residence, and certification comes through a County or Tribal Veterans Service Office. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Military Retirement Pay Exempt from Wisconsin Income Tax
Wisconsin's Department of Revenue says retirement payments from the U.S. military retirement system are exempt from state income tax, including Survivor Benefit Plan payments. The page also describes a subtraction for certain active-duty pay.
Who it may help: Applies to payments received from the U.S. military retirement system by retirees and their survivors or family members. Active-duty pay rules and filing details are on the page; the page does not cover disability pay. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
WDVA Subsistence Aid and Health Care Aid Grants
Limited state grants for veterans and some military family members facing hardship, covering certain dental, vision and hearing costs or temporary living expenses after other aid is used up. Applications can be submitted through a county or tribal veterans service office.
Who it may help: Applicants must have used up other sources of aid; the page says further eligibility rules apply but does not list them for veterans. Subsistence aid is tied to lost income from illness, injury or natural disaster. Military family aid covers unremarried surviving spouses and dependent children of an eligible veteran who died in the line of duty, and spouses and children of an activated or deployed Wisconsin-resident service member who lost income and face an emergency. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Wisconsin Tax Rules for Active Duty Pay and Military Spouses
The Department of Revenue explains how military pay is taxed, including exempting pay that is federally tax-exempt, a subtraction for active duty basic, special and incentive pay, and rules for nonresident service members stationed in Wisconsin and their spouses.
Who it may help: Depends on residency and domicile; a change of duty station alone does not change domicile. Inactive duty training pay and basic housing allowance are not eligible for the active duty subtraction per the page. Spouse wage exemption applies only if the spouse is in Wisconsin solely to be with a service member on orders and elected another domicile. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Healthcare
Wisconsin Veterans Homes
The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs runs three homes, at Chippewa Falls, King and Union Grove, that provide 24-hour skilled nursing care. The page says they serve veterans, spouses and Gold Star Parents.
Who it may help: The page does not list admission requirements. Additional requirements apply; confirm with the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs or the home you are interested in. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Veterans Outreach and Recovery Program (VORP)
WDVA outreach coordinators provide case management and connect veterans with community help for mental health, substance use treatment, housing, utilities, financial aid, benefits claims, employment and education. The page says the program may be able to assist with treatment needs through funding and other resources.
Who it may help: The page says it serves anyone who has served in any component of the U.S. Armed Forces, including current Guard and Reserve members. It describes no formal application; contact the regional coordinator for your area shown on the page. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
WDVA Suicide Prevention and Crisis Resources
A WDVA page gathering crisis and suicide prevention help: the Veterans Crisis Line, county crisis lines, Wisconsin 988, free QPR training, and a gun shop project with low-fee off-site firearm storage.
Who it may help: The page says VA enrollment is not needed for the Veterans Crisis Line (call 988 then press 1, or text 838255). It lists no eligibility rules for the other resources. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Housing
Veterans Housing and Recovery Program (VHRP)
Temporary housing, training and supportive services for homeless veterans or those at risk of homelessness, aimed at helping them reach permanent housing. The page names the Union Grove site as the contact for referrals and applications.
Who it may help: The page describes it as serving veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless and lists no other criteria. Spouses and children cannot live at the sites, though staff help families find other resources. Contact the program directly about referrals and applications. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Legal
County and Tribal Veterans Service Officers
Local county and tribal veterans service officers help veterans, service members and families apply for VA benefits and connect them with state benefits such as veterans homes, the property tax credit and employment services.
Who it may help: The page says veterans, service members and their families can use these offices, which are located in each of the state's 72 counties and 11 tribal nations. Use the Find My CVSO/TVSO link on the page to locate your office. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Wisconsin Veterans Treatment Courts
The Wisconsin court system lists county and regional veterans court programs that may connect veterans facing criminal charges with treatment and services, plus pointers to free legal help for veterans.
Who it may help: Eligibility and intake differ by program and location (for example, some focus on substance dependency, mental illness, PTSD or TBI, and some limit the types of offenses). Programs are listed for specific counties and judicial districts, so availability depends on where the case is. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Recreation
DNR Disabled Veteran Park, Recreation and Fishing Privileges
The Wisconsin DNR lists reduced-cost or waived privileges for certain disabled veterans and former prisoners of war, including state park and forest admission, a low-cost recreation card, and a low-cost fishing license. The page also lists a spring turkey authorization option.
Who it may help: Wisconsin residents who are disabled veterans or former POWs may qualify, depending on the privilege. Applicants generally need qualifying VA documentation, and the park admission pass involves a form signed and stamped by a County Veterans Service Officer. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Free License for Returning Veterans (DNR)
Eligible recent-era veterans and certain Guard or Reserve members may receive a one-time free small game, archery, gun deer or annual fishing license through a WDVA voucher.
Who it may help: Applicants must be Wisconsin residents who served in one of the war periods defined on the page (post-September 11, 2001 or Iraq-era periods) or meet the listed reserve or Guard discharge rules, and must first contact WDVA to confirm eligibility. The voucher must be redeemed within the time limit stated on the page. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
DNR Armed Forces Hunting and Fishing Privileges
Active-duty members of the armed forces have special DNR privileges, including a free small game and fishing license for residents on furlough or leave, resident rates for some nonresident members, and deferral of certain drawn permits for those who cannot use them.
Who it may help: Mainly for active-duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces, including National Guard or Reserve units incorporated into them; the page says annual training does not count as active service. Some nonresident resident-rate privileges also cover Wisconsin National Guard or Reserve members located in Wisconsin, whether active or not. Each privilege has its own residency, station and documentation rules. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
DNR Purple Heart Recipient Privileges
Purple Heart recipients may get a reduced-fee Conservation Patron license, resident rates for nonresidents, a one-time Class A bear license transfer, and a spring turkey authorization without the drawing.
Who it may help: Requires proof of the Purple Heart, such as an original DD-214 or another listed document showing the award, or certified copies from sources the page names. Proof is verified at a DNR Service Center, and the page allows online submission for people with medical or mobility limitations. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Transportation
Disabled Veteran Parking License Plates
Wisconsin offers special plates with disability parking privileges to veterans whose permanent disability from active service limits walking. A VA health care specialist must certify the condition.
Who it may help: The veteran must be a Wisconsin veteran with a qualifying permanent disability from active U.S. military service, and the vehicle must be titled to the veteran. Application is by mail with form MV2172 and registration fees apply as described on the page. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Veteran Identifier on Wisconsin Driver License or ID
Eligible veterans can have a Veteran Identifier added to a Wisconsin driver license or state ID, which the page says makes it easier to access veteran-specific benefits and discounts.
Who it may help: Requires honorable-discharge active duty, a completed initial obligated term in the Reserves or National Guard with an honorable discharge, or the listed Laos guerrilla-unit service. Active duty for training or full-time Guard duty alone does not qualify. WDVA must verify eligibility before you visit the DMV. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Military License Plates (WisDOT)
A military plate design with a choice among many service and medal decals, available to active or retired military veterans and military academy students or alumni. The page says it carries no special parking privileges. The state page showed its online plate service as unavailable, so confirm the application method with the Division of Motor Vehicles.
Who it may help: Applicant must be an active or retired veteran or a military academy student or alumnus, and the owner or lessee of the vehicle. Applications are online with proof such as a DD214. The page does not list fees and noted the online service was unavailable when read. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Military CDL Test Waiver and Fee Waiver
WisDOT may waive the commercial driver license skills test, or both tests for certain military job specialties, and waives CDL issuance, renewal and upgrade fees for applicants who present a valid military CDL.
Who it may help: The test waivers are for Wisconsin residents who are current military members, including Reserve and National Guard, or former members within one year of separating or retiring. The even exchange requires regular work within the last year in a listed specialty verified on form MV3588, and neither test waiver covers hazardous materials or school bus endorsements. The fee waiver applies when you present a valid military CDL; it does not cover a commercial learner permit, and fees may still apply for those endorsements. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
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