Wisconsin Veterans Benefits

Refundable state income-tax credit equal to the property taxes paid on the veteran's (or unremarried surviving spouse's) principal Wisconsin dwelling. Under CURRENT operative law the veteran must have a service-connected disability rating of 100% (or 100% based on individual unemployability) and meet Wisconsin residency rules; WDVA verifies eligibility and the credit is claimed on the Wisconsin income tax return. NOTE: 2025 SB411/AB428 would lower the threshold to 80% and prorate the credit by rating, but as of mid-2026 those are still pending proposals, not enacted law - the DOR FAQ still states 100%.

All U.S. military retirement system payments (including SBP and Retired Serviceman's Family Protection Plan) are fully exempt from Wisconsin income tax, subtracted on Schedule SB line 12. Coast Guard, NOAA commissioned corps, and Public Health Service commissioned corps retirement payments are also exempt.

VA service-connected disability compensation is not taxable income in Wisconsin (it is excluded from federal and therefore Wisconsin gross income). Applies to all rated veterans regardless of percentage.

Remission of tuition and fees at Universities of Wisconsin (UW System) and Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) schools for eligible Wisconsin veterans and certain spouses and children. Veterans qualify if they were Wisconsin residents at entry to service or lived in Wisconsin for 5 consecutive years; spouses and children (ages 17-25/26) of eligible veterans also qualify. Benefit covers up to 128 credits or 8 semesters (whichever is greater); student must maintain 2.0 GPA and first apply any federal Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits. WDVA verifies eligibility.

Wisconsin civil service grants veterans preference under Wis. Stat. ch. 230: additional points on civil-service scores for veterans and certain spouses; expanded certification of the 3 highest-ranked disabled veterans whose disability is at least 70% (and spouses of such veterans); and a non-competitive appointment pathway allowing veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more to be hired into state agency jobs without competing or taking the assessment. State agencies also have statutory veteran-hiring goals.

Veterans with U.S. military service that limits or impairs the ability to walk may obtain Disabled Veteran parking license plates. The vehicle must be titled to the disabled veteran; application MV2172 requires VA health care certification. These plates confer disabled-parking privileges.

Under 2017 Wisconsin Act 209, WisDOT (and other state licensing agencies) waive fees for qualified veterans on issuance of an INITIAL license. Veteran must be a Wisconsin resident and honorably discharged; WDVA determines eligibility. Waivers are not allowed for renewals - one initial license only. This is a professional/occupational/DMV initial-license fee waiver, not a blanket vehicle registration waiver.

Free state park vehicle admission and trail pass (Park Admission Card) for veterans with a service-connected disability rating of at least 70% or former POWs who are Wisconsin residents. Issued for 2 years or lifetime. Application must be certified by the County Veteran Service Officer.

Reduced-cost annual resident fishing license for veterans with a service-connected disability rating of at least 70%. Cost is $3 per license year.

Reduced-cost annual Recreation Card for veterans with a service-connected disability rating of at least 50%. Cost is $7; includes fishing, small game, vehicle park admission, heritage park admission, and a state trail pass.

Recently returning Wisconsin resident veterans receive a one-time free choice of a small game license, archery license, gun deer license, or annual fishing license (requires a voucher from WDVA). Authorized by 2013 Wisconsin Act 20.

WDVA operates three state veterans homes - King (N2665 County Rd QQ, King), Union Grove, and Chippewa Falls - serving nearly 1,000 veterans and eligible spouses. Services include 24-hour skilled nursing care, assisted living, and protective memory care. Eligibility is determined by WDVA.

Limited financial assistance toward dental care (including dentures), vision care (eyeglasses), and hearing care (hearing aids) for needy veterans. Income limit is under 200% of the federal poverty level, and the health care component is further limited to veterans with liquid assets below $1,000 (excluding the first $50,000 of life insurance cash surrender value).

Limited financial assistance for needy veterans who have exhausted other aid. Eligibility limited to veterans in families with income under 200% of the federal poverty level. Maximum subsistence aid payable in a consecutive 12-month period is $3,000. Applied for through a county/tribal veterans service officer or WDVA (form WDVA 2453).