Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs

Badger State Gratitude: Wisconsin's Top 10 Most Valuable Veterans Benefits

The state of Wisconsin offers a diverse and substantial portfolio of benefits to its veterans, reflecting a long-standing tradition of support and earning it a reputation as one of the most veteran-friendly states in the nation. Administered by the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA), these programs provide significant advantages in finances, education, and long-term care. While the personal value of each benefit can differ, a clear top tier emerges based on monetary impact, broad applicability, and life-altering assistance.

Here are the top ten, most valuable veterans benefits offered through the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs:

1. Property Tax Credit for Disabled Veterans: A cornerstone of financial support, this benefit provides a 100% exemption from property taxes on the primary residence for veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating or those rated as individually unemployable. This can save eligible homeowners thousands of dollars annually, offering profound and lasting financial security.
2. Wisconsin GI Bill: This powerful educational benefit provides a full waiver of tuition and fees for eligible veterans, their spouses, and their children at any University of Wisconsin System or Wisconsin Technical College school. This amounts to a full, four-year scholarship, making it one of the most generous state-level educational benefits in the country.
3. Wisconsin Veterans Homes: A critical component of the state's long-term care solution, Wisconsin operates three outstanding Veterans Homes at King, Union Grove, and Chippewa Falls. These facilities provide high-quality, affordable skilled nursing, memory, and rehabilitative care in a comfortable, veteran-centric environment.
4. Full Exemption of Military Retirement Pay from State Income Tax: In a major financial advantage for career veterans, Wisconsin completely exempts military retirement pay and survivor's benefits from the state's income tax. This policy allows retired service members to keep 100% of their hard-earned pension.
5. Veterans and Surviving Spouses Property Tax Credit: For veterans who do not qualify for the full exemption, Wisconsin offers a refundable property tax credit based on income and property taxes paid. This benefits a broad range of low-income veteran homeowners and their surviving spouses.
6. State Employment Preference: Honorably discharged veterans receive a hiring preference when applying for state government jobs. Non-disabled veterans have points added to their civil service exam scores, while disabled veterans are eligible to be hired for certain positions without a competitive examination, providing a substantial advantage.
7. Veterans Outreach and Recovery Program (VORP): This unique program provides dedicated support to veterans who are facing challenges such as homelessness, substance abuse, and mental health issues. VORP staff connect veterans with vital community resources, treatment, and support, offering a critical lifeline.
8. Wisconsin State Veterans Cemeteries: Wisconsin maintains three beautiful State Veterans Cemeteries at King, Spooner, and Union Grove. These facilities provide a dignified and honorable final resting place for veterans, their spouses, and eligible dependents at no cost to the family for the plot and interment.
9. Assistance with Health Care & Disability Claims: While not a direct monetary benefit, the WDVA provides a statewide network of accredited County and Tribal Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs/TVSOs). These trained professionals provide free, expert assistance in applying for federal VA health care and disability compensation, a service that can unlock thousands of dollars in lifelong benefits.
10. "VETERAN" Identifier on Driver's License/ID Card: For no additional fee, veterans can have a "VETERAN" identifier placed on their Wisconsin driver's license or ID card. This simple but important benefit serves as official proof of veteran status, ensuring easy access to the numerous retail and commercial discounts offered throughout the state.

These premier benefits showcase Wisconsin's robust and enduring commitment to its veteran community. For detailed eligibility requirements and to connect with a County or Tribal Veterans Service Officer for assistance, veterans are encouraged to visit the official website of the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs.

Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs

Contact Information:

Address: 
​Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs
2135 Rimrock Road
PO Box 7843
Madison, WI 53707-7843

Phone: 1-800-WIS-VETS (947-8387)

Return to the WeSalute State Veterans Benefits Directory