Wisconsin offers a range of benefits and support for its veterans, covering various aspects such as housing, education, employment, recreation, and additional services.
Housing and Financial Benefits
- Property Tax Exemption: Eligible disabled veterans in Wisconsin may qualify for a property tax credit on their primary residence. To be eligible, veterans must have a service-connected disability rating of 100% or a 100% rating based on individual unemployability.
- Veterans and Surviving Spouses Property Tax Credit: Wisconsin provides a property tax credit to certain veterans and their surviving spouses who meet specific eligibility criteria, including income limits and residency requirements.
Education Benefits
- Wisconsin G.I. Bill: The Wisconsin G.I. Bill provides eligible veterans with up to eight full-time semesters or 128 credits of tuition and fee remission at University of Wisconsin (UW) System schools or Wisconsin Technical College System institutions. Eligibility typically requires residency in Wisconsin and specific military service criteria.
- Veterans Education Reimbursement Grant: Wisconsin offers a reimbursement grant for eligible veterans who pursued higher education or vocational training during active duty service. Eligibility criteria include honorable discharge and documentation of educational expenses incurred during active duty service.
Employment Support
- Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs Employment Services: The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs offers employment resources and assistance to veterans, including job training, resume building, and job placement services. Eligibility typically includes veteran status and may vary based on specific programs.
- Veterans Employment Preference: Eligible veterans receive preference in state and local government employment in Wisconsin. Preference points are awarded based on factors such as military service, disability, and wartime service.
Recreational Benefits
- Free Hunting and Fishing Licenses: Wisconsin provides free hunting and fishing licenses to certain disabled veterans and former POWs. Eligible veterans must have a service-connected disability of at least 70% or be receiving total disability benefits.
- Free State Park Admission: Wisconsin offers free admission to state parks and forests for certain disabled veterans and former POWs. Eligibility criteria may include disability rating and POW status.
Additional Services and Programs
- Wisconsin Veterans Homes: Wisconsin operates several veterans homes across the state, providing long-term care and rehabilitation services to eligible veterans. Priority admission is typically given to veterans with service-connected disabilities and those in need of skilled nursing care.
- Veterans Housing and Recovery Program: Wisconsin offers transitional housing and supportive services to homeless veterans through programs such as the Veterans Housing and Recovery Program (VHRP). Eligibility criteria may include veteran status, income limits, and homelessness.