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State·2026 Benefits·Updated May 2026

Wisconsin Veteran Benefits

Wisconsin offers 14 state veteran benefits in 2026 spanning tax, education, housing, healthcare, employment, and recreation. Programs include veterans & surviving spouses property tax credit (Full property tax refund (thousands annually)), wisconsin gi bill (tuition remission) (Full tuition (tens of thousands of dollars)), free hunting or fishing license (recently returned) (~$20-$30). Most require state residency and an honorable (or other-than-dishonorable) discharge; specific eligibility — including VA disability rating thresholds — varies by program.

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🏛️Tax Benefits(1)🎓Education & Training(4)🏥Healthcare(2)💼Employment(2)🚗Transportation(1)🌲Recreation & Parks(3)📋Other Benefits(1)

2026 VA Disability Compensation Rates

Monthly payment amounts effective December 1, 2025. These federal rates apply to all Wisconsin veterans.

RatingVeteran aloneWith spouse
10%$180.42$180.42
20%$356.66$356.66
30%$552.47$617.47
40%$795.84$882.84
50%$1,132.90$1,241.90
60%$1,435.02$1,566.02
70%$1,808.45$1,961.45
80%$2,102.15$2,277.15
90%$2,362.30$2,559.30
100%$3,938.58$4,158.17

Rates for 10-20% are the same regardless of dependents. Dependent additions apply at 30%+. View complete rate tables →

Frequently Asked Questions — Wisconsin Veteran Benefits

What veteran benefits does Wisconsin offer in 2026?▾
Wisconsin offers 14 state-level veteran benefits in 2026, spanning 1 tax program, 4 education programs, 0 housing programs, 2 healthcare programs, 3 recreation programs, and 2 employment programs. 10 are available to any honorably discharged veteran regardless of rating; 1 are reserved for veterans rated 100% disabled by the VA. These stack with federal VA benefits.
What benefits are available to 100% disabled veterans in Wisconsin?▾
Wisconsin offers 1 state benefit specifically for veterans rated 100% disabled by the VA, including: Veterans & Surviving Spouses Property Tax Credit. These typically include enhanced property tax exemptions, free hunting/fishing licenses, free state park access, and registration fee waivers. 100% disabled Wisconsin veterans also qualify for the 13 broader benefits available at lower rating thresholds — 14 total.
What state benefits do Wisconsin veterans get at a 50% or higher VA rating?▾
Veterans rated 50% or higher qualify for 13 Wisconsin state benefits — every benefit available to any veteran (10) plus benefits gated at 10-49% (1) plus 2 additional benefits gated at the 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% threshold. These typically include partial property tax credits, hunting/fishing license discounts, and tuition assistance. A 100% rating unlocks 1 additional benefit on top.
Does Wisconsin have property tax exemptions for disabled veterans?▾
Yes. Wisconsin offers 1 tax-related benefit for veterans. The headline program is Veterans & Surviving Spouses Property Tax Credit: Full refund of property taxes on primary residence for 100% disabled or individually unemployable veterans. Estimated value: Full property tax refund (thousands annually). Whether Wisconsin also exempts military retirement pay and VA disability compensation from state income tax varies by program — see the Tax Benefits section above for the full list.
What education benefits are available to Wisconsin veterans and their dependents?▾
Wisconsin offers 4 state education benefits: Wisconsin GI Bill (Tuition Remission); Veterans Education (VetEd) Reimbursement Grant; Veterans Grant for Private Nonprofit Schools; Veteran Retraining Grant. Some are tuition waivers at state public universities; others are scholarships for surviving spouses and children of veterans who died in service or were rated permanently and totally disabled. These supplement (and in many cases stack with) the federal Post-9/11 GI Bill.
Does Wisconsin offer free disabled veteran license plates?▾
Wisconsin's veteran license plate / registration benefit: Military License Plates. Distinctive license plates honoring military service with over 50 service/medal designations. Medal of Honor plates are free. Apply through your local DMV / county tax assessor with your VA disability rating letter and DD-214.
Does Wisconsin have free state park, hunting, or fishing access for veterans?▾
Yes — Wisconsin offers 3 recreation-related veteran benefits, including: Free Hunting or Fishing License (Recently Returned); Disabled Veteran Recreation Card, and 1 more. Most state park, hunting, and fishing license discounts are tied to a minimum VA disability rating (typically 50% or 100%) and require Wisconsin residency.
How do I apply for Wisconsin veteran benefits?▾
Each Wisconsin state benefit has its own application — there is no single application that covers them all. Most require: (1) DD-214 or equivalent discharge document, (2) proof of Wisconsin residency, and (3) VA disability rating letter if the benefit is rating-gated. Use the application URL listed on each benefit's detail page on this site. For complex cases (claims appeals, dependent benefits), contact your county Veterans Service Officer (VSO) for free assistance.
Do Wisconsin veteran benefits stack with federal VA benefits?▾
Yes. Wisconsin state benefits are administered separately from federal VA benefits and the two are designed to stack. A Wisconsin veteran can simultaneously receive federal VA disability compensation, VA healthcare, GI Bill education benefits, AND any Wisconsin state programs they qualify for. Some specific overlaps (e.g., state tuition assistance) may require exhausting federal GI Bill benefits first; check each benefit's eligibility notes.
What VA disability rating do I need for Wisconsin veteran benefits?▾
Wisconsin benefits unlock at every VA rating tier. 10 benefits require no disability rating (available to any honorably discharged veteran). 1 are gated at 10-40%. 2 are gated at 50-90%. 1 require a 100% rating. Veterans rated 100% qualify for ALL 14 Wisconsin state benefits.

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