Wisconsin Veteran Benefits

Servicemembers stationed at Fort McCoy, as well as veterans or Wisconsin National Guard or Reserves members living in any part of the state, have earned a variety of state military benefits in addition to the federal benefits you've been granted.

From education and employment assistance to hunting and state park benefits, we want to help you know everything you're entitled to as a current or former member of the military.

Veteran Home Loans

The freedom of owning your own home is even more possible to veterans and active duty servicemembers thanks to the VA home loan program. For veterans who are no longer serving in the military full-time, you can use a VA home loan anywhere throughout the state.

And even servicemembers who are only temporarily stationed at Fort McCoy can still use this benefit instead of living in on-base housing. To make it even more convenient, you can search for the home you want to buy in neighborhoods near McCoy.


Wisconsin Military Bases

When you use a VA loan in Wisconsin, instead of another loan type, you get to enjoy features that are exclusive to the VA loan program. These features are available because a portion of every VA loan is guaranteed by the VA, so there's less risk for your lender. Some of these added benefits include:

  • Lower interest rates (on average) than other loan types
  • No minimum credit score requirement
  • No need to any additional mortgage insurance

In addition, VA loans are one of only two options that don't require any type of down payment. This makes getting a home more possible for most homeowners since they have to bring less cash at closing.

How much you actually receive from a lender is dependent on your personal financial situation. How much debt your have, your credit score, and even which lender you choose will typically have the biggest impact on your loan.

In order to prepare, try to get your credit score as high as you can, pay down debts, and finally, make sure you get quotes from more than one lender. With multiple quotes, you can compare the different rates, loan amounts, and terms, to make sure you're really getting the best deal—especially if Low VA Rates is one of the lenders.

Wisconsin Residents Save

$287/mth

Savings based on 2015 active loan data

35Lunches

*Based on an average lunch price of $8.08

Pre-Qualify Now

Veteran Housing Benefits

Veterans & Surviving Spouse Property Tax Credit

Disabled veterans who meet one of the following disability criteria can receive a property tax credit on their primary home and up to one acre of land:

You must also have been a Wisconsin resident either at the time you entered active duty service or for 5 consecutive years after. Additionally, the unremarried surviving spouses of a qualified veteran may also receive the credit in their stead, if they've qualified to be paid Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) from the VA.

If you end up qualifying for the credit, you will receive it as part of your Wisconsin state income tax return. However, it is not granted automatically, so you will need to contact the County Veterans Service Office (CVSO) for your area.

Wisconsin State Veterans Homes

There are three different state veterans homes in Wisconsin:

At all of these homes, veterans are attended to by trained nurses 24/7, and their quality of care is some of the best in the nation. For these reasons, there is sometimes a waitlist to get in. However, veterans are always given first priority. You can learn more about the application process, including priority, online.

Veterans Housing & Recovery Program

Since 1994, Wisconsin's Veterans Housing and Recovery Program (VHRP) has helped treat the root causes of veteran homelessness by providing training for jobs, education assistance, rehab and counseling services, and more through a state-wide coalition of different agencies and programs.

In addition to training and education, VHRP also provides other services, including three transitional housing centers. At these locations, veterans are given a place to stay while they gain the skills and assistance they need to break out of the cycle of homelessness.

Veterans Outreach & Recovery Program

Created by the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA), the Veterans Outreach and Recovery Program (VORP) is fully-funded state program that focuses on recovery and helping homeless veterans find safe, stable housing.

Their services include:

  • Emergency assistance
  • Mental health treatment
  • Financial support
  • Substance abuse
  • Utility payments
  • Employment
  • Education
  • Transportation

VORP is available in every part of Wisconsin and can be used by any member of the Armed Forces, including the National Guard and Reserves.

Veteran Education & Employment Benefits

Education Benefits

If you have a goal to further your education, the state of Wisconsin has a variety of benefits you can use to make that dream a reality.

State Approving Agency

If you want to use your federal GI benefits in Wisconsin, then you must find a program that is approved by the State Approving Agency (SAA). They're the ones in charge of evaluating all of the different schools and programs, including vocational training, to make sure you only use your benefits on a quality education.

The SAA for Wisconsin has approved a large variety of programs, so you can learn and gain skills in your preferred way and not just at a traditional college or university. Some of these approved educational opportunities include:

  • Business schools
  • Flight schools
  • Apprenticeships
  • On-the-job training
  • Vocational schools
  • Licensing & certification tests
  • Colleges & universities

You can find a full list of approved programs by visiting the VA's Web Enabled Approval Management System (WEAMS). Once you click on the link, simply click on Wisconsin in the map or the "WI" link below it. This will pull up a list of all the institutions with approved programs. If you click on an institution, you can receive more information.

Wisconsin GI Bill

In addition to the Federal GI Bill, Wisconsin has added their own version into law. Called the Wisconsin GI Bill, this benefit essentially forgives any tuition and segregated fees for up to eight semesters at any school in the UW or technical college system.

Only veterans or their dependents are eligible, and they must also meet one of the two residency requirements:

  • Be a resident of Wisconsin at the time they entered the military
  • Be a Wisconsin resident for 5 consecutive years leading up to the semester of enrollment

There are also service requirements the veteran must meet, which are covered in detail in the information booklet. In addition, dependents of a veteran are only eligible if their veteran parent has a 30% or more disability rating from the VA, or if their veteran parent died from a service-related injury.

Academic Credit for Military Experience

The state of Wisconsin recognizes that you learn valuable skills and information during your military service, which is why they offer academic credit for your military experience. If courses you've taken during your military career are approved, it could fast-track your education and reduce the cost.

If you want to apply to receive military credit, you will need to contact the Veterans' Coordinator at whatever school in Wisconsin that you plan on attending. They can help you determine what military courses and training may apply and how much credit they'll be worth.

These veterans coordinators are familiar with a variety of programs that exist to help you receive college credit for your service. Some of these programs include:

  • American Council on Education's (A?CE) College Credit Recommendation Service (CREDIT)
  • Department of Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES)
  • Joint Services Transcript (JST) system
  • Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC)

Veterans Education Grant Program

Wisconsin's Veterans Education Grant Program (VetEd for short) allows qualified veterans to receive a reimbursement of tuition and fees after they graduate from one of the eligible University of Wisconsin schools, an eligible technical college, or another approved private institution.

Though the reimbursement isn't granted until after the semester is over, the application for the grant must be received within 60 days after the term starts. You can receive the grant for up to 8 semesters, but that's only if you've served active duty for at least 731 days. If you served for less time, you can still qualify:

  • 181–730 days qualifies for 4 semesters
  • 90–180 days qualifies for 2 semesters

If you served for less than 90 days, you do not qualify for any reimbursement.

University of Milwaukee Veterans Upward Bound

The Veterans Upward Bound program at the University of Milwaukee helps veterans prepare for college by providing a variety of services, including:

  • Math & English tutoring
  • Course instruction
  • Test prep for GEDs & placement exams
  • Career counseling & assessments
  • Application assistance
  • Resource referrals

You are eligible if you served in the military for at least 6 months, were not dishonorably discharged, meet the low income requirements, and have an academic need or are the first generation college student.

High School Diplomas for Veterans

If you are a veteran who left high school early in order to serve in a war, you can still receive your high school diploma. Wisconsin law allows local school boards to grant high school diplomas to veterans who meet all the conditions.

These requirements include:

  • Being 65 years or older or 55+ years old for veterans with a service-related disability
  • Attended high school in Wisconsin
  • Had honorable service during an approved wartime period
  • Served in the Navy, Army, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard, or Merchant Marines

It is also possible for family members to request a diploma for a veteran who has passed away, as long as they meet the necessary requirements.

Employment Benefits

Transitioning into the world of civilian employment can feel like an obstacle for some veterans. However, Wisconsin offers a variety of benefits to make this transition easier through programs that help you find employment.

Office of Veteran Employment Services

Wisconsin's Office of Veteran Employment Services employs Disabled Veterans Outreach Program Representatives (DVOPs) and Local Veterans Employment Representatives (LVERs) to help veterans find work.

DVOPs are focused on helping more disadvantaged veterans who have greater employment barriers, which may include disability, homelessness, lower economic status, etc. By serving as case managers and partnering with other agencies or community groups, DVOPs can help these veterans overcome these barriers.

LVERs focus on working with employers who are interested in hiring veterans. By creating these partnerships, they are able to help place veterans in jobs where their skills are needed and valued. Veterans looking for work can meet with an LVER at their local job center.

Both types of representatives work with veterans through a variety of services, including training and workshops that help veterans learn how to search for a job, write a resume, and interview successfully. They also can help veterans identify the careers they're interested using their interests, abilities, and aptitude tests as a guide.

To start working with a DVOP or LVER, you should print and fill out the Veterans Pre-Screening Form and bring it with you to your local Job Center. You can also contact the LVER for your county directly.

Veterans Hiring Preference

According to state law [§63.08(1)(fm)], veterans can receive additional preference points on any examination they must take when applying for their first job with the Wisconsin state government. The spouse of a disabled or deceased veteran may also use the preference benefit in their stead.

The amount of preference points a veteran will receive depends on their disability status:

  • Non-disabled veterans: 10 points
  • Disabled veterans with a disability rated below 30%: 15 points
  • Disabled veterans with 30% or more disability: 20 points

Veteran spouses will receive 10 points if they are using the benefit on behalf of their spouse. However, their spouse must have either died in action or from a service-connected disability or, if they are still living, be at least 70% disabled.

Veterans Retraining Grant

Veterans who are under- or unemployed, and who have a financial need, can receive up to $3,000 each year while they receive employment retraining. However, Wisconsin's Veterans Retraining Grant can only be used for up to two years.

Additional eligibility requirements for the grant include:

  • 6 consecutive months of employment with one employer or in the same occupation
  • Employment within 1 year prior to when your grant application is received
  • Cannot have been let go because of misconduct
  • Must be enrolled in a technical training or on-the-job training program

If you are currently working but are underemployed, your annual income can't be above federal poverty guidelines and your income must have been involuntarily reduced during the year preceding your grant application.

For details on how to apply, contact the County Veterans Service Office for your area.

Veterans as Apprentices

Wisconsin's has specialized apprenticeship programs for veterans that are managed by the Bureau of Apprentice Standards. Currently there are two approved programs: Combat to Construction (C2C) and Veterans in Piping (VIP).

The C2C apprenticeship program is run by the Operating Engineers Local 189 union. The training lasts for 8 weeks, with the first two weeks consisting of classroom instruction in Coloma, WI, and the last six weeks providing on-the-job training near your home.

The 18-week VIP program is administered by the Wisconsin Pipe Trades Association and is also split into two phases. The first six weeks are spent in a classroom environment and the last twelve weeks are spent doing hands-on learning.

To learn more about how to apply for either program, you will need to contact Darrel Cappetta, the Program & Policy Analyst at Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards. You can either call him at 608-266-5373 or send an email to darrel.cappetta@dwd.wisconsin.gov.

Advanced Manufacturing Opportunities for Veterans

Regularly held in Wisconsin, the Academy of Advanced Manufacturing provides annual training opportunities to veterans who are interested in a manufacturing career. Training is sponsored by Rockwell Automation, which has its headquarters in Milwaukee.

The 12-week course provides a hands-on learning experience that will provide you with the skills necessary to become an advanced manufacturing technician. Once you successfully complete the program, ManpowerGroup will help place you in a relevant job.

You can get more details, including how to apply, by viewing the current program flyer.

State Unemployment Benefits for Veterans

When you are honorably discharged from active duty military service, you can qualify for unemployment benefits, as long as your claim doesn't begin until the week of your separation date.

You will experience the same filing process as a civilian. However, you will need to provide some extra information, including an approved copy of your DD-214 form.

Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation

In addition to women, people of color, and those with low incomes, the Wisconsin Women's Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC) helps veterans of all genders develop their businesses. Some of their services include:

  • Business loans & access to capital
  • Business education
  • Classes on growing your business
  • Mentorships
  • Technical assistance
  • Financial planning

Veterans Employment Grant

While this benefit doesn't affect veterans directly, the Veterans Employment Grant does help them indirectly by providing a financial incentive that encourages employers to hire veterans.

Basically, employers that hire a veteran with a 50% or more disability can apply for the grant. If they qualify, they can receive up to $5,000. How much they actually receive depends on what type of hire (full vs. part-time) and how long the veteran remains employed.

To apply for the grant, an employer should complete the Veterans Employment Grant Program Application and mail it to Grants Unit, Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs, 201 West Washington Avenue, P.O. Box 7843, Madison, WI 53707, along with the following completed documents:

Veteran Owned Business Certification

Veterans who have their own business could be recognized as either a certified veteran-owned business or a certified disabled veteran-owned business. In addition to a special logo you can display, your business will also be promoted on a searchable list of businesses.

To apply for the veteran-owned business certification, all you need to do is fill out the application and mail it to:

Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs

Division of Veterans Benefits

PO Box 7843

Madison, WI 53707-7843

If you want to apply for recognition under the Disbled Vetern-Owned Business Enterprise (DVB) program in order to receive additional benefits, including bid preferences, the process is a little more involved. Here is a quick overview of how it works:

  1. Need to meet all of the general and DVB program eligibility requirements
  2. Register your business with the Division of Enterprise Operations' Wisconsin Supplier Diversity Program
  3. Complete the online application
  4. Submit all requested documentation
  5. Pay the $150 certification fee

When you are ready to apply, you should make sure to follow the detailed, step-by-step instructions that have been published by the Division of Enterprise Operations. You'll also need to recertify every year.

Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce

The Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce serves as an advocate and resource for veteran-owned businesses. Their mission is three-fold:

  1. Utilize their network to support veteran-owned businesses
  2. Help employers hire and retain veteran employees
  3. Promote nonprofits that serve veterans in Wisconsin

Matching Ranks to Civilian Employment

One of the hardest parts for servicemembers about transitioning into civilian employment is not knowing how their skills and experience will translate.

To help with this concern, Wisconsin's Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) has put together the Military Ranks & Duties to Civilian Job Positions Crosswalk, a document that provides comparable civilian positions for each rank in the military.

Veteran Benefits Assistance

Women Veterans

Wisconsin recognizes that female veterans are often overlooked or underserved by traditional service models. That's why they've created the Women Veterans Program.

While they Department of Veterans Affairs still strives to serve all veterans equally, the Women Veterans Program is focused exclusively on the specific, unique needs of female veterans. They do so by advocating for female veterans, recognizing their contributions, and providing outreach services.

You can learn more about the program, including upcoming events, but reading the program brochure or by sending an email to WomenVets@dva.wisconsin.gov or calling (800) WIS-VETS

About Low VA Rates

When you need a lender you can trust, Low VA Rates is there to help you navigate the entire VA loan process from start to finish. We've been a leading VA loan lender since our founding.

Because we're so focused on helping veterans, our first priority is to get you a great deal and make sure you understand your benefits, even if that means you don't end up closing your loan with us.

Still not convinced? Give us a call at 866-569-8272 to talk to one of our loan officers. There's no obligation or pressure. Just helpful information about the VA loan process, how you can start a VA loan, and answers to any questions you might have.