Wisconsin Individual Income Taxes on Military Pay

Military pay received by resident Service members is taxed in Wisconsin.

Homestead Exemption

Veterans with 100% permanent and total service-connected disabilities may be exempt from certain property taxes. Details are available in West Virginia State Code 11-6B-4. Veterans who believe they qualify should contact their County Assessors’ Office.

Wisconsin Income Tax Exemption for National Guard and Reserve Service Members Serving on Active Duty

Military pay received by a reserve component Service member called to federal active duty or special state service under 32 USC 502(f) is not taxed in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Individual Income Taxes Combat Pay Exemption

Military pay that is exempt from federal taxes, such as combat pay, hazardous duty or hostile fire pay, is exempt from Wisconsin taxes.

Wisconsin Individual Income Tax Exemption on Death Gratuity

 A Department of Defense Death Gratuity paid to the surviving dependent of an active duty Service member that dies in the line of duty is exempt from Wisconsin income taxes.

Wisconsin Income Tax on Military Retired Pay

Military retired pay is not taxed in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Individual Income Taxes Extension in Filing Deadline

Any extension of time allowed under federal law for filing a federal income tax return also applies for Wisconsin income tax return.

Wisconsin Taxes on Military Disability Retirement Pay

Military Disability Retirement Pay received as a pension, annuity or similar allowance for personal injury or sickness resulting from active service in the U.S. Armed Forces should not be included in taxable income. Some of the payments which are considered disability benefits include:

• Disability compensation and pension payments for disabilities paid to Veterans or their Families
• Grants for homes designed for wheelchair living
• Grants for motor vehicles for Veterans who lost their sight or the use of limbs, or
• Benefits under a dependent-care assistance program.

Wisconsin State Taxes on U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Disability Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)

DIC is a tax-free monetary benefit paid to eligible survivors of U.S. Armed Forces Service members who died in the line of duty or eligible survivors of Veterans whose death resulted from a service-connected injury or disease

Military Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) / Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RCSBP) / Retired Serviceman’s Family Protection Plan (RSFPP) Wisconsin State Tax Benefits

SBP, RCSBP and RSFPP are not taxed in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Veterans and Surviving Spouses Property Tax Credit

The Wisconsin Veterans and Surviving Spouses Property Tax Credit provides eligible Veterans and Surviving Spouses a refundable property tax credit for their primary residence and up to one acre of land.

Wisconsin G.I. Bill Tuition Remission Program for Veterans, Spouses and Children

The Wisconsin G.I. Bill remits (forgives) full tuition and segregated fees for eligible Veterans, their Spouse and Children for up to eight full-time semesters or 128 credits, whichever is greater, at any University of Wisconsin System campus or Wisconsin Technical College System College. The Wisconsin G.I. Bill is a state program that is entirely separate from the VA educational benefits. Students may attend full- or part-time and may be used for continuing education, or for undergraduate or graduate degrees.

Spouse and Child Residency Requirement

• Spouse or Child is a Wisconsin resident for at least five consecutive years at the time of application, and
• Veteran was a Wisconsin resident at the time of entry into active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Veteran Service Requirement for Spouse and Child Eligibility: The Veteran must have received an honorable discharge for active-duty service in the U.S. Armed Forces and have a 30% or more service-connected disability rating from the VA. The Veteran may be living or deceased, if deceased the Veteran must have been a Wisconsin resident at the time of death and whose death was under one of the following circumstances:

• Died on while on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces
• Died as the result of a service-connected disability
• Died in the line of duty while on active or inactive duty for training status.

Wisconsin Veteran Student Assistance Grant

The Wisconsin Veteran Student Assistance Grant provides financial assistance for eligible Veterans, their Spouse and Children to attend private nonprofit educational institutions that are members of the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities. The amount of the grant is the lesser of $2000 or 50% of the tuition charged per semester. For each grant, the private institution will match the amount of the grant to offset the tuition charged to the student.

Grants may be made for up to 128 credits or eight semesters, less the number of credits or semesters the student received tuition assistance under the Wisconsin G.I. Bill. Veteran Student Assistance Grants will be paid only after all grants and scholarships, including VA educational benefits are paid.
Who is eligible for the Wisconsin Veteran Student Assistance Grant ? To be eligible for the Wisconsin Veteran Student Assistance Grant, Veterans must meet the following requirements:

Veteran Residency Requirement:

• Wisconsin resident at the time of entry into active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, or
• Wisconsin resident for at least five years prior to application

Veteran Service Requirement: The Veteran must have received an honorable discharge for service under one of the following conditions:

• Served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for 90 or more days during a war time period, unless discharged early due to a service-connected disability, or
• Served on active duty for at least two years or for the full period of their initial service obligation (during peace time)
• Eligible for an Armed Forces Expeditionary medal or campaign medal
• Was discharged before meeting time in service requirements due to a service-connected disability.

Veteran Service Requirement for Spouse and Child Eligibility: For a Spouse or Child to be eligible the Veteran must have received an honorable discharge and meet the following requirements:

• 30% or more service-connected disability rating from the VA
• Died in the line of duty
• Died as the result of a service-connected disability.

Surviving Spouses must be unremarried to be eligible. Children must be at least 17 years old but less than 26 years old.

Wisconsin Veterans Education (VetEd) Reimbursement Grant

The VetEd grant program provides a reimbursement to Veterans for tuition at schools approved by the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs State Approving Agency or the Wisconsin Educational Approval Program. The maximum number of credits a Veteran may receive reimbursement for is based on the amount of time the Veteran served on active duty (active duty for training does not count toward eligibility).

Time in Service to Credit Breakdown:

• 90 to 180 days active duty = 30 credits or two semesters
• 181 to 730 days active duty = 60 credits or four semesters
• 731 days or more active duty = 120 credits or eight semesters

Wisconsin Veteran Job Retraining Grants

Veterans who are unemployed or underemployed may be eligible for a grant up to $3,000 per year, if they have a financial need while being retrained for new employment. The amount of the grant is determined by the applicant’s financial need as calculated by the WDVA.
Who is eligible for the Wisconsin Veteran Job Retraining Grants? The Veteran must have been involuntarily laid off or discharged (not due to misconduct) within one year before the date that the WDVA receives the application. The Veteran must have been employed for at least six consecutive months with the same employer or in the same or similar occupations. An underemployed Veteran must have current annual employment income that is below federal poverty guidelines.

The Veteran must be currently enrolled in a technical education program, authorized private occupational trade school or in a structured on-the-job training program that will be completed within two years of the date of application and is reasonably expected to lead to employment.

Veterans may apply for a second retraining grant one year after the first grant was issued. Veterans may only receive two retraining grants.

The WDVA will also pay a retraining grant to the Veteran’s employer when the Veteran is in an authorized on-the-job training program.

Academic Credit for Military Experience

Active and reserve component Service members and Veterans can receive academic credit for military courses they completed while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Students should contact the Veterans’ Coordinator at the college or university they plan to attend.

Wisconsin National Guard Tuition Grant Program

The Wisconsin National Guard Tuition Grant Program offers educational financial assistance to Wisconsin National Guard Service members that are attending full or part time at a University of Wisconsin System campus, Wisconsin Technical College System school  or attending a school in a neighboring state under a Wisconsin tuition reciprocity agreement.

Wisconsin High School Diplomas for Wartime Veterans

Local school boards in Wisconsin will award high school diplomas to Veterans who left high school before receiving their diploma to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces during a wartime period.

Wisconsin Veteran Upward Bound Program (VUB)

VUB is a free program offered at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and the Zablocki VA Domiciliary Veterans Center, that helps eligible Veterans become college-ready and helps get them enroll in a postsecondary school (university, community college, and vocational/technical programs).

VUB Services offered:

• College preparatory instruction and tutoring
• Preparation for academic placement exams and testing
• Career assessment and planning
• Application and financial aid assistance
• Academic advisors to assist with enrollment and
• Access to other resources: study area, computer lab, student coffee lounge
• Referrals to additional college and community resources.

Wisconsin Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (MIC3)

 The purpose of this compact is to remove barriers to educational success imposed on Children of military Families because of frequent moves and deployment of their parents by:

• Facilitating the prompt enrollment of Children of military Families and ensuring that they are not placed at a disadvantage due to difficulty in the transfer of educational records from the previous school district or variations in entrance or age requirements
• Facilitating the student placement process through which Children of military Families are not disadvantaged by variations in attendance requirements, scheduling, sequencing, grading, course content or assessment. Facilitating the qualification and eligibility for enrollment, educational programs and participation in extracurricular academic, athletic and social activities
• Facilitating the on-time graduation of Children of military Families
• Providing for the enforcement of administrative rules implementing the provisions of this compact
• Providing for the uniform collection and sharing of information between and among member states, schools and military Families under this compact
• Promoting coordination between these compact and other compacts affecting military Children
• Promoting flexibility and cooperation between the educational system, parents, and the student in order to achieve educational success for the student.

Wisconsin State Employment Military Leave Benefit

Permanent State employees that are members of a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible for 30 days military leave with pay and without loss of benefits for:

• Attendance at military schools
• Annual field training
• State or federal active duty
• Absence must be greater than three days (does not have to be workdays).

Service members will be paid the difference between their state salary and their military base pay while on military leave.

Service members that are on extended military leave without pay that return to their state job will receive credit for annual leave, sick leave, and legal holidays as if they had remained continuously employed.
Who is eligible for Wisconsin State Employment Military Leave Benefit? Reserve and National Guard Service members that are state employees are eligible for military leave.

Wisconsin State Employment Differential Pay

State employees that are members of a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible to receive the difference between their state salary and their military pay plus housing allowance for 179 days when they are called to extended active duty. Service members whose state salary is greater than their military pay are not eligible for differential pay.

Wisconsin State Employment Veterans Hiring Preference

Wisconsin offers a Veterans hiring preference to eligible Veterans and their Spouse when applying for state employment. Preference will only be given for initial employment.

Applicants for positions that use a competitive examination or rating will have points added to their passing score. Points will be added in the following manner:

• Veterans will have 10 points added to their grade
• Disabled Veterans that have less than a 30% disability rating from the VA will have 15 points added to their grade
• Disabled Veterans who have a disability rating greater than 30% from the VA will have 20 points added to their grade
• Spouse of a disabled Veteran who has a disability rating of 70% or greater from the VA will have 10 points added to their grade
• Unremarried Surviving Spouse of a Veteran who was killed in action will have 10 points added to their grade
• Unremarried Surviving Spouse of a Veteran who died from a service-connected disability will have 10 points added to their grade.

Applicants for positions that do not use a competitive examination will have their name added to the list of eligible applicants.

Federal Employment Veteran’s Hiring Preferences

By Federal law, Veterans who are disabled or who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces during certain specified time periods or in military campaigns are entitled to preference over non-Veterans in hiring into the Federal civil service and in retention during reduction in force. Veterans may be entitled to 5 or 10 points included in any scoring process for examination or interviews.

5-point Hiring Preference: Five points are added to the examination score or rating of a Veteran who served:

During a war, or

During the period April 28, 1952 through July 1, 1955, or

For more than 180 consecutive days, other than for training, any part of which occurred after January 31, 1955 and before October 15, 1976, or

During the Gulf War from August 2, 1990 through January 2, 1992, or

For more than 180 consecutive days, other than for training, any part of which occurred during the period beginning September 11, 2001, and ending on August 31, 2010, the last day of Operation Iraqi Freedom, or

In a campaign or expedition for which a campaign medal has been authorized. Any Armed Forces Expeditionary medal or campaign badge, including El Salvador, Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, Southwest Asia, Somalia, and Haiti, qualifies for preference.

10-point Compensable Disability (CP) Preference: Ten points are added to the examination score or rating of a Veteran who served at any time and who has a compensable service-connected disability rating of at least 10% but less than 30%.

10-Point 30% Compensable Disability Preference (CPS): Ten points are added to the passing examination score or rating of a Veteran who served at any time and who has a compensable service-connected disability rating of 30% or more.

10-Point Disability Preference (XP): Ten points are added to the passing examination score or rating of:

A Veteran who served at any time and has a present service-connected disability or is receiving compensation, disability retirement benefits, or pension from the military or the VA but does not qualify as a CP or CPS, or

A Veteran who received a Purple Heart

10-Point Derived Preference (XP): Ten points are added to the passing examination score or rating of Spouses, Surviving Spouses, or mothers of Veterans. Both a mother and a Spouse (including Surviving Spouse) may be entitled to preference based on the same Veteran’s service if they both meet the requirements. However, neither may receive preference if the Veteran is living and is qualified for Federal employment.

Ten points are added to the passing examination score or rating of the Spouse of a disabled Veteran who is disqualified for a federal position along the general lines of their usual occupation because of a service-connected disability. Such a disqualification may be presumed when the Veteran is unemployed and

Is rated by appropriate military or VA authorities to be 100% disabled and/or unemployable, or

Has retired, been separated, or resigned from a civil service position because of a disability that is service-connected in origin, or

Has attempted to obtain a civil service position or other position along the lines of their usual occupation and has failed to qualify because of a service-connected disability.

Preference may be allowed in other circumstances but anything less than the above warrants a more careful analysis.

A campaign medal holder or Gulf War Veteran who originally enlisted after September 7, 1980, (or began active duty on or after October 14, 1982, and has not previously completed 24 months of continuous active duty) must have served continuously for 24 months or the full period called or ordered to active duty. The 24-month service requirement does not apply to 10-point preference eligible Veterans separated for disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty, or to Veterans separated for hardship or other reasons under

Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA)

USERRA protects civilian job rights and benefits for Veterans and members of reserve components. USERRA also protects Service member rights and benefits by clarifying the law, improving enforcement mechanisms, and adding Federal Government employees to those employees already eligible to receive Department of Labor assistance in processing claims.

Absence from Work for Military Duty

USERRA establishes the cumulative length of time that an individual may be absent from work for military duty and retain reemployment rights to five years. Exceptions to the five-year limit, include initial enlistments lasting more than five years, periodic National Guard and Reserve training duty, and involuntary active duty extensions and recalls, especially during a time of national emergency. USERRA establishes that reemployment protection does not depend on the timing, frequency, duration, or nature of an individual’s service if the basic eligibility criteria are met.

Disability Accommodation

USERRA provides protection for disabled Veterans, requiring employers to make reasonable efforts to accommodate the disability. Service members recovering from injuries received during service or training may have up to two years from the date of completion of service to return to their jobs or apply for reemployment.

Return to Work without Loss of Seniority

USERRA provides that returning Service members are reemployed in the job that they would have attained had they not been absent for military service, with the same seniority, status and pay, as well as other rights and benefits determined by seniority. USERRA also requires that reasonable efforts (such as training or retraining) be made to enable returning Service members to refresh or upgrade their skills to help them qualify for reemployment. USERRA also provides that while an individual is performing military service, they are deemed to be on a furlough or leave of absence and are entitled to the non-seniority rights accorded other individuals on non-military leaves of absence.

Extension of Health and Pension Plans

 Health and pension plan coverage for Service members is provided for by USERRA. Individuals performing military duty of more than 30 days may elect to continue employer sponsored health care for up to 24 months; however, they may be required to pay up to 102% of the full premium. For military service of less than 31 days, health care coverage is provided as if the Service member had remained employed. USERRA clarifies pension plan coverage by making explicit that all pension plans are protected.

Wisconsin Office of Veteran Employment Services (OVES)

OVES helps Veterans find jobs through a range of employment services and targeted business engagement.

There are two staff positions at the OVES that are focused on helping Veterans achieve their employment goals.

Local Veterans Employment Representatives (LVERs) conduct outreach to employers and advocacy with hiring executives to increase employment opportunities for Veterans and encourage hiring disabled Veterans.

Job Center of Wisconsin (JCW), Veterans Employment Assistance

JCW helps Veterans that are looking for a job or want to start a new career. Conveniently located across the state, JCWs offers priority of service for Veterans.

Priority of service means:

• Receiving access to a service or resource earlier than those not eligible
• When services or resources are limited, those eligible receive access before or instead of others.

Veterans can visit a JCW office location to learn more about job development services, education and training opportunities, assistance with searching for jobs, interviewing skills, resume preparation and more.

Wisconsin Apprenticeship

Wisconsin Apprenticeship offers pre-apprenticeship training programs to help Veterans, returning Service members and National Guard Service members acquire the basic skills needed to start rewarding careers. An apprenticeship is an “earn while you learn” program providing on-the-job training and related instruction.

Wisconsin Hire Heroes, Transitional Jobs Program for Veterans

The Hire Heroes Transitional Jobs Program for Veterans offers local businesses access to subsidized Veteran employees to help Veterans with high barriers to employment gain job skills needed for long-term sustainable employment.

Veterans can enter subsidized employment for up to 1,040 hours to gain new or updated skills through on-the-job training. Employers will be reimbursed federal minimum wage while they train eligible Veterans.

To be eligible, Veterans must meet these requirements:

• 18 years of age or older
• Veteran, as defined under Wisconsin Statutes 45.01(12)
• Applied to the program no later than seven years after the date of discharge from U.S. Armed Forces
• Not eligible to participate in the Wisconsin Works Program
• Unemployed for at least four weeks
• Satisfy all requirements related to substance abuse screening, testing, and treatment.

Wisconsin Veterans Professional/Occupational Licensure Fee Waiver Program

The Wisconsin Veterans Professional/Occupational Licensure Fee Waiver Program will grant fee waivers to qualified Veterans when issuing initial licenses. This program offers only one initial license fee waiver per applicant.

Wisconsin Professional/Occupational Licensure Reciprocity for Spouses of Service Members Assigned in Wisconsin

Wisconsin offers reciprocal professional/occupational licenses for the Spouses of nonresident Service members in the U.S. Armed Forces who are assigned to a duty station in Wisconsin.

Spouses must meet the following requirements:

• Spouse holds a license, certification, registration, or permit that was granted by a governmental authority outside this Wisconsin
• Pay any required fees
• Spouse meets the licensing agency or credentialing board qualification requirements.

Wisconsin Unemployment Insurance (UI) Program

The Wisconsin UI Program provides temporary financial assistance for workers that are unemployed through no fault of their own. UI is a partial, short-term replacement of lost wages while workers are seeking other work and is not intended to be a permanent source of income Employers pay all costs of the UI program.

“Veteran” Identifier on Wisconsin Driver Licenses and ID Cards

Wisconsin offers a Veteran identifier for Wisconsin driver licenses and ID cards for eligible Veterans.
Who is eligible for the “Veteran” Identifier on Wisconsin Driver Licenses and ID Cards? Veterans must meet the following requirements to be eligible:

• Received an honorable discharge
• Served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces (other than for training) for two years or full term of service during peace time
• Served 90 days on active duty (other than for training) in the U.S. Armed Forces during a wartime period.

Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Active-Duty Military Modified Licensing and Registration Procedures

The Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offers modified driver licensing and registration procedures for Service members serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces stationed outside Wisconsin.

Please refer to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Active Duty Military Personnel webpage for modified procedures for the following services:

• Driver license renewal
• Renew by mail
• Extension of driver license expiration date
• Duplicate driver license
• Commercial Driver License Waiver
• Accidents without insurance
• Suspended or revoked license reinstatement
• Reinstate online
• Reinstate by mail
• Reinstate by someone else
• Confirm driving status
• Medical report
• License plates and vehicle registration
• Dealer and salesperson licenses
• Motor carrier fees and reports
• Special license plates

Wisconsin Military and Veteran License Plates

Wisconsin offers nine distinctive license plate designs to honor the service and sacrifice of eligible Service members, Veterans, retired Service members, and certain Family members. Military and Veteran license plates may be used on automobiles, motor homes, trucks rated less than 8,000 pound gross vehicle weight, or farm trucks rated for 12,000 pounds gross vehicle weight or less. Specific eligibility and documentation requirements will apply. A short description of some these license plates is listed below.

Wisconsin Veterans/Military License Plates with Branch of Service, Wartime Service and Award Decals

The Wisconsin Military license plate is offered to Veterans, Service members, service academy students and alumni. This license plate can be ordered with two decals to recognize the owner’s branch of service, war time service, medals they received or that they attended a service academy. In all, more than 50 different service and medal decals are available. These plates may be personalized for an $15 annual fee and may be transferred to a Surviving Spouse.

Applicants must submit a copy of their DD214 (or equivalent), official documentation that they attend or graduated from a service academy or certification from their commander that they are eligible. Completed applications, a check for required fees and documentation must be mailed to:

Wisconsin Disabled Veteran License Plates

The Wisconsin Disabled Veteran license plate is available for Veterans who have disabilities that impair the ability to walk. Disabled Veteran license plates authorize parking in disabled parking spaces, exemption from time limitations and free parking in metered parking places with a half-hour or more time limit. These plates may be personalized for a $15 annual fee.

Wisconsin Gold Star Family License Plates

Wisconsin Gold Star license plates are available to the immediate Family members of a Service member who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. This license plate has no issue fee and may be personalized for a $15 annual fee.

Wisconsin Medal of Honor License Plates

Wisconsin Medal of Honor license plates are offered to recipients of the Medal of Honor. This license plate does not expire, has no issue or renewal fees and may be transferred to a Surviving Spouse. Medal of Honor license plates may not be personalized.

Wisconsin National Guard Medical Coverage for Injury, Illness and Death Benefits Incurred While on State Active Duty Covered by Workers Compensation

Wisconsin National Guard Service members serving on state active duty that are injured, become ill, become disabled or die in the line of duty are eligible for benefits and compensation under Wisconsin Worker’s Compensation laws. Workers’ compensation benefits will not be paid when similar benefits are provided under any federal law or regulation.

Wisconsin National Guard State-Sponsored Life Insurance (SSLI)

SSLI offered through the Wisconsin National Guard Association is made up of several voluntary group life policies that are designed to help meet the needs of National Guard Service members and their Families. Every member of the Wisconsin National Guard is covered with $1,000 SSLI at no cost to the Service member.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Life Insurance

The VA provides valuable life insurance benefits to Veterans, active and reserve component Service members and their Families to provide financial security given the extraordinary risks involved in military Service. The VA provides the following life insurance benefit programs:

• Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI)
• Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI)
• Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (FSGLI)
• Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Traumatic Injury Protection Program (TSGLI)
• Service-Disabled Veterans’ Life Insurance (S-DVI)
• Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI).

Tricare Reserve Select Health Insurance

TRICARE Reserve Select is a premium-based plan, available worldwide for Selected Reserve, (Reserve and National Guard) and their Families who meet the following qualifications:

• Not on active-duty orders
• Not covered under the Transitional Assistance Management Program
• Not eligible for or enrolled in the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program or currently covered under FEHB, either under their own eligibility or through a Family member.

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Armed Forces Service Member Benefits

Wisconsin law extends many privileges for hunting, fishing and trapping for resident and nonresident active and reserve component Service members. A short description of these benefits is below.

Free Licenses for Service Members on Leave

Wisconsin resident Service members serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible for free small game hunting and fishing licenses when on leave. Service members must show their military ID and leave papers when they apply.

Service members on leave are also eligible for the following benefits:

• One bonus antlerless deer harvest authorization for any one unit with a quota, even if the unit is sold out
• Use Gun Buck Deer harvest authorization and one Farmland (Zone 2) Antlerless Deer harvest authorization statewide on public access or private land
• Use Gun Buck Deer harvest authorization during any firearm deer season to harvest a buck including during antlerless-only deer seasons
• Spring turkey harvest authorization for any zone and time period
• Sturgeon spearing license after the October 31 deadline, through the end of the open season for spearing sturgeon.

Nonresident License Rates

Eligible nonresident Service members can purchase Wisconsin hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses for resident prices. Service members must be serving in one of the following:

• Wisconsin National Guard
• Active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces stationed in Wisconsin
• In a U.S. Armed Forces Reserve unit located in Wisconsin
• Active or reserve component on active duty stationed out of state who was a resident at the time they entered active duty.

Hunter Safety Requirements

Service members that completed basic training may purchase a hunting license without being required to complete a hunter safety course.

Wisconsin Bear Hunting Benefit for Service Members

Residents and nonresident active-duty Service members are eligible to receive a one-time transfer of a Class A Bear license. Service members must show proof of active-duty service when they apply.

Wisconsin Elk Hunting Benefit for Nonresident Service Members

Nonresident Service members may be eligible for an elk hunting permit if they meet the following requirements:

• Service member in the Wisconsin National Guard
• Active duty Service member in the U.S. Armed Forces stationed in Wisconsin
• Service member in a U.S. Armed Forces Reserves unit located in Wisconsin
• Service member serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces that is stationed out of state who was a Wisconsin resident at the time they entered active duty.

Wisconsin Service Member Hunting Permit, Harvest Authorization or License Deferral

Service members who are unable to fish, hunt, or trap due to their military service may defer a permit, harvest authorization or license issued under a random or preference selection system until they are able to use them.

Wisconsin Conservation Patron License for Purple Heart Recipients

Wisconsin resident and nonresident Purple Heart recipients are eligible for the following benefits:

• Reduced fee Wisconsin Conservation Patron license (Resident – $10, Nonresident – $161)
• Hunting, fishing and trapping licenses at resident rates for nonresidents
• One-time transfer of a Class A Bear license
• One spring turkey harvest authorization
• Eligible to submit an elk hunting application.

Wisconsin Free Hunting or Fishing License for Returning Veterans

Wisconsin resident Veterans are authorized to receive a free one-time small game, archery, gun deer or annual fishing license.

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Professional Licenses

Veterans may qualify for a one-time fee waiver for a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources specific, occupational or professional license. Please see the Wisconsin Veterans Professional/Occupational Licensure Fee Waiver Program in the Wisconsin Military and Veterans Employment section above

Wisconsin Resident Disabled Veterans Reduced-Fee Fishing License

Wisconsin resident Veterans who have a 70% or greater service-connected disability rating, that are receiving service-connected disability benefits because they are individually unemployable or that are receiving a non-service-connected disability pension from the VA are eligible for a reduced-fee fishing license for $3.

Wisconsin Resident Disabled Veterans Spring Turkey Harvest Authorization

Wisconsin resident Veterans who have a 50% or greater service-connected disability rating from the VA or that are receiving service-connected disability benefits because they are individually unemployable are eligible for a reduced fee spring turkey harvest authorization for $10. Hunters must also have a turkey stamp and spring turkey license in addition to the harvest authorization.

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Free State Park, Forest and Trail Pass for Disabled Veterans and Former Prisoners of War (POW)

 Wisconsin resident Veterans may be eligible for a free State Park, Forest and Trail Pass. Passes do not apply for nightly camping or other non-admission fees. Veterans must meet the following requirements to be eligible:

• Veteran that is receiving compensation from the VA for a 70% or more service-connected disability rating
• Veteran that is receiving compensation due to a service-connected individually unemployable rating from the VA
• Service member or Veteran that was a former POW.

Wisconsin Resident Disabled Veteran Recreation Card

Wisconsin resident Veterans that have a 50% or greater service-connected disability rating from the VA or that are receiving service-connected disability benefits because they are individually unemployable are eligible for a $7 Wisconsin Resident Disabled Veteran Recreation Card. This card authorizes the Veteran free park admission and trail pass as well as fishing and small game hunting licenses.

Wisconsin Veterans Transportation to VA Medical Appointments

The Disabled American Veterans Department of Wisconsin (DAV) and the WDVA have programs that will provide rides to Veterans for VA medical appointments. The DAV operates several vans around the state that normally stop at predetermined locations and then transport to the various medical centers. Visit the DAV Van Program webpage for more information on van routes and schedules.

For Veterans who live in locations not served by the DAV, most counties provide some type of assistance. Some counties provide this service free of charge and others require a small fee or donation, which may be waived for low-income Veterans. Veterans should contact their CVSO for information.

Wisconsin Veterans Assistance Grants

The WDVA Wisconsin Veterans Assistance Grant program provides financial assistance to resident Veterans and eligible Family members who have exhausted all other sources of aid. The grants may be used for specified health care and subsistence needs. There is a lifetime cumulative grant award limit per applicant of $7,500.

Health care grants can be provided for:

• Dental care – may not exceed $800 in a consecutive 12-month period, aid for extended dental care – may not exceed $4,000 in a consecutive 24-month period
• Vision care – may not exceed $400 in a consecutive 12-month period
• Hearing care – may not exceed $200 in any consecutive 12-month period, assistance for each required hearing aid may not exceed $1,875 in a consecutive 24-month period.

Subsistence grants can be provided when there is a loss of income due to illness, injury, or natural disaster and no other sources of aid are available. Applications for Subsistence Aid must be submitted no later than 12 months following the verified loss of income. Grants are awarded for any 30-day period, up to a maximum of three months. Grants cannot exceed $3,000 during any consecutive 12-month period.

Grants can also be provided for eligible Family members for economic emergencies that include:

• Failure of the only means of transportation
• Failure of a stove, refrigerator, heating, electrical or plumbing systems, etc.
• Medical emergency
• Severe damage to home as a result of a natural disaster.

Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA), Military Funeral Honors Program (MFHP)

The WDVA MFHP serves to coordinate and provide a final tribute to Service members and Veterans who served Wisconsin and the nation as members of the U.S. Armed Forces. Deceased Veterans and Service members are entitled a Military Funeral Honors ceremony which includes folding and presentation of the U.S. burial flag and the sounding of taps, at no cost to the family.

The WDVA administers the program with assistance from Veterans Service Organizations, County Veteran Service Offices, funeral directors and Service members in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Who is eligible for Wisconsin MFHP? To be eligible for Military Funeral Honors Veterans must meet one of the following criteria:

• Died while serving in an active or reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces
• Discharged from active duty under conditions “other than dishonorable”
• Completed at least one term of enlistment or period of initial service obligation in a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces and received a discharge under conditions other than dishonorable.

Wisconsin Medals and Records Assistance for Veterans

The WDVA, Veterans Benefits Resource Center (VBRC) can help Veterans find copies of their DD214.

They can also help with issues regarding military awards and decorations, such as:

• Lost medals or awards
• Need replacing (broken, damaged, etc.)
• Were authorized but never received
• Were authorized for specific military service after the Veteran was discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces
• Request medals Veterans are eligible for but were never authorized or awarded.

Wisconsin Veterans Military Discharge Reviews

The WDVA can provide assistance when a Veteran requests a Review of Military Discharges that were given Under Less Then Honorable Conditions.

The types of discharges that may be reviewed are:

• General discharges
• Under Other Than Honorable Conditions
• Undesirable discharges
• Bad Conduct discharges
• Dishonorable discharges
• Given under Administrative Review
• Summary or General Court-Martial.

Wisconsin Women Veterans Program

The WDVA Women Veterans Program addresses the needs of women Veterans in Wisconsin and creates a community for women with mutual experiences. The Women Veterans Program is committed to providing outreach and education for women Veterans’ programs and issues as well as encouraging and supporting recognition of women Veterans’ contributions to Wisconsin and the nation.

Some of the initiatives sponsored by the Women Veterans Program are:

• Woman Veteran of the Year Award
• Annual Women Veterans retreat
• Women Veterans conference
• Women Veterans newsletter

Wisconsin Homeless Housing and Recovery Program (VHRP)

VHRP helps Veterans that are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless receive job training, education, counseling, and rehabilitative services they need to find steady employment, affordable housing and the skills to sustain a productive lifestyle.

VHRP is a residential program that offers secure and safe housing to Veterans while they receive training and services to become stably housed. Veterans may stay at a VHRP for up to 24 months, many Veterans complete the program in six to 10 months. Staff will work with residents regarding:

• Permanent housing
• Employment assistance
• Education job training
• Healthcare and mental health services
• Substance abuse recovery support

Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Outreach and Recovery Program (VORP)

VORP is designed to connect Veterans to community services and provide case management and support, with a special focus on treatment and recovery.

VORP staff work with community providers and professionals to help Veterans and provide referrals to:

• Mental health services
• Substance abuse treatment
• Financial assistance
• Housing and utilities
• Claims and benefits assistance
• Employment and education

Wisconsin Veterans Homes

Wisconsin has three Veterans Homes that provide long term skilled nursing care for Veterans and their eligible Family members.

• Wisconsin Veterans Home at King
  Phone: 715-258-5586, 888-458-5586
• Wisconsin Veterans Home at King Brochure
• Wisconsin Veterans Home at Union Grove
  Phone: 262-878-6700, 866-NOW-VETS (866-669-8387)
• Wisconsin Veterans Home at Chippewa Falls
  Phone: 715-720-6775

Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemeteries

The WDVA operates three state Veterans cemeteries that serve as a dignified final resting place for Service members, Veterans and their eligible Family members.

Veterans Benefits Resource Center (VBRC)

VBRC provides Veterans improved access to information about WDVA programs, benefits and services. Through the VBRC, the WDVA will provide improved customer service to Wisconsin’s Veterans.

VBRC has staff who are trained to provide the most frequently requested information about their programs, benefits and services. All calls during business hours will be routed to an available Support Staff member on their first call, rather than potentially being routed to a voice mail box.

If a Support Staff member cannot answer a technical question immediately, they can find a subject matter expert and get answers for the Veteran quickly.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Facilities in Wisconsin

The VA has numerous resources available for Veterans and Family members. Please see the local location listing for your nearest facility.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Cemeteries in Wisconsin

The VA National Cemetery Administration maintains seven national cemeteries in Wisconsin. Please see the local location listing for the nearest cemetery.