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Wisconsin — Veteran Benefits

Complete reference covering 58 benefit categories across 14 service tiers. Verify current eligibility with your County VSO before filing.

At a Glance — What Unlocks by Status / Rating

Veteran benefits unlocked at each service status and disability rating in Wisconsin
Status / Rating Headline Benefits Unlocked
**Active Duty** Active duty pay (basic, special, incentive) fully subtracted from WI income tax; one-time free small game/fishing/turkey license (returning vets within 365 days of discharge); resident DNR rates for nonresident members; free park admission Memorial Day weekend; SSLI life insurance available
**Guard / Reserve** WI National Guard Tuition Grant (up to 100% UW-Madison in-state tuition, 8 terms); WI GI Bill if qualifying service period met; active duty pay subtraction; CDL military skills test and even-exchange waivers; initial professional license fee waiver
**Military Retiree** Military retired pay fully exempt from WI income tax (no age/income cap); SBP/RCSBP/RSFPP annuities also exempt; WI GI Bill / VetEd / private-school grant available if otherwise eligible; state employment veteran preference
**Veteran (honorable, no rating)** WI GI Bill tuition remission (UW/WTCS, 8 semesters/128 credits); VetEd Grant (income < $50K); Veteran Grant for Private Nonprofit Schools ($2,000/semester); Retraining Grant (up to $3,000/yr × 2 yrs); initial professional license fee waiver; civil service +10 preference points; veteran identifier on DL/ID; one-time free license (returning vets); burial at WI State Veterans Cemeteries
**0% SC** Same as veteran/no-rating; civil service preference applies
**10–20% SC** Same as 0%; subsistence and health care aid grant eligible (income ≤ 200% FPL, lifetime $7,500 combined)
**30–40% SC** WI GI Bill dependents eligible (spouse and children ages 17–25); non-competitive state hiring appointment; +20 civil service preference points
**50–60% SC** Disabled Veteran Recreation Card ($7/yr: fishing + small game hunting + state park day admission); spring turkey authorization ($10); employer hiring incentive ($5,000 FT / $2,500 PT) for hiring employer
**70–90% SC** Free state park/forest/trail admission (annual pass card from CVSO); reduced fishing license ($3/yr); all Tier 8 benefits
**100% schedular** 100% refundable property tax credit (all property taxes on primary dwelling, no dollar cap, no income cap); all recreation benefits; non-competitive hiring; all education benefits
**TDIU** Same as 100% schedular for property tax credit (VA letter must state "total and permanent"); all Tier 10 benefits; Recreation Card at $7/yr; free park pass at 70%+ TDIU; veterans home co-pay waived
**P&T** Same as 100%/TDIU for all programs; no state premium above 100%/TDIU
**SMC (Housebound / A&A)** Same as P&T; no additional state-level SMC supplement documented by WDVA
**Surviving spouse / dependents** 100% property tax credit (unremarried surviving spouse of qualifying veteran — DIC recipient or veteran died as WI resident with 100% SC); WI GI Bill for dependent children (17–25) and spouse (veteran ≥ 30% SC or died in LOD); interment at WI Veterans Cemeteries (cremation $978 / casket $1,700); emergency family assistance grant

Taxes

1. Property Tax — Primary Residence

Wisconsin resident veteran with: - (a) 100% service-connected disability rating **OR** Individual Unemployability (TDIU) — VA letter must state "total and permanent"; AND - (b) Entered active duty as a WI resident, OR resided in WI for any consecutive 5-year period after active duty began; AND - (c) Currently a WI resident for veterans benefits purposes.

Authority: Wis. Stat. § 71.07(6e); dva.wi.gov/services/housing-and-financial-services/property-tax-credit/; revenue.wi.gov/Pages/FAQS/ise-vetprop.aspx

2. Property Tax — Vehicle / Personal Property

Wisconsin does not offer a veteran-specific property tax or excise tax exemption on motor vehicles. The DV plate (Cat. 11) carries parking privileges, not a vehicle tax break. No veteran ad valorem vehicle tax exemption exists in WI statutes.

3. Vehicle Sales / Use Tax

Wisconsin charges a flat 5% state sales tax on vehicle purchases (plus local county tax up to 0.5%). No veteran-specific sales or use tax exemption exists for vehicle purchases. Exemptions under Wis. Stat. § 77.54 cover family transfers, tribal purchases, and nonprofits — not veterans. ⚠️ Verify locally — no recent legislative change found through primary sources.

4. State Income Tax — Active Duty Military Pay

Any U.S. Armed Forces member (all regular and reserve components including Coast Guard, commissioned corps of NOAA, and commissioned corps of the U.S. Public Health Service) on active duty for any portion of the tax year.

Authority: Wis. Stat. § 71.05(6)(b)54; revenue.wi.gov/Pages/FAQS/pcs-military.aspx; revenue.wi.gov/DOR%20Publications/pb128.pdf

5. State Income Tax — Military Retirement Pay

Any Wisconsin resident receiving U.S. military retirement pay, regardless of retirement date, branch, years of service, or disability status.

Authority: Wis. Stat. § 71.05(6)(b)8; revenue.wi.gov/DOR%20Publications/pb128.pdf

6. State Income Tax — SBP Annuity

Any Wisconsin resident receiving Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), Reserve Component SBP (RCSBP), or Retired Serviceman's Family Protection Plan (RSFPP) annuity payments.

Authority: Wis. Stat. § 71.05(6)(b)8; revenue.wi.gov/Pages/FAQS/pcs-military.aspx

7. State Income Tax — General

**VA disability compensation:** Tax-free at both federal and Wisconsin state level for all rated veterans, all tiers. No WI-specific action required.

Authority: Wis. Stat. §§ 71.01–71.07; revenue.wi.gov/DOR%20Publications/pb128.pdf

8. Sales Tax Exemption

Wisconsin does not issue a general sales tax exemption card to veterans for retail purchases. No such program exists in WI statutes.

9. Other State Tax Breaks

**Employer Veterans Employment Grant (tax-adjacent incentive):** Employers who hire a veteran with ≥ 50% SC disability receive $5,000 (full-time, paid over 12 months) or $2,500 (part-time). This is a grant to the employer — not a tax credit to the veteran — but it increases veteran employability. See Cat. 35.

Vehicle, Travel & ID

10. Vehicle Registration Fee

**Unavailable as a blanket fee waiver** — Wisconsin does not waive standard vehicle registration fees for veterans generally. The initial professional license fee waiver (Cat. 36) covers the first-issuance driver's license fee only — not vehicle registration renewal fees. Standard WI registration fees apply to all vehicles.
Verify locally: ⚠️ Verify with WisDOT (wisconsindot.

11. Disabled Veteran License Plates

Wisconsin resident veteran with a service-connected disability that impairs walking ability, specifically: unable to walk 200 feet or more without stopping to rest; unable to walk without assistance (brace, cane, crutch, prosthetic, or another person); or other enumerated mobility limitations. Eligibility is based on functional mobility impairment certified by a VA health care specialist — not a percentage disability rating.

Authority: Wis. Stat. § 343.16; wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/vehicles/dsbld-prkg/dvetplat.aspx

12. Other Veteran / Military Specialty Plates

**Military License Plates:** Available to honorably discharged veterans. Standard plate; may be personalized for $15/year. Apply with DD-214 at any DMV customer service center, Form MV2653.

Authority: wisconsindot.gov; dva.wi.gov/benefits/driver-license/

13. Toll Road / Bridge Exemption

**Partial — narrow functional exemption only:** Wisconsin provides a toll exemption for veterans with a disability specifically preventing them from placing coins in a toll basket (e.g., severe upper extremity limitations or loss of use of both hands). WDVA issues a window sticker authorizing free toll passage at eligible tollgates. This is not a blanket disabled-veteran toll waiver.
Verify locally: ⚠️ Verify with WDVA (800-947-8387) for current sticker program status and whether the program remains active, as official online documentation is limited.

14. Public Transit Discount

No statewide veteran free or reduced-fare transit program is documented by WDVA or any WI transit authority. Some local transit systems may offer senior/disability rates that veterans with qualifying disabilities could access under separate disability programs. ⚠️ Check the local transit authority for county-level discounts.

15. Disabled Parking Privileges

**See Cat. 11 (DV Plates).** Veterans with qualifying mobility disabilities may also apply for a standard Wisconsin Disabled Parking Identification Permit (separate from DV plates). Same functional eligibility criteria. Issued by WisDOT DMV. DV plates and disabled parking permits may be used interchangeably for the same parking privileges.

16. Driver License / State ID Fee

Wisconsin resident veteran with honorable discharge; or current National Guard/Reserves member with 12+ months honorable service.

Authority: Wis. Act 209 (2012); Wis. Stat. § 321.60; dva.wi.gov/benefits/employment/licensure-fee-waiver/; wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/dlr-agents/busns-lcnse/fee-waiver.aspx

17. CDL Fee / Skills-Test Waiver

**Two pathways:**

Authority: wisconsindot.gov; dva.wi.gov/benefits/employment/licensure-fee-waiver/

18. Veteran Designation on DL / ID

Any Wisconsin resident who served honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Verify locally: **Application:** Verify veteran status with WDVA; obtain CVSO certification; apply at any WisDOT DMV office with DD-214 and WDVA/CVSO certification.

Authority: dva.wi.gov/benefits/driver-license/veteran-driver-license-id/

Outdoor Recreation

19. Hunting License

**Returning Veterans (post-9/11 qualifying service):** One-time free small game hunting license (or archery/gun deer/annual fishing), redeemable within 365 days of discharge. Obtain voucher code from WDVA; redeem at DNR Service Centers or by calling 1-888-936-7463.

Authority: Wis. Stat. § 29.193; dnr.wisconsin.gov/permits/veterans.html; dva.wi.gov/benefits/outdoor-rec-and-sports/hunting-fishing-license/

20. Fishing License — Freshwater

**Returning Veterans:** One-time free annual fishing license, redeemable within 365 days of discharge (WDVA voucher code).

Authority: Wis. Stat. § 29.193; dnr.wisconsin.gov/permits/veterans.html; gowildagent.wi.gov/Documents/Disability%20Poster.pdf (PUB-CS-014-2026)

21. Fishing License — Saltwater

Wisconsin is a landlocked state with no saltwater fisheries. All fishing benefits apply to Wisconsin's freshwater lakes, rivers, and streams.

22. Combination Hunt/Fish License

**Recreation Card ($7/year, 50%+ SC or TDIU):** Covers both small game hunting and annual fishing in a single card — functionally a combination license at reduced cost; also includes state park day admission.

Authority: dnr.wisconsin.gov/permits/veterans.html; Wis. Stat. § 29.236

23. Trapping License

**Purple Heart recipients:** Trapping at resident rates (nonresidents pay resident rate).
Verify locally: ⚠️ Verify with WI DNR (608-266-2181) whether the 50%/70%+ Recreation Card covers a trapping license.

Authority: dnr.wisconsin.gov/permits/veterans.html

24. State Parks — Day Use / Entrance

**Active Duty (Memorial Day Weekend):** Free vehicle admission to all Wisconsin State Parks, Forests, and Recreation Areas on Memorial Day Weekend (Saturday–Monday). Show WI residency and active-duty service documentation.

Authority: dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/admission/waivers; dva.wi.gov/benefits/outdoor-rec-and-sports/park-pass/

25. State Parks — Camping

**Unavailable as a separate veteran-specific discount** — The disabled veteran park pass covers day vehicle admission only. Overnight camping fees are not waived under any documented WDVA or DNR veteran-specific program. Veterans pay standard camping rates. ⚠️ Verify with WI DNR (608-266-2181) whether any senior/disability camping discount that a veteran might separately qualify for applies.
Verify locally: ⚠️ Verify with WI DNR (608-266-2181) whether any senior/disability camping discount that a veteran might separately qualify for applies.

26. State Parks — Annual / Lifetime Pass

**Recreation Card (50%+ SC or TDIU):** $7/year — functions as an annual day-admission pass for state parks, forests, and trails.
Verify locally: ⚠️ Verify renewal requirements and card duration (annual vs.

Authority: apps.dnr.wi.gov/doclink/forms/2500-123.pdf; dva.wi.gov/benefits/outdoor-rec-and-sports/park-pass/

27. Boat / Watercraft Registration

**Unavailable as a veteran-specific waiver** — No documented veteran-specific boat registration fee waiver exists in Wisconsin statutes or WDVA programs. The professional license fee waiver (Cat. 36) does not cover boat/watercraft registration. ⚠️ Verify with WI DNR (dnr.wi.gov) whether any veteran discount program applies to watercraft registration.
Verify locally: ⚠️ Verify with WI DNR (dnr.

Education

28. In-State Tuition

**Veterans Choice Act (Section 702):** All Wisconsin public colleges and universities participating in VA GI Bill programs must charge eligible veterans and their dependents in-state tuition rates regardless of residency, as long as they use the Post-9/11 GI Bill and maintain continuous enrollment. A break of more than two semesters may trigger reassessment.

Authority: 38 USC § 3679; va.gov/resources/in-state-tuition-rates-under-the-veterans-choice-act/

29. Tuition Waiver — Disabled Veteran

Honorable service; entered active duty as WI resident OR resided in WI for at least 3 consecutive years before enrollment; qualifying service period (90 days during a war period, 2 consecutive years peacetime, discharged for SC disability/hardship/RIF, or qualifying medals/crisis zone); currently a WI resident.

Authority: Wis. Stat. § 45.20; dva.wi.gov/benefits/education/wi-gi-bill/

30. Dependent Education Benefit

**Wisconsin GI Bill — Dependent Children:** - Veteran must meet WI GI Bill service and residency requirements AND have ≥ 30% SC disability rating (or died on active duty/from SC disability as WI resident). - Children must be age 17–25 at enrollment and a WI resident. - Benefit: Full tuition and segregated fee remission at UW System or WTCS, up to 8 semesters/128 credits. No income cap.

Authority: Wis. Stat. § 45.20; dva.wi.gov/benefits/education/wi-gi-bill/; heab.state.wi.us/features/vets.html

31. Spouse Education Benefit

**Wisconsin GI Bill — Spouse:** Unremarried spouse of a veteran with ≥ 30% SC disability (or LOD death) qualifies for full WI GI Bill tuition remission (8 semesters/128 credits, UW/WTCS). Must be WI resident.

Authority: Wis. Stat. § 45.20; dpi.wi.gov/licensing/apply-educator-license/other/military-spouse

32. National Guard / Reserve Tuition Assistance

**Wisconsin National Guard Tuition Grant:** - Eligibility: Enlisted WI National Guard members and warrant officers in good standing (passing fitness tests, attending scheduled drills). Must remain in good standing throughout the term. - Benefit: Covers up to 100% of actual tuition charged (capped at the UW-Madison in-state resident rate for a comparable program), after applicable financial aid (excluding loans) is applied. Does not cover segregated fees. Maximum 8 full-time academic terms (approximately 4 years). Applies to first bachelor's degree. - Coverage: UW campuses, WTCS schools, and schools in neighboring states under Wisconsin tuition reciprocity agreements. - Stackable with: WI GI Bill, Military Tuition Assistance (TA), MGIB-SR (Ch. 1606). - Application: Online only at widma.powerappsportals.us — paper applications no longer accepted (effective November 2025). Must apply separately each academic term. - Contact: wingtuitiongrant@widma.gov | 608-242-3159 - **Authority:** Wis. Stat. § 321.40; dma.wi.gov/wisconsin-national-guard-tuition-grant/

Authority: Wis. Stat. § 321.40; dma.wi.gov/wisconsin-national-guard-tuition-grant/

33. K-12 Support

**Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children:** Wisconsin participates. Ensures consistency in school enrollment, placement, attendance, and graduation requirements for military children transferring between states due to PCS moves.

Authority: dpi.wi.gov/military-children/military-children-resources

34. State Student Loan / Scholarship

**VetEd Reimbursement Grant:** - Eligibility: Wisconsin resident veteran; honorable discharge; not yet earned a bachelor's degree; household income < $50,000 + $1,000 per dependent beyond two; GPA ≥ 2.0 per semester; apply within 60 days of course start date. - Benefit: Reimburses tuition and fees (after other grants/scholarships, including federal VA Ch. 33) based on credit bank set by active duty length: - 90–180 days: up to 30 credits (approximately 2 semesters) - 181–730 days: up to 60 credits (approximately 4 semesters) - 731+ days: up to 120 credits (approximately 8 semesters) - Schools: UW institutions, WTCS, approved private schools. - Must apply for WI GI Bill first if eligible. - **Authority:** Wis. Stat. § 45.20(3)(b); dva.wi.gov/benefits/education/vet-ed-reimbursement-grant/

Authority: Wis. Stat. § 45.20(3)(b); dva.wi.gov/benefits/education/vet-ed-reimbursement-grant/

Employment & Licensing

35. Veterans Hiring Preference

**Civil Service Exam Points:** | Veteran status | Points added to passing score | |---|---| | Honorably discharged, no SC disability | +10 points | | SC disability < 30% | +15 points | | SC disability ≥ 30% | +20 points | | Some eligible spouses of disabled/deceased veterans | Points vary |

Authority: Wis. Stat. §§ 230.16, 230.042; dpm.wi.gov/Pages/Job_Seekers/VeteranHiring.aspx

36. Professional License Fee Waiver

Wisconsin resident; honorably discharged from U.S. military; OR current Guard/Reserve member with 12+ months honorable service; OR former Guard/Reserve with honorable discharge.

Authority: Wis. Act 209 (2012); Wis. Stat. § 321.60; dva.wi.gov/benefits/employment/licensure-fee-waiver/

37. Professional License Reciprocity — Military Spouse

Spouse of active-duty service member stationed in Wisconsin; must hold a valid professional license from another jurisdiction.

Authority: Wis. Stat. § 440.09; dpi.wi.gov/licensing/apply-educator-license/other/military-spouse; dsps.wi.gov/Pages/Professions/MilitaryLicensureBenefits.aspx

38. Business License Fee Break

**Veteran-Owned Business Certification:** WDVA certifies veteran-owned businesses (≥ 51% veteran ownership) with a WDVA Certified Veteran-Owned Business designation. Improves market visibility and may improve access to procurement opportunities. Veteran owner's gross annual sales must be under $1,500,000 for some program-specific eligibility. Apply at apps.dva.wisconsin.gov/veteranownedbusiness.
Verify locally: ⚠️ Verify with WDVA and WI DOR whether any state contracting set-aside or direct business fee waiver exists.

Authority: dva.wi.gov/benefits/employment/veteran-owned-business/

39. Civil Service / Retirement Credit

**Civil service preference:** See Cat. 35. Wisconsin credits military service in civil service preference points and non-competitive appointment access.
Verify locally: ⚠️ Verify with Wisconsin ETF (etf.

Housing & Financial

40. State Home Loan / Down-Payment Assistance

**WDVA Veterans Primary Mortgage Loan Program:** - Eligibility: Wisconsin resident veteran; honorable discharge; minimum 90 days active duty (or full period of initial obligation). Certain Guard/Reserve members eligible (eligibility expanded under recent legislation from DMA). - Benefit: Below-market, fixed-rate mortgage loans; up to 90% of home value. No longer limited to primary residence — may be used for a primary or secondary residence. - Application: Through County Veterans Service Officers or WDVA directly.

Authority: Wis. Stat. § 45.35; dva.wi.gov/Pages/benefitsClaims/Financial-Loans.aspx; dma.wi.gov/veterans-home-loan-eligibility-expanded-to-certain-guard-and-reserve-personnel/

41. Financial Assistance / Emergency Relief

**Assistance to Needy Veterans Grant — Health Care Aid (ANVG-HC):** - Eligibility: Wisconsin resident veteran; household income ≤ 200% federal poverty guidelines; household liquid assets ≤ $1,000; must exhaust all other aid sources first. - Benefit (annual limits): - Dental: up to $800 per 12-month period; extended dental up to $4,000 per 24-month period - Vision: up to $400 per 12-month period - Hearing: up to $200 per 12-month period; each hearing aid up to $1,875 per 24-month period - Combined lifetime cap: $7,500 (combined with Subsistence Aid below).

Authority: Wis. Stat. § 45.40(1); dva.wi.gov/services/mental-health-and-emergency-services/subsistence-aid-health-care-aid-grants/

42. State Veteran Bonus

Wisconsin does not have a traditional wartime service bonus or gratuity program. No dedicated combat service cash bonus has been enacted in current WI statutes. The state offers education and retraining grants (Cats. 34–35) and a Guard death benefit (Cat. 9), but no direct cash bonus for service. ⚠️ Verify with WDVA whether any limited bonus program was enacted for post-9/11 service.

43. Specially Adapted Housing — State Supplement

**Federal only** — Wisconsin does not have a documented state-level adapted housing supplement beyond the federal VA SAH grant (up to $126,526 FY2026) and SHA grant (up to $25,350 FY2026). The WDVA Home Improvement Loan (Cat. 40) can be used for accessibility adaptations or modifications and may be layered with federal grants.

44. Utility / Heating Assistance

**Unavailable as a veteran-specific program** — Wisconsin's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is available to income-eligible households generally; veterans who meet income criteria may apply like any other resident. No documented veteran-specific utility or heating assistance program through WDVA. ⚠️ Verify with WDVA and Wisconsin Community Action Program agencies for any veteran priority in LIHEAP or weatherization programs.
Verify locally: ⚠️ Verify with WDVA and Wisconsin Community Action Program agencies for any veteran priority in LIHEAP or weatherization programs.

Health & Support

45. State Veterans Home / Nursing Home

Honorably discharged; minimum 90 days active duty with at least one day during a wartime period (or 2+ years peacetime active duty). Spouses of eligible veterans, surviving spouses, and Gold Star Parents (parents of service members killed on active duty) also eligible.

Authority: Wis. Stat. ch. 45; dva.wi.gov/services/wisconsin-veterans-homes/

46. Behavioral / Mental Health Programs

**Veterans Outreach and Recovery Program (VORP):** WDVA-funded program connecting Wisconsin veterans to community services with case management, treatment support, and recovery services. Focus on substance use and mental health.

Authority: dva.wi.gov; wicourts.gov/services/veteran/index.htm

47. Dental / Vision / Health Programs

**Covered under Health Care Aid Grant (Cat. 41):** - Dental: up to $800/year; extended dental up to $4,000/24 months. - Vision: up to $400/year (exam + prescription lenses/frames). - Hearing: up to $200/year; each hearing aid up to $1,875/24 months. - All subject to income ≤ 200% FPL, liquid assets ≤ $1,000, and combined $7,500 lifetime cap.

48. Long-Term Care / Aid & Attendance Supplement

**State Veterans Homes (Cat. 45)** are the primary state LTC mechanism — skilled nursing care only.

49. Free Legal Aid / Veteran Treatment Courts

**Veterans Treatment Courts:** See Cat. 46. Non-violent felony/misdemeanor diversion with treatment focus.

Authority: wicourts.gov/services/veteran/index.htm; wisbar.org

50. Concealed Carry / Firearms Fee Waiver

**CCW License Training Requirement:** - Documentation of completion of small arms training while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces (honorable or general under honorable conditions discharge) satisfies the training requirement for a Wisconsin CCW license. No additional civilian firearm training course required.
Verify locally: ⚠️ Verify with WDVA (800-947-8387) and WI DOJ Firearms Section (608-261-7998) whether CCW is among the covered agencies.

Authority: Wis. Stat. § 175.60; wisdoj.gov/Pages/PublicSafety/concealed-carry-weapon-license.aspx

51. Vital Records / Notary Fee Waiver

No documented veteran-specific fee waiver for birth certificates, death certificates, or other vital records requests exists in Wisconsin statutes. Standard DHS vital records fees apply. ⚠️ Verify with WI DHS (dhs.wisconsin.gov/vitalrecords/) whether any veteran/military exemption applies.

Legal & Administrative

52. Unique State Programs

**Wisconsin Hire Heroes (Subsidized Employment):** WDVA-referenced program providing up to 1,040 subsidized employment hours for veteran job placement — connects veterans with employers through subsidized on-the-job training.
Verify locally: **Purple Heart Designation:** Municipalities and counties in Wisconsin may offer additional local benefits to Purple Heart recipients — check with your CVSO for county-specific programs.

Survivor Benefits

53. Surviving Spouse — Property Tax

**See Cat. 1.** Unremarried surviving spouse of a qualifying veteran is eligible for the full 100% refundable property tax credit (all property taxes on principal dwelling, no dollar cap, no income cap) if any of these apply: - Veteran died on active duty as a WI resident; OR - Veteran was a WI resident at death with 100% SC disability; OR - Surviving spouse began and continues to receive DIC (and veteran served honorably, was a WI resident at service entry or for 5 consecutive years afterward, and died as a WI resident).

Authority: Wis. Stat. § 71.07(6e); revenue.wi.gov/Pages/FAQS/ise-vetqual.aspx

54. Surviving Spouse — Education

**Wisconsin GI Bill — Surviving Spouse:** Unremarried surviving spouse of a veteran who died on active duty OR from a SC disability while a WI resident qualifies for WI GI Bill tuition remission (8 semesters/128 credits, UW/WTCS). Must be WI resident.

Authority: Wis. Stat. § 45.20; dva.wi.gov/benefits/education/wi-gi-bill/

55. Dependent / Survivor State Benefit

**DIC (federal):** Dependency and Indemnity Compensation is federally administered; Wisconsin does not tax DIC payments.

Memorial & Burial

56. State Veterans Cemetery

Discharged under conditions other than dishonorable; must meet NCA eligibility standards (honorable active duty discharge, OR died during active service, OR 20+ years Guard/Reserve qualifying for military retirement).

Authority: Wis. Stat. § 45.60; dva.wi.gov/services/state-veterans-cemeteries/

57. Burial Allowance / Plot

**Veteran interment:** No interment fee for the eligible veteran. Includes gravesite, granite/marble marker with veteran details, opening/closing services, and perpetual care.

Authority: Wis. Stat. § 45.60; dva.wi.gov/Pages/memorialsBurials/BurialFees.aspx

58. Headstone / Memorial / Honors

**Markers:** Included in state cemetery burial at no additional charge for veterans (granite/marble marker with veteran details). Spouses'/dependents' marker included in their interment fee.

Authority: 38 USC § 2306; dva.wi.gov/services/state-veterans-cemeteries/