State Benefits
Primary Home Loan Program
The Wisconsin Division of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) offers qualified veterans a low interest fixed rate home loan with up to 30 years. It has important features for veterans including: no discount points, no interest rate increase, no limit on retained assets or amount of down payment. The veteran may purchase existing housing to include condominiums or build a home.
Home Improvement Loan Program
A low interest state loan from WDVA is available to provide eligible Wisconsin veterans with money to pay for repairs, alterations, and improvements which will protect or improve the basic livability or energy efficiency of the veteran's home. Improvements that qualify include: roofing, siding, additions, garage construction, septic systems, etc.
Personal Loan Program
A veteran or qualified surviving dependent may apply for a low interest loan to consolidate debts, pay for education expenses, pay legal or medical expenses, etc. The maximum loan amount is $25,000 and the veteran can take up to 10 years to repay the loan.
The Wisconsin G.I. Bill
Effective with the Fall 2005 semester, the Wisconsin G.I. Bill provides a waiver (“remission”) of tuition and fees for eligible veterans and their dependents for up to 8 full-time semesters or 128 credits at any University of Wisconsin System or Wisconsin Technical College System institution. For additional information, eligibility criteria, instructions on how to apply for the Wisconsin G.I. Bill, and statutory citations for the program, see the WDVA B0105 information and application booklet.
Veterans Education (VetEd) Reimbursement Grant
The Veterans Education (VetEd) grant program provides a reimbursement grant based on a credit-bank system that is based on length of active duty military service to eligible veterans who have not yet been awarded a bachelor’s degree for the reimbursement of tuition and fees following successful course completion at an eligible UW, technical college, or approved private institution of higher learning.
Retraining Grant
Unemployed veterans who have lost their job involuntarily, or when leaving the service may qualify for this grant. The grant, which is based on financial need, can be used for school costs or living expenses. The applicant must be registered for or enrolled in an education program that will lead to re-employment and which will be completed within 2 years. There is an income limit.
Assistance to Needy Veterans and Family Members
The Assistance to Needy Veterans and Family Members grant program provides limited financial assistance to those in need and who have exhausted all other sources of aid. The grants may be used for specified health care and subsistence needs or economic emergency assistance for spouses and dependents of activated or deployed service members, up to maximum grant limits. Maximum Award - There is a lifetime cumulative grant award limit per veteran of $5000.
Veterans Assistance Program
The goal of the Veterans Assistance Program is to help veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless obtain steady employment and affordable housing to reintegrate into the community. All veterans who served in the US Armed Forces are eligible to apply. The VAP offers stable, secure and safe shelter to male and female homeless veterans while they get training and other services necessary to become self-supporting.
Wisconsin Veterans Homes
The new Wisconsin Veterans Home in Union Grove is a high quality retirement facility with assisted-living services for Wisconsin veterans and their spouses. Provides a healthy, comfortable and rewarding retirement environment for Wisconsin veterans and spouses who do not require skilled nursing home care but still need some assisted-living services.
The Wisconsin Veterans Home at King, near Waupaca, is a nursing home/retirement community where aging or disabled Wisconsin veterans and their spouses can spend their retirement years in comfort, security, and dignity. Founded in 1887, the home is operated by WDVA. With 750 beds and almost 800 employees, it is the largest and one of the most modern skilled nursing care facilities in Wisconsin.
For other state benefits, please contact your local County Veterans Service Officer or Wisconsin Department of Veteran Affairs website.