Health-care
benefits – medical treatment and hospital care for veterans with service-connected disabilities and
others who meet VA eligibility criteria. Education benefits – benefits for former active-duty service members and eligible
members of the reserve components. Burial benefits – burial in state or federal veterans cemeteries. Headstones and
markers may be provided for burials in private cemeteries. Burial allowances may help pay for burial services and a burial
plot.
Disabled Persons Reduced Rate Fishing
Licenses
The State
of Wisconsin provides disabled residents with reduced rate fishing licenses, without regard for veteran status. To qualify
the residents must be receiving Social Security Disability, Supplemental Security Income, or Railroad Retirement Disability
benefits.There is also a special permit for the disabled to fish or troll with an electric
motor.
Disabled Veterans Reduced-Fee Fishing License
Wisconsin disabled veterans with a combined service-connected disability rating by the U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs (VA) of 70% or greater are eligible for a disabled veteran reduced-fee fishing license. The fishing license
must be renewed annually, and does not exempt the holder from the need to purchase required fishing stamps. When purchasing
the license at a DNR or County Clerk’s office, the applicant must provide a copy of a letter from the VA that indicates
receipt of VA disability benefits and specifies the percentage of disability.
Special Hunting Permits for Disabled Residents
Individuals who are disabled may qualify for free hunting permits that allow them special privileges, including hunting
from a stationary vehicle and hunting with a crossbow. In addition to the permit, the individual must purchase
the appropriate hunting license. Categories of permanent or temporary disabilities that may qualify for these hunting
permits include:
Loss of mobility without the aid of a wheelchair, walker,
single leg brace or prosthesis above the knee, two leg braces or prosthesis below the knees, two crutches, or two canes, certain
lung diseases, certain cardiovascular disorders. Restricted mobility or ambulation that precludes hunting using traditional
methods, including certain upper or lower extremity disabilities or other valid medical reasons.
Military Free Fishing and Small Game Hunting
License
Wisconsin Resident members of the Armed Forces with proof that they are on leave/furlough
are eligible for free fishing and small game hunting licenses. Members of the Armed Forces stationed in Wisconsin should contact
the nearest DNR Service Center for information on eligibility.
Wisconsin Veterans and Surviving
Spouses Property Tax Credit
The Wisconsin Veterans
and Surviving Spouses Property Tax Credit program provides a refundable property tax credit for the primary residence (in-state)
via the state income tax form for:
Eligible veterans age 65 or older who entered service from
Wisconsin and have a combined VA service-connected disability rating of 100%.
The unremarried surviving spouse of an eligible veteran.
The unremarried surviving spouse of a veteran who entered
active duty as a Wisconsin resident, died in the line of duty, and was a Wisconsin resident at the time of death.
Beginning
with qualifying property taxes paid in 2009 and claimed in 2010, the Wisconsin Veterans and Surviving Spouses Property Tax
Credit will be expanded by reducing the residency requirement, eliminating the age requirement, and including additional totally
disabled veterans and their unremarried surviving spouses.
