Veteran State Benefits

Supporting Our Veterans

The State of Wisconsin provides a number of educational programs for veterans. Keep in mind that state benefits can affect your federal veteran benefits and your financial aid offer (eligibility based on the FAFSA). If you need help figuring out your benefits, get in touch with us at Veteran Services.

National Guard Reimbursement Grant

The National Guard Tuition Grant is a program whereby an eligible guard member, upon satisfactory completion of course(s) at a qualifying school, can apply for tuition reimbursement (does NOT include reimbursement of segregated fees). Reimbursement is based on 100% of the tuition charged at the student's qualifying school or the maximum resident undergraduate tuition charged by the University of Wisconsin-Madison, whichever is less. Eligible students need to meet the required G.P.A. of 2.0 for the semester they are requesting reimbursement. The grant cannot pay for any room & board, books, fees or continuing education credits (CEUs). The grant program reimburses up to eight semesters.

Application Process

The application must be submitted to your school certifying official and received at DMA HQ no later than 90 days after the completion of courses. You may access a copy of the form online.

Payment Information

After grades are reported for the semester, the Veteran Certifying Official at UW-Green Bay will process the application and students will receive a reimbursement check to the address listed on the application. Eligible students need to meet the required G.P.A. of 2.0 for the semester in which you are requesting reimbursement.

VetEd Grant

The Veterans Education (VetEd) grant program provides a reimbursement grant for tuition and fees following successful course completion. Eligible Wisconsin veterans who have not yet been awarded a bachelor's degree can use VetEd to pursue an education up to a bachelor's degree at a UW, technical college or approved private institution of higher education. Reimbursement is currently up to 100% of the tuition and fees not covered by other grants, scholarships, or remissions. The maximum reimbursement is the equivalent of the UW–Madison rate for the same number of credits, up to the full-time rate. The reimbursement percentage may be adjusted periodically to reflect demand and available funding. Veterans must receive a 2.0 in the semester for which reimbursement is requested to be eligible for reimbursement.

Time Limitations

Veterans may use VetEd for full-time or part-time study up to their 10-year anniversary of leaving active duty (delimiting date). Once a veteran reaches the 10-year delimiting date, he or she may be enrolled as a full-time student, but will be reimbursed up to eleven credits for academic periods that begin after May 27, 2010. Also, after the delimiting date, the department will bank a maximum of 60 unused credits and track the credits as they are used.

Income Limitations

To be eligible for VetEd, the veteran's household income must be below $50,000 plus $1,000 for each dependent in excess of two dependents. The department may request a veteran's current income tax records to ensure that the applicant does not exceed the income cap. If your employment status has changed since you last filed your taxes, and if the change will impact on your eligibility for a grant, please contact the department.

Application Process

Veterans can apply online. The application must be received by the state department no later than 60 days after the start of the semester for which the reimbursement is being sought, or the grant will be denied.

Payment Information

Once final grades are turned in and the School Veterans Official has reviewed and submitted the application to WDVA, checks are normally issued within 5-10 business days—if the application is complete.

Additional Resources