Honoring Those Who Served: Financial Benefits for Veterans in Wisconsin

This Veterans Day, we pause to honor the brave men and women who have served our nation. But honoring our veterans means more than one day of gratitude—it means ensuring they have access to the financial resources and support they've earned through their service.

If you or a family member works for Wisconsin Public Service or WEC Energy Group, you may not realize that your household could qualify for membership at Public Service Credit Union. And for veterans and their families, understanding the full range of financial benefits available in Wisconsin can make a real difference in building long-term financial security.

Wisconsin's Property Tax Relief for Veterans

Wisconsin stands out as one of the most veteran-friendly states when it comes to property tax benefits. The Wisconsin Veterans and Surviving Spouses Property Tax Credit equals the full amount of property taxes paid on an eligible veteran's or surviving spouse's primary residence. This isn't a partial discount—it's a complete credit that can save qualifying veterans thousands of dollars annually.

Who Qualifies?

Veterans must have a service-connected disability rating of 100 percent or a 100 percent disability rating based on individual unemployability. Additionally, veterans must have either been a Wisconsin resident when they entered service or resided in Wisconsin for five consecutive years after entering active duty.

The benefit extends to surviving spouses as well. An eligible unremarried surviving spouse whose spouse served on active duty in the U.S. armed forces and who was a Wisconsin resident at the time of death may qualify if they receive dependency and indemnity payments.

In tax year 2022, Wisconsin veterans claimed significant savings through this program. The three counties with the highest average claims were Milwaukee, Dane, and Kenosha, demonstrating how valuable this benefit can be for qualifying households.

How to Apply

Before claiming the credit, veterans must obtain verification of their eligibility from the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs and attach a copy of this verification to their Wisconsin income tax return for the first year the credit is claimed. While you'll need to resubmit verification if your eligibility changes, you won't need to include it with returns in subsequent years.

VA Home Loan Benefits in Wisconsin

For veterans looking to purchase or refinance a home, VA loans offer some of the most favorable mortgage terms available. VA helps veterans, servicemembers, and eligible surviving spouses become homeowners by providing a home loan guaranty benefit that enables lenders to provide more favorable terms.

The advantages are substantial:

No Down Payment Required: VA loans allow 0% down payment for qualified borrowers, which is especially valuable in Wisconsin's housing market where down payments can be a major barrier to homeownership.

No Private Mortgage Insurance: Unlike conventional loans that typically require PMI when you put down less than 20%, VA loans skip this expense entirely, saving veterans hundreds of dollars monthly.

Competitive Interest Rates: VA loans typically offer lower mortgage interest rates than conventional loans, and the benefits are lifelong and can be used multiple times.

Favorable Credit Guidelines: VA loans allow more flexibility with credit scores and debt-to-income ratios, making homeownership accessible to more veterans.

As of 2025, VA loan limits for all Wisconsin counties are $806,500, though veterans with full VA loan entitlement are not restricted by loan limits and can borrow as much as a lender approves without needing a down payment.

Please note: Public Service Credit Union does not currently service VA mortgage loans. However, we're happy to discuss your home financing options. Our priority is ensuring you get the financing solution that works best for you.

Wisconsin GI Bill: Nation-Leading Education Benefits

Beyond federal GI Bill benefits, Wisconsin offers its own exceptional education program. The Wisconsin GI Bill provides full tuition and segregated fee remission for eligible veterans and their dependents for up to eight semesters or 128 credits at any University of Wisconsin System or Wisconsin Technical College System school.

This is a state-funded program separate from the federal GI Bill, and the benefits are remarkable. Each eligible dependent can get their own Wisconsin GI Bill—the benefit is not shared among family members.

Eligibility Requirements

Veterans must be current Wisconsin residents who were either Wisconsin residents at time of entry into active-duty service or resided in Wisconsin for at least five consecutive years. For service requirements, veterans must have served 90+ days during wartime or two continuous years during peacetime.

For dependents to use the benefit, the veteran must have served honorably during a qualifying period and have a service-connected disability rating of at least 30 percent. Children must be at least 17 but not yet 26 years of age, while spouses and unmarried widows do not have an age restriction.

The Wisconsin GI Bill can be used simultaneously with certain federal education benefits, providing even greater support for veterans and their families pursuing higher education.

“Honoring our veterans means more than one day of gratitude”

How Credit Unions Support Military Families

Credit unions have a long history of serving veterans and military families with specialized financial products and personalized service. Unlike traditional banks that prioritize shareholder profits, credit unions are member-owned, not-for-profit institutions that reinvest earnings back into better rates, lower fees, and enhanced member services.

Many credit unions offer:

  • Free financial counseling to help veterans navigate budgeting, debt management, and financial planning

  • Competitive loan rates on auto loans, personal loans, and mortgages

  • Specialized products designed with military families' unique needs in mind

  • Community support and understanding of challenges faced by veterans transitioning to civilian life

At Public Service Credit Union, we're proud to offer free consultations with a Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor who can help with budgeting, debt management, credit score improvement, and overall financial planning—services that are particularly valuable for veterans managing their benefits and planning for their financial future.

Join Public Service Credit Union

If you or an immediate family member works for WEC Energy Group or its subsidiaries like Wisconsin Public Service, you're eligible to join Public Service Credit Union. Membership extends to spouses, parents, children, stepparents, stepchildren, grandparents, and grandchildren of eligible employees, as well as other relatives residing in the same household as a member.

For just $25 to open an account, veterans and military families in eligible households gain access to:

  • Competitive loan rates on auto loans, personal loans, and mortgages

  • Our new Surge Checking Account with an industry-leading 10% APY on the first $1,000

  • Free financial counseling services

  • Personalized service from a team that knows your name and understands your needs

This Veterans Day, we encourage you to explore all the benefits available to you. Whether you're a veteran yourself or a family member of someone who has served, understanding these programs can make a meaningful difference in your financial well-being.

Ready to Get Started?

For questions about credit union membership:

For information on Wisconsin veterans benefits:

We're here to support you in building a strong financial foundation. Thank you for your service, and happy Veterans Day.

Important Disclaimers

Tax Information: This blog post provides general information about veterans' financial benefits in Wisconsin for educational purposes only. It is not intended as tax, legal, or financial advice. Tax laws and benefit programs are complex and subject to change. Eligibility requirements, application procedures, and benefit amounts may vary based on individual circumstances. We strongly recommend consulting with a qualified tax professional, attorney, or the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs before making any decisions based on this information or applying for benefits. Public Service Credit Union does not provide tax or legal advice.

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Personal FinanceKyle Turner