Are Surviving Spouses Eligible for Wisconsin Veteran Benefits?

A soldier kneels, handing a folded American flag to a seated woman in a solemn ceremony. Text: Are Surviving Spouses Eligible for WI Benefits?

If you’re a surviving spouse of a veteran in Wisconsin, you’re not alone—and you’re not forgotten. From property tax relief to tuition support and federal VA benefits, Wisconsin offers powerful programs to honor the sacrifice both you and your loved one made in service to our country.

Let’s break down what’s available right here in Dane County, Madison, and Sun Prairie, and how to access these valuable veteran spouse benefits.

🏠 Wisconsin Veterans Benefits & Surviving Spouses Property Tax Credit

One of the most overlooked benefits for surviving spouses is the Wisconsin Veterans and Surviving Spouses Property Tax Credit. If you’re an unremarried surviving spouse, you may qualify to get hundreds or even thousands of dollars refunded each year on your primary residence property taxes.

✅ Who is eligible for the credit?

The veterans and surviving spouses property tax credit is available to an eligible unremarried surviving spouses.

An "eligible unremarried surviving spouse" means an unremarried surviving spouse (certified by the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs) of an individual who meets all of the following:

Served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces or in forces incorporated as part of the U.S. Armed Forces or in the National Guard or a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces
Was a resident of Wisconsin at the time of entry into active service or who had been a resident of Wisconsin for any consecutive 5-year period after entry into that active duty service

✅ Met one of the following conditions:

Died while on active duty and while a resident of Wisconsin
Was a resident of Wisconsin at the time of their death and had either a service-connected disability rating of 100% under 38 USC 1114 or 1134 or a 100% disability rating based on individual unemployability
In the case of an individual who served in the National Guard or a reserve component, while a resident of Wisconsin died in the line of duty while on active or inactive duty for training purposes
For taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2014, was a resident of Wisconsin at the time of their death and following the individual's death, their spouse began to receive, and continues to receive, dependency and indemnity compensation, as defined in 38 USC 101(14)

📝 Pro Tip: You must get a verification letter from the WDVA before filing your claim with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.

📍 Need help? The Dane County Veterans Service Office (Madison) can guide you step-by-step.

🎓 Tuition Remission: The Wisconsin GI Bill for Surviving Spouses

Thinking about going back to school, starting a new career, or finishing your degree? The Wisconsin GI Bill doesn’t just cover veterans—it also includes unremarried surviving spouses.

You could receive up to 128 credits of free tuition at any UW System school or Wisconsin Technical College.

🎓 Qualifications:

The veteran must have:
- Died while on active duty, or
- Died as a result of a service-connected disability.
You must:
- Be a Wisconsin resident for tuition purposes.
- Have not remarried.

💡 This covers tuition and fees, but you’ll still need to cover books, housing, and other expenses.

💸 Federal VA Benefits for Surviving Spouses

Wisconsin benefits are solid, but don’t miss out on federal VA survivor benefits. Here’s what you may qualify for:

📌 Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC):

A monthly, tax-free payment for surviving spouses of:

Veterans who died from service-connected disabilities.
Veterans who were VA-rated totally disabled for at least 10 years before death.

As of 2025, DIC pays $1,612.75 per month (may increase with dependents).

📌 Survivors Pension (Death Pension):

A need-based benefit for surviving spouses of wartime veterans, providing a monthly income supplement.

You must meet:

Income and asset limits
Unremarried status
Wartime service requirement from the veteran

📌 Education (DEA - Chapter 35):

The Survivors’ and Dependents’ Education Assistance (DEA) program offers up to 36 months of education benefits, covering:

College
Technical training
Apprenticeships
Certification programs

📍 Local Help in Madison, Sun Prairie & Dane County

Navigating benefits as a surviving spouse can be overwhelming—especially when grieving and rebuilding. That’s where local boots-on-the-ground help comes in.

💼 Dane County Veterans Service Office

🏢 Address: 210 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Madison, WI 53703
📞 Phone: (608) 266-4158
🌐 Website: dane.veterans.wi.gov

They’ll help you:

Gather documents
Apply for state and federal benefits
Understand your eligibility

If you're in Sun Prairie or the surrounding area, reach out to the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) as well.

🧭 Final Thoughts: You Served Too

As a surviving spouse, you’ve stood by someone who wore the uniform—and that service matters. Wisconsin recognizes that with real, practical benefits that can ease your financial burden, support your education, and provide lasting stability.