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The Impact of Disability Ratings on Wisconsin Veteran Benefits: What Madison and Dane County Veterans Need to Know

  • John Reuter
  • Mar 17
  • 3 min read

Podcast cover with two men smiling in front of a city skyline at dusk. Text: How does the State Budget change your Veteran Benefits?

For Wisconsin veterans, VA disability ratings play a significant role in determining eligibility for state and federal benefits. Whether you’re looking for property tax relief, tuition assistance, or VA healthcare, your disability percentage can affect what programs you qualify for.

Governor Tony Evers’ 2025-2027 budget proposal introduces major changes to Wisconsin veteran benefits, including lowering the property tax credit disability threshold and removing education benefit restrictions.


Here’s what Madison-area veterans need to know about how their VA disability rating impacts Wisconsin veteran benefits.



 


 

1. Wisconsin Veterans and Surviving Spouses Property Tax Credit

🏡 What It Does: This program covers 100% of property taxes for eligible disabled veterans and surviving spouses.

📌 Current Requirement: Available only to 100% VA disability-rated veterans.

📌 Proposed Change in the 2025-2027 Budget: Expands eligibility to veterans with a 70% or higher disability rating and extends benefits to veteran renters.


📢 Representative Alex Joers on this proposal:


Image of Wisconsin State Assembly Representative Alex Joers. State Assembly Representative of Waunakee, Middleton, and Northside of Madison.
Creator: greganderson, Copyright: @greganderson 

“Making sure more veterans can access the Wisconsin property tax credit is a priority. We’ve seen how it helps those with service-connected disabilities, and expanding it to renters ensures that lower-income veterans get the assistance they need.”




📍 Local Impact:

  • Veterans in Madison, Sun Prairie, and surrounding areas with 70%+ VA disability ratings will qualify for property tax relief.

  • The new renter tax credit will provide direct financial relief for veterans who don’t own homes.


 

2. Wisconsin GI Bill: No More Five-Year Residency Rule

🎓 What It Does: Provides tuition-free education at any University of Wisconsin System school or Wisconsin Technical College.📌 Previous Requirement: Veterans had to live in Wisconsin for five years before qualifying.📌 2025-2027 Budget Proposal Update: Governor Evers’ budget eliminates the five-year residency rule, allowing veterans to access benefits immediately upon moving to Wisconsin.


📢 Why This Matters for Madison Veterans:

  • Veterans moving to Madison, Fitchburg, and Middleton can immediately enroll in UW-Madison, Madison College, or other local schools.

  • Spouses and children of veterans with 30%+ VA disability ratings can also access tuition benefits without waiting.


📢 Representative Joers on this update:

“Reducing the residency rule is a huge step forward. We want Wisconsin to be a welcoming place for veterans, and this change makes education more accessible without unnecessary delays.”
 

3. VA Healthcare and Insurance Benefits in Wisconsin

🏥 What It Does: VA healthcare eligibility varies based on service connection and disability rating.

📌 Key thresholds:

✔️ 50%+ VA disability rating – Free VA healthcare and priority access.

✔️ 70%+ VA disability rating – Free dental care.

✔️ 100% VA disability rating – Full VA healthcare with no copays.


💰 Wisconsin Life Insurance Benefits for Veterans:

  • Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI)

  • Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI)


📢 Local Impact for Dane County Veterans:

  • If you have a VA disability rating of 50% or higher, you qualify for additional VA medical care.

  • The 70%+ rating change for property tax relief means you could receive both healthcare and tax benefits at a lower rating than before.


 

Are You Getting the Benefits You Deserve?

Your VA disability rating can open the door to financial relief, tuition-free education, and better healthcare access. With Governor Evers’ proposed 2025-2027 budget, more Wisconsin veterans will qualify for these crucial benefits.


🎙️ The Veteran Realtor Podcast | Helping Veterans Navigate Real Estate & VA Benefits


📍 Hosted by John Reuter – Air Force Veteran & Madison’s Trusted Realtor

🔗 Follow & Subscribe:

🌎 Website: theveteranrealtor.com

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📩 For inquiries or guest requests:

🎖️ John Reuter

📞 Call/Text: 608-669-4226

🎖️ Serving Those Who Served – Making Homeownership Easy for Veterans!

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