Veteran Services & Military Assistance Center

Wisconsin resident: If you entered the service as a Wisconsin resident, you most likely qualify for the federal Post-9/11 GI Bill, as well as the WI GI Bill. State law requires you to use the Post-9/11 GI Bill first.

Not a Wisconsin resident: You most likely qualify for the federal Post-9/11 GI Bill. After you live in Wisconsin for five consecutive years, you may also qualify for the WI GI Bill. If you signed up for the Montgomery GI Bill, it typically makes sense to switch over to Post-9/11 GI Bill at UW-Madison due to the local housing allowance rate. Once you exhaust your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, you’ll be refunded the money you paid into the Montgomery GI Bill. If you plan on joining the National Guard or Reserves, you may have additional benefit options.

You’re eligible for the Wisconsin National Guard Grant, which doesn’t impact other federal or state benefits for which you may be eligible. Use this grant for resident tuition reimbursement for up to eight semesters or your first bachelor’s degree, whichever comes first.

Once you’ve completed your military skill training, you’ll also be eligible for federal Chapter 1606. If you’ve been mobilized for at least 90 days, you may increase this benefit to federal Chapter 1607. Longer mobilization times may make you eligible for federal Post-9/11 GI Bill.

If you served on active duty for at least 90 continuous days (including training time) and entered the service as a Wisconsin resident or have lived in the state for five continuous years, you may also be eligible for the WI GI Bill.

Once you’ve completed your military skill training, you’ll be eligible for federal Chapter 1606. If you’ve been mobilized for at least 90 days, you may increase this benefit to federal Chapter 1607. Longer mobilization times may make you eligible for federal Post-9/11 GI Bill.

If you served on active duty for at least 90 continuous days (including training time) and entered the service as a Wisconsin resident or have lived in the state for five continuous years, you may also be eligible for the WI GI Bill.

The Reserve component of each service may also offer tuition assistance. The amount offered varies by service. It’s best to check with your Reserve unit to see if it’s offered.

If your parent or spouse entered the service as a Wisconsin resident, was honorably discharged, and now has a disability rating of 30% or greater, you may be eligible for the state WI GI Bill.

If your parent was honorably discharged and now has a 100% disability rating or was killed on active duty, you may be eligible for federal Chapter 35 benefits.

If your parent was killed on active duty after September 10, 2001, you may be eligible to receive the federal Fry Scholarship.

We verify enrollment letters for Tricare or ChampVA.