Veteran Funeral Benefits in Wisconsin (2026 Guide)

By Terry Feely, Former Firefighter and Paramedic · Last Updated May 2026

Wisconsin is home to approximately 340,000 veterans and has one VA national cemetery, Wood, in the Milwaukee area, plus three state-run veterans memorial cemeteries. Veterans in Wisconsin qualify for up to $2,000 in federal burial benefits for service-connected deaths, plus free burial in any VA national cemetery with a government headstone, burial flag, and military honors.

2026 VA Burial Benefit Amounts

Benefit Category	2026 Amount	Notes
Service-connected death	$2,000	No time limit to file
Non-service-connected (VA hospitalized)	$1,002	Must file within 2 years of burial
Non-service-connected (not hospitalized)	$300	Must file within 2 years of burial
Plot or interment allowance	$1,002	When not buried in a national cemetery
Headstone or marker allowance	Up to $441	For already-purchased private headstone

These are federal benefits available to all eligible veterans regardless of state. For a detailed breakdown of what costs are and are not reimbursed, see our VA Burial Allowance 2026 guide.

VA National Cemeteries in Wisconsin

Name	City	Status
Wood National Cemetery	Milwaukee	cremation-only

For full eligibility details, see our National Cemetery Eligibility guide.

State Veterans Cemeteries in Wisconsin

Name	City
Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery at King	King
Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Union Grove	Union Grove
Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery	Spooner

Note: State veterans cemeteries may have residency requirements. Contact the cemetery directly to confirm eligibility before making arrangements.

Wisconsin Veterans Benefits

Wisconsin offers property tax credits for veterans and provides the Wisconsin G.I. Bill for tuition at state universities. The state operates three veterans memorial cemeteries at King, Union Grove, and Spooner. Wisconsin also exempts military retirement pay from state income tax and provides free license plates for disabled veterans.

Eligibility Requirements

VA burial benefits are available to veterans who meet the following criteria:

Served on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training with a discharge under conditions other than dishonorable.
For veterans who enlisted after September 7, 1980, or officers who entered service after October 16, 1981, a minimum of 24 consecutive months of active duty is required (or the full period for which they were called to active duty).
Reservists and National Guard members who were activated under federal orders and completed their service period are eligible.
Spouses, surviving spouses, and minor children of eligible veterans also qualify for burial in a national cemetery.

For full eligibility details including dependent rules, see our National Cemetery Eligibility guide.

How to Apply for VA Burial Benefits in Wisconsin

1. Gather documents. You will need the veteran's DD-214 (discharge papers), death certificate, and burial receipts from the funeral home and cemetery.
2. File VA Form 21P-530EZ. This is the Application for Burial Benefits. You can file online at va.gov, by mail to the VA Pension Management Center, or through a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) such as the VFW, American Legion, or DAV.
3. For national cemetery burial. Contact the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 1-800-535-1117. The funeral home can also make this call on the family's behalf.
4. Get local assistance. Contact Milwaukee Regional Office at 800-827-1000 for help with your claim or to connect with a local VSO.

For a complete walkthrough of the application process, see our VA Burial Allowance 2026 guide.

Military Funeral Honors in Wisconsin

Every eligible veteran in Wisconsin is entitled to military funeral honors at no cost. Standard honors include a minimum of two uniformed service members who fold and present the American flag to the next of kin and play Taps. Full honors, available for some veterans based on rank and service, may include a rifle volley, a color guard, and a military chaplain.

Honors are typically requested through the funeral home, which contacts the appropriate military branch. Families can also request honors directly by calling the Department of Defense at 1-877-MIL-HONR (1-877-645-4667).

For details on what each branch provides, see our Military Funeral Honors guide.

Find Funeral Homes in Wisconsin

When choosing a funeral home for a veteran, ask whether they routinely handle military funerals and whether they can assist with the DD-214, military honors requests, VA cemetery coordination, and burial flag. Many funeral homes in Wisconsin have experience serving military families.

Browse Funeral Homes in Wisconsin

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Full Directory by State

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Looking for the complete guide? See our Veterans Funeral Benefits 2026: Complete Guide for detailed information about burial allowances, headstone applications, burial flags, and survivor benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many VA national cemeteries are in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin has one VA national cemetery: Wood National Cemetery in the Milwaukee area. It accepts cremation burials only. The state operates three veterans memorial cemeteries at King, Union Grove, and Spooner that accept new burials.

What state veterans benefits are available in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin offers property tax credits for veterans, the Wisconsin G.I. Bill for tuition, three state veterans memorial cemeteries, military retirement pay income tax exemption, and free license plates for disabled veterans.

How do I arrange a military funeral in Wisconsin?

Contact your funeral home director, who can arrange burial at one of Wisconsin's three state veterans memorial cemeteries or coordinate with the VA National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 800-535-1117. Military honors can be requested by calling 800-827-1000.

Can my spouse be buried with me in a Wisconsin veterans cemetery?

Yes. Spouses and eligible dependents of veterans can be buried in the same gravesite in both VA national cemeteries and Wisconsin state veterans memorial cemeteries.

Where is the closest VA regional office in Wisconsin?

The VA regional office serving Wisconsin is the Milwaukee Regional Office located in Milwaukee, WI. You can reach them at 800-827-1000 for assistance with burial benefits and other VA services.