Illinois Veteran Benefits
State-level benefits Illinois gives its veterans, retirees, and military families. Federal benefits aren't listed here — see Browse by Category for the federal side.
19 benefits
Disabled Veteran Free Hunting and Fishing License
Illinois veterans with a 10% or greater service-connected VA disability rating, or receiving a total disability pension, get free hunting and fishing licenses, regardless of…free
Veteran
State source
Illinois Resident
Illinois resident veterans who served abroad (any honorably discharged veteran with a DD-214) can purchase fishing, hunting, and sportsmen's combination licenses at half the regular price.free
Veteran
Federal .gov
Children of Veterans Tuition
Natural, step, or legally adopted children of Illinois veterans can receive a four-year consecutive in-state tuition waiver at the University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign campus)…Dependent
State source
MIA/POW Scholarship
Spouses and children of Illinois veterans who were Missing in Action, a Prisoner of War, died on active duty, or are rated 100% permanently and totally disabled by…Dependent
State source
Illinois Veterans' Grant
Illinois honorably discharged veterans who are Illinois residents can get full tuition and mandatory fees paid at any Illinois state-supported college, university, or community college.Veteran
State source
Children of qualifying Illinois veterans (MIA, POW, 100% disabled, or killed in service) between the ages of 10 and 18 receive a $250 annual grant to help cover expenses at an…
Dependent
State source
Illinois State Police Education Waiver
The college education requirement to join the Illinois State Police is waived for veterans who were honorably discharged and earned a campaign medal for service in Afghanistan or Iraq.Veteran
State source
State Professional License Credit for Military Training
Illinois state licensing agencies, including the Departments of Financial and Professional Regulation, Public Health, and others, accept military training and experience as credit…VeteranActive Duty
State source
Employer Tax Credit for Hiring
Illinois employers can earn a state income tax credit of up to $5,000 annually for hiring qualifying unemployed veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom…Veteran
State source
Illinois National Guard Grant
Active members of the Illinois National Guard can receive full tuition and mandatory fees paid at any Illinois public university or community college through the Illinois National…Active DutyVeteran
State source
Illinois Warrior Assistance
Illinois veterans can call a free confidential 24-hour helpline staffed by health professionals for help with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI).free
VeteranActive Duty
Federal .gov
Illinois Veterans' Homes
Illinois operates five state-funded veterans' homes (Anna, Chicago, LaSalle, Manteno, and Quincy) providing skilled nursing and domiciliary (assisted living-style) care to…VeteranDependent
State source
Returning Veterans' Homestead Exemption
Illinois veterans who return from active duty in an armed conflict get a one-time $5,000 reduction in their home's equalized assessed value for two consecutive tax years, the year…Veteran
State source
Free Legal Representation for Veterans' Benefits Appeals
IDVA has partnered with the National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP) to give Illinois veterans and their families free access to legal representation in appeals before the U.S.free access to legal representation in appeals…
Veteran
State source
Illinois Joining Forces
Illinois Joining Forces is a statewide network of more than 200 community organizations serving veterans, service members, and their families.Free
VeteranActive DutyDependent
State source
Illinois Veterans' Lottery Cash Grants
A portion of Illinois Lottery specialty ticket proceeds (including the 7X Bingo Multiplier Instant Ticket) go directly to IDVA, which distributes the funds to Illinois veteran…Veteran
State source
Illinois Survivor Compensation
Families of Illinois veterans killed by hostile action or during the Global War on Terrorism (on or after September 11, 2001) can receive a state survivor compensation payment of up to $3,000.Dependent
State source
Headstone and Marker Cartage and Erection Fee Reimbursement
IDVA will reimburse up to $125 toward the cost of installing (setting) a headstone or grave marker provided by the U.S.Dependent
State source
Veteran Driver's License Designation
Any honorably discharged Illinois veteran can have the word "Veteran" added to their driver's license or state ID card by presenting a DD-214 or equivalent discharge document at any Secretary of State facility.free
Veteran
State source