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Illinois Veteran benefits

36 benefits from Illinois for Veterans and their families, on top of what VA gives. Many need no disability rating.

Each one says who qualifies, how to apply, the official link, and the date we last checked it. Rules change, so the official page has the final word.

Free help in Illinois

Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs is the state Veterans agency. They can tell you what you qualify for and help you apply.

Call 800-437-9824 State agency website

A Veterans service officer (VSO) helps with VA claims and state benefits for free.

Find a service officer near you Illinois's list of local offices
Your VA disability rating
Who is it for?

36 benefits

Property tax

  • No rating needed

    Homestead Improvements for Accessibility Exemption

    Accessibility improvements such as ramps, grab bars, and widened doorways made to a home for a veteran or person with a disability will not increase the property's assessed value for several years.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veterans and persons with disabilities who make qualifying accessibility improvements to their principal residence.
    How to apply
    Contact your Chief County Assessment Office; improvements are excluded from reassessment automatically under the law.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Returning Veterans' Homestead Exemption

    Lowers the equalized assessed value (EAV) of a returning veteran's home for the year they return from an armed conflict and the following year. Contact your county assessor for the current exemption amount and filing deadline.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Illinois resident who served in the U.S. Armed Forces, Illinois National Guard, or U.S. Reserve Forces and is returning from active duty in an armed conflict; must own and be liable for property taxes on the home.
    How to apply
    File Form PTAX-341 with your Chief County Assessment Office in the year you return; renew the following year.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • 30%+

    Standard Homestead Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities (SHEVD)

    Reduces the EAV of a disabled veteran's primary residence based on their service-connected disability percentage, with veterans 70% or more disabled receiving a large reduction that can eliminate property taxes on the home.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: VA rating of 30% or higher. Illinois resident, honorably discharged veteran with a service-connected disability of at least 30% certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; surviving spouses may continue or transfer the exemption.
    What you get at each level
    • partial EAV reduction
    • larger EAV reduction
    • can eliminate property taxes on the home
    How to apply
    File Form PTAX-342 with the Chief County Assessment Office; renew annually with Form PTAX-342-R.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • Certain disabilities

    Veterans with Disabilities Exemption for Specially Adapted Housing

    Provides a large property tax reduction for housing that was purchased or built with federal/charitable funds specially adapted for a veteran's disability, including mobile homes.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Certain serious disabilities (see who qualifies). Veteran with a disability (or spouse) who received federal, state, or charitable financial assistance to purchase or construct specially adapted housing due to a service-connected disability.
    Recipient of federal, state, or charitable financial assistance for specially adapted housing due to service-connected disability
    How to apply
    Contact your local IDVA Veteran Service Officer to apply; the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs determines eligibility, which must be reestablished annually.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Surviving Spouse Property Tax Exemption

    An unremarried surviving spouse of a veteran killed in the line of duty receives a 100% exemption from property taxes on their primary residence. Beginning in tax year 2023, surviving spouses of veterans whose death was determined to be service-connected and who receive dependency and indemnity compensation may also qualify.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Unremarried surviving spouse of a veteran killed in the line of duty, or spouse of veteran with service-connected death receiving dependency and indemnity compensation
    How to apply
    Contact local county assessor's office with veteran's death certificate and VA documentation
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Income tax, retirement pay and other taxes

  • No rating needed

    Illinois Exemption for Active-Duty Military Pay

    Illinois does not tax military pay earned by service members, and this pay can be subtracted on the state return if it was included as income.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Service members whose military pay is included in federal taxable income; applies to residents, part-year residents, and nonresidents per filing rules.
    How to apply
    Subtract tax-exempt military pay on Schedule M when filing Form IL-1040 or Schedule NR, per Publication 102.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Illinois Subtraction for Military Retirement and Disability Pay

    Illinois lets taxpayers subtract the federally taxed portion of military retirement or disability retirement pay from their Illinois taxable income, so it is not taxed by the state.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Any taxpayer who receives retirement or disability pay from a governmental retirement plan, including military retired pay, reported as taxable on their federal return.
    How to apply
    Enter the federally taxed amount as a subtraction on Form IL-1040, Line 5, following instructions in IDOR Publication 120.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Illinois Military Spouse Residency Relief

    A nonresident spouse of a nonresident service member stationed in Illinois under military orders does not owe Illinois income tax on wages earned in Illinois, if they share the same state of residency.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Nonresident spouse of a nonresident service member stationed in Illinois on military orders, sharing the same non-Illinois domicile.
    How to apply
    File Form IL-1040 and Schedule NR marking the Military Spouse box, and give employer Form IL-W-5-NR to stop withholding.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Vehicles, driver's licenses and plates

  • No rating needed

    "Veteran" Designation on Driver's License or State ID

    Honorably discharged Illinois veterans can have the word "Veteran" printed on their driver's license or state ID card, generally at no extra cost.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Honorably discharged U.S. veteran, verified with a DD214, Form 13038, DD-2 (Retired), federal Veterans ID Card, or VA benefits summary letter.
    How to apply
    Bring your veteran document to any Illinois Secretary of State facility; no added fee if done at renewal.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • 50%+

    Disabled Veteran / Service-Connected Disabled Veteran (ISERVE) License Plates

    Veterans with a 50% or greater service-connected disability can get military-series plates with no registration fee required for one qualifying vehicle.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: VA rating of 50% or higher. Veteran with proof of a 50% or greater service-connected disability from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; vehicle must weigh no more than 8,000 pounds.
    How to apply
    Apply at a local DMV facility or by mail to the Secretary of State with DD214 and VA rating decision letter.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Purple Heart and Congressional Medal of Honor License Plates

    Illinois offers no-cost specialty plates to resident Purple Heart recipients and Medal of Honor recipients, with surviving spouses able to request or retain the plate.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Illinois resident recipient of the Purple Heart or Congressional Medal of Honor, verified by federal documentation or an IDVA letter.
    How to apply
    Apply at a Secretary of State facility with proof of the award; surviving spouse must transfer registration within 180 days of the veteran's death to retain the plate.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Universal Veteran License Plates

    A general veteran-designated license plate available to Illinois veterans, with a surviving spouse able to retain the plate under certain conditions after the veteran's death.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Illinois veteran with proof of military service (DD214 or equivalent); surviving spouse may retain plates if they transfer registration within 180 days of the veteran's death.
    How to apply
    Submit the applicable request form with your registration/renewal application and required documentation to the Secretary of State.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Gold Star Family Designation on Driver's License or State ID

    Surviving spouses, parents, children, stepchildren, adopted children, and siblings (including half-siblings) of a service member who died while serving can have a Gold Star Family designation added to their Illinois driver's license or state ID. There is no fee for the designation itself, though normal renewal or duplicate fees may apply. The rule took effect March 20, 2025.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Immediate family member of a person who lost their life while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, in peacetime or war.
    How to apply
    Complete an Affirmation of Gold Star form and bring it to any Illinois DMV facility; available beginning January 1, 2025.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Gold Star Family License Plate

    Specialty license plates available to surviving spouses, parents, children, step-children, and siblings of service members who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Surviving widows, widowers, and parents of those who died in wartime service are exempt from registration fees.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Surviving spouse, parent, child, step-child, or sibling of a service member who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces during peacetime or war
    How to apply
    Apply at local DMV with Gold Star Affirmation statement or mail documentation to Secretary of State
    Official page

    Last checked October 26, 2026.

Hunting, fishing and parks

  • Any rating

    Free Camping for Disabled Veterans and Former POWs

    Illinois disabled veterans and former prisoners of war who are Illinois residents can camp free of charge, including exemption from camping and admission fees, at IDNR parks.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Any VA service-connected rating, even 0%. Illinois resident who is a disabled veteran or former prisoner of war; documentation required.
    How to apply
    Contact your local IDVA Veteran Service Office to obtain the required documentation.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • 10%+

    Free Hunting and Fishing License for Disabled Veterans

    Veterans with a service-connected disability of 10% or more, or receiving total VA disability pension, do not need to purchase a hunting or fishing license in Illinois.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: VA rating of 10% or higher. Veteran (resident or non-resident) with 10% or greater service-connected VA compensation or total disability pension, verified with DD214 and a Disability Affidavit from IDVA.
    How to apply
    Obtain the Disability Affidavit from a local IDVA Veteran Service Office and present it while hunting or fishing.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Half-Price Hunting and Fishing License for Illinois Resident Veterans

    Illinois resident veterans (not necessarily disabled) can buy a fishing, hunting, or sportsman's combination license for half the normal fee.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Illinois resident veteran; must provide DD-214 and photo ID for the initial half-price license.
    How to apply
    Apply in person at IDNR Springfield headquarters or by email with DD-214 and photo ID; subsequent years available from any direct license agent.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

School and tuition

  • No rating needed

    Illinois National Guard (ING) Grant

    Waives tuition and certain fees at Illinois public postsecondary institutions for Illinois National Guard or Naval Militia members, with a longer benefit period for long-serving members.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Served at least one year in the Illinois National Guard or Illinois Naval Militia and meets entrance requirements; members with more than ten years of service get an extended benefit.
    How to apply
    Apply through ISAC; contact your school's financial aid or veteran services office for the application process.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Illinois Veterans' Grant (IVG)

    Pays tuition and certain mandatory fees at Illinois public community colleges and universities for eligible Illinois veterans.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Illinois resident (or returned within 6 months of discharge, or 15 consecutive years of IL residency after service) with at least one full year of active duty and an honorable discharge.
    How to apply
    Apply through the ISAC Student Portal; submit eligibility letter and Request for Benefits Form to your college financial aid office.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Deceased, Disabled, and MIA/POW Veterans' Dependents Educational Opportunity Grant (Ages 10-18)

    A companion state benefit for younger dependents (age 10-18) of qualifying deceased, disabled, or MIA/POW veterans, with eligibility rules matching the college scholarship program.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Natural child, stepchild (under 18 at marriage), adopted child (under 18 at adoption), or minor under court-ordered guardianship for at least two years, of a qualifying veteran; must begin use before age 26.
    How to apply
    Contact the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs; the same eligibility filing generally covers the related Chapter 35 and Scholarship programs.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • 100%+For family or survivors

    Deceased, Disabled, and MIA/POW Veterans' Dependents Scholarship

    Pays tuition and mandatory fees at Illinois public colleges/universities for dependents of veterans who are MIA, POW, died on active duty, or are 100% service-connected disabled or died of a service-connected disability.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: 100% VA rating. Spouse, natural/adopted/step child (under 18 at marriage/adoption), or minor under 2+ years of court-ordered guardianship, of a qualifying veteran who was an Illinois resident at entry to active duty.
    How to apply
    Apply online via the ISAC Student Portal; IDVA determines eligibility and issues an eligibility letter to submit to your school's financial aid office.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Jobs and hiring preference

  • No rating needed

    Educational Requirement Waiver for Illinois State Police and Conservation Police

    Illinois waives certain college educational requirements for joining the Illinois State Police or Illinois Conservation Police for veterans honorably discharged with a campaign medal for service in Afghanistan or Iraq.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Honorably discharged veteran with a campaign medal for service in Afghanistan or Iraq; other hiring requirements still apply.
    How to apply
    Contact Illinois State Police or the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (Conservation Police) directly for the application process.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Veterans' Preference for Illinois State Employment

    Qualified veterans applying for State of Illinois jobs receive additional points added to their passing application scores. Eligibility is verified by the Department of Central Management Services Veterans Outreach Program.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veterans who received a discharge under honorable conditions and served at least six months in the U.S. Armed Forces, Illinois National Guard, or a reserve component; spouses/parents of certain disabled or deceased veterans may also qualify.
    How to apply
    Submit DD214 documentation for review by the CMS Veterans Outreach Program when applying for state jobs through Work for Illinois.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Business certification and contracts

  • Any rating

    Veterans Business Program (VBP) Certification

    CMS certifies Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSB) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB) so they can access set-aside goals in Illinois state contracting.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Any VA service-connected rating, even 0%. Business at least 51% owned by one or more qualified (service-disabled) veterans who live in Illinois, with a home office in the state.
    How to apply
    Apply for certification through the Illinois CMS Veterans Business Program, or through recognized reciprocal certifying entities.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Homes, Veterans homes and cemeteries

  • No rating needed

    Burial Assistance for Indigent Veterans

    County Veterans Assistance Commissions must provide a burial allowance for an honorably discharged indigent veteran or certain family members who lack sufficient means to pay funeral costs.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Honorably discharged indigent veteran, or their mother, father, spouse/surviving spouse, or minor children, without sufficient means to defray funeral expenses.
    How to apply
    Contact your local county Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC); IDVA Veteran Service Officers can help locate your local VAC.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Graves Registration / Roll of Honor

    IDVA maintains a statewide Roll of Honor recording the burial of every U.S. war veteran in Illinois, using burial reports submitted by cemeteries and funeral homes.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Applies to all U.S. war veterans buried within the State of Illinois.
    How to apply
    Funeral homes and cemeteries submit Form 4WVGR to IDVA's War Graves Section; families may also request information.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Headstone or Grave Marker Reimbursement

    When the federal government has furnished a headstone or grave marker for a veteran, IDVA reimburses the cost of setting that marker in Illinois.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Applies to veteran burials in Illinois where a federal headstone/marker has been furnished.
    How to apply
    Friends, family, or the cemetery/funeral home file IDVA Form 3 WVGR (4WVGR) with the local IDVA Veteran Service Office.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    IHDA Access Home Down Payment Assistance

    IHDA's flagship down payment assistance program provides a 0% interest deferred second mortgage toward down payment and closing costs, paired with a 30-year fixed-rate first mortgage; veterans are exempt from the first-time buyer rule. Assistance amounts, rates, and funding availability change often, so confirm the program is still offered and get current terms from the agency before relying on it.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Illinois homebuyer purchasing a primary residence; must be a first-time buyer, buying in a targeted area, or a qualified veteran (COE/DD214).
    How to apply
    Apply through an IHDA Mortgage-approved lender; contribution of at least $1,000 or 1% of purchase price required.
    Official page

    Last checked October 26, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    IHDA Access Mortgage Programs – Veteran Exemption

    IHDA's Access Home program usually requires first-time homebuyers, but eligible veterans are exempt. A veteran who owned a home before can still use it. IHDA's other down payment programs are open to repeat buyers anyway. Terms and funding change often, so check with IHDA or a lender first.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Eligible veteran evidenced by a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) or DD214 showing honorable discharge; standard IHDA income and purchase-price limits still apply.
    How to apply
    Apply through an IHDA-approved participating lender; no separate application is filed directly with IHDA.
    Official page

    Last checked October 26, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Illinois Veterans' Homes

    IDVA operates five veterans' homes (Anna, Chicago, LaSalle, Manteno, Quincy) offering skilled nursing and, at some homes, domiciliary care to honorably discharged veterans and eligible spouses.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Honorably discharged veteran with at least one day of active duty (not active duty for training) who has service credited to Illinois or has resided in Illinois at least one year before applying; priority given to wartime veterans.
    How to apply
    Complete the IDVA Admission Application for the Homes; contact a local IDVA Veteran Service Office for assistance.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Sunset Veterans Cemetery

    Illinois operates Sunset Veterans Cemetery at the Illinois Veterans Home in Quincy, providing interment and perpetual care for eligible veterans and their spouses. More than 7,000 veterans and spouses are buried there, some dating back to the Civil War.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Eligible veterans and their spouses
    How to apply
    Contact Quincy home for current eligibility requirements and interment arrangements
    Official page

    Last checked October 3, 2026.

Money, grants and bonuses

  • No rating needed

    Military Veterans Assistance Act Emergency Financial Assistance

    Under state law, county boards fund emergency and interim financial assistance for needy veterans and their families, distributed through local Veterans Assistance Commissions and veterans organizations.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veterans and qualifying family members in need, as determined by the local Veterans Assistance Commission's assistance committee under an established standard of need.
    How to apply
    Contact your county Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC); IDVA Veteran Service Officers can help locate your local VAC.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Global War on Terrorism Survivors Compensation

    A one-time compensation benefit payable to survivors of military personnel killed in action by terrorist acts or hostile activities during wartime service. Residency of one year in Illinois prior to entering military service is required.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Survivors of military personnel killed in action by terrorist acts or hostile activities during wartime service, with one year Illinois residency prior to service
    How to apply
    Fill out application and submit by email or contact local Veteran Service Office
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Line of Duty Death Compensation

    Illinois pays a large one-time payment to the chosen beneficiary of an Illinois service member killed in the line of duty. The amount is in the hundreds of thousands of dollars and changes each year. It is paid on top of other death benefits.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. The service member must have been an Illinois resident killed on active duty in connection with the 9/11 attacks, Operation Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, Freedom's Sentinel, New Dawn, or Inherent Resolve. Guard and Reserve members on federal orders count. Payment goes to the beneficiary the member named, or by their SGLI form or will.
    How to apply
    File a claim with the Illinois Court of Claims within 2 years of the death. Get the form from the Attorney General's office, the Secretary of State website, or the Court of Claims. Help: Military and Veterans Rights Helpline, 1-800-382-3000.
    Official page

    Last checked October 26, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Vietnam Veterans Compensation for Survivors

    Illinois pays compensation to survivors of Vietnam veterans whose death was classified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as service-connected.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Survivors of a Vietnam veteran whose death was classified as service-connected by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
    How to apply
    Contact your nearest IDVA Veteran Service Officer to apply.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Other help

  • No rating needed

    Illinois Warrior Assistance Program (IWAP)

    A state-run helpline and case management service offering resource navigation and support to Illinois veterans, service members, and their families dealing with PTSD, TBI, military sexual trauma, and related challenges.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Illinois veterans, service members, their families, and caregivers experiencing emotional or behavioral health challenges linked to military service.
    How to apply
    Contact the Illinois Warrior Assistance Program helpline directly for referral and case management services.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Also check

Education only. Helping The Brave is not a government agency. Confirm details with the agency before you apply.