State / Territory Benefits - Illinois

Summary: The State of Illinois offers special benefits for its military service members and veterans including Property Tax Exemptions, exemptions for Specially Adapted Housing and Mobile Homes, State Employment Preferences and Assistance, Education and Tuition Assistance, Special Vehicle Tags, Veterans Homes, Burial Benefits as well as Hunting, Fishing Licenses and State Camping privileges. Eligibility for some benefits may depend on residency, military component and veteran disability status.

State Benefit Highlights and Eligibility

State Taxes:

State Tax Advantage: None

Retired Military Pay: Not taxed.

Military Disability Retired Pay: Disability Portion - Length of Service Pay; Member on September 24, 1975 - No tax; Not Member on September 24, 1975 - Taxed, unless combat incurred. Retired Pay - Based solely on disability: Member on September 24, 1975 - No tax; Not Member on September 24, 1975 - Taxed, unless all pay based on disability and disability resulted from armed conflict, extra-hazardous service, simulated war, or an instrumentality of war.

VA Disability Dependency and Indemnity Compensation: Not subject to federal or state taxes.

Property Tax Exemption: This exemption is allowed on the assessed value of real property for which federal funds have been used for the purchase or construction of specially adapted housing for as long as the veteran, or the spouse, or unmarried surviving spouse resides on the property.

Eligibility: Veterans with permanent and total service-connected disabilities.

Tax Exemption for Mobile Home: This exemption applies to the tax imposed by the Mobile Home Local Services Tax Act when that property is owned and used exclusively by a disabled veteran, spouse or unmarried surviving spouse as a home.

Eligibility: The veteran must have received authorization of the Specially Adapted Housing Grant by the USDVA, whether benefit was used or not. Applicant must be a permanent resident of the State of Illinois on January 1 of the tax year for which the exemption is being claimed. Disabled veterans that now live in a mobile home and never received the Specially Adapted Housing Grant are not eligible. Please contact your local service office for more information.

Education Benefits:

Tuition Assistance: 100% college tuition at any Illinois state-supported college or university for up to 4 years, for either full-time or part-time undergraduate through PhD level.

Eligibility: Illinois National Guard members.

Educational Opportunities for Children (10-18 Yrs): Financial aid is provided annually to each child between the ages of 10 and 18 years of a veteran who died or became totally disabled as a result of service in the Armed Forces during World War I, or II, the Korean and Vietnam Conflicts or beginning February 1, 1955, until such individuals are no longer eligible for induction under the Universal Military Training and Service Act. The financial aid applies to a state educational institution of elementary grade, high school or vocational training school.

MIA/POW Scholarship: Dependents of a veteran who has been declared by the Department of Defense or U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to be a prisoner of war; missing-in-action; to have died as the result of a service-connected disability; or be permanently disabled from service-connected causes with 100% disability; and, who was an Illinois resident or was an Illinois resident within six months of entering service may be eligible for the scholarship. Eligible dependents are entitled to full payment of tuition and certain fees to any state supported Illinois institution of higher learning consisting of the equivalent of four (4) calendar years of full-time enrollment including summer terms (i.e., 120 points).

Veterans' Grant: The Illinois Veteran Grant (IVG) Program pays tuition and certain fees at all Illinois state-supported colleges, universities and community colleges for Illinois residents.

Eligibility: An individual must:--be an honorably discharged veteran; and--reside in Illinois six months before entering the service; and--have at least one full year of active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces which includes veterans who were assigned to active duty in a foreign country in a time of hostilities in that country, regardless of length of service; and--return to Illinois within six months of discharge from the service.Applications and additional information are available from field offices of the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs, college financial aid offices or the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, 1755 Lake Cook Road, Deerfield, 60015, telephone 847/948-8550 or 800/899-ISAC, web site address: http://www.collegezone.com/.

Illinois National Guard Scholarship: Any enlisted person or Lieutenant or Captain with at least one (1) year service in the Illinois Army/Air National Guard may participate. Available for eight (8) semesters or twelve (12) quarters of full-time or part-time undergraduate study or graduate study at any Illinois state-controlled university or community college. Recipient is entitled to payment of tuition and certain fees. Applications and information on the scholarship may be obtained from the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, 1755 Lake Cook Road, Deerfield, Illinois, 60015, telephone 847/948-8550 or 800/899-ISAC, web site address: http://www.collegezone.com/.

Honorary Scholarships: Each county in the state shall be entitled, annually, to one honorary scholarship in the University of Illinois, for the benefit of children of Veterans of WWI, WWII, Korean and Vietnam Conflict periods with preference being given to the children of deceased and disabled veterans. Such children shall be entitled to receive, without charge for tuition, instruction in any or all departments of the University for a term of at least four (4) consecutive years. Details may be obtained from the University's Financial Aid Office.

Employment Benefits:

Employment Assistance Jobs for Vets: The Department of Employment Security/Illinois Job Service provides a trained " Veterans Representative" to help you get the training and job you need. An electronic statewide job search information system is available at different locations throughout the State of Illinois. Contact your local Employment Security office for more information.

Employment Assistance for National Guard: State employees receive 15 days of military leave per year and 60 days of special training. Differential pay is no less than regular state pay differential for Basic Training. National Guard members are ensured employment protection while on Active Duty /ADSW & State Active Duty.

Eligibility: Illinois National Guard members.

State Approving Agency: Approves training for veterans in the areas of higher education, apprenticeship training, vocational training, and on the job training.

Employment Preference: State Government/Employment Preference. Preference is given in Central Management Services entrance examinations to honorably discharged veterans who served in times of hostilities and peacetime. Contact the Veterans Outreach Program for more information at (217) 524-1313 or (800) 643-8138.

The Department of Human Services provides services for veterans with mental/physical disabilities that assist them in returning to gainful employment.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs have a number of Small Business Administration loan and Job Training Programs.

Special Vehicle License Plates:

Special Vehicle License Plates: The state of Illinois has a number of special vehicle license plates for its service members and veterans including: Armed Forces Reserves, Armed Forces Retired, Bronze Star, Congressional Medal of Honor, Disabled Veteran, Ex-Prisoner of War, Gold Star, Illinois National Guard, Korean War Veteran, Marine Corps, Pearl Harbor Survivor, POW/MIA Illinois Remembers, Purple Heart, Silver Star, Universal Veteran, Vietnam Veteran, West Point Bicentennial, World War II Veteran. Fees and eligibility may differ depending on the type of license plate. Please visit the Illinois Department of Motor Vehicle's website for a complete list of military license plates and updated fees: http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/vehicles/license_plate_guide/specialty_plates/military/home.html

Armed Forces Reserves: Any active ready reserve member, former member of the reserve or surviving spouse of a reservist of the United States Armed Forces may apply for as many sets of these plates as he or she has vehicles titled, registered or leased in his or her name.Fee applies and is subject to change.

Eligibility: Reservist must provide a legible copy of DD Form 2 (U.S. Uniformed Service Identification Card) showing current reserve status, or DD214 (discharge from military service) verifying reserve service record.

Armed Forces Retired: Any Illinois resident who is retired from any military branch in the United States may apply for Armed Forces Retired plates. Fee applies and is subject to change.

Eligibility: Retiree must provide a DD Form 2 or a Military ID showing retirement at the time of your request. Members of the reserves and guard who have not reached the age of 60 must submit a copy of their DD Form 2 and documentation showing transfer to retired status.

Disabled Veteran: Any U.S. Armed Forces Veteran who has a 100 percent military disability or is eligible to receive a grant from the U.S. government toward the purchase of a vehicle may obtain DV plates. No fees are required for the first set of plates. NOTE: Vehicles displaying DV plates may occupy areas specifically reserved for use by handicapped persons. Parking meter fees and time limitations are also waived, except at meters, signs or other markings with time limitations of 30 minutes or less.

Eligibility: The veteran must provide a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs verifying that veteran: --Is 100 percent military service disabled--Is eligible to receive a grant from the U.S. government toward the purchase of a vehicle--Has received a grant from the U.S. government toward the purchase of a vehicle.

Ex-POW: Any U.S. citizen who is a present or former member of the U.S. Armed Forces or any of its Allies and who was a prisoner of war may apply for these plates. No fees are required for the first set of plates. The widowed spouse of a former member of the U.S. Armed Forces may apply for the plates, providing that the widowed spouse: (1) was married to the ex-prisoner of war at the time the ex-prisoner of war died, and (2) is single at the time of application.The ex-prisoner of war's name must appear as owner or co-owner on both the title and the registration application.

Eligibility: Applicant must provide a form from the federal government or a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs verifying the ex-prisoner of war status.

Illinois National Guard: Any active members, former members and surviving spouse of the Illinois National Guard may apply for these plates. Fee applies.

Eligibility: Applicant must provide a legible copy of a DD214 (discharge from military service) verifying service record or a DD Form 2 (U. S. Uniformed Service Identification Card) verifying National Guard status.

Health and Insurance Benefits:

Medical Benefits: State Active Duty receive medical, dental and hospital benefits for injury and disease incurred in line-of-duty.

Eligibility: Illinois National Guard members.

Group Insurance: The Illinois National Guard offers $5,000 for $2.00/mo; $15,000 for $5.33/mo; $25,000 for $8.67/mo; $50,000 for $17.00/mo; Spouse Insurance is the same coverage. Dependent Insurance is $5,000 for $1.50/mo; $10,000 for $3.00/mo. All coverage is term up to age 70 and the premium will not go up with age. New enlistees will receive $5,000 free for the 1st year with application.

Eligibility: Illinois National Guard members.

Workers Compensation: Available to National Guard members while on State Active Duty.

Eligibility: Illinois National Guard members.

Injury/Death Benefits: $50,000 compensation paid to beneficiary of Guard members killed on State Active Duty.

Hunting and Fishing Licenses:

Hunting and Fishing Privileges: Fishing and hunting licenses are not required for disabled veterans who are Illinois residents and receiving 10% or greater service-connected compensation, or total disability pension benefits. To acquire a permit, contact your local Veterans Service office.

Miscellaneous Benefits:

Specially Adapted Housing: Assistance is provided for service-connected disabled veterans for the purpose of acquiring or remodeling suitable dwelling units with special fixtures or moveable facilities made necessary by the veteran's permanent and total service-connected disabilities.

Eligibility: Veterans with permanent and total service-connected disabilities.

Camping & Admission Fees: This benefit provides for the exemption of camping and admission fees for certain disabled persons and former prisoners of war who are Illinois residents and wish to camp in parks under the control of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Documentation is required.

State Fair: Honorably discharged veterans of all ages and their families shall be admitted FREE, when they properly identify themselves, on Veterans' Day at the fair. Veterans Day includes a day-long program of drum corps, drill teams, and color guard competition. Admission is FREE to people 60 and older on Senior Day.

Free Laundry and Minor Recreational Items: Available for National Guard members on State Active Duty.

Eligibility: Illinois National Guard members.

The Military Family Leave Act: Provides 15 to 30 days of leave time to spouses and parents of soldiers called to more than 1 month of active duty.

Eligibility: Illinois National Guard members.

Bonus Payment: World War II. A bonus of $10 per month for domestic service and $15 per month for foreign service is payable to a veteran who was a resident of Illinois at time of entering service, served at least 60 days on active duty between September 16, 1940 and September 3, 1945, and received an honorable discharge. Survivors are entitled to a benefit of $1,000, if the veteran's death was service-connected and within the period specified.

Korean, Vietnam and Persian Gulf Conflict Bonus: A $100 bonus is payable for service during one of the following periods:Korea - June 27, 1950 - July 27, 1953Vietnam - January 1, 1961 - March 28, 1973Vietnam Frequent Wind - April 29, 30, 1975Persian Gulf - August 2, 1990 - November 30, 1995.The claimant must also be in receipt of one of the following medals: Korean Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal Vietnam Era or the Southwest Asia Service Medal; and have been a resident of Illinois for 12 months immediately prior to entering service and have received an Honorable Discharge. (Individuals currently on active duty who served in the Persian Gulf may apply prior to discharge by also including the " Armed Forces Certificate" .)

Vietnam Veteran Survivors Compensation: Survivors are entitled to a payment of $1,000 if veteran's death is service-connected or is the direct result of service-connected disabilities incurred in the period specified. A separate application is required.

POW Compensation: Persons on active duty with the Armed Forces of the United States or employed by the United States Government on, or after, January 1, 1961, who were residents of Illinois 12 months prior to entry, and who were taken and held prisoner by hostile forces in Southwest Asia, are entitled to $50 for each month or portion thereof while being held captive.

Survivors' Compensation: A $1,000 bonus is payable to survivors of certain persons killed by terrorist acts or hostile activities during performance of military service in periods recognized as wartime by United States campaign or service medals. Residency of 1 year in Illinois prior to entering military service is required.

Burial Benefits:

Cartage and Erection Fees: When the federal government has furnished a headstone or marker, the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs shall pay up to the allowable reimbursement amount for the setting of such marker within Illinois. Currently, the maximum amount is $100.00 payable upon approval of the application.
Graves Registration: The Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs shall maintain a card file Roll of Honor of all veterans buried in the State of Illinois. Every person, firm or corporation owning or controlling any cemetery or burial place in this State is required to keep a permanent record of the burial of each U.S. war veteran or memorial marker erected for this purpose.
Indigent Veterans: The county Veterans Assistance Commission shall provide burial for any honorably discharged indigent veteran, or their mothers, fathers, spouse or surviving spouse, or minor children without sufficient means to defray the funeral expenses. The expense of such burial shall not exceed the sum of $600. Emergency food, transportation, etc. are provided in certain cases. Please contact your local county Veterans Assistance Commission for more information.

Veterans' Homes at Anna, Lasalle, Manteno and Quincy: Quality nursing and health care services are provided for Illinois veterans with military service of one (1) day or more during WW I, WW II, the Korean or Vietnam conflicts, or during any period of time now, or in the future, recognized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as a period of war. The Veteran must have either been an Illinois resident upon entering the service, or have resided in the State of Illinois for one (1) year preceding application for admittance into a Veterans' Home. Peacetime veterans with one (1) year of HONORABLE military service may also be eligible. Other qualifying conditions, as required, must be met. A spouse, or surviving spouse, may also qualify for admittance to the Quincy Veterans' Home.Since each of the Veterans' Homes specialize in a variety of health care and social services, each Home provides a special brochure describing the human services available. You may receive any one or all of the Veterans' Home brochures from any of the Veterans Service Offices listed in this brochure or from the Department of Veterans' Affairs Central Office.