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Illinois benefits for Veterans and families, each checked against an official Illinois source and linked to it. Federal VA benefits work the same everywhere, and the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) can help you apply for them at no cost.
18 benefits from official sources1 not yet finalizedLast verified
How to read the labels:In effect confirmed on an official page. Not yet finalized announced or passed but not in force yet. Unverified — confirm with the agency we couldn't confirm it on an official page, so ask the agency.
Help from your state veterans office
Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs and Veteran Service Officers
In effect
IDVA runs Veteran Service Offices around the state that help veterans file for federal VA and Illinois benefits at no cost. County Veterans Assistance Commissions also serve veterans locally.
Who qualifies
Veterans, service members, and their families.
Amount or details
Toll-free 800-437-9824. Use the VSO locator county list to find the nearest office.
How to apply
Call 800-437-9824 or pick an office from the VSO county list.
Standard Homestead Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities (DVSHE)
In effect
Reduces the equalized assessed value (EAV) of a disabled veteran's home based on VA disability rating. Veterans rated 70% or more have the first $250,000 of EAV exempted, which makes most homes fully tax-free.
Who qualifies
Illinois homeowner-veteran with a VA service-connected disability rating of 30% or more, living in the home as a primary residence. Certain surviving spouses (including DIC recipients) qualify. Since tax year 2024, World War II veterans qualify regardless of disability.
Amount or details
30-49%: $2,500 EAV reduction. 50-69%: $5,000 EAV reduction. 70%+: first $250,000 of EAV exempt. WWII veterans: exempt regardless of rating. 35 ILCS 200/15-169.
How to apply
File annually with your county's chief county assessment office (in Cook County, the Assessor). A VSO can help.
“of 70% or more, as certified by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs as of the date the application is submitted for the exemption under this Section for the applicable taxable year, then the first $250,000 in equalized assessed value of the property is exempt from taxation under this Code”
“(b-4) For taxable years on or after 2024, if the veteran was a member of the United States Armed Forces during World War II, then the property is exempt from taxation under this Code regardless of the veteran's level of disability.”
“Standard Homestead Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities (35 ILCS 200/15-169)”
Specially Adapted Housing Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities
In effect
Exempts up to $100,000 of assessed value on a home that was bought or adapted with VA Specially Adapted Housing funds.
Who qualifies
Veteran with a disability whose home was purchased or modified with federal Specially Adapted Housing funds, or spouse/unmarried surviving spouse. Cannot be combined with the 15-169 exemption.
Amount or details
Up to $100,000 of assessed value exempt. 35 ILCS 200/15-165. Must be re-certified annually through IDVA.
How to apply
Contact an IDVA Veteran Service Officer; IDVA certifies eligibility annually to the Department of Revenue.
“Property up to an assessed value of $100,000, owned and used exclusively by a veteran with a disability, or the spouse or unmarried surviving spouse of the veteran, as a home, is exempt.”
“In all counties, the reduction is $5,000 for the taxable year in which the veteran returns from active duty in an armed conflict involving the armed forces of the United States”
Military retirement pay and military pay are not taxed
In effect
Illinois lets you subtract federally taxed government retirement income, including military retirement and military disability plans. Active-duty and National Guard pay is also subtracted.
Who qualifies
Illinois residents receiving military retirement pay, or military pay as a service member/Guard member.
Amount or details
Military retirement: full subtraction on Form IL-1040, Line 5. Military pay: full subtraction on Schedule M, Line 21. VA disability compensation is not federally taxable, so it isn't taxed by Illinois.
How to apply
Claim on your Illinois IL-1040 (Line 5 for retirement; Schedule M Line 21 for military pay) and attach the required federal pages/W-2.
“Enter the amount of military pay that you received from the U.S. Armed Forces or the National Guard of any state, or that you received as a dual status military technician.”
Disabled Veteran license plates (no registration fee)
In effect
Veterans with a 50% or greater service-connected disability can get one set of military-series plates with no registration fee. A wide range of other veteran and military plates is also available.
Who qualifies
Veteran with proof of a 50%+ service-connected disability from VA; vehicle of 8,000 lbs or less.
Amount or details
Registration fee waived for one first- or second-division vehicle up to 8,000 lbs; additional fees may apply (e.g., $100 EV fee).
How to apply
Apply through the Illinois Secretary of State (vehicle services) with VA disability proof.
“Any veteran with proof of a 50% or greater service-connected disability from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs may apply for one set of military series license plates—no registration fee required”
Pays tuition and mandatory fees at Illinois public universities and community colleges for eligible veterans, for the equivalent of four years of full-time enrollment.
Who qualifies
Illinois resident veteran with at least one year of federal active duty (or service in a foreign country during hostilities, medical discharge, or discharge before Aug. 11, 1967), honorable discharge, and meeting IVG residency rules.
Amount or details
Tuition and mandatory fees, up to the equivalent of 4 years full-time (110 ILCS 947/40).
How to apply
Apply to the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) and notify your college by the end of the term.
“A qualified applicant is not required to pay any tuition or mandatory fees while attending a State-controlled university or public community college in this State for a period that is equivalent to 4 years of full-time enrollment, including summer terms.”
“The Illinois Veterans' Grant (IVG) Program pays tuition and mandatory fees at all Illinois state-supported colleges, universities and community colleges for eligible Illinois veterans.”
MIA/POW Scholarship and Educational Opportunity Grant for dependents
In effect
Dependents of veterans who are MIA, POW, died on active duty, are 100% service-connected disabled, or died of service-connected causes can get a state scholarship at Illinois public colleges; children ages 10-18 can get a $250 annual grant.
Who qualifies
Dependents of qualifying veterans (see summary).
Amount or details
Educational Opportunity Grant: $250 per child per year (ages 10-18). Scholarship: tuition at Illinois public universities/community colleges.
How to apply
Apply through IDVA (applications on the IDVA education page).
“Illinois annually provides a $250 grant for each child between the ages of 10-18 of veterans who are either MIA, a POW, died while on active duty, 100% disabled due to service connected disabilities or died as a result of a service connected disabili”
Children of Veterans Tuition Waiver (University of Illinois)
In effect
A four-year in-state tuition waiver at the University of Illinois for children of veterans.
Who qualifies
Natural, step, or adopted children of veterans.
Amount or details
Four consecutive years of in-state tuition waiver at the University of Illinois.
How to apply
Apply through the University of Illinois Office of Student Financial Aid.
Qualified veterans get extra points added to passing scores for State of Illinois jobs: 10 points for service-connected disability or Purple Heart, 5 points for wartime service, 3 points for other qualifying service.
Who qualifies
Veterans (and certain Guard/Reserve members) meeting 20 ILCS 415/8b.7.
Amount or details
10, 5, or 3 preference points. Documentation verified by the CMS Veterans Outreach Program.
How to apply
Submit discharge documentation with your state job application to CMS.
“A veteran is qualified for a preference of 10 points if the veteran currently holds proof of a service connected disability from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or an allied country or if the veteran is a recipient of the Purple Heart.”
“Qualified veterans seeking employment with the State of Illinois are entitled to additional points that will be applied to their passing application scores.”
Illinois wartime bonuses and survivor compensation
In effect
Illinois pays one-time bonuses to residents who served during certain wars and received qualifying medals, plus payments to some survivors and former POWs.
Who qualifies
Varies: e.g., GWOT bonus requires a qualifying medal, 30 consecutive/60 nonconsecutive days of foreign or sea service, 12 months Illinois residency before entering service, honorable discharge.
Amount or details
$100 bonuses for Korea, Vietnam, Persian Gulf and GWOT service; $1,000 Vietnam survivors compensation; $3,000 GWOT survivors compensation; $50 per month held as POW (Southeast Asia).
How to apply
Apply through IDVA (see Compensation Benefits page).
“A one time $100 bonus is payable to Veterans who serve in Korea between June 27, 1950 - July 27, 1953”
Veterans' Cash grants (Illinois Lottery) and other assistance
In effect
Proceeds from the Veterans Cash scratch-off fund competitive grants to nonprofits and governments serving Illinois veterans in need; county Veterans Assistance Commissions provide local emergency aid and indigent burial.
Who qualifies
Grants go to eligible organizations, not individuals.
Amount or details
Competitive reimbursement grants.
How to apply
Organizations apply via IDVA's Veterans Cash page. Individuals should contact their county VAC or IDVA VSO.
“provides competitive reimbursement grants to eligible tax-exempt nonprofit organizations and governmental organizations that provide services to Illinois veterans in need.”
Free hunting and fishing licenses for disabled veterans
In effect
Veterans with a 10% or greater service-connected disability (or a total VA disability pension) don't need to buy Illinois hunting, fishing, or trapping licenses or State Habitat/Waterfowl stamps. This applies to residents and non-residents.
Who qualifies
Veterans certified by VA as at least 10% service-connected disabled or receiving total disability pension, and former POWs (for hunting/trapping).
Amount or details
License and State Habitat/Waterfowl stamp exemption (520 ILCS 5/3.1-2). Site permits still must be applied for.
How to apply
Get the IDVA Disability Affidavit from a local IDVA Veteran Service Office (bring DD214 and current VA compensation/pension verification) and carry it while hunting or fishing.
“The purchase of fishing and hunting licenses are not required for disabled veterans, regardless of state of residency, who are receiving 10% or greater service-connected compensation, or total disability pension benefits.”
Free camping and park admission for disabled veterans and former POWs
In effect
Illinois-resident veterans who are 100% service-connected disabled, have lost use of limbs, or are former POWs camp free at IDNR parks (a $10 utility fee applies at electric sites).
Who qualifies
Illinois resident veteran with 100% service-connected disability, permanent loss of use of a leg/arm, or who needs crutches/wheelchair; or former POW.
Amount or details
No camping or admission fees (20 ILCS 2805/5); $10 utility fee at Class A/AA/B-E sites; shelter reservation fees waived.
How to apply
Get an IDVA Disability Certification Card from an IDVA field office and show it to park staff.
“The Veterans' Homes of Illinois offer affordable long-term care to aged and disabled veterans as well as their eligible spouses in five across the state - Anna, Chicago, LaSalle, Manteno, and Quincy.”
Burial: headstone setting reimbursement and graves registration
In effect
IDVA reimburses up to $125 toward setting a VA-provided headstone or marker and keeps a Roll of Honor of veterans buried in Illinois. County Veterans Assistance Commissions provide burial for indigent veterans.
2025 session: SNAP categorical eligibility for veteran households (SB 32)
Not yet finalized
Not final yet: Signed into law as P.A. 104-0067, but implementation is 'subject to federal approval if required' per IDVA's summary; confirm with IDHS before relying on it.
A 2025 law makes households with a veteran or service member categorically eligible for SNAP, subject to federal approval if required.
Who qualifies
Households including a veteran or member of the armed forces.
Amount or details
P.A. 104-0067 (305 ILCS 5/12-4.13a).
How to apply
Apply for SNAP through the Illinois Department of Human Services.
We only publish what we could confirm on an official Illinois source. These are the open questions from our latest review. Ask the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) about anything here.
IVG verified from statute 110 ILCS 947/40 and IDVA page instead.
Illinois Department of Revenue's veterans page cites the Returning Veterans' exemption as 15-172; the correct statute (verified) is 35 ILCS 200/15-167.
No state-operated veterans cemetery found on IDVA's site; Illinois veterans use national cemeteries (e.g., Abraham Lincoln, Camp Butler, Rock Island). Not confirmed from an official 'none' statement.
Bonus program amounts are from the IDVA benefits guide (01/2025 printing); the compensation-benefits web page itself was reviewed but amounts should be re-checked against the current application forms.
SNAP categorical eligibility (P.A. 104-0067) implementation status with IDHS not verified.
This state page was last reviewed against official sources on November 1, 2026. Our watcher re-checks those pages automatically and flags any item whose quoted wording disappears.