EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY GRANTS FOR CHILDREN (AGE: 10-18)

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.

MIA/POW SCHOLARSHIP

The State of Illinois provides an education scholarship for the dependents of veterans who are either Missing In Action, a Prisoner of War, died while on active duty

STATE APPROVING AGENCY G.I. BILL®

The State Approving Agency (SAA) approves college and non-college degree programs, vocation​ flight training, apprenticeships and other on-the-job training

ILLINOIS VETERANS’ GRANT

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.

ILLINOIS NATIONAL GUARD GRANT

Information about the grant program and the online application may be obtained at the Illinois Student Assistance Commission’s website at www.isac.org.

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS CHILDREN OF VETERANS SCHOLARSHIP

Each county in the state shall be entitled, annually, to one honorary scholarship at the University of Illinois, for the benefit of children of veterans of WWI, WWII, Korean War

VETERAN COORDINATORS AT PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES IN ILLINOIS

Veteran Coordinators are tasked to be the central point of contact for all veterans, service members, and dependents at universities and colleges Veteran applicants and student veterans are encouraged to contact these staff to learn about eligibility

VA Work Study Locations — IDVA

The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs provides VA work-study opportunities at its numerous offices throughout Illinois.

GET ACADEMIC CREDIT FOR MILITARY TRAINING

Making Military Training Count The Office of the Governor and the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs, in cooperation with the Illinois Community College Board, several community colleges

STATE EMPLOYMENT PREFERENCE

Idaho state employment gives preference points for active-duty veterans. Honorably discharged veterans get 5 preference points, disabled veterans get 10 preference points. Surviving spouses who have not remarried can get the same points as the veteran.

ILLINOIS JOB LINK & VETERAN EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

Job-seeking veterans — whether unemployed, underemployed, or just seeking a change — should enroll in the Illinois Department of Employment Security’s (IDES) new, free jobs site, Illinois Job Link (IJL). IJL is an Internet-based job search tool that features current job openings and includes both statewide and nationwide job banks. By enrolling in IJL, veterans will be able to navigate job opportunities; may qualify for assistance from IDES’s veteran employment representatives; and will be included in the main database used to search for qualified veterans as IDES works directly with major employers seeking to hire veterans.

ILLINOIS WORK NET

Illinois’ Workforce Development system offers helpful resources and programs for job-seekers, including several specific to veterans.

UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

Unemployment insurance provides financial protection to ex-service members of all ranks who served in the Armed Forces of the United States. If you were on active-duty with a branch of the U.S. military and separated under honorable conditions, you may be entitled to benefits based on that service.

VETERAN PREFERENCE FOR STATE EMPLOYMENT

Under State law, qualified veterans seeking employment with the State are entitled to points added to a passing grade and receive absolute appointment preference within a given grade. Illinois National Guard/Reserves non-activated only receive points added to a passing grade. All veterans will be required to submit a certified copy of their DD214/DD215 as proof of service at the time of application.

ILLINOIS STATE POLICE & ILLINOIS CONSERVATION POLICE

The educational requirements needed to join the Illinois State Police will be waived for veterans who have been honorably discharged with a campaign medal of service in Afghanistan or Iraq. All other requirements to join the Illinois State Police will still apply.

EDUCATION WAIVER FOR MUNICIPAL POLICE AND FIREFIGHTERS

The educational requirements of an Associate’s Degree needed to be hired as a firefighter or policeman [woman] are waived if (1) applicant served honorably for 24 months of active duty or (2) the applicant served 180 days in combat. The educational requirements of a Bachelor’s Degree needed to be hired as a firefighter or policeman [woman] are waived if (1) applicant served honorably for 36 months of active duty or (2) the applicant served 180 days in combat.

EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIANS (EMTS)

In connection with the licensure of EMTs, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has the authority and responsibility to review applications for EMT licensure from honorably discharged service members with military emergency medical training.

COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S LICENSE – MILITARY SKILLS TEST WAIVER

Under the Secretary of State’s Military Skills Test Waiver Program, effective on January 1, 2014, military personnel and recently discharged service members seeking to obtain an Illinois Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) can have their skills testing (pre-trip, skills, and road) waived.

POLICE ACADEMY INTERN PROGRAM AT SOUTHWESTERN ILLINOIS COLLEGE

The Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) Intern Program is an ideal training outlet for veterans seeking a career in law enforcement. Successful intern applicants attend a basic law enforcement training academy (400-hour program) and, upon passing the state certification examination, will receive ILETSB State Certification. Interns are integrated into classes with sworn officers and receive the same training. The costs for training (tuition, housing, meals, etc.) are the responsibility of the intern, but eligible interns may use the Illinois Veterans’ Grant, GI Bill, or the Workforce Investment Act to pay tuition. This program is for Illinois residents only and seats are limited. Applicants must have valid Illinois driver’s license and Illinois Firearms Owner Identification Card.

VETERAN PREFERENCE FOR STATE EMPLOYMENT

Under State law, qualified veterans seeking employment with the State are entitled to points added to a passing grade and receive absolute appointment preference within a given grade. Illinois National Guard/Reserves non-activated only receive points added to a passing grade. All veterans will be required to submit a certified copy of their DD214/DD215 as proof of service at the time of application.

ILLINOIS STATE POLICE & ILLINOIS CONSERVATION POLICE

The educational requirements needed to join the Illinois State Police will be waived for veterans who have been honorably discharged with a campaign medal of service in Afghanistan or Iraq

EDUCATION WAIVER FOR MUNICIPAL POLICE AND FIREFIGHTERS

The educational requirements of an associate degree needed to be hired as a firefighter or policeman [woman] are waived if (1) applicant served honorably for 24 months of active duty or (2) the applicant served 180 days in combat. The educational requirements of a bachelor’s degree needed to be hired as a firefighter or policeman [woman] are waived if (1) applicant served honorably for 36 months of active duty or (2) the applicant served 180 days in combat.

EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIANS (EMTS)

In connection with the licensure of EMTs, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has the authority and responsibility to review applications for EMT licensure from honorably discharged service members with military emergency medical training.

COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S LICENSE – MILITARY SKILLS TEST WAIVER

Under the Secretary of State’s Military Skills Test Waiver Program, effective on January 1, 2014, military personnel and recently discharged service members seeking to obtain an Illinois Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) have the opportunity to have their skills testing (pre-trip, skills, and road) waived.

POLICE ACADEMY INTERN PROGRAM AT SOUTHWESTERN ILLINOIS COLLEGE

The Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) Intern Program is an ideal training outlet for veterans seeking a career in law enforcement. Successful intern applicants attend a basic law enforcement training academy (400-hour program) and, upon passing the state certification examination, will receive ILETSB State Certification. Interns are integrated into classes with sworn officers and receive the same training. The costs for training (tuition, housing, meals, etc.) are the responsibility of the intern, but eligible interns may use the Illinois Veterans’ Grant, GI Bill or the Workforce Investment Act to pay tuition. This program is for Illinois residents only and seats are limited. Applicants must have valid Illinois driver’s license and Illinois Firearms Owner Identification Card.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS’ AFFAIRS-VETERAN HEALTH ADMINISTRATION IN ILLINOIS

Illinois has VA Medical Centers, 20 Outpatient clinics, 13 Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC), and 11 Vet Centers throughout the state.

ILLINOIS VETERANS’ HOMES

The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA), all five Illinois Veterans’ Homes are fully staffed with caring and dedicated professionals who provide quality long-term skilled care and services to resident members.

ILLINOIS MEDICAID

Medicaid is a jointly funded State and Federal government program that pays for medical assistance services. Medicaid pays for medical assistance for eligible children, parents and caretakers of children, pregnant women, persons who are disabled, blind or 65 years of age or older, those who were formerly in foster care services, and adults aged 19-64 who are not receiving Medicare coverage and who are not the parent or caretaker relative of a minor child

SERVICE DOGS/GUIDE DOGS

We provide Service Animals that are instrumental in supporting veterans through transition back to civilian life and the challenges of post-traumatic stress disorder.

HOUSING BENEFITS

State Benefits Specially Adapted Housing The State of Illinois also has a specially adapted housing grant for those veterans who qualify for the federal veterans’ specially adapted housing grant.

330 ILCS 65/Disabled Veterans Housing Act Illinois.

Under this act, eligible veterans may be granted a single lump sum payment not to exceed $15,000 to provide assistance in acquiring a suitable dwelling unit with special fixtures and/or movable facilities made necessary by the veteran’s permanent and total disability. To be eligible, the veteran must be certified eligible by the VA for the federal Specially Adapted Housing Grant and the veteran must have been a resident of the State of Illinois at the time he or she entered the service. Apply at any IDVA office. Veterans eligible for the federal grant for Specially Adapted Housing may be provided a State of Illinois grant of up to $3,000 to help pay the cost of remodeling made necessary by the veteran’s permanent and total disability. This does not, however, mean the veteran will receive the full $3,000. For example, if the cost of remodeling is fully paid by the VA grant, the IDVA grant will pay nothing. But if the cost of remodeling is over the amount of the VA grant, the IDVA grant will pay remodeling costs not to exceed $3,000. To be eligible for this grant, the veteran must be certified eligible by the VA for assistance under Chapter 21 of Title 38, United States Code. The veteran must also have been a resident of the State of Illinois at the time he or she entered the service

ADVANTAGE ILLINOIS – ENHANCING SMALL BUSINESS ACCESS TO CAPITAL

The State of Illinois is committed to improving business access to capital and assisting companies in expand their workforce capacity or start-up activity. Supported by $78 million from the federal State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI)

ILLINOIS’ SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTERS (SBDCS)

The Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network assists pre-venture entrepreneurs with launching their new business ventures and provides guidance to existing businesses to help them grow and expand.

MISSION: VETERAN ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Veteran Entrepreneurship is an IDVA and CMS jointly-led initiative (originally launched in June 2012) that brings together pertinent government agencies, educational institutions, trade associations, business sector experts, and employers

SMALL BUSINESS SET-ASIDE PROGRAM (SBSP)

Every year the State of Illinois sets aside millions of dollars for contracts exclusively with small businesses. In 2011, Illinois awarded nearly $57 million to small firms through SBSP.

STATE PROCUREMENT BENEFITS FOR VETERAN-OWNED

Through the Illinois Veterans Business Program (IVBP), administered by the Illinois Department of Central Management Services, state agencies and universities are encouraged to spend at least 3% of their procurement budgets with certified

TAX CREDIT PROGRAMS

The State of Illinois has a broad portfolio of tax credit programs to help accelerate the growth of new and existing businesses across the state.

VETERAN ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs in partnership with the Illinois Department of Central Management Services provides training and outreach

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.

HUNTING AND FISHING PRIVILEGES

Fishing and hunting licenses are not required for disabled veterans who are receiving 10% or greater service-connected compensation, or total disability pension benefits.

GLOBAL WAR ON TERRORISM SURVIVORS’ COMPENSATION

A $3000 compensation benefit is payable to survivors of military personnel killed in action by terrorist acts or hostile activities during the performance of military service in periods recognized as wartime by a United States campaign or service medals.

VIETNAM VETERAN SURVIVORS’ COMPENSATION

Compensation of $1,000 is available to survivors of Vietnam veterans whose death was classified as service-connected by the US Department of Veterans Affairs.

CARTAGE AND ERECTION FEES

When the federal government has furnished a headstone or marker, the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs pays up to $125.00 for the setting of such marker.

GRAVES REGISTRATION

To preserve the memory of Illinois veterans, the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs maintains a -Roll of Honor- for all veterans buried in the State of Illinois.

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 who are without sufficient means to defray the funeral expenses.