Illinois Veteran Benefits
Discover 16 state benefits available to Illinois veterans based on your disability rating and service history.
Benefit Categories in Illinois
🏛️Tax Benefits(4)
Returning Veterans' Homestead Exemption
Any Veteran$5,000 reduction in Equalized Assessed Value for two years for veterans returning from active duty in armed conflict.
Value: $5,000 off assessed value for 2 years
Learn more →Property Tax Exemption (30-49% Disabled)
30%+$2,500 reduction in Equalized Assessed Value for veterans with 30-49% disability rating.
Value: $2,500 off assessed value
Learn more →Property Tax Exemption (50-69% Disabled)
50%+$5,000 reduction in Equalized Assessed Value for veterans with 50-69% disability rating.
Value: $5,000 off assessed value
Learn more →Property Tax Exemption (70%+ Disabled)
70%+Exemption on the first $250,000 of EAV for veterans with 70%+ disability rating, effectively a full exemption for most homes.
Value: Up to $250,000 EAV exempt
Learn more →🏠Housing & Home Loans(1)
Illinois Specially Adapted Housing Grant
100%+Up to $18,000 in state grants for specially adapted housing for eligible disabled veterans.
Value: Up to $18,000
Learn more →🎓Education & Training(3)
Illinois Veteran Grant (IVG)
Any VeteranTuition and mandatory fees at all Illinois public colleges and universities for up to 120 credit hours.
Value: Up to 120 credit hours tuition-free
Learn more →Illinois National Guard Grant
Any VeteranTuition and fees at Illinois public colleges for current or honorably discharged Illinois National Guard members.
Value: Up to 120 credit hours tuition-free
Learn more →MIA/POW Dependents Scholarship
Any VeteranTuition and fees at Illinois public colleges for dependents of veterans who are POW, MIA, killed in action, or 100% disabled.
Value: Up to 4 years tuition-free
Learn more →🏥Healthcare(2)
Illinois Warrior Assistance Program (IWAP)
Any VeteranFree and confidential behavioral health services including a 24/7 helpline, care coordination, and referrals.
Value: Free
Learn more →Illinois Veterans' Homes
Any VeteranSkilled nursing care and memory care at state veterans homes in Anna, Chicago, LaSalle, Manteno, and Quincy.
Learn more →💼Employment(1)
Veterans' Preference in State Employment
Any VeteranAdditional points on state employment entrance exams for honorably discharged veterans.
Learn more →🚗Transportation(2)
CTA Military Service Pass (Free Transit)
10%+Free rides on all CTA bus and rail services for veterans rated 10%+ disability.
Value: $1,200+/year for regular commuters
Learn more →ISERVE License Plates
50%+Free specialty license plates for veterans with 50%+ service-connected disability without mobility impairment.
Learn more →🌲Recreation & Parks(3)
Discounted Hunting/Fishing Licenses for Veterans
Any Veteran50% off hunting and fishing licenses for Illinois resident veterans who served abroad.
Value: 50% off license fees
Learn more →Free Hunting and Fishing for Disabled Veterans
10%+Free hunting and fishing licenses for veterans receiving 10%+ service-connected VA compensation.
Value: Free annually
Learn more →Free Camping and Admission at State Parks
100%+No camping fee and no admission fee at Illinois state parks for 100% disabled veterans and former POWs.
Value: Free camping and admission
Learn more →2026 VA Disability Compensation Rates
Monthly payment amounts effective December 1, 2025. These federal rates apply to all Illinois veterans.
| Rating | Veteran Alone | With Spouse |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 | $180.42 |
| 20% | $356.66 | $356.66 |
| 30% | $552.47 | $617.47 |
| 40% | $795.84 | $882.84 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 | $1,241.90 |
| 60% | $1,435.02 | $1,566.02 |
| 70% | $1,808.45 | $1,961.45 |
| 80% | $2,102.15 | $2,277.15 |
| 90% | $2,362.30 | $2,559.30 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 | $4,158.17 |
Rates for 10-20% are the same regardless of dependents. Dependent additions apply at 30%+. View complete rate tables →
Frequently Asked Questions — Illinois Veteran Benefits
How many state veteran benefits does Illinois offer?▾
What disability rating do I need for Illinois veteran benefits?▾
Does Illinois offer property tax exemptions for disabled veterans?▾
What education benefits are available to Illinois veterans?▾
How do I apply for Illinois veteran benefits?▾
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