State Benefit·Illinois·🎓Education & Training

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

Tuition and fees at Illinois public colleges for dependents of veterans who are POW, MIA, deceased, or 100% disabled.

Verified May 12, 2026againstveterans.illinois.gov

At a glance

Benefit type
Education & Training — Illinois
Who it's for
Spouses, Survivors, Dependents
VA rating needed
No rating requirement
Estimated value
Up to 4 years tuition-free
Where it applies
Illinois
Last verified
May 12, 2026

What is Illinois Deceased, Disabled, and MIA/POW Veterans' Dependents Scholarship?

Illinois Deceased, Disabled, and MIA/POW Veterans' Dependents Scholarship is a Illinois education & training benefit for spouses, survivors, dependents. Tuition and fees at Illinois public colleges for dependents of veterans who are POW, MIA, deceased, or 100% disabled. The listed value is Up to 4 years tuition-free.

Who qualifies

SpousesSurvivorsDependents
  • Through veteran sponsor (any rating)
  • Illinois residency

How to apply

Apply through the official Illinois agency.

Open application

Who is eligible

Eligibility

Dependent (spouse; natural child; stepchild under 18 at time of marriage; adopted child under 18 at time of adoption; or minor under 18 under court-ordered guardianship) of an Illinois veteran who is/was a POW, declared MIA, rated 100% permanent and total service-connected disabled (including IU), or whose death was ruled service-connected by the USDVA. The veteran must have been an Illinois resident at the time of entering active duty, became a resident within 6 months after entering, OR maintained 15+ consecutive years of Illinois residency after entering active duty.

What Illinois Deceased, Disabled, and MIA/POW Veterans' Dependents Scholarship covers

Covers

Full tuition and mandatory fees at Illinois state-supported colleges and universities. Equivalent to 4 years of full-time enrollment (including summer terms); maximum of 120 eligibility points. Benefit expires 12 years from initial enrollment.

How to apply for Illinois Deceased, Disabled, and MIA/POW Veterans' Dependents Scholarship

How to apply

Apply online at studentportal.isac.org with DD-214, USDVA award letter, proof of enrollment, and residency documentation.

Verified information & sources

Last verified: May 12, 2026

Official source: veterans.illinois.gov

Compiled and fact-checked against the official source linked above. Benefit rules and dollar amounts change over time — always confirm current details at the official source before applying. A county Veterans Service Officer (VSO) is a free, accredited advocate who can review your eligibility and help you file at no cost.

Frequently asked questions about Illinois Deceased, Disabled, and MIA/POW Veterans' Dependents Scholarship

Who qualifies for Illinois Deceased, Disabled, and MIA/POW Veterans' Dependents Scholarship?
Illinois Deceased, Disabled, and MIA/POW Veterans' Dependents Scholarship is for Spouses, Survivors, Dependents; Through veteran sponsor (any rating); illinois residency. See the eligibility details on this page and confirm with the official source before applying.
How much is Illinois Deceased, Disabled, and MIA/POW Veterans' Dependents Scholarship worth?
The listed value is Up to 4 years tuition-free. Amounts can change — confirm the current figure at the official source linked on this page.
How do I apply for Illinois Deceased, Disabled, and MIA/POW Veterans' Dependents Scholarship?
Apply through the official source linked on this page. A county Veterans Service Officer (VSO) can review your eligibility and help you file at no cost.
Where can I verify Illinois Deceased, Disabled, and MIA/POW Veterans' Dependents Scholarship?
Benefit rules and dollar amounts change, so always confirm current details at the official source linked on this page. A free, accredited county or state Veterans Service Officer (VSO) can also verify your eligibility and help you apply.

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