Illinois veteran benefits by rating
A rating alone does not establish eligibility. Programs have their own residency, income, service and application rules. Check the linked official source before applying.
Benefits and eligibility
| Rating or basis | Benefit | Summary and conditions | Official source and checked date |
|---|---|---|---|
| See source eligibility terms | Property tax | Illinois offers up to a $100,000 assessment reduction for qualifying federally assisted specially adapted housing. Assessed value is reduced by up to $100,000. Check the official source for application and eligibility conditions not covered here. An unmarried surviving spouse may retain the exemption while residing on the property. Unconfirmed details
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| See source eligibility terms | Vehicle | Illinois offers a free first set of disabled veteran plates when a service-connected disability meets physician-certified disabled parking requirements. The first set of disabled veteran plates is free. Check the official source for application and eligibility conditions not covered here. Unconfirmed details
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| 10 percent or higher | Hunting and fishing | Veterans receiving service-connected compensation at 10 percent or higher can receive free Illinois hunting and fishing licenses. Check the official source for application and eligibility conditions not covered here. Unconfirmed details
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| 30 to 49 percent | Property tax | Illinois provides a primary residence assessment exemption for qualifying veterans rated 30 to 49 percent service-connected. Equalized assessed value is reduced by $2,500. Check the official source for application and eligibility conditions not covered here. Unconfirmed details
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| 50 to 69 percent | Property tax | Illinois provides a primary residence assessment exemption for qualifying veterans rated 50 to 69 percent service-connected. The annual equalized assessed value exemption is $5,000. Check the official source for application and eligibility conditions not covered here. Unconfirmed details
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| 70 to 100 percent | Property tax | Illinois provides a primary residence assessment exemption for qualifying veterans rated 70 to 100 percent service-connected. The first $250,000 of residential equalized assessed value is exempt. Check the official source for application and eligibility conditions not covered here. Unconfirmed details
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| 100 percent; permanent and total | Dependent tuition | Dependents of qualifying Illinois veterans with a 100 percent permanent and total disability can receive a public college scholarship. Check the official source for application and eligibility conditions not covered here. Unconfirmed details
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| 100 percent compensation rate | State parks | Illinois waives qualifying campsite fees for eligible veterans receiving 100 percent service-connected disability compensation, with a $10 utility fee at equipped sites. Qualifying campsite fees are waived, with a $10 utility fee at equipped sites. Check the official source for application and eligibility conditions not covered here. Unconfirmed details
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State veterans homes
Illinois operates 5 state veterans homes.
State veterans agency
Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs serves veterans in Illinois.
For paid help after a denied claim, see VA-accredited attorneys and claims agents in Illinois.
Get ready for your appointment
A VSO representative can file your claim and represent you at no cost. You still gather the evidence, and arriving organized helps you get more from the appointment.
What to bring
- Your DD-214 or other discharge papers
- Any VA decision letters you have received
- Medical records you want to discuss, from VA or private doctors
- A short list of your conditions and your questions
Ask the office what else it needs. Contact the office even if you are unsure which documents you need.
Starting a new claim? Ask about an intent to file
An intent to file (VA Form 21-0966) can hold your potential start date for benefits for up to one year while you gather evidence. Ask the office to submit one at your first contact if you have not filed one already. Check your intent to file deadline with the free calculator.
Prepare with Claim Raven
How Claim Raven works alongside your VSO
Claim Raven is software, not an accredited representative. It does not file claims or represent you. These tools are optional.