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Federal, state, and county governments offer special benefits for veterans, their dependents, and their survivors. Below is an overview of available services and resources with links to more information. 

Federal benefits 

The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has many programs to help veterans. The VA’s Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents, Survivors, and Caregivers handbook has detailed information on federal benefits for veterans, their dependents, and survivors. Some of the benefits and services include: 

• VA health care, 
• Education and training programs, 
• Housing assistance, 
• Career and employment services, 
• Disability compensation, 
• Pension, and 
• Burial and memorial benefits. 

The application process depends on the type of benefit you are seeking. Learn more about applying for benefits. 

Most of the time, to get VA benefits, your discharge must not have been dishonorable. Learn more about the character of your discharge and benefits on the VA website. 

On June 26, 2024, President Biden granted pardons to thousands of LGBTQIA+ service members who were forced out of the military based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. The pardon applies only to consensual, private conduct between people 18 years and older. If you are covered by the pardon, you can apply for an upgrade of your military discharge status. 

For more details about federal benefits available to veterans, visit the VA website. 

State benefits 

As an Illinois veteran, you can qualify for benefits and services to help with your education, career, and health care. Based on your unique background, you might be eligible for a variety of benefits. 

The Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) can help you learn which benefits and services are available to you. IDVA serves as a local advocate for veterans to help you get your federal and state benefits. 

IDVA has Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) to help you and your family with benefits and services. VSOs are fellow veterans who are experts on federal, state, and local resources. They can help you get your earned benefits. To contact a VSO, visit the IDVA VSO locations page. 

Learn more about state and federal benefits for Illinois veterans and their families through the Benefits for Illinois Veterans Manual. This resource explains eligibility for benefits, how to apply for benefits, how to appeal, and how to get help with benefit problems. 

County benefits 

Some counties have Veterans Assistance Commissions (VAC). If your county has a VAC, this is another good resource for help. For more information and a list of locations, visit the Illinois Association of County Veterans Assistance Commissions. 

Other resources for veterans 

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) 

The US Department of Labor website explains military families’ rights to take time off of work under the FMLA. 

Illinois Family Military Leave Act 

This Illinois Attorney General pamphlet describes the rights protected by the Illinois Family Military Leave Act. 

Illinois Armed Forces Legal Aid Network (IL-AFLAN) 

IL-AFLAN helps veterans, active duty military, and their families with legal issues in Illinois. It is a network comprised of legal aid organizations and law clinics. If you are a veteran, service member, national guard, reservist, or spouse or dependent and need legal help, you can call (855) IL-AFLAN or (855) 452-3526 to speak with a lawyer.