Illinois Veteran Benefits

Illinois offers state-level benefits that complement your federal VA benefits. Use this page to quickly see what’s available and where to apply.

Quick Facts

• Property Tax: Disabled Veterans’ Standard Homestead Exemption — $2,500 EAV (30–49% SC), $5,000 EAV (50–69% SC), and for 70%+ SC the first $250,000 EAV of a primary residence is exempt (see county assessor for filing).
• DMV: “Veteran” designation available on driver license/ID (no extra fee). Disabled Veteran plates: first set has $0 registration on renewal; additional sets pay standard fees; separate placard needed for disability parking.
• Education: Illinois Veteran Grant (IVG) pays tuition and mandatory fees at state public colleges for eligible veterans; MIA/POW & Deceased/Disabled Veterans’ Dependents Scholarship for eligible spouses/children at Illinois publics.
• Income Tax Notes: Illinois has a state income tax but does not tax VA disability compensation or military retirement pay.

Property Tax Relief

Under 35 ILCS 200/15-169, Illinois provides an annual homestead exemption on a qualifying primary residence: $2,500 EAV (30–49% SC), $5,000 EAV (50–69% SC), and for 70%+ SC the first $250,000 in equalized assessed value is exempt. Apply with your chief county assessment office; most applicants reapply annually (certain 100% P&T cases may not). Surviving spouses may continue or receive an exemption under defined conditions; confirm with your county.

DMV & License Benefits

Add the “Veteran” designation to your Illinois driver license/ID at no extra cost with proof of honorable service (apply at a Secretary of State facility). Illinois offers Disabled Veteran (DV) plates; the first set renews with no registration fee (title fees may apply on first issuance). Additional sets pay standard fees. DV plates that confer disability parking require a separate medical certification/placard process.

Education Benefits

The Illinois Veteran Grant (IVG) pays eligible tuition and mandatory fees at Illinois public colleges and community colleges for qualified veterans meeting residency and service requirements. The Deceased, Disabled, and MIA/POW Veterans’ Dependents Scholarship covers tuition and eligible fees at Illinois public institutions for qualifying spouses and children. Coordinate with your campus veterans office for certification and timelines.

Hunting & Fishing

Disabled veterans receiving 10%+ VA service-connected compensation (or total disability pension) are not required to purchase Illinois hunting or fishing licenses (carry the IDVA affidavit and VA verification). Separate programs offer half-price licenses for certain veterans who served abroad/mobilized.

Spouse & Dependent Benefits

Surviving spouses may continue or qualify for the disabled-veteran homestead exemption in several scenarios detailed in statute (including certain DIC recipients); apply with the county assessor. Education support includes the Illinois MIA/POW & Deceased/Disabled Veterans’ Dependents Scholarship at public institutions.

Illinois Veterans Agency

Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA)

VA Regional Office

Chicago VA Regional Benefit Office
2122 West Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60612

VA Medical Centers & Key Clinics

• Jesse Brown VA Medical Center — Chicago
• Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital — Hines
• VA Illiana Health Care System — Danville
• Marion VA Medical Center — Marion
• Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center — North Chicago

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Sources

• 35 ILCS 200/15-169 — Homestead Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities
• Illinois Dept. of Revenue — Property Tax Relief for Veterans
• Illinois Secretary of State — Disabled Veteran Plates (fees & eligibility)
• IDVA — Veteran Driver’s License/ID Designation
• ISAC — Illinois Veteran Grant (IVG)
• IDVA — Deceased, Disabled, and MIA/POW Veterans’ Dependents Scholarship
• IDVA — Fishing & Hunting Permits (Disabled Veteran Exemption)
• VBA — Chicago Regional Office (address & hours)
• VA — Illinois Medical Centers (Hines, Jesse Brown, Danville, Marion, Lovell)
• Military.com — Illinois Military & Veteran Taxes (retired pay tax-free)

Last verified: August 26, 2025