Illinois

Property tax reduction based on disability rating, with full exemption for 100% disabled veterans.

Veterans with service-connected disability receive property tax reductions based on their rating: 30-49% disability gets $2,500 off EAV, 50-69% gets $5,000 off EAV, 70%+ (non-totally disabled) gets $5,000 off with additional sliding scale, and 100% totally disabled veterans receive a full property tax exemption on their primary residence. Unremarried surviving spouses retain the benefit.

Veterans returning from active duty in armed conflict receive a $5,000 EAV reduction for two years.

Veterans returning from active duty service in an armed conflict receive a one-time $5,000 reduction in equalized assessed value (EAV) on their primary residence for two consecutive years after returning.

Military retirement pay is fully exempt from Illinois state income tax.

Illinois fully exempts military retirement pay from state income tax. All retirement income is exempt in Illinois. The state has a flat 4.95% income tax rate, making this a significant benefit for military retirees.

Free DV plates and free registration for 100% disabled veterans.

Veterans with a service-connected disability can obtain DV specialty license plates. Veterans with 100% disability receive free plates and free vehicle registration. Additional military specialty plates are available including Veteran, Purple Heart, Medal of Honor, POW, and branch-specific plates.

Pays tuition and certain fees at Illinois public colleges and universities for up to 120 credit hours.

The Illinois Veteran Grant pays tuition and certain fees at Illinois public colleges and universities for up to 120 credit hours (or equivalent). Veterans must have served at least one year of active duty or been activated for federal service. Must have been an Illinois resident at time of entering service or for at least 6 months before applying.

Full tuition and fees for dependents of Illinois veterans who are POW/MIA or who died or became permanently disabled from service.

Dependents of Illinois veterans who are prisoners of war, missing in action, or who died or became permanently disabled as a result of military service receive full tuition and fees at Illinois public institutions.

Tuition waiver at Illinois public institutions for active National Guard members.

Active members of the Illinois Army or Air National Guard receive a tuition waiver at Illinois public colleges and universities.

Veterans receive in-state tuition at Illinois public institutions regardless of residency.

Veterans using GI Bill benefits receive in-state tuition rates at Illinois public colleges and universities regardless of their state of residency, per federal Section 702 compliance.

Veterans receive preference on state employment examinations with additional points for disabled veterans.

Honorably discharged veterans and disabled veterans receive veteran preference on state government employment examinations. Disabled veterans receive additional preference points under the Illinois Veterans Preference Act.

Priority of service at Illinois workNet centers with dedicated LVER and DVOP specialists.

Veterans receive priority of service at Illinois workNet centers across the state. Dedicated Local Veterans' Employment Representatives (LVER) and Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program (DVOP) specialists provide employment assistance.

Illinois recognizes military experience toward professional licensing with expedited processing for veterans and military spouses.

Illinois recognizes military experience toward professional licensing requirements. Expedited licensing is available for both veterans and military spouses relocating to Illinois.

Veterans with 50%+ disability receive a free Sportsman's License; 100% disabled get all stamps included.

Illinois resident veterans with 50% or greater service-connected disability receive a free Sportsman's License combining hunting and fishing. Veterans with 100% disability receive a free comprehensive license with all stamps included. Apply through Illinois DNR with VA disability documentation.

Multiple VA medical centers across Illinois including Chicago, Danville, Marion, and North Chicago.

Illinois is served by multiple VA Medical Centers: Jesse Brown VAMC and Hines VAMC in Chicago, Danville VAMC, Marion VAMC, and Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center in North Chicago. An extensive network of Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) provides additional coverage across the state.

State veterans homes in Anna, Chicago, LaSalle, Manteno, and Quincy providing skilled nursing and specialized care.

Illinois operates veterans homes in Anna, Chicago, LaSalle, Manteno, and Quincy. These facilities provide skilled nursing, domiciliary care, and specialized Alzheimer's/dementia care for eligible veterans.

Free readjustment counseling at Vet Centers in Chicago, East St. Louis, Evanston, Moline, Oak Park, Peoria, and Springfield.

Vet Centers across Illinois provide free readjustment counseling for eligible veterans. Locations include Chicago, East St. Louis, Evanston, Moline, Oak Park, Peoria, and Springfield.

Honorably discharged veterans can get a "VETERAN" designation on their Illinois driver's license or ID.

Honorably discharged veterans can obtain a "VETERAN" designation on their Illinois driver's license or state ID card through the Illinois Secretary of State's office.

Free VA claims assistance through veteran service officers across Illinois.

The Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs provides free VA claims assistance through veteran service officers located across the state.

Specialized veterans courts available in Cook County, DuPage County, and many other Illinois counties.

Specialized veterans treatment court programs are available in Cook County, DuPage County, and many other Illinois counties, providing an alternative to traditional criminal proceedings for eligible veterans.

Free burial at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery and six other national cemeteries across Illinois.

Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood is the largest national cemetery in Illinois. Additional national cemeteries are located at Rock Island, Alton, Camp Butler, Danville, Mound City, and Quincy. All provide free burial for eligible veterans.

Illinois state employees receive up to 30 days of paid military leave per year.

Illinois state employees who are members of the military reserves or National Guard receive up to 30 days of paid military leave per year for training or active duty service.