Beyond your federal VA disability compensation, Illinois offers its own benefits for veterans — property tax, education, vehicle, recreation. Here's what Illinois veterans can claim, who qualifies, and how to apply.
Not sure what your rating qualifies you for? Check your combined rating →
Illinois SHEVD reduces the equalized assessed value (EAV) of a disabled veteran's primary residence on a tiered scale: 30%–49% rating = $2,500 EAV reduction; 50%–69% rating = $5,000 EAV reduction; 70%+ rating = up to $250,000 EAV reduction (effectively full exemption for most homes). 100% P&T veterans are auto-renewed each year. Cannot be combined with the general Homestead Exemption for Persons with Disabilities or the Returning Veterans Homeowner Exemption. Apply with the county Chief County Assessment Office.
How to claim: File with County Assessor / Chief County Assessment Officer with VA disability letter
Illinois Veteran Grant (IVG) pays mandatory tuition and certain fees at Illinois public 2-year and 4-year colleges/universities for eligible Illinois veterans. Eligibility: served at least 12 months active federal duty (or shorter for active-duty deaths/medical discharge), entered service from Illinois, returned to Illinois within 6 months of discharge, honorable discharge. NOT contingent on disability rating but the grant is funded by appropriation each year — schools may not be reimbursed in full, and the Veteran is responsible for any difference. Apply via ISAC.
How to claim: Apply through Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) using IVG application
Free Illinois disabled veteran (DV) license plates for veterans with 50%+ service-connected disability. The DV plate exempts the veteran from registration fee on one passenger vehicle. Apply through Illinois Secretary of State.
How to claim: Apply at IL Secretary of State
Illinois disabled veterans with a 10%+ service-connected disability are admitted FREE to Illinois state parks day-use, and disabled veterans (any rating) plus former POWs receive free camping at IDNR campgrounds. Veterans with disabilities also get a free Disabled Veteran Hunting/Fishing license. Apply at IDNR.
How to claim: Show DD-214 or VA disability letter at park entrance / IDNR license vendor
Estimate your combined rating → Browse conditions
VA Ready checks your rating against state and federal benefits for all 50 states, builds your combined rating with real VA math, and walks you through filing. No account required.
Get your full Benefits & Exposure Profile PDF, every-state lookups, and the complete criteria for all 755 conditions.
Illinois offers veteran benefits across property tax, education, vehicle, recreation. Highlights include Standard Homestead Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities (SHEVD), Illinois Veteran Grant (IVG), Free License Plate. Eligibility varies — some benefits require a VA disability rating, 100% P&T status, or combat service.
Illinois SHEVD reduces the equalized assessed value (EAV) of a disabled veteran's primary residence on a tiered scale: 30%–49% rating = $2,500 EAV reduction; 50%–69% rating = $5,000 EAV reduction; 70%+ rating = up to $250,000 EAV reduction (effectively full exemption for most homes). 100% P&T vetera
Many state benefits are tied to your VA disability rating — the higher your rating, the more you may qualify for. Use the free VA Ready calculator to confirm your combined rating, then check which state benefits you've earned.