Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs

Burial assistance and plot or interment allowance. Certain benefits are available to assist with the burial expenses of deceased veterans. Eligibility is established if the veteran was entitled at the time of death to pension or compensation (or but for the receipt of military retired pay would have been entitled to compensation.) Eligibility is also established if the veteran died while hospitalized or domiciled in a VA facility or other facility at VA expense.

Cartage and Erection Fees. When the federal government has furnished a headstone or marker, the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs shall pay the allowable reimbursement amount for the setting of such marker within Illinois.

Disability compensation is a tax-free benefit paid to a veteran for disabilities that are a result of, or made worse by, injuries or diseases that happened while on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training. Disability compensation is also paid to certain veterans disabled from VA health care. You may be eligible for disability compensation if you have a service-related disability and you were discharged under other than dishonorable conditions.

Education opportunities for children (10-18 years of age). Financial aid is provided annually to each child between the ages of 10 and 18 years of a veteran who died or became totally disabled as a result of service in the Armed Forces during World War I or II, the Korean and Vietnam Conflicts or beginning February 1, 1955, until such individuals are no longer eligible for induction under the Universal Military Training and Service Act. Attendance means a state educational institution of elementary grade, a high school, or business college, vocational training school, or other educational institution.

Fishing and hunting licenses are not required for disabled veterans who are receiving 10% or greater service-connected compensation, or total disability pension benefits. To apply, please call 815) 468-6581