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Illinois — Veteran Benefits

Complete reference covering 58 benefit categories across 14 service tiers. Verify current eligibility with your County VSO before filing.

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Standout Program

SNAP at 200% FPL (eff 2026); IVG full tuition any honorable vet; CTA free transit 10%+ SC

At a Glance — What Unlocks by Status / Rating

Veteran benefits unlocked at each service status and disability rating in Illinois
Status / Rating Headline Benefits Unlocked
Active Duty Military pay exempt from IL income tax; spouse income exempt if stationed in IL (MSRRA); free 1-yr hunting/fishing combo + free camping during deployment (within 2 yrs of return); DL extension 120 days; CDL skills-test waiver; may hunt without license while on leave in IL
Guard / Reserve Illinois National Guard Grant (full tuition + mandatory fees at public colleges); IMFRF grants $500–$5,000; State-Sponsored Life Insurance up to $1,000,000; unpaid family military leave up to 30 days; 30-day/yr paid military leave from state jobs; salary differential for 60+ day orders; SNAP eligibility at 200% FPL (effective 2026)
Military Retiree Military retirement pay 100% exempt from IL income tax; SBP/RCSBP/RSFPP annuities exempt; no additional state-specific tiered retirement benefit beyond the income-tax exemption
Veteran (honorable, no rating) Veterans preference for state employment (3 or 5 pts); veteran designation on DL ($5); 50% off hunting/fishing/combo license; specialty vet plates; IVG tuition grant if residency + service criteria met; CDL skills-test waiver; CCW training-hour waiver (8 hrs); SNAP at 200% FPL (effective 2026)
0% SC Same as honorable veteran; no additional state benefit tied specifically to 0% SC
10–20% SC Free hunting + fishing licenses + habitat stamp; CTA Military Service Pass (free Chicago transit); all prior honorable veteran benefits
30–40% SC Property tax EAV reduction $2,500 on primary residence (SHEVD); all 10%+ benefits
50–60% SC Property tax EAV reduction $5,000; ISERVE plates free (first set + annual renewal); all 10%+ benefits
70–90% SC Property tax full exemption (first $250,000 EAV) on primary residence; all prior benefits
100% schedular Same property tax full exemption (EAV ≤ $250K); dependent scholarship — confirm with ISAC whether 100% schedular (non-P&T) qualifies; free parks camping/admission
TDIU Full property tax exemption (EAV ≤ $250K); IVG grant; free hunting/fishing; free parks camping/admission; dependent scholarship if compensated at 100% for unemployability; all 10%+ benefits
P&T Full property tax exemption auto-renewed annually; dependent education scholarship (full tuition + fees, up to 4 yrs); SAH property tax exemption; mobile home tax exemption; free parks camping/admission; all TDIU benefits
SMC (Housebound / A&A) All P&T benefits; federal SMC payments state-income-tax-free; state veterans home priority admission
Surviving spouse / dependents Unremarried spouse of KIA: 100% EAV property tax exemption (no cap, portable); unremarried spouse of SC-death veteran receiving DIC: first $250K EAV exempt; unremarried spouse of 70%+ veteran retains full exemption; Vietnam/GWOT KIA survivor compensation $1,000–$3,000; dependent education scholarship (full tuition, 4 yrs); $250/yr K-12 grant per child; Fallen Heroes Scholarship ($5,000 529 plan); IMFRF casualty grant $5,000; Gold Star DL designation (free)

Taxes

1. Property Tax — Primary Residence

Must own and occupy property as primary Illinois residence; must be a disabled veteran with a service-connected rating certified by the VA. Three distinct exemptions apply separately and may stack with each other.

Authority: 35 ILCS 200/15-169

2. Property Tax — Vehicle / Personal Property

Illinois does not exempt disabled veterans from vehicle personal property tax. Vehicle-related benefits appear under Category 10 (Vehicle Registration).

3. Vehicle Sales / Use Tax

Illinois does not offer a veteran-specific vehicle sales or use tax exemption. Standard state and county use tax applies on vehicle purchases.

4. State Income Tax — Active Duty Military Pay

Illinois resident on active duty; applies to military pay included in federal AGI. **Amount:** 100% exempt — subtract military pay from Illinois gross income on IL-1040. **Nonresident military spouse:** Exempt from IL income tax on wages earned while spouse is stationed in IL (Military Spouses Residency Relief Act / MSRRA).

Authority: Illinois Compiled Statutes; IL Dept. of Revenue Publication 102

5. State Income Tax — Military Retirement Pay

**Authority:** IL Dept. of Revenue Publication 102; IL-1040 Line 5 **Amount:** 100% exempt from Illinois state income tax. Applies to regular military retired pay, disability retirement pay, and DoD/VA disability payments. Illinois also exempts 100% of Social Security benefits, compounding the benefit for retirees receiving both. **No income cap, no age threshold.**

Authority: IL Dept. of Revenue Publication 102; IL-1040 Line 5

6. State Income Tax — SBP Annuity

**Authority:** IL Dept. of Revenue **Amount:** 100% exempt. SBP, RCSBP, and RSFPP annuities are not taxed under Illinois law.

Authority: IL Dept. of Revenue

7. State Income Tax — General

- **VA disability compensation and DIC:** Not subject to Illinois taxation (federally tax-free; Illinois conforms). - **Illinois income tax rate:** 4.95% flat. All non-exempt income (civilian wages, i

8. Sales Tax Exemption

Illinois does not issue a veteran sales-tax-exemption card for retail purchases.

9. Other State Tax Breaks

- **Mobile Home Tax Exemption:** Veterans who used a federal Specially Adapted Housing Grant to purchase a mobile home are exempt from county mobile home taxes. Contact IDVA VSO. - **Property tax — ac

Vehicle, Travel & ID

10. Vehicle Registration Fee

50%+ service-connected disability rating. **Cost:** First set issued free; annual renewal also free for the first set. Second set: ⚠️ approximately $101–$151 registration fee per year — confirm current amount with IL SOS before applying. **Motorcycle option:** Available. **Documentation:** VA disability rating letter showing 50%+ rating. **Application:** In person or by mail to IL SOS, 501 S. 2nd St., Howlett Bldg Room 541, Springfield IL 62756; or via form VSD-889 (available at ilsos.gov).
Verify locally: Second set: ⚠️ approximately $101–$151 registration fee per year — confirm current amount with IL SOS before applying.

Authority: 625 ILCS 5/3-609; Illinois Secretary of State

11. Disabled Veteran License Plates

Covered under Category 10. The "DV" (Disabled Veteran) plate is the mobility-based plate requiring 10%+ walking disability plus physician certification. The ISERVE plate is the 50%+ SC plate without a mobility requirement. Both first sets issued free. Parking placard privileges (meter waiver, designated spaces) attach to the DV mobility-based plate only.

12. Other Veteran / Military Specialty Plates

Illinois offers 44+ distinctive military/veteran specialty plates including: - U.S. Army Veteran, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard Veteran plates - Gold Star plate (free for KIA family: spouse, parents, children, siblings) - Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star, Silver Star, and other award plates - Illinois National Guard, Reserve plates
Verify locally: First set may carry a one-time specialty fee — verify per plate type at ilsos.

13. Toll Road / Bridge Exemption

The Illinois Tollway (I-PASS system) does not offer a veteran-specific toll exemption. No DV plate toll-free program exists. Proposed legislation (IL HB2742) would create a toll exemption for veterans traveling to VA medical appointments, but it had not been enacted as of the research date. The I-PASS Assist program provides discounted tolls for income-eligible households (at or below 250% FPL) regardless of veteran status.

14. Public Transit Discount

- Active duty or actively drilling Guard/Reserve with valid Armed Forces ID. - Service members in uniform (no pass needed; board free). - Disabled veterans with 10%+ SC disability rating OR receiving military disability retirement pay. **Benefit:** Free unlimited CTA bus and rail rides. **Application:** In person at Ventra Service Center, or by mail: CTA Ventra Military Pass Program, PO Box 8291, Chicago IL 60680. Phone: 877-NOW-VENTRA.

15. Disabled Parking Privileges

DV mobility-based plate holders — 10%+ walking disability SC plus physician certification. **Benefit:** Park in designated disability spaces; meter fees and time limits waived (except 30-min or less meters). **Separate placard:** Veterans may also obtain a standard blue disability placard with physician certification of mobility limitation, separate from VA rating-only plates.

16. Driver License / State ID Fee

Honorably discharged veteran. **Cost:** $5 (driver's license); $10 (ID card). Free for applicants age 65 or older. **Documentation (one of):** DD214, NA Form 13038, DD2 (Retired), VA ID card, VA Summary of Benefits letter, or official DoD honorable discharge document. **Application:** Illinois Secretary of State Office.

17. CDL Fee / Skills-Test Waiver

Service members or veterans discharged within the past 12 months; first CDL only (not upgrades or restrictions).

Authority: Illinois Secretary of State

18. Veteran Designation on DL / ID

Covered under Category 16. Cost: $5 (DL) / $10 (ID card); free at age 65 or older. Requires DD214 or equivalent honorable discharge documentation.

Outdoor Recreation

19. Hunting License

Veterans receiving 10%+ SC compensation OR total disability pension — FREE hunting license. No Illinois residency required; non-residents are eligible. **Authority:** Illinois DNR / IDVA; Disability Affidavit (IDVA). **License type:** Includes upland, waterfowl, and combination hunting privileges; license has no expiration date once issued. **Habitat Stamp:** Also waived for 10%+ SC disabled veterans. **Documentation:** DD214 + current VA compensation/pension verification + Disability Affidavit (obtain from nearest IDVA VSO). **Application:** Contact IDVA local VSO.

Authority: Illinois DNR / IDVA; Disability Affidavit (IDVA).

20. Fishing License — Freshwater

Same as hunting — 10%+ SC or total disability pension — FREE fishing license; no residency requirement; no expiration. **Veterans without disability (served abroad):** 50% off fishing license (IL resident). **Documentation:** DD214 + VA verification + IDVA Disability Affidavit. **Application:** Contact IDVA local VSO.

21. Fishing License — Saltwater

Illinois is landlocked; no saltwater fishing license exists.

22. Combination Hunt/Fish License

10%+ SC or total disability pension — hunting + fishing licenses both free (see Categories 19–20). Effectively a free combination. **Veterans (non-disabled, served abroad):** 50% off Sportsman's Combination license (IL resident; DD214 required; available IDNR Springfield HQ or email DNR.License@illinois.gov). **Deployed active duty (within 2 yrs of return):** Free Combined Sportsman's License + Habitat Stamp for each year served. Apply at IDNR Springfield HQ or email DNR.OSSMilitary@illinois.gov.

23. Trapping License

**Unavailable (unconfirmed)** — Specific trapping license fee waivers for veterans are not confirmed in IDNR published materials. The hunting/fishing exemption does not explicitly extend to a standalone trapping license. ⚠️ Verify locally with IDNR (dnr.illinois.gov or 217-782-2965).
Verify locally: **Unavailable (unconfirmed)** — Specific trapping license fee waivers for veterans are not confirmed in IDNR published materials. ⚠️ Verify locally with IDNR (dnr.

24. State Parks — Day Use / Entrance

Veterans who meet ANY of the following criteria (Illinois resident required), plus former POWs: - Permanent loss of use of a leg, both legs, an arm, or both arms, or any combination thereof - Severely disabled so as to be unable to move without crutches or a wheelchair - Receiving 100% service-connected disability compensation from the VA or military disability retired pay (not TDRL)

Authority: Illinois Administrative Code 17-130.70; dnr.illinois.gov.

25. State Parks — Camping

Same criteria as Category 24 (100% SC compensation, qualifying mobility/limb-loss disability, or POW status; Illinois resident). **Benefit:** No camping fee at all IL IDNR state parks statewide. **Fee detail by site class:** - Class A, AA, A-P, B/E, B/E-P sites (utility-equipped): No camping fee; $10 utility fee applies. - Class B/S, B/S-P, C, D sites (non-utility): No fee of any kind. **Family:** Spouse, minor children, grandchildren under 18 accompanying the veteran camp under the same terms. **Authority:** Illinois Administrative Code 17-130.70; dnr.illinois.gov/parks/camp/discounts.html. **Documentation:** IDVA Veteran's Disability Certification Card.

Authority: Illinois Administrative Code 17-130.70; dnr.illinois.gov/parks/camp/discounts.html.

26. State Parks — Annual / Lifetime Pass

Illinois does not issue a distinct statewide veteran annual or lifetime park pass card. The IDVA Disability Certification Card functions as the ongoing access credential for the camping and admission exemptions in Categories 24–25.

27. Boat / Watercraft Registration

**Unavailable (unconfirmed)** — No Illinois-specific veteran or disabled veteran boat registration fee waiver confirmed in IDNR published materials. Standard boat registration fees apply ($28–$210 depending on vessel class). ⚠️ Verify with IDNR Boating division (217-782-2965).
Verify locally: **Unavailable (unconfirmed)** — No Illinois-specific veteran or disabled veteran boat registration fee waiver confirmed in IDNR published materials. ⚠️ Verify with IDNR Boating division (217-782-2965).

Education

28. In-State Tuition

**Unavailable as a standalone benefit** — Illinois does not have a separate in-state tuition rate preference for non-resident veterans. However, the Illinois Veterans' Grant (see Category 29) effectively covers full tuition and mandatory fees at all IL public institutions, making in-state vs. out-of-state distinction largely moot for grant-eligible veterans.

29. Tuition Waiver — Disabled Veteran

- Illinois resident at the time of entering federal active-duty service, OR within six months prior to entering service, OR currently residing in Illinois at the time of application and enrollment. - Exception: currently serving on federal active duty, OR residing with a military spouse currently stationed outside IL. - Served minimum 1 full year on active duty (any branch), OR served any length in a foreign country during a period of hostilities. - Received honorable discharge (verified upon application or upon discharge if still serving). - Not in default on any student loan or state grant. **No disability rating required.** The IVG is available to any honorably discharged IL veteran meeting residency and service criteria. **Award structure:** Maximum 120 eligibility points, equivalent to four academic years. **Application:** ISAC Student Portal (studentportal.isac.org); contact VSO or college financial aid office. **Note:** No expiration date on eligibility; may be used for graduate programs.

Authority: Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC)

30. Dependent Education Benefit

Dependent children of Illinois service members killed in the line of duty. **Usage:** Qualified higher education expenses at accredited postsecondary institution; no cash withdrawals; payments made directly to school. **Apply:** collegesavings@IllinoisTreasurer.gov or mail to Office of the IL State Treasurer, Fallen Heroes Scholarship, 100 W. Randolph St., Suite 15-600, Chicago IL 60601.

Authority: Illinois Student Assistance Commission / IDVA

31. Spouse Education Benefit

The Deceased/Disabled/MIA-POW Dependents Scholarship (Category 30A) covers unremarried surviving spouses of 100% P&T / TDIU / POW / deceased-SC veterans — full tuition and mandatory fees at IL public colleges/universities for up to 4 years (120 points; expires 12 years from first enrollment). No separate standalone spouse-only education program beyond this exists.

32. National Guard / Reserve Tuition Assistance

- Currently serving IL National Guard member. - Completed at least one academic year of satisfactory Guard service. - Not in default on student loans or state grants. - Maintaining satisfactory academic progress. **Duration:** - Less than 10 years service: up to 4 academic years. - 10 or more years service: up to 6 academic years. - Exception: members with 5+ consecutive years interrupted by 6+ months federal active duty may waive current-service requirement. **Apply:** ISAC ING Interactive Application at studentportal.isac.org.

Authority: Illinois Student Assistance Commission

33. K-12 Support

Same veteran eligibility as Category 30A (P&T / TDIU / POW / MIA / SC death); child must be age 10–18; must begin using before age 26. **Uses:** IL elementary, middle, high school, home school, or vocational school enrollment expenses. **Annual reapplication required.** **Apply:** ISAC Student Portal.

34. State Student Loan / Scholarship

- **IVG (Category 29):** Grant, not loan. Covers full tuition + fees; no repayment. - **ING Grant (Category 32):** Grant, not loan. - **Academic Credit for Military Training:** IL public colleges awar

Employment & Licensing

35. Veterans Hiring Preference

**Authority:** Illinois Central Management Services (CMS); Illinois Compiled Statutes **Benefit:** Additional points added to passing state civil service entrance exam scores.

Authority: Illinois Central Management Services (CMS); Illinois Compiled Statutes

36. Professional License Fee Waiver

**Education waivers for public safety careers:** - **State Police:** Education requirement waived for Afghanistan/Iraq Campaign Medal holders with honorable discharge. - **Conservation Police:** Education waived for honorable discharge + Southwest Asia, Kosovo, Korean Defense, Afghanistan, Iraq, or GWOT Expeditionary Medal. - **Municipal Police and Firefighters:** Associate degree requirement waived with 24 months active duty or 180 days combat; bachelor's degree waived with 36 months active duty or 180 days combat. - **EMTs:** Military emergency medical training reviewed by IDPH; if approved, veteran may take IDPH exam within 1 year of discharge and receive EMT license if passed. - **CDL:** Skills-test waiver for qualifying MOS holders (see Category 17).
Verify locally: **Authority:** 430 ILCS 66/75; verify current requirements at isp.

Authority: 430 ILCS 66/75; verify current requirements at isp.illinois.gov/Foid/Ccl.

37. Professional License Reciprocity — Military Spouse

**Status:** A distinct IL state spouse reciprocity statute for professional licenses was not confirmed in sources reviewed. Federal protections (Public Law 115-407) and ISERRA exist. ⚠️ Verify with the relevant IL licensing board or IDVA.
Verify locally: **Status:** A distinct IL state spouse reciprocity statute for professional licenses was not confirmed in sources reviewed. ⚠️ Verify with the relevant IL licensing board or IDVA.

38. Business License Fee Break

Illinois-based business; under $150 million annual gross sales; 51%+ owned and controlled by a qualified veteran or service-disabled veteran residing in Illinois. **Certification:** Apply through CEI ("VBP Certification" tab at cei.illinois.gov). **Contact:** 312-814-4190 / 800-356-9206 / cei.equity.inclusion@illinois.gov.

Authority: Illinois Commission on Equity and Inclusion (CEI)

39. Civil Service / Retirement Credit

**Military Leave and Pension Protection:** - State/local government, higher education, and school district employees: seniority and benefits continue during military leave. - Annual training: up to 30 days per calendar year with full salary continuation. - Long-term orders (60+ days): employer pays difference between civilian and military pay (salary differential) for the duration. **Authority:** Illinois Public Employee Leave for Military Duty statute.
Verify locally: ⚠️ Verify with your specific pension system (SERS, TRS, IMRF) for current buyback rules and costs.

Authority: Illinois Public Employee Leave for Military Duty statute.

Housing & Financial

40. State Home Loan / Down-Payment Assistance

Illinois does not have a dedicated state veterans home loan program. Veterans use the federal VA home loan guaranty. Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) programs are accessible to veterans:
Verify locally: ⚠️ Confirm with an IHDA-approved lender (ihdamortgage.

41. Financial Assistance / Emergency Relief

Illinois National Guard or Reserve members on federal or state active duty.

42. State Veteran Bonus

**War Participation Bonus Payments** **Authority:** Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs, Compensation Benefits; Illinois Compiled Statutes.

Authority: Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs, Compensation Benefits; Illinois Compiled Statutes.

43. Specially Adapted Housing — State Supplement

Must qualify for a federal VA Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant; Illinois resident at time of entry into military service. **Tax benefit:** Also qualifies for the SAHE property tax exemption ($100,000 assessed value reduction; see Category 1B) and mobile home tax exemption. **Apply:** IDVA local VSO.
Verify locally: - **Up to $3,000 for remodeling** — ⚠️ not confirmed in current official sources; IDVA reported no program activity under this component in CY2024. Verify with IDVA VSO before relying on this figure.

44. Utility / Heating Assistance

**IMFRF (see Category 41):** Needs-based grant covers utilities among other essential expenses for Guard/Reserve on active duty. **Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program (IHWAP):** Income-based; not veteran-specific but veterans may qualify. Contact IL Dept. of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. No standalone state veteran-specific utility/heating assistance program beyond IMFRF confirmed.
Verify locally: No standalone state veteran-specific utility/heating assistance program beyond IMFRF confirmed.

Health & Support

45. State Veterans Home / Nursing Home

Illinois veteran; wartime-era veterans receive priority admission. Must have qualifying period of service. Contact each home directly for current waitlist and admission requirements. **Services:** Skilled nursing care, rehabilitation, social services, homelike environment. **Contact:** IDVA (217-782-6641) or veterans.illinois.gov. **Costs:** Based on income and assets; federal VA per-diem funding offsets costs; residents charged on a sliding scale. ⚠️ Verify current rates with each facility. **Burial:** Veterans who reside at the Manteno or Quincy homes are eligible for burial in the on-site cemetery.
Verify locally: ⚠️ Verify current rates with each facility.

46. Behavioral / Mental Health Programs

**Road Home Program (Rush University Medical Center)** Free mental health care and wellness services for veterans of all eras, service members, and families. No discharge-status requirement. **Phone:** 312-942-8387 (VETS).

47. Dental / Vision / Health Programs

- Age 19–64. - No health insurance for 6+ months (exceptions for spouse job loss, COBRA, post-active-duty TRICARE). - Not eligible for VA healthcare. - Not eligible for other state programs (IL FamilyCare). - Not dishonorably discharged. - 180+ consecutive days active duty service (non-training). - Income at or below county-specific threshold.
Verify locally: ⚠️ Verify current co-pay schedule and county income limits with HFS.

Authority: Illinois Dept. of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS)

48. Long-Term Care / Aid & Attendance Supplement

**Illinois Veterans' Homes (Category 45):** Primary state LTC option; sliding-scale cost; skilled nursing level of care available. Prince Home at Manteno: supportive residential program for homeless and disabled veterans. No identified separate state Aid and Attendance cash supplement beyond federal VA A&A; state LTC benefit is primarily delivered through the Veterans' Homes system.

49. Free Legal Aid / Veteran Treatment Courts

**Illinois Armed Forces Legal Aid Network (IL-AFLAN)** Statewide hotline and legal support for current and former military members and their families (low to moderate income). **Phone:** 855-IL-AFLAN (855-452-3526) | Monday–Friday 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. **Website:** pslegal.org/IL-AFLAN.

Authority: Veterans and Servicemembers Court Treatment Act, 730 ILCS 167.

50. Concealed Carry / Firearms Fee Waiver

**CCW Training Waiver** Honorably discharged veterans are exempt from the first 8 hours of the mandatory 16-hour Illinois Firearm Concealed Carry safety/marksmanship training course. **Remaining requirement:** 8 hours training still required; $150 application fee applies. **Authority:** 430 ILCS 66/75. **Application:** Illinois State Police (isp.illinois.gov/Foid/Ccl). No fee waiver for the CCW license itself confirmed for veterans.
Verify locally: No fee waiver for the CCW license itself confirmed for veterans.

Authority: 430 ILCS 66/75.

51. Vital Records / Notary Fee Waiver

**Unavailable (unconfirmed)** — No Illinois veteran-specific free or reduced-fee vital records program confirmed. Standard IDPH fees apply. ⚠️ Verify with county clerk or IDPH Division of Vital Records (217-782-6554). **DD214 storage:** IDVA VSOs maintain and store military discharge records; certified copies available at no charge through IDVA.
Verify locally: **Unavailable (unconfirmed)** — No Illinois veteran-specific free or reduced-fee vital records program confirmed. ⚠️ Verify with county clerk or IDPH Division of Vital Records (217-782-6554).

Legal & Administrative

52. Unique State Programs

**Illinois Veterans' Business Program (IVBP):** 3% state procurement set-aside for certified veteran-owned businesses (see Category 38).
Verify locally: ⚠️ Verify current status.

Survivor Benefits

53. Surviving Spouse — Property Tax

- **Unremarried surviving spouse of service member KIA in line of duty:** 100% EAV exemption on primary residence, no dollar cap. Portable — if spouse moves to a new home, eligible for an equivalent exemption amount. - **Unremarried surviving spouse of veteran whose death was VA-certified as service-connected and who receives DIC:** First $250,000 EAV exempt. - **Unremarried surviving spouse of veteran with 70%+ SC (or P&T/TDIU):** Retains the full property tax exemption as long as she/he resides on the property and remains unmarried. - **Unremarried surviving spouse of veteran with 30–69% SC:** Retains the graduated EAV reduction ($2,500 or $5,000) as long as residing on property and unmarried. **Authority:** 35 ILCS 200/15-169. **Application:** Annual filing via PTAX-342 at county assessor; auto-renewal continues for the surviving spouse in the P&T cases as long as qualifying conditions hold.

Authority: 35 ILCS 200/15-169.

54. Surviving Spouse — Education

**Deceased/Disabled/MIA-POW Dependents Scholarship (see Category 30A):** Covers unremarried surviving spouses — full tuition and mandatory fees at IL public colleges/universities for up to 4 years (120 points; expires 12 years from first enrollment). Veteran must meet IL residency criteria and one of: P&T / TDIU / POW / MIA / SC death.

55. Dependent / Survivor State Benefit

- **Deceased, Disabled, and MIA/POW Veterans' Dependents Grant (K-12):** $250/year per child age 10–18 (see Category 33A). - **Fallen Heroes Scholarship:** $5,000 into 529 plan per child of service me

Memorial & Burial

56. State Veterans Cemetery

Veterans who reside at the Illinois Veterans' Homes at Manteno or Quincy are eligible for burial in the respective on-site cemetery. ⚠️ Confirm current open/closed status and eligibility directly with each facility (IDVA 217-782-6641). **Cost:** Plot and interment at no cost to the family for eligible veterans. **Federal cemetery:** The Quincy National Cemetery (VA-operated, separate from the state home cemetery) is also located in Quincy and follows standard national cemetery eligibility (honorably discharged veterans and eligible dependents).
Verify locally: ⚠️ Confirm current open/closed status and eligibility directly with each facility (IDVA 217-782-6641).

57. Burial Allowance / Plot

Honorably discharged indigent veteran (and their spouse, parents, or minor children) without sufficient means for funeral expenses. **Amount:** County VAC covers burial expenses; reimbursement to funeral home cannot exceed **$900**. **Apply:** Contact your County Veterans Assistance Commission.

Authority: County Veterans Assistance Commissions (VAC), IL law.

58. Headstone / Memorial / Honors

*Sources: veterans.illinois.gov; ilga.gov (35 ILCS 200/15-165, 15-167, 15-169; 625 ILCS 5/3-609; 65 ILCS 5/10; 730 ILCS 167; 430 ILCS 66/75; 330 ILCS 61); tax.illinois.gov (Pub-102); ilsos.gov; dnr.illinois.gov (camp/discounts, militaryfeeexemptions); isac.org (IVG and ING eligibility); hfs.illinois.gov/medicalprograms/vets; myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Illinois; Illinois Administrative Code 17-130.70; SB0032 (104th GA — SNAP expansion). Researched 2026-05-30.*