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Illinois

State Population: 9,848,577
Veteran Population: 496,352

Education

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In Illinois, veterans and members of the National Guard have access to state-funded education benefits. These include the Illinois Veterans Grant (IVG) program, which provides tuition and fee waivers for eligible veterans attending public universities and community colleges. The Illinois National Guard Grant Program (ING) offers similar benefits for eligible National Guard members. The state also provides tuition and fee waivers through the Illinois MIA/POW Scholarship for children of veterans who were missing in action, prisoners of war, or killed in the line of duty, as well as the Illinois Veterans' Home Scholarship for children of veterans residing at a Veterans' Home. Additionally, the Illinois Military Family Relief Fund (IMFRF) offers financial assistance to military families facing hardships. These programs provide opportunities for veterans and National Guard members to pursue higher education in Illinois. It's recommended to consult the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs for the most up-to-date information.
  • Offers Tuition programs for National Guard
    • The Illinois National Guard Grant is available to any qualifying enlisted, Lieutenants, and Captains of the National Guard, who have served at least one year of service. This grant provides the student with 8 semesters or 12 quarters of full-time/part-time undergrad coursework at any state-supported college.
  • Offers College Tuition waivers for Veterans
    • The Illinois Veteran Grant Program offers Illinois veterans free tuition and the payment of selected fees at all Illinois state colleges and universities. To qualify, you must: have a minimum of one year of service have an honorable discharge have Illinois listed as the home of record return to Illinois within six months of leaving military service
  • Tuition Programs to Spouses & Dependents
    • The State of Illinois MIA/POW Scholarship is an educational scholarship for qualifying dependents of veterans who are either Missing In Action, a Prisoner of War, died while on active duty, 100% disabled due to service-connected disabilities or died as a result of a service-connected disability. The scholarship covers full payment of tuition and some fees to any Illinois state-supported college or university.
  • Offers Military Spouse Interstate License Recognition
    • (State must recognize military spouse license) State agencies shall issue expedited licenses to military spouses licensed in another state. Said licenses shall be issued with 30 days of receipt of an application. Military spouses must submit to a background check and pay required fees.
  • Participates in CDL Even Exchange Program (Knowledge Test Waiver) as of May 2022

Business Benefits

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The Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA) is committed to providing comprehensive support to veteran business owners. They offer a wide range of services, including assistance with business planning, access to capital, and government contracting opportunities. Additionally, the IDVA plays a vital role in guiding veterans through the certification process for their businesses. To further empower veteran entrepreneurs, the Illinois Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) are available, offering specialized business counseling, training, and a wealth of resources. The SBDC advisors provide guidance on various aspects, such as business planning, market research, financial management, and access to capital. They also offer valuable assistance with government contracting opportunities. For veteran-owned businesses navigating the government procurement process, the Illinois Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) serves as a valuable resource. The PTAC provides expert guidance on registering as a government contractor, finding bidding opportunities, understanding requirements, and submitting proposals. Although Illinois does not have a specific certification program for veteran-owned businesses, being a veteran-owned business still brings advantages and opportunities when pursuing government contracts and procurement. Recognizing the significance of financing, Illinois offers diverse financing programs to support veteran-owned businesses. These programs encompass various forms of financial assistance, such as loans, grants, and support in accessing capital for business development and expansion. These programs are often facilitated by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), in collaboration with local financial institutions. This collaborative effort ensures that veterans have the necessary financial resources to drive the growth and success of their businesses. To access the specific resources and benefits available for veteran business owners in Illinois, I recommend visiting the official websites of the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA) at https://www2.illinois.gov/veterans/, the Illinois Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) at https://www2.illinois.gov/dceo/SmallBizAssistance/BeginHere/Pages/SBDC.aspx, and the Illinois Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) at https://www.illinois.gov/dceo/SmallBizAssistance/Procurement/Pages/PTAC.aspx. These websites should provide information on programs, certifications, financing options, counseling services, and other resources available for veteran entrepreneurs. Additionally, you may consider reaching out to local veteran organizations, chambers of commerce, or the local Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Illinois for further assistance and guidance tailored to veteran business owners in the state.
  • Preferred Vendor Status, Certification Program, or State Procurement Program
  • Offers business Tax incentive
  • Small Business Loan Program
  • Offers State Funding opportunity or Financial Assistance
  • Business Resource and Education Programs
  • VOB Networking and Mentorship
  • Offers or proposed SSBCI CAP and OCSP Funding Programs
    • - State Department: Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
      - Program Types: Loan Participation Program Loan Guarantee Program
      - Program Names: Advantage Illinois LPP Advantage Illinois LGP Climate Bank Finance IN-VENT
      - Contact Information: [email protected]

Taxes, Land, and Real Estate Benefits and Programs

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In Illinois, veterans, military spouses, and dependents can access a range of tax, land, and real estate benefits and programs. Disabled veterans and surviving spouses may qualify for property tax exemptions based on their disability rating, providing relief from property taxes. Illinois offers an additional property tax exemption called the Disabled Veterans' Standard Homestead Exemption for eligible disabled veterans. Military pay received while on active duty is exempt from state taxes. Illinois also offers professional license reciprocity for military spouses, facilitating the transfer of existing licenses. These programs aim to provide financial relief, and professional opportunities to veterans and their families in Illinois. It is advisable to consult the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs or relevant state agencies for specific eligibility criteria and further details.
  • Offers property tax exemptions for Disabled Veterans
    • Returning Illinois veterans receive a $5,000 reduction in the assessed value of their homes, for tax purposes. In addition to this, disabled veterans over 30% but under 50% are eligible for a $2,500 homestead exemption Veterans disabled over 50% and under 70% are eligible to a $,5000 exemption. Veterans disabled over 70% may receive full exemption on their primary residence property taxes. (Disability Rating to Qualify: 30%+)
  • Offers complete homestead property tax exemption for 100 percent disabled veterans and surviving spouses
  • Offers reduced tax or tax exemption for military retirement pay
    • Military retirement pay exempt
  • Offers a Military Family Relief Fund or Program
    • Program Name: ILLINOIS MILITARY FAMILY RELIEF FUND
      Program Description: The Illinois Military Family Relief Fund (IMFRF) provides monetary grants to families of Illinois National Guard members and Illinois residents serving in the U.S. Armed Forces Reserve components who were called to active duty during an emergency declared by the President of the United States or Congress effective July 3, 2014. IMFRF grants are intended to help service members and their families defray the costs of food, housing, utilities, medical services, and other expenses that become difficult to afford when a wage-earner has temporarily left civilian employment to be placed on active military duty.
      Eligible Groups: - Veterans / Service Members
      - Military Families
      - Wounded / Injured

State Employment Programs

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In the state of Illinois, veterans, guard members, and reserve members have access to a range of state programs, preferences, and benefits to support their employment needs. The Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA) offers comprehensive employment services, including job search assistance, career counseling, resume building, interview preparation, and access to job training programs. Illinois provides veterans with preferences in public employment through the Veterans' Preference program, granting them additional points in hiring and promotional exams for state government positions. The Illinois Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS) program provides resources and support for veterans, including job fairs and networking events. The Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) assists veterans interested in starting or expanding their own businesses, offering counseling, training, access to capital, and guidance on government contracting. Additionally, the Illinois Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) ensures employment rights and protections for guard members and reserve members, fostering cooperation between employers and military personnel. These state initiatives aim to enhance employment opportunities, entrepreneurship, and successful career transitions for veterans, guard members, and reserve members in Illinois.
  • Offers Military Service Credit in Retirement System
    • Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF), State Universities Retirement System (SURS), Teachers' Retirement System (TRS), and the Illinois General Assembly Retirement System (GARS) all have provisions for military service credit. Here are some key points about military service credit in each system: Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF): IMRF allows eligible members to purchase up to two years of military service credit. To be eligible, you must have at least one year of creditable service in the IMRF and have served in the military. The cost of purchasing military service credit is based on actuarial calculations. State Universities Retirement System (SURS): SURS allows eligible members to receive up to two years of credit for active-duty military service. This credit is granted automatically if you were on active duty between September 1, 1977, and August 31, 2002. If your service was before or after that period, you may be eligible to purchase military service credit. Teachers' Retirement System (TRS): TRS allows eligible members to purchase up to two years of military service credit. To be eligible, you must have at least ten years of creditable service in the TRS and have served in the military. The cost of purchasing military service credit is based on actuarial calculations. Illinois General Assembly Retirement System (GARS): GARS allows eligible members who served in the military to receive credit for military service. The specific rules and calculations for military service credit in GARS may vary, so it's advisable to contact GARS directly for detailed information. It's important to note that the specific rules and requirements for military service credit may vary between different retirement systems within Illinois. Therefore, it's advisable to contact the relevant retirement system directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding military service credit in Illinois.

State DMV Programs

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No summary available.
  • Offers Veteran Designation on Driver License
  • Offers Free or Discounted Public Transportation Programs or Parking

Recreation Programs

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Veterans can potentially benefit from a range of state recreation programs and benefits. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is recommended you contact the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs or the Department of Parks and Recreation.
  • Offers discounted or free Hunting & Fishing Licenses
  • Offers State Parks Admission/Camping Discounts and Waivers

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