STATE GUIDE

Illinois · Disability

Disability benefits in Illinois

Based on Federal VA regulations and Illinois state-published veteran benefits. This page is a free community resource. We are not VA-accredited and do not file claims or provide legal advice (per 38 U.S.C. § 5904).

Last reviewed: 2026-04-18 · Next review: 2026-10-18

Maintained by: Veterans Benefits Navigator editorial team. Every citation links to a primary federal or state source. See editorial standards and our privacy posture.

Primary sources: 38 CFR Part 4, Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs

Federal VA disability compensation amounts are set by Congress and are the same in every state. Illinois publishes additional programs that may supplement what eligible veterans receive from the federal government. Verify current rules with the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (opens in new tab) before relying on this page for filing decisions.

Federal disability compensation (same in every state)

The VA may rate service-connected disabilities under 38 CFR Part 4 and pay monthly compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1110 (wartime) or § 1131 (peacetime). The combined-rating estimator computes an estimated monthly amount under 38 CFR § 4.25 if you have one or more rated conditions.

Combined Rating Estimator: estimate your overall rating under 38 CFR § 4.25.
2026 VA Compensation Rates: current monthly rate tables.
How to File a Disability Claim: federal claim walkthrough.

Illinois disability-related programs

These programs are administered by Illinois, not by the federal VA. Eligibility, application processes, and benefit amounts are set by the state and may change. Each item links to the authoritative source.

Property tax exemption

Illinois may offer a tiered Disabled Veterans Standard Homestead Exemption based on VA disability rating, with a partial exemption at 30% to 69%, a larger exemption at 70% to 99%, and a total property tax exemption at 100% service-connected.

Read the rule

Vehicle registration and disabled-veteran plates

Illinois may issue Disabled Veteran license plates and reduce or waive certain registration fees for qualifying veterans through the Illinois Secretary of State.

Read the rule

Other Illinois-published programs

Disabled Veterans’ Standard Homestead Exemption. Illinois offers a tiered homestead exemption based on VA disability rating: partial exemption at 30%–69%, larger exemption at 70%–99%, and a total property tax exemption at 100% service-connected disabled. Applied to the primary residence. Source (opens in new tab).
Illinois Veteran Grant (IVG). The IVG program may cover tuition and certain fees at Illinois public colleges and universities for eligible veterans who entered service from Illinois. Entitlement is based on service period and honorable discharge. Source (opens in new tab).
Illinois MIA/POW Scholarship. Dependents of service members classified as MIA, POW, or who died or became 100% disabled from service-connected causes may qualify for an IL public-college tuition and fee scholarship. Eligibility details apply. Source (opens in new tab).
Veteran Designation on Illinois Driver License. Illinois driver licenses and ID cards may display a "VETERAN" designation at no additional fee with DD-214 verification through the Illinois Secretary of State. Source (opens in new tab).

Where to get free, accredited help in Illinois

Many Illinois counties staff a County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO) who may file federal and state veteran claims at no cost. The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs typically maintains a current directory.

VA OGC accredited representative search (IL) (opens in new tab): the official federal directory.
Illinois CVSO / VSO directory (opens in new tab): published by the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (opens in new tab): state-level eligibility, application forms, and appeal procedures.

By the Veterans Benefits Navigator teamLast reviewed 2026-04-18

Federal disability compensation (same in every state)

Illinois disability-related programs

Property tax exemption

Read the rule

Vehicle registration and disabled-veteran plates

Illinois may issue Disabled Veteran license plates and reduce or waive certain registration fees for qualifying veterans through the Illinois Secretary of State.

Read the rule

Other Illinois-published programs

Disabled Veterans’ Standard Homestead Exemption. Illinois offers a tiered homestead exemption based on VA disability rating: partial exemption at 30%–69%, larger exemption at 70%–99%, and a total property tax exemption at 100% service-connected disabled. Applied to the primary residence. Source (opens in new tab).
Illinois Veteran Grant (IVG). The IVG program may cover tuition and certain fees at Illinois public colleges and universities for eligible veterans who entered service from Illinois. Entitlement is based on service period and honorable discharge. Source (opens in new tab).
Illinois MIA/POW Scholarship. Dependents of service members classified as MIA, POW, or who died or became 100% disabled from service-connected causes may qualify for an IL public-college tuition and fee scholarship. Eligibility details apply. Source (opens in new tab).
Veteran Designation on Illinois Driver License. Illinois driver licenses and ID cards may display a "VETERAN" designation at no additional fee with DD-214 verification through the Illinois Secretary of State. Source (opens in new tab).

Where to get free, accredited help in Illinois