This tool provides estimates for educational purposes only. We are not accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs and do not file claims, provide legal advice, or represent veterans before the VA (38 U.S.C. § 5904). For official assistance, contact a VSO, CVSO, or VA-accredited attorney.
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 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 ruleVehicle 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 ruleOther 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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): the official federal directory.
- Illinois CVSO / VSO directory: published by the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
- Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs: state-level eligibility, application forms, and appeal procedures.