Illinois Veteran Benefits Guide
Property Tax Exemption
The Standard Homestead Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities (35 ILCS 200/15-169, Public Act 99-0375) is tiered by disability rating: 30-49% disabled gets a $2,500 reduction in equalized assessed value (EAV), 50-69% gets a $5,000 reduction, and 70%+ gets a full exemption on up to $250,000 of EAV. Must be an Illinois resident, honorably discharged, and occupy the property as primary residence.
Education / Tuition Waiver
The Illinois Veterans Grant provides free tuition at Illinois public universities/community colleges for veterans meeting qualifying service requirements - no disability rating required.
Hunting & Fishing License
Veterans with a 10% or greater service-connected disability rating, or a total disability pension, get a free hunting and fishing license (resident and non-resident) and are exempt from the habitat stamp. Requires a DD214 and a Disability Affidavit, both obtainable through the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA) local Veteran Service Office. Disability status does not exempt a hunter from the underlying permit application process (e.g. site allocation draws).