Vet Pay ChartIllinois disabled veteran benefits
Official state programs, rating thresholds and other eligibility conditions. Checked September 30, 2026.
| Program | Benefit | Who may qualify |
|---|---|---|
| Property taxStandard homestead exemption for veterans with disabilities | Service-connected ratings of 30–49% reduce equalized assessed value by $2,500; 50–69% by $5,000; at 70% or higher the first $250,000 of residential equalized assessed value is exempt. | Qualifying primary residence, ownership or eligible lease, tax liability and VA disability certification. Commercial portions are excluded. Apply to the county assessment office; other disability exemptions cannot be combined for the same year.Official program details |
| Vehicle registrationService-connected veteran plate benefit | A qualifying veteran rated at least 50% may receive one military-series registration without the registration fee; other fees can apply. The ISERVE plate serves veterans who do not qualify for accessible-parking plates. | VA service-connected disability documentation, qualifying discharge and one eligible passenger vehicle or truck weighing no more than 8,000 pounds. Accessible-parking plates follow separate medical certification rules.Official program details |
| Hunting and fishingVeteran disability affidavit exemption | Qualifying disabled veterans can hunt and fish without purchasing the ordinary hunting and fishing licenses, regardless of state residency. | Receiving at least 10% service-connected compensation or a total-disability pension. Carry the Illinois veterans agency disability affidavit, supported by discharge and current VA benefit documents. Species, stamps and other permit rules still apply.Official program details |
| State parksDisabled veteran camping waiver | Eligible Illinois resident veterans and accompanying qualifying family members receive camping-fee waivers in DNR parks; utility charges remain payable. | Receiving 100% service-connected disability compensation, qualifying permanent limb loss or severe mobility disability, or former POW status. Obtain the required veterans agency documentation; temporary military disability retirement alone does not qualify.Official program details |
| EducationDisabled veterans' dependents education programs | An annual $250 grant helps eligible children aged 10–18 with school expenses. A separate dependents scholarship supports eligible enrollment at Illinois public universities and community colleges. | Statutory veteran and child residency and relationship conditions. Parent pathways include service-connected permanent-total disability, qualifying permanent-total unemployability, POW/MIA status or service-connected death. Each program requires its own application and student eligibility.Official program details |
| Income taxMilitary retired pay exclusion | Illinois does not tax qualifying military retired pay. VA disability compensation is tax-free. | Eligible retired pay; other earnings remain subject to their own tax rules.Official program details |
| EmploymentState hiring preference | Qualified veterans receive additional points on passing application scores for covered state employment. | Submit service and eligibility documents to the Central Management Services Veterans Outreach Program. The preference does not waive job qualifications or guarantee appointment.Official program details |
Property tax rating thresholds
Before you apply
Bring your current VA benefit or award letter and the documents required by the administering agency. Exemptions may require an application, county approval and renewal. Federal compensation and state benefit eligibility are separate.
Keep exploring
Sources for this page
- veterans.illinois.gov —
- tax.illinois.gov — localgovernments/property/taxrelief.html
- www.ilsos.gov — departments/vehicles/license plate guide/military/disabled vetiserve.html
- veterans.illinois.gov — services benefits/permits.html
- dnr.illinois.gov — parks/camp/discounts.html
- veterans.illinois.gov — services benefits/education/educational opportunities for children.html
- myarmybenefits.us.army.mil — Benefit Library/State/Territory Benefits/Illinois
- veterans.illinois.gov — about us/idvajobs/state employment and licenses.html
Retrieved September 30, 2026. Published VA rates, official rules and eligibility terms control.