VIEW BENEFITS SUMMARY
US Department of Veterans Affairs
Comprehensive listing of veteran's benefits
Find VA center services and locations
U.S. Army Hooah 4 Health
A printable brochure that provides an overview of veteran's benefits.
REGISTER FOR BENEFITS
National Archives
Obtain copies of Veteran Military Personnel Records
US Department of Veterans Affairs
Access VA forms
FIND APPLICATION ASSISTANCE
Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs
American Veterans Association
Local chapter with a national service officer trained to help file veterans’ benefits claims.
Disabled American Veterans
Find the nearest office and service representative
Veterans of Foreign War
Offer programs and services for veterans, as well as advocacy and benefits assistance. Find your local post.
American Legion
Offer programs and services for veterans, as well as advocacy and benefits assistance. Find your local post.
Illinois Connections: Health & Disability Advocates
Health & Disability Advocates (HDA) specialize in supplementing military benefits with Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Insurance, other state benefits, and the interaction of those benefits with available military benefits. They are able to serve people who do not qualify for services through the Veterans Administration. Please feel free to contact them or refer families if they are experiencing problems. Individual assistance is available by contacting Health & Disability Advocates at 312.265.9088. Your inquiry will be sent to an advocate who will call you back shortly. All communications with HDA are privileged and confidential. You can also email
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APPEAL BENEFITS CLAIMS
Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs
US Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims
The Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program
Provides representation to veterans at the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims
National Veterans Legal Services Program
Independent, non-profit, charitable organization that offers advocacy and training, education and publications, and pro bono litigation.
US Department of Veterans Affairs
Provides an overview of immediate healthcare services and other benefits for OEF/OIF veterans.
OEF/OIF Veterans - National Resource
Provides a central place for OEF/OIF military, veterans, families and caregivers to find general information on Veteran Service Organizations and community agencies.
Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs
US Department of Veterans Affairs
Choose a VA hospital and/or clinic based on location and health services offered
Center for Women Veterans
The purpose of the Committee is to advise the Secretary of Veterans Affairs regarding the needs of women veterans with respect to healthcare, rehabilitation, compensation, outreach and other programs and activities administered and designed by VA to meet such needs.
Major VA Hospitals in Cook County, IL:
- Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center
Serves military personnel and qualifying members. Located in suburban North Chicago, IL. - Jesse Brown VA Medical Center
Serves military personnel and qualifying members. Located in the Medical District in Chicago, IL. - Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital
Serves military personnel and qualifying members. Located 12 miles west of downtown Chicago in Hines, IL.
US Department of Treasury: Pay.gov
Make VA medical care co-payments online (versus in person or by mail)
State of Illinois Health & Wellness
Find Illinois Health Insurance for Veterans, TRICARE, and Veterans Care programs
Illinois Department of Public Health AIDS Drug Assistance Program
The Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County
Promotes and protects the rights of veterans and their immediate family members through education, communications, and technology
SOCIAL SERVICES & SUPPORT/COUNSELING SERVICES
Threshold is an inductry leader in the areas of affordable housing for people with mental illness, evidence-based supported employment, wellness management and recovery, assertive community treatment, integrated dual disorders treatment, physical healthcare (in partnership with the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Nursing), and psychiatric research and training.
Albany Park Community Center
The Albany Park Community Center educates and supports members of the community as they determine their own path of growth and development by providing diverse programs and services for individuals, families, groups and businesses, including counseling, food pantry, adult education, veteran transition, employment and housing services.
National Suicide Prevention Hotline
1-800-273-8255 and Press 1
Vets for Vets
Free peer support for Iraq/Afghanistan era veterans
Social Services and emotional, mental health, and addiction support resources:
Vet Centers Readjustment Counseling
Grace Under Fire/Created by Women for Women Vets
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America
Membership and resource center designed to improve the lives of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and their families.
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Administration
Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Substance Abuse Treatment Program
Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health
Assures that adults, children, and adolescents throughout Illinois have access to public-funded mental health services. Services are available through 162 community mental health centers/agencies, 27 community hospitals with psychiatric units, and nine state-operated hospitals. Can also call the Department of Human Services Hotline at the DHS Help Line at 1-800-843-6154 (TTY 1-800-447-6404).
Illinois Warrior Assistance Program
Confidential assistance for Illinois Veterans as they transition back to civilian life.Their confidential 24/7 toll-free helpline is staffed by health professionals to assist veterans with symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), post-deployment stress or other combat-related emotional issues: 1-866-554-4927. The program also provides Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) screening to all interested Illinois Veterans over the phone via the helpline or through the State of Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA) Veteran Service Officers (VSO). `It also requires TBI screenings for all returning members of the Illinois Army National Guard & Air National Guard.
Midwest Brain Injury Clubhouse
Serves returning Iraq and Afghanistan war-affected veterans alongside other area residents who experienced Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) or stroke. It is one of the few certified day-treatment programs of its kind in the country. At times, special funding is available for OEF/OIF veterans.
City of Chicago Veterans Resource Office
Locate a range of social services, medical assistance, and other programs for veterans in Chicago.
Give An Hour
Private, non-profit agency offering free mental health resources for families and veterans.
Military One Source
A one-stop shop for all branches of the military that includes legal matters, addiction and recovery, readjustment information, immediate counseling and a link to each military branch. They also have a 24/7 number at 1-800-342-9647.
The Soldiers Project
Private, nonprofit agency that offers counseling services and referrals for veterans and their family members.
Military Mental Health Assessment
Mental health self-assessment screening and referrals for service personnel and their family members affected by deployment or mobilization.
National Alliance on Mental Illness
Provides free monthly workshops featuring speakers from mental health agencies to describe their services; they also provide specific information about veterans and mental health-related illnesses as well as information on resources for veterans and their families on their website.
National Center for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Information, education, and training on trauma and PTSD
Sexual Trauma Counseling
Veterans Crisis Line
1-800-273-8255 and Press 1
Toll-free, confidential Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1. Also offers information and resources on suicide prevention.
Suicide Prevention Action Network
National suicide prevention organization that provides helpful information for veterans and their families.
Addiction and family members’ support groups:
Alcoholics Anonymous
Addiction and family members’ support groups
Adult Children of Alcoholics
Narcotics Anonymous
Al-anon and Alateen
Individual and family support and counseling services from other non-profits serving Cook County residents, including homeless veterans:
Cook County Assistance Programs
Offers free credit counseling with over 30 assistance programs at to help with housing, mortgage, rent, and utility and heating bills; employment and job training; child and family development; health, food and nutrition services; and community agency referrals.
American Red Cross
In addition to area disaster relief and supplying blood products, helps family members locate the whereabouts/duty assignment of a serviceperson and lets a service member know quickly of an emergency or special situation at home, such as a newborn or death in the family. The agency also provides military families with information and referral services and financial assistance in crisis situations. A local Military Care Worker can be reached at 1-888-737-4306.
Catholic Charities
Lutheran Child & Family Services of Illinois
Metropolitan Family Services
Homeless Shelter Directory
Childcare & Preschool Center Directory
United Way Directory of Area Nonprofits
Alexian Brothers Health Systems Virtual Iraq Program
Virtual Iraq is a graphic representation of what it is like to be in Iraq from the perspective of a soldier. Used in the treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1.800.273.8255, Veterans press 1
National Veterans Foundation: 1.800.777.4443
HOME BUILDING & HOUSING ASSISTANCE
Homes for Our Troops
Free single-family home building for severely injured veterans and their families.
Illinois Veterans' Homes
Provides quality long-term care to veterans at four locations: LaSalle, Anna, Manteno, and Quincy. A low monthly maintenance fee covers medical care, nursing care, pharmaceuticals, medical supplies and specialized equipment as ordered by the primary care physician, food services, monthly barber services, social services, activities, housekeeping and laundry services, maintenance services, transportation services and financial services. All four Illinois homes accept veterans with at least a day of wartime service; peacetime veterans may be accepted when there is no waiting list; peacetime veterans or an eligible spouse/surviving spouse may qualify for admittance to domiciliary care at the Quincy Veterans Home.
US Department of Veterans Affairs Homeless Programs and Initiatives
National Center on Family Homelessness
The National Center on Family Homelessness is a leader on Veterans issues, with an emphasis on women Veterans and Veteran family homelessness. We apply knowledge of military cultural competency, behavioral health issues, trauma-informed care, interpersonal violence to address Veterans' housing instability, food insecurity, and employment. We develop and provide innovative online resources, training, technical assistance, project management and research.
STATE DISABILITY & REHABILITATION SERVICES
Illinois Department of Human Services
Division of Developmental Disabilities
Helps veterans and family members with developmental disabilities access community programs, respite care, and other state-funded disability services. More information is also available by calling their hotline, 1-888-DD-PLANS (TTY 1-866-376-8446).
Illinois Department of Human Services
Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS)
The state's lead agency for funding and referring individuals with disabilities to vocational service programs in the area. DRS works in partnership with people with disabilities and their families to assist them in making informed choices to achieve full community participation through employment, education, and independent living. You can also call their hotline, 1-800-843-6154 (TTY 1-800-447-6404).
EDUCATION ASSISTANCE
Education funding/scholarships and free credits-by-exam for veterans, active-duty military, as well as spouses and dependents:
Yellow Ribbon Program
Montgomery GI Bill
Illinois Veterans Grants
Offered to veterans who have served at least one year of federal active duty service in the Armed Forces of the United States; or served on federal active
duty service in a foreign country during a time of hostilities in that country and were honorably discharged after each period of federal active duty service; and/or are honorably serving you may be eligible for the Illinois Veteran Grant (IVG) Program. Any member of the Illinois National Guard or a Reserve component of the Armed Forces of the United States who meets the eligibility requirements is considered a qualified applicant for the IVG Program. Obtain an application and more information through College Zone.
TIP: Full tuition benefits are available at any state-supported college or university; tuition reimbursement of up to $250 per semester-credit hour is available at private institutions. Check with the specific institutions of interest to determine their policies regarding GI Bill tuition benefits.
Online financial aid form, scholarships and special grants specifically created for qualifying active-duty service personnel, veterans and/or spouses & dependents:
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs
AFCEA Educational Foundation
Marine Corps Tankers Association | MCTA
College Zone
Illinois Education Benefits
US Department of Veterans Affairs
Post 9/11 GI-Bill Benefits to Dependents (TEB)
US Department of Veterans Affairs
Survivors & Dependents Assistance (DEA)
National Military Family Association
Military Spouse Scholarships
Military Officers Association of America (MOAA)
College Funding
Scholarship Programs of the Fisher House Foundation
The Tailhook Association
The American Legion Department of Illinois
Amvets
United States Field Artillery Association
Military.com Scholarship Finder
American Legion
Some posts may offer small college scholarships. Click "Find a Post" to find a location near you
Free College Credit-by-Examination can be found at various colleges and universities in the area, including two-year programs at The City Colleges of Chicago and Oakton Community College, based on valuable military training and hands-on, real-life experiences. Check the websites below for more information or determine whether this free service is offered by any institutions of interest, not only for veterans and dependents but also for active-duty personnel:
TIP: Beyond reviewing the scholarship websites listed, which may change or be discontinued at any time, search for new military- and nonmilitary-related scholarships both online and through specific institutions of interest.
Also note that service men and women who have earned college credits from a federally-chartered degree-granting institution during their active military can submit credits earned for transfer to a civilian college or university to help complete the academic program of their choice.
Government Agencies Employment Resources – job training & placement, employment counseling, and reemployment rights in Illinois:
Albany Park Community Center
Albany Park Community Center's Veterans Workforce Development Program offers information and assistance to veterans seeking employment. In addition, the program provides support and advocacy as a major role in acclimating returning military personnel into civilian life. The Center acts as a channel to licensed clinicians, offers PTSD assessments, provides assessment/support for service-related issues and connects individuals, couples and families to the appropriate resources.
Executive Order, Employment of Veterans in the Federal Government
Feds Hire Vets
The Vets to Feds (V2F) Career Development Program for Student Trainee (Contracting) is sponsored by the Interagency Council on Veterans Employment. This new program is designed to recruit and support the development of our Nation's Student Veterans for careers with the Federal G overnment. The program will offer you the opportunity to pursue valuable training experience related to the contracting career field while oursuing your education. Trainees who complete the program will transition into Federal Contract Specialist positions - one of the Government's most mission critical positions.
VA Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment Service
Assists veterans with service-connected disabilities to prepare for, find, and keep suitable jobs. For veterans with service-related disabilities so severe that they cannot immediately consider work, the program offers services to improve their ability to live as independently as possible.
Vet Centers
16 locations within the county. Offer VA employment assessment, counseling, and referral services to all veterans.
Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES)
Administers two free programs at locations throughout the county:
Processing and paying unemployment compensation claims for regular employees who have been let go through no fault of their own and are actively seeking employment.
VA-trained and other employment counselors assisting with résumé preparation, career guidance, and job referrals through counseling, workshops, and access to the Internet using computers maintained at each location. The agency also maintains Illinois Job Link, the most advanced government-designed job bank program in the nation, which connects employers that have job openings to job seekers statewide.
US Department of Labor's Veterans' Employment & Training Service (VETS)
Administers the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), which protects reemployment rights when returning from a period of service in the uniformed services, including those called up from the reserves or National Guard, and prohibits employer discrimination based on military service or obligation. The agency also provides Veterans Preference Information for veterans who are disabled and/or who served on active duty in the Armed Forces during certain specified time periods or in military campaigns and who are therefore given hiring preference over others for virtually all federal government jobs.
US Department of State (Foreign Affairs)
Career opportunities
State of Illinois
Current employment opportunities. Hiring preference for qualified veterans.
City of Chicago
Current employment opportunities. Hiring preference for qualified veterans.
America’s Heroes At Work
Educates employers about the signs and symptoms of combat PTSD and TBI and how to use creative ways to support the returning service member who may need assistance.
America’s Job Bank
US Department of Labor listing of available jobs in each state. Offers help building an online résumé that can be sent to prospective employers in the job bank.
Employer Support of Guard & Reserve
Provides help for returning Reservist and Guardsmen with employment disputes or finding civilian employers who support our Guard and Reserve; there is also a link to Ombudsmen, a group that helps Reservist and Guardsmen actually resolve disputes or answers questions about employment-related problems.
The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society
Provides short-term, interest-free loans and grants to help with emergency needs such as emergency transportation; funeral expenses; medical/dental bills (patient's share); food, rent and utilities; disaster relief assistance; child care expenses; essential vehicle repairs and other unforeseen family emergencies. Their office serving this area is at Great Lakes Naval Base in No. Chicago.
USA Jobs
The official website for government jobs with a specific link for job opportunities for veterans.
The Illinois WorkNet Center
Explore careers, job training opportunities, and related resources for veterans.
Veterans Curation Project
New jobs program for unemployed veterans set up by the Army Corps of Engineers.
Employment and job search counseling, employment referrals, and/or job training for veterans at private, nonprofit agencies in Cook County:
National Able Network
National Able Network is a nonprofit agency working to serve individuals, families and communities by bringing together qualified job seekers and businesses. Since 1977, Able's experienced, multicultural professionals provide the training, the personal skills and the job search techniques that help people enter or re-enter the workforce as quickly and as easily as possible. Able helps build communities through an array of workforce services.
Recruiters and other online job search resources placing JMOs, NCOs, enlisted personnel, and their spouses with US firms: 
Orion International
Vertical Path Recruiting
MilitaryLeaders.com
Bradley-Morris, Inc.
Soar Consulting, Inc.
JobLine International
Jobswrap
MilitaryConnection.com
Focus Military
Jobs for Military
Magellan Professional Solutions, Inc.
TAOnline.com
AllMilitary.com
Recruit Military
MilitaryHire.com
VetJobs
Quintessential Careers
Power-Careers.com
HireMilitary.com
Civilianjobs.com
CareerOneStop - Chicago Workforce Center @ Pilsen
CareerOneStop – Southwest Career Center
USMilitary.com
VeteranEmployment.com
Military.com Military Spouse Career Center
Military.com Military Spouse Job Search
CareerOneStop – Military Spouse Resources
Military Spouse Corporate Career Center
Lucas Group
US Department of Veterans Affairs
Burial & Memorial Benefits
Includes a nationwide gravesite locator.
Survivors' Life Insurance Benefits
National Veterans Legal Services Program
Locate DD214 and other resources
John Marshall Law School
Veterans legal support clinic
Legal Assistance Foundation of Metropolitan Chicago
Chicago Volunteer Legal Services
CVLS is an organization of nearly 3,000 volunteer attorneys who donate free legal services to thousands of low-income Chicagoans annually. Contact by phone at 312-332-1624.
Cabrini Green Legal Aid Clinic
Provides high-impact, free legal aid services to low income Chicagoans in four areas of law: family, housing, criminal records and criminal defense. They integrate legal and social services in order to improve legal outcomes and extend impact beyond crisis support.
Legal Assistance Foundation of Metropolitan Chicago Veterans' Rights Project
LAF's new Veteran Project represents veterans and their dependants in pusuing disability and pension claims, dealing with consumer issues, upgrading discharges and obtaining or keeping employment and housing. Because the Project is new, people with questions are encouraged to contact the main downtown number at 312-341-1070.
Veterans' Rights Project
Legal services provider dedicated to ensuring that income-eligible military veterans, active service duty members, and their dependants residing in the greater Chicagoland Metropolitan area, receive the legal advocacy they deserve. 312-347-8340.
National Women's Law Center
Information on eligibility for child care assistance, healthcare, and related policies and legislation.
Operation Homecoming – The National Endowment for the Arts created Operation Homecoming in 2004 to help U.S. troops and their families write about their wartime experiences. Through this program, some of America’s most distinguished writers have conducted workshops at military installations and contributed to educational resources to help the troops and their families share their stories.
Joining Forces – Joining Forces is a comprehensive national initiative to mobilize all sectors of society to give our service members and their families the opportunities and support they have earned. Resources include employment, education and wellness.
We Can't Wait: Obama Administration Announces New Initiatives to Get Veterans Back to Work
Having served and defended our nation, veterans are well-trained, highly skilled and will add value to any company. But today's veterans face unique challanges. As of October, over 850,000 veterans were unemployed and the jobless rate for post-9/11 veterans was 12.1 percent. And as we end the war in Iraq and wind down the war in Afghanistan, over one million service members are projected to leave the military between 2011 and 2016. The President also announced a series of executive actions that will provide new resources for veterans to translate military experience to the private job market, give veterans additional career development support and better identify firms looking to hire veterans.
These initiatives include:
Veteran Gold Card: Effective today, Post-9/11 veterans will be able download the Veteran Gold Card, which entitles them to enhanced services including six months of personalized case management, assessments and counseling, at the roughly 3,000 One-Stop Career Centers located across the country. This could help serve the more than 200,000 unemployed Post-9/11 veterans. The President directed the Department of Labor to launch this initiative in his August 5, 2011 speech at the Navy Yard.
My Next Move for Veterans: The Department of Labor will launch My Next Move for Veterans, a new online resource that allows veterans to enter their military occupation code and discover civilian occupations for which they are well qualified. The site will also include information about salaries, apprenticeships, and other related education and training programs.
Creating a Veterans Job Bank: Starting Monday, the Administration will launch the Veterans Job Bank, at National Resource Directory, an easy to use tool to help veterans find job postings from companies looking to hire them. It already searches over 500,000 job postings and is growing. In a few easy steps, companies can make sure the job postings on their own websites are part of this Veterans Job Bank.
All of these services can also be accessed by visiting www.whitehouse.gov/vets.
National Veterans Art Museum
Inspires greater understanding of the real impact of war with a focus on Vietnam. The museum collects, preserves and exhibits art inspired by combat and created by veterans.
Warrior Arts Studio
Warrior Arts Studio is a nonprofit arts organization dedicated to honoring the stories and experiences of our military veterans. By bringing artists and veterans into a common space, they foster and environment of community support positive learning, artistic collaboration and honest storytelling.
Veterans in the Arts
Located in Minnesota, Veteran in the Arts facilitates the ability of veterans to express themselves in a variety of art forms through a progressive program of supportive instruction and collaboration.
RESEARCH
The Social IMPACT Research Center (IMPACT), formerly the Heartland Alliance Mid-America Institute on Poverty, is a full-service research and evaluation resource. IMPACT's research helps organizations raise the profile of social issues and promote solutions that improve the quality of life for poor and low-income individuals. Since 1989, IMPACT has been investigating a variety of social issues and solutions, including on post 9/11 veterans.
As of September 30, 2011, Illinois has 57,479 women veterans.
Information on Veterans in Substance Abuse treatment.
WOMEN VETERANS & FAMILIES
National Women's Law Center
Information on eligibility for child care assistance, healthcare and related policies and legislation
Women Employed
Advocacy and informational resources to improve the economic status of working women and remove barriers to economic equity
Brochure on Child Care and Education Information in Illinois
Illinois offers child care support for low-income parents while they are working or attending education and training programs. To learn more about receiving assistance while you attend a training or education program, see our child care brochure. Click here for a Spanish brochure.
