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Note: In order to print any forms (PDF Version) from these web sites, you must first download ADOBE ACROBAT READER 3.0 or higher versions. This download is FREE. Adobe Acrobat Reader  web site to download is:

http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html
 
 

DID YOU KNOW THERE ARE NEARLY 1,052 VETERAN'S BENEFITS ENTITLEMENTS?

The Veterans Benefits section is dedicated to all those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces, albeit recently, or more than 50 years ago, and was prepared to help Veterans understand what Veterans Benefit entitlements are available to them, their survivors, and their dependents, and most important, where and how to apply.

Certain benefit entitlement programs require a Veteran to apply within a specified time period.  Other benefit entitlement programs have no time restrictions as to when a Veteran can apply.

Download to view or print 2002 Edition Booklet - "Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents", 118 pages.    http://www.va.gov/pubaff/fedben/Fedben.pdf
 

Veterans Benefits Timetable Handout (2 pages)   http://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/21-0501.pdf

Whenever you want more information about Veteran's Benefits, always contact either a V.A. Benefits Counselor at the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs (V.A.) Regional Office in your State; a Veteran's Service Officer at the State Dept. of Veterans' Affairs office near your home of residence; or your County Veteran's Assistance Commission Office.
 
 

The United States Department of Veterans' Affairs ( formerly the Veterans' Administration ) is responsible for administering all Federal Veterans' Benefit Entitlement Programs  for Veterans and their dependents.
 

V.A. Benefits Administration Home Page - Veterans Benefits Information www.va.gov

V.A. Benefit Application On-Line Forms   www.vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/default.asp

V.A. Benefits Application Forms (Hard Copy)    http://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms1.htm

V.A. Education Benefits      http://www.gibill.va.gov/education/benefits.htm

(Note:  These benefits may be used for College, Cooperative Education, Approved Correspondence Programs, Apprenticeship and On-the-Job Training Programs, and Flight School Programs if approved by the V.A.)

Montgomery G.I. Bill Chapter 30 - Active Duty   http://www.gibill.va.gov/education/News/Ch30Rates010102.htm

Provisions of Public Law 107-103  enacted December 27, 2001.  (Posted Jan.23, 2002)
    Rate increase, Restoration of Entitlement, Accelerated Payments, Expansion of Work-Study, Distance,                Education and MORE.

Provisions of Public Law 107-107  enacted December 27, 2001.  (Posted Jan.23, 2002)
    Transferability of Benefits to Dependents.

Montgomery G.I. Bill for Reservists    http://www.gibill.va.gov/Education/News/ch1606Rates100101.htm
 

V.A. Disability Compensation Entitlement Program & Non-Service Connected Pension Benefits    http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Benefits/index.htm

V.A. Vocational Rehabilitation & Education http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/index.htm

V.A. Subsistence Allowance for Veterans Participating in V.A. Vocational Rehabilitation & Education Programs
http://www.vba.va.gov/vre/InterSubsistence0202.htm

V.A. Home Mortgage Loans     www.homeloans.va.gov

Veteran's Burial & Memorial Benefits    www.cem.va.gov

On November 7, 2001, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (V.A.) and the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), in St. Louis, have signed a "Memorandum of Agreement" to reduce a back log of 57,000 requests for Veteran's Records and eliminate this backlog within one year.  Eventually NARA will provide a one-day turnaround for priority requests for Veterans Records and a five-day turnaround for routine requests.  This will eliminate long delays now experienced by the V.A. when trying to process a Veteran's request for benefits. To read press release click here

V.A. Benefit On-Line Application For Benefits (via internet) www.vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/default.asp

V.A. Benefits Application Forms (Paper Hard Copy)   http://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms1.htm

Directory of Nationwide V.A. Facilities    www.va.gov/sta/guide/home.asp?DIVISION=ALL

Ilinois Veterans desiring assistance obtaining Federal Veteran Benefits, described below at various web sites, should contact their local Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs or County Veterans Assistance Commission Offices.

Veterans residing in another state, or considering relocating to another state, should contact the State Veteran Affairs or County Veterans Assistance Commission offices in their area.
See   www.piperinfo.com/state/index.cfm   for more information.
 
 

The Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs is a State agency, with offices located in each county, that provides assistance to Illinois Veterans and their dependents obtain Federal and State Veterans' Benefit Entitlements.

If you reside in another state, or are planning to relocate and want to contact a State Department of Veteran Affairs Office in another office, click here

The following sites will provide you with more information about Illinois Veterans' Benefits:

Illinois Veterans' Benefits     www.state.il.us/agency/dva/benefits/default.htm

Illinois Veteran Service Offices    www.state.il.us/agency/dva/offices/default.htm

Illinois Veterans' Homes     www.state.il.us/agency/dva/homes/default.htm

Illinois Veterans who attend ISAC approved state-controlled colleges, universities or community colleges may be eligible to use the Illinois Veterans Grant (IVG) or the IllinoisNational Guard Grant (NG).

Complete list of ISAC approved schools in Illinois   http://www.isac1.org/download/schlist.pdf

DOWNLOAD IVG APPLICATION

DOWNLOAD IL NAT'L GUARD GRANT APPLICATION

Internet Links to all Illinois College websites   www.isac1.org/ilcol/ilcol.html
 
 

The following Federal and State agencies provide assistance to Veterans and their dependents apply for wide range of benefit entitlement programs, such as V.A. disability compensation, Non-Service connected pension, eligibility for V.A. Hospital and Outpatient care, Education benefits, admission to a Veterans Home. Overall there are nearly 1,052 different entitlement programs. All Veterans should bring a 'certified copy' of their D.D. Form 214 when inquiring about benefits.

United States Department of Veteran Affairs (V.A.)     www.va.gov

P.O. Box 8136    536 S. Clark Street
Chicago, Il 60680 Phone: 1 800 827-1000

Illinois Department of Veteran Affairs       www.state.il.us/agency/dva/vetbenassist/default.htm

Kane/Kendall/De Kalb Co.

322 W. State St.
Geneva, Il 60134 Phone: 630 232-0948

Du Page Co.

421 County Farm Rd. Room 1-800
Wheaton, Il 60187 Phone: 630 690-9449

Lake Co.

VAMC North Chicago
Building 135
3001 Green Bay Road
North Chicago, Il 60064  Phone: 847 623-3290

LaSalle Co.

424 W. Main
Ottawa, Il 61350 Phone: 815 434-0113

McHenry Co.

109 S. Jefferson - Suite #1
Woodstock, Il  60098   Phone: 815 338-9292

Will Co.

58 N. Chicago St.
Joliet, Il 60432 Phone: 815 727-6584

Directory of Illinois State Veteran Affairs offices:  www.state.il.us/agency/dva/offices/default.htm

Directory of Nationwide State Veteran Affairs offices:    www.va.gov/partners/stateoffice/index.htm
 
 

The Illinois Association of County Veterans Assistance Commission, Inc. (V.A.C.) is dedicated to assistance and support of the 1.1 million Illinois Veterans.  The Veterans Assistance Commission is a seperate county government agency that is operated by Veterans for Veterans which works with Veterans to obtain Federal and County Veterans Benefit Entitlements, and provides needed services, including financial aid, veteran services and advocacy services to military Veterans and their families that reside in said county.  The following is a list of local area county Veteran Assistance Commission Offices:

Kane County Veterans Assistance Commission

 www.co.kane.il.us/VETSAST.HTM

Superintendent:  John Carr
Kane County Government Center
719 S. Batavia Ave (Rt.31), Bldg. A, Room G-27
Geneva, IL 60134  Phone 630 232-3550     Fax: 630 232-7027

Dupage County Veteran's Assistance

http://www.co.dupage.il.us/vac/index.html

Superintendent: Ed Trowbridge
421 N. County Farm Road 1^st Floor - North End
Wheaton, Il 60187 Phone: 630 682-7566     Fax: 630 682-7569
 

Lake County Veterans Assistance Commission

www.co.lake.il.us/veterans

Superintendent: Martin Rue
301 Washington St.
Waukegan, Il 60085  Phone:  847 360-6370  or  847 360-6371  Fax: 847 360-3188
 

Veterans Assistance Commission of McHenry County

http://www.co.mchenry.il.us/CountyDpt/veterans/default.asp

Superintendent:  James Doran
2200 N. Seminary Ave
Woodstock, Il 60098   Phone: 815 334-4229   Fax: 815 338-5021
 

Veterans Assistance Commission of Will County

http://www.willcountyillinois.com/veterans/VetHomePage.htm

Superintendent:  James Denbow
Executive Centre
128 N. Scott St.
Joliet, Il 60432  Phone:  815 740-8389    Fax: 815 740-4329

LINKS TO NATIONWIDE STATE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS AND COUNTY VETERANS ASSISTANCE COMMISSION'S VETERAN'S SERVICE OFFICERS  http://www.vetsresource.com/

Healthcare Eligibility      http://www.va.gov/elig/

Healthcare Benefits       http://www.va.gov/elig/page.cfm?pg=3

Changes to the V.A. Outpatient Co-payment Amounts effective December 6, 2001 http://www.va.gov/publ/direc/health/direct/12001072.pdf

Application for Health Benefits Form 10-10EZ    www.va.gov/forms/medical/FormImageFiles/10-10ez.pd

Information Regarding Different V.A. Treatment Programs  http://www.va.gov/About_VA/Orgs/vha/VHAProg.htm

ALSO SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING TRICARE HEALTH BENEFITS SHOWN BELOW
 
 

INPATIENT CARE
 

Edward Hines, Jr. V.A. Hosp.                    Chicago-Lakeside V.A. Hosp
5^th Avenue & Roosevelt Rd.                       333 East Huron Street
Hines, Il 60141                                            Chicago, Il 60611
Phone: 708 202-8387                                   Phone:  312 943-6600

Chicago - West Side V.A. Hosp.                N. Chicago V.A. Medical Ctr.
820 South Damen Ave.                                3001 Green Bay Road
Chicago, Il 60612                                         North Chicago, Il 60064
Phone: 312 666-6500                                   Phone: 847 688-1900
 
 

OUTPATIENT CARE
 

Aurora V.A. Outpatient Clinic
1700 N. Landmark Rd
Aurora, Il 60506    Phone:  630 859-2504

Elgin V.A. Outpatient Clinic
1231 W. Larkin Ave.
Elgin, Il 60123    Phone:  847 742-5920

Joliet V.A. Outpatient Clinic
2000 Glenwood Ave
Joliet, Il 60435   Phone: 815 744-0492

Oak Park Vet Center
149 S. Oak Park Ave
Oak Park, Il 60302   Phone: 708 386-3008

All Inpatient/Outpatient Facilities in Illinois   http://www.va.gov/sta/guide/fac_list_by_state.cfm?State=IL&divisionid=1

Nationwide Listing of Inpatient/Outpatient Clinics   www.va.gov/sta/guide/division.asp?divisionId=1
 
 

ATTENTION: VIET NAM VETERANS:  See Important Information from Veterans Administration regarding the V.A., Agent Orange and Diabetes Mellitus II    http://www.va.gov/opa/fact/Diabetes/index.htm

V.A. Health Care Programs for Senior Veterans www.va.gov/seniors/health

VET RESOURCECENTER
 2038 W. 95TH STREET
CHICAGO, IL 60643
PHONE:  773 881-9900
SUPPORT FACILITY:  WESTSIDE VAMC, CHICAGO
TEAM LEADER:  GERALD HAYES, M.A.
 

VET CENTER
1600 HALSTED STREET
CHICAGO HEIGHTS, IL 60411
PHONE:  708 754-0340
SUPPORT FACILITY: LAKESIDE  VAMC, CHICAGO
TEAM LEADER:  BERNARD L. JONES, M.S.W

VET CENTER
1269 N. 89TH STREET  SUITE 1
EAST ST. LOUIS, IL 62203
PHONE:  618 397-6602
SUPPORT FACILITY: ST. LOUIS, MO VAMC
TEAM LEADER:  ROSE JOHNSON, M.S.W.

VET CENTER
585 HOWARD ST
EVANSTON, IL 60602
PHONE:  708 332-1019
SUPPORT FACILITY:  NORTHSIDE VAMC, CHICAGO
TEAM LEADER:  BETSY TOLSTEDT, PhD

VET CENTER
155 S. OAK PARK AVE
OAK PARK, IL 60302
PHONE: 708 383-3225
SUPPORT FACILITY:  HINES VAMC, HINES, IL
TEAM LEADER:  BOB MATHES, LCSW

VET CENTER
3310 N. PROSPECT STREET
PEORIA, IL 61603
309 671-7300
SUPPORT FACILIITY:  DANVILLE VAMC, DANVILLE
TEAM LEADER:  RON HARRIMAN, M.S.W.

VET CENTER
1529 16TH AVENUE  ROOM 6
MOLINE, IL 61265
309 762-6954
SUPPORT FACILITY:  IOWA CITY, IA VAMC
TEAM LEADER:  PATRICK WALSH, L.C.S.W.

VET CENTER
624 S. 4TH STREET
SPRINGFIELD, IL 62702
PHONE:  217 492-4955
SUPPORT FACILITY:  ST. LOUIS, MO  VAMC
TEAM LEADER:  DONA BUECHLER, R.N.

Directory of Nationwide VET CENTERS  http://members.tripod.com/JonyBgde/vetscenters.htm
 
 

The Department of Defense has implemented the most sweeping improvements to the DoD Health CareSystem for Military, National Guard and Reservist Retirees who are age 65 and eligible for Medicare, Parts A & B.  The following links will help you understand this new program:

TRICARE Permanent Health Care Benefit (For Veterans Age 65 +) http://www.tricare.osd.mil

TRICARE for Life Benefits       http://tricare.osd.mil/tfl/tfl_fact.html

TRICARE Brochure          http://tricare.osd.mil/tfl/pdf/brochure4June.pdf

TRICARE Eligibility         http://tricare.osd.mil/factsheets/factsheet3.pdf

TRICARE Senior Pharmacy Program      HTTP://tricare.osd.mil/NewsReleases/news2001_15.htm

TRICARE Dental Program       HTTP://tricare.osd.mil/NewsReleases/news2001_05_11.htm
 
 

National Veterans Legal Services Program   www.nvlsp.org

Guide to Rights for Illinois Veterans     www.ag.state.il.us/publications/veteransrights.htm

Veterans Rights Brochure       www.ag.state.il.us/publications/vetsvc0500.pdf

Download a Copy of "Legal Rights for Illinois Veterans"  http://www.ag.state.il.us/veterans/vetsrights.htm

Laws Protecting Military Personnel from Hardship   http://www.illinoisbar.org/duty.html
 
 

Veterans House.Gov - Women Veterans (Issues, Legislation, Web Sites, and more)  http://veterans.house.gov/issues/womenissues.htm

V.A. Programs and Initiatives For Women Veterans  www.va.gov/womenvet/

Center for Women Veterans       http://www.va.gov/womenvet/page.cfm?pg=14

Disabled Women Veterans      www.militarywoman.org/disabled.htm

Women Disability Resources     http://barbara_robertson.tripod.com/Women.html
 
 

Status of Legislation Pending in U.S. Congress      http://www.va.gov/OCA/Vet_Legis_USA.htm

U.S. House of Representatives - Committee on Veteran Affairs     http://veterans.house.gov

U.S. Senate - Veterans' Affairs Committee (Bill Updates, Hearings, etc)    http://www.senate.gov/~veterans
 
 

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE  - Air, National Guard & Reserve Family Readiness Programs
www.defenselink.mil/ra/family/toolkit

In light of recent Terrorist Attacks, many individuals will be called to active duty.  The follow information is
provided help you and your family in the event you are mobilized and deployed overseas.  For further
information contact your Judge Advocate at your military base.

These links provide affected military personnel an overview, including provisions and limitations of "The
Soldiers & Sailors Relief Act of 1940" that affords certain military personnel (including Reservists and
National Guard) and their families protections from evictions, foreclosures, repossessions and debt
collections while the person is serving duty away from home.

http://www.carreonandassociates.com/soldiersact.html

http://www.defenselink.mil/specials/Relief_Act_Revision/
 
 

National Personnel Records Center
Duplicate Discharge, Military Records     www.cem.va.gov/nprc.htm

Military Personnel Records, St. Louis, MO    http://www.archives.gov/facilities/mo/st_louis.html

Information Regarding Military / Medical Records Lost in 1973 Record Center Fire
and Alternate Places to Find those records        http://www.cem.va.gov/nprc.htm

SF-180 Request for Duplicate Medical or Military Records and Discharge (DD214)

Front Page - http://www.archives.gov/publications/standard_forms/180_front.pdf
Back Page - http://www.archives.gov/publications/standard_forms/180_back.pdf

SF-180 - Fillable Form   -   http://www.archives.gov/publications/standard_forms/180_fillable.pdf

Duplicate Military Medals and Awards   http://www.archives.gov/facilities/mo/st_louis/military_personnel_records/awards_and_decorations_content.html
 
 

On November 7, 2001, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (V.A.) and the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), in St. Louis, have signed a "Memorandum of Agreement" to reduce a back log of 57,000 requests for Veteran's Records and eliminate this backlog within one year.  Eventually NARA will provide a one-day turnaround for priority requests for Veterans Records and a five-day turnaround for routine requests.  This will eliminate long delays now experienced by the V.A. when trying to process a Veteran's request for benefits. To read press release click here
 
 

If you are thinking of going into business for yourself, but are not sure how and where to start, here is a comprehensive guide to getting started, getting financing, obtaining legal advice, professional business counseling and advice, and numerous resources.

Small Business Administration Home page    www.sba.gov

Starting Your Own Business       www.sba.gov/starting

On-Line Library for Forms, Regulations,
Publications, Programs and more...     www.sba.gov/library/forms.html

SBA Lending Programs       www.sba.gov/vets/lending.html

SBA 7 (A) Loan Guarantee Program for Veterans    www.sba.gov/financing/fr7aloan.html

SBA Classroom, Providing Information regarding SBA Classes for Small Businesses and Individuals wanting to go into business   http://www.sba.gov/classroom/courses.html

Calendar of Events, Classroom Schedule of SBA Courses in Illinois http://app1.sba.gov/calendar/states/calendar.cfm?op=group&grp=25

Calendar of Events, Classroom Schedules of SBA Courses in each State http://www.sba.gov/calendar/

U.S. Dept. of Veteran Affairs (V.A.) assistance and opportunities for Veteran-owned and Service-Connected Disabled Veteran-owned businesses. http://www.vetbiz.gov
http://www.score.org/veterans/

SBA Services to Help Veterans Succeed in Business   www.sba.gov/vets/services.html
 
 

SBA Online Women's Business Center    www.onlinewbc.org

Directory of Illinois Women's Business Centers in Illinois www.sba.gov/womeninbusiness/wbcs.html#il

Nationwide Directory of Women's Business Centers   www.sba.gov/womeninbusiness/wbcs.html

WOMENBIZ - Gateway for women Veterans owned businesses  www.womenbiz.gov
 
 

The S.C.O.R.E. Association is a resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration.  S.C.O.R.E. is dedicated to aiding in the formation, growth, and success of small businesses nationwide.  Their web site is: http://www.score.org

Business Links for Today's Entrepreneur     http://www.score.org/businesslinks

Business Resources for Today's Entrepeneur   http://www.score.org/resourceindex

To locate a local S.C.O.R.E. representative in your area:  http://www.score.org/findscore
 
 

IL Dept. of Commerce & Community Affairs
Serving Communities Throughout Illinois http://www.commerce.state.il.us

Step by Step Guide to Starting or Expanding a Business in Illinois
http://www.commerce.state.il.us/doingbusiness/First_Stop/thefirst.htm

Women's & Monority Business Assistance    http://www.commerce.state.il.us/doingbusiness/Wom_Min/women.htm

Illinois Communities On-Line   http://www.commerce.state.il.us/doingbusiness/Locate/community_websites.htm

Obtaining Licences and Permits        http://www.commerce.state.il.us/doingbusiness/First_Stop/Permits.htm

Illinois Business Services - provides resources to assist with planning, financing, technical assistance, registration, taxes, labor statistics and other information you need to make your business a reality:
http://www.state.il.us/services/searchForm.html?template=binput
 
 

American Legion     www.legion.org
American Legion Service Officers      http://www.legion.org/our_legion/ol_dsodir.htm

AMVETS          www.amvets.org
AMVET Service Officers    http://www.amvets-ny.org/Shared/officers_service.html

Disabled American Veterans (DAV)     www.dav.org
DAV Veteran Service Officers   www.davmail.org/directories/nsodir.asp

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)  www.vfw.org
VFW Service Officers         http://www.vfwdc.org/NVS/sor.htm
 
 

If you are not satisfied with the V.A.'s decision regarding your application for Veterans Benefits, determined by a V.A. regional office, medical facility or other local V.A. office) you may appeal it's decision.  Contact a Veteran Service Office at one of the Veteran's Organizations listed above for assistance preparing your appeal and submission of V.A. Form 9, "Appeal to Board of Veterans' Appeals".
 

For further information:

Veterans Benefits - V.A. Benefits Administration Home Page   www.va.gov

Phamplet - Understanding the V.A. Appeals Process, 52 pages.
 
 

"Bad Paper" discharges (i.e. Dishonorable, Bad Conduct, Undesirable, "other than honorable" and possibly discharges "under honorable conditions) may bar the veteran from virtually all Veterans benefits.  Many Veterans have accepted a less than honorable discharge were either told or led to believe that it would automatically be upgraded after six months.  THIS IS UNTRUE.

The only way to receive an upgrade or correction of military discharge is to APPLY FOR ONE.
( Source:  "Legal Rights for Illinois Veterans" ).

NOTE:  THE V.A. DOES NOT PROCESS REQUESTS FOR UPGRADES OR CORRECTION OF MILITARY DISCHARGES.
 

Note: The Veterans' Service Officers at the American Legion, AMVETS, DAV, OR VFW can assist or represent you regarding applying for Veteran's benefits, appealing V.A. benefit award decisions,  upgrading less than honorable discharges, or correction of military discharges.

It is strongly suggested you enlist the assistance of a Veterans Service Officer at one the above mentioned Veterans Organization, who is located at the V.A. Regional Office in your state, and submit VA Form 22a, Appointment of Individual as Claimant's Representative. Click here to download V.A. Form 22a.
 
 

American Legion Guide  to Filing for Upgrading or Correction of Military Discharges, 19 pages

Upgrading Military DischargesCorrection of Military Discharge
   D.D. FORM - 293                          D.D. FORM - 149
 
 

ADDITIONAL LINKS:

SECTION 2 - VETERANS INFORMATION
SECTION 3 - JOB SEARCH
SECTION 5 - EDUCATION & TRAINING
SECTION 6 - AGENCIES
 

If you find a link on this page that has changed or no longer exists, contact  webmaster

DISCLAIMER
 
 

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