Contact Info:
(312) 427-2737 ext. 729 (Reference)
(312) 427-2737 ext. 710 (Circulation)
Email us at law-library@uic.edu
Links:
Louis L. Biro Law Library Webpage
Library Libguides
Library Hours
The Resources for Veterans page identifies programs and resources that help veterans. These resources are holistic, looking at furthering a veteran's or servicemember's health, employment prospects, education, and overall quality of life. Veterans' advocates can also become knowledgeable about the various veterans' programs and resources to better serve veteran clients. Veterans may suffer during tough economic times. Veterans may be underemployed or unemployed. Veterans may also be homeless. Veterans' advocates may direct clients to the Veterans' Benefits and Issues Libguide or to any of the resources identified below.
Eligible Illinois veterans can take advantage of federal and state healthcare programs.
Federal Benefits
State Benefits
Illinois provides some healthcare benefits and services to Illinois Veterans.
The programs provide resources or aid to Veterans and Military Servicemembers dealing with PTSD and other mental health issues:
There are NGOs that provide additional resources and programs for disabled veterans. These programs range from job training, therapy, to social programs. Organizations include:
There are increasing number of veterans employments resources and programs, sponsored by state/federal government, corporations and NGOS. This effort is designed to help bridge the gap of unemployment between veterans and non-veterans. The Illinois Department of Employment Services' Monthly Employment Situation for Veterans report (March 2013) noted that in 2011, post 9/11 veterans suffered from higher unemployment rates than the national average. Veterans aged 18-24 suffered from significantly hirer rates than any other demographic, with a 30.2% unemployment rate. The following resources and programs are designed to help veterans obtain employment:
Federal Programs
IL State Programs
NGO Sponsored Programs
Illinois veterans can take advantage of Federal and State Education Benefits. This section provides links to websites that help veterans and family members apply for education benefits.
Federal
VA Educational Programs. The VA'S GI Bill Education page is a portal to the various VA benefits available. Eligible veterans seeking education programs can access information on the GI Bill, Post 9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, Reserve Educational Assistance Program (VEAP), Educational Assistance Test Program, National Call to Service Program, And Veterans Retraining Assistance Program. The VA's site provides information to veterans seeking educational benefits. Veterans may qualify for more than one education program; for example, a severely disabled veteran may qualify for VEAP, but also is eligible for the Post 9/11 GI bill. Veterans interested in using these programs can contact a the VA's Education Hotline at 1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-442-4551).
Illinois State
Illinois Veterans Grant. The Illinois Veterans Grant (IVG) established a program that veterans can use to pursue higher education at a Illinois state school. This grant provides a four year tuition waiver for any level of higher education; veterans have used this program to pay for undergraduate degrees, law degrees, and even medical school. See the page for eligibility requirements and further details.
The Children of Veterans Tuition Waiver. The University of Illinois awards a limited number of tuition waivers to children of Illinois veterans who served in a recognized conflict period (i.e., World War II, the Korean Conflict, the Southwest Asia Conflict, Operation Enduring Freedom, or Operation Iraqi Freedom). See the site for program and application requirements.
VA Homeless Program. The VA also provides programs and resources for helping homeless veterans. The VA has prioritized ending veterans homelessness. For more information or help call 1-877-424-3838.