Veterans Urged To Apply For Illinois State Benefits

As the people of Illinois commemorate the lives of our nation's Veterans who died defending our country this Memorial Day, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced that the state's 51 Veteran Service Offices will all host Open Houses throughout the coming months for Veterans, their families, and survivors of fallen service members. The Veteran Service Offices house the state's 73 Veteran Service Officers, who offer help to Veterans and their families in applying for and receiving compensation and benefits from the federal VA and the state. The Governor is also encouraging residents to spread the word about the state programs over the course of Memorial Day to help ensure that Veterans and their families get the benefits they fought for and deserve.

"Today we honor all those who lost their lives serving our country, give thanks to those who have fought for our freedoms, and pray for those who are still fighting today. But in addition to the various parades and ceremonies, let's make sure that our state's military heroes know about all of the benefits they are entitled to," said Gov. Blagojevich. "Our Veteran Service Offices will be hosting Open Houses over the coming months and I am asking all Illinois residents to tell a friend, family member, or neighbor that state benefits are available to our Veterans. Together we can make sure that no Illinois Veteran is left in the dark."

Veteran Service Offices serve as sign-up locations and informational hubs for the state's programs and benefits, including the following:

Illinois Warrior Assistance Program - Illinois became the first state in the nation to launch a Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder program for returning Illinois veterans. The Illinois Warrior Assistance Program offers a 24-hour, toll-free helpline at 1-866-554-IWAP (4927), which is staffed by health professionals to assist Veterans, day or night, with the symptoms associated with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and provides Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) screening to all interested Illinois veterans, especially those returning from Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). The Warrior Assistance Program also makes TBI screenings mandatory for all returning members of the Illinois Army National Guard. More information is available at www.illinoiswarrior.com.

G-I Loan for Heroes - Last May the state announced the G-I Loan for Heroes program, making Illinois the first state in the nation to offer a comprehensive homeownership package to Veterans and active duty service men and women. The program offers a low-interest rate first mortgage for 80 percent of the purchase price of a new home and an interest-free second mortgage of up to $40,000 dollars for the remaining 20 percent of the purchase price.

Veterans Care -Veterans Care provides affordable, comprehensive health care to Illinois Veterans who are uninsured or do not qualify for coverage through the federal Veterans Administration. Under the first phase of Veterans Care, Veterans who don't have access to health insurance would be covered. Participants who take part in the pilot program would be charged a $40 monthly premium. Prescription drugs and doctors office visits would require a minimal co-payment, ranging from $6 to $15.

Veterans' Jobs Tax Credit - Employers can earn an income tax credit of up to $600 dollars annually for every qualified Veteran hired after January 1, 2007. The credit is available for Veterans who were members of the Armed Forces, the Armed Force reserves, or the Illinois National Guard on active duty in Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom.