Benefits · Tax Relief

How to apply for Illinois 70%+ Disabled Veteran Homestead Exemption (Property Tax Exempt up to $250,000 EAV)

Chief County Assessment Office (statewide exemption under 35 ILCS 200/15-169, overseen by the Illinois Department of Revenue)

Who it's for

An Illinois veteran with a service-connected VA disability rating of 70% or higher pays no property tax on the first $250,000 of the home's equalized assessed value (EAV) — for most homes, that wipes out the entire property tax bill. This is the top tier of the Standard Homestead Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities (SHEVD) and one of the largest dollar benefits in Illinois. World War II veterans qualify for the exemption regardless of disability level. An unmarried surviving spouse can keep the exemption on the home, or carry it to a new primary residence. Apply with Form PTAX-342 at the Chief County Assessment Office, then re-verify each year with Form PTAX-342-R.

The exemption covers the first $250,000 of the home's equalized assessed value; a home above that EAV pays tax only on the amount over $250,000. Beginning tax year 2024, a World War II veteran's home is exempt regardless of the disability level. Surviving spouses of veterans killed in the line of duty, and of veterans whose service-connected death is certified by the VA for dependency and indemnity compensation, may also qualify — the Chief County Assessment Office can confirm a specific situation.

What you'll need

VA disability award letter or certification showing the service-connected rating percentage
Photo ID (driver's license or state ID)
Completed Form PTAX-342 (Application for Standard Homestead Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities) from the Chief County Assessment Office

Where to apply

Apply online: official application

Renewals

annual — file Form PTAX-342-R (Annual Verification of Eligibility) with the Chief County Assessment Office each year

Official source →Last verified · July 9, 2026

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Not legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.