How to apply for Illinois Veterans with Disabilities Homestead Exemption (Partial, 30%–69% Rating)

Who it's for

Illinois reduces the taxable value of a disabled veteran's home based on the VA disability rating: a service-connected rating of 30–49% takes $2,500 off the home's equalized assessed value (EAV), and 50–69% takes off $5,000. The exemption applies to the primary residence through the Standard Homestead Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities (SHEVD). Veterans rated 70% or higher get a much larger benefit — the first $250,000 of EAV is fully exempt — listed separately in these results. 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.

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

Step by step

1. Confirm your eligibility by checking your VA disability award letter. A service-connected rating of 30–49% reduces your home's equalized assessed value (EAV) by $2,500. A rating of 50–69% reduces it by $5,000. If your rating is 70% or higher, a separate, larger exemption applies instead.
2. Get Form PTAX-342 (Application for Standard Homestead Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities) from your Chief County Assessment Office. Many counties also make this form available online.
3. Gather your required documents: your VA disability award letter or certification showing your service-connected rating percentage, and a photo ID such as a driver's license or state-issued ID.
4. Complete Form PTAX-342 fully and accurately. The home must be your primary residence.
5. Submit the completed form and your supporting documents to your Chief County Assessment Office. Check with your county office for available submission methods, which may include online filing.
6. Each year after approval, file Form PTAX-342-R (Annual Verification of Eligibility) with the Chief County Assessment Office to keep the exemption active.

What to expect: After submitting Form PTAX-342, the Chief County Assessment Office will review your application and documents. Processing times vary, so contact your county office directly for an estimate. If approved, the exemption reduces the EAV of your primary residence — by $2,500 for a 30–49% rating or $5,000 for a 50–69% rating. Your actual tax savings depend on your local property tax rate; the Chief County Assessment Office can confirm the exact effect for your property. An unmarried surviving spouse may continue the exemption on the same home or carry it to a new primary residence. Remember, the exemption must be renewed every year by filing Form PTAX-342-R with the Chief County Assessment Office, so watch for annual renewal notices to avoid losing the benefit.

Renewals

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