Benefits · Supportive Services
How to apply for Illinois Veteran Service Officers (Free VA Claims Help)
Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA)
Who it's for
Illinois Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) — trained and accredited by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — provide free assistance to veterans and their dependents and survivors with federal and state benefits: VA disability compensation, pension, Aid and Attendance, healthcare, burial, and survivor claims. Getting the VA rating right matters twice in Illinois, because the rating drives federal compensation and the state property-tax exemption tier. IDVA runs full-time and part-time offices across the state, help is available remotely, and no one needs to pay a private company to file a VA claim. Find the nearest VSO through the locator on the IDVA website.
Claims assistance is free — VA-accredited IDVA Veteran Service Officers help veterans, dependents, and survivors file claims and appeals at no charge, in person or remotely.
What you'll need
- DD-214 or other military discharge paperwork
- Any existing VA correspondence or award letters
- Medical records related to the claim
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Find my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.