Benefits · Emergency Aid
How to apply for Illinois County Veterans Assistance Commissions — Emergency Financial Help
County Veterans Assistance Commission (local body under the Military Veterans Assistance Act, 330 ILCS 45)
Who it's for
Illinois law directs counties to fund emergency and interim financial assistance for veterans in need through county Veterans Assistance Commissions (VACs). Under the Military Veterans Assistance Act, honorably discharged veterans, their families, and the families of deceased veterans who need assistance can receive help through the VAC in their county — typically short-term aid toward needs like food, shelter, and utilities, based on each commission's standards of need. The commissions are staffed by fellow veterans and run county by county, so the exact assistance and screening rules are local. An Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs Veteran Service Officer can point to the nearest commission and help with the request.
Assistance is emergency and interim help, not an ongoing benefit, and each county's Veterans Assistance Commission sets its own standards of need, assistance types, and amounts — some counties do not have an active commission. The discharge must be honorable or general under honorable conditions. An IDVA Veteran Service Officer can locate the commission serving a specific county.
What you'll need
- DD-214 or other proof of an honorable (or general under honorable conditions) discharge
- Photo ID (driver's license or state ID)
- The bills or notices needing help (rent notice, utility bill, shutoff notice)
- Proof of household income (each commission sets its own standards of need)
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.