Veterans Business Program (VBP) is sponsored by State of Illinois Commission on Equity and Inclusion. Assists businesses owned by qualified service-disabled and veteran-owned businesses in Illinois to access state contracting opportunities.

Illinois Military and Veterans Benefits | The Official Army Benefits Website Illinois Military and Veterans Benefits Department of Motor Vehicles Health and Insurance Benefits Parks and Recreation Benefits U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Facilities in Illinois Illinois Military Resource Locator Summary of Illinois Military and Veterans Benefits: Illinois offers special benefits for service members, Veterans and their families including property tax exemptions, exemptions for specially adapted housing and mobile homes, state employment preferences and assistance, education and tuition assistance, special vehicle tags, Veterans’ Homes, burial benefits, hunting and fishing licenses as well as state park camping privileges.

Eligibility for some benefits may depend on residency, military component and Veteran disability status. Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA), Veteran Service Offices: IDVA runs full-time and itinerant (part-time) offices across the state, staffed by Veteran Service Officers, who are experts on federal, state and local Veteran resources.

Veterans Service Officers (VSO) are trained to assist Veterans, retired service members and their families find and apply for Veterans benefits under federal, state and local laws. All their services are provided free of charge.

IDVA, Online Contact Page IDVA, Veteran Service Office Directory Learn more about Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, Veteran Service Offices Illinois State Military and Veterans Benefit Highlights and Eligibility What are my Illinois Military and Veterans State Tax Benefits?

Illinois State Income Tax on Military Pay: Military pay that is included in a service member’s federal adjusted gross income (AGI) may be subtracted from their Illinois gross income, including: Pay received for service in the U.S. Armed Forces, including basic training Pay received by a cadet at a service academy or in a Reserve Officer Training Corps program Pay received for service in the National Guard or the U.S. Armed Forces Reserves (including a National Guard unit of another state) Service members may not subtract the following: Military income (such as combat pay) that was excluded from their adjusted gross income Pay received under the Voluntary Separation Incentive (VSI) Illinois Department of Revenue, Filing Requirements for Military Personnel Illinois Department of Revenue Publications Learn more about Illinois State Income Tax on Military Income Illinois Military Spouse Residency Relief Act: A nonresident spouse who has the same state of residence as a nonresident service member, who is stationed in Illinois under military orders, is exempt from Illinois income taxes on wages earned in Illinois.

The nonresident spouse must pay taxes (if required) to their state of residence. Illinois Department of Revenue Publications Learn more about the Illinois Military Spouse Residency Relief Act Illinois Military Retired Pay Taxes: Illinois does not tax military retired pay.

Illinois Department of Revenue Publications Learn more about Illinois Income Tax on Military Retired Pay Illinois State Taxes on Military Disability Retirement Pay: Illinois does not tax government disability plans.

Illinois Department of Revenue, Publication 120 Illinois Department of Revenue Publications Military disability retirement pay received as a pension, annuity or similar allowance for personal injury or sickness resulting from active service in the U.S. Armed Forces should not be included in taxable income.

Some of the payments which are considered disability benefits include: Disability compensation and pension payments for disabilities paid to Veterans or their families Grants for homes designed for wheelchair living Grants for motor vehicles for Veterans who lost their sight or the use of limbs, or Benefits under a dependent-care assistance program See IRS Publication 525 for more information.

Learn more about Illinois State Taxes on Military Disability Retirement Pay Illinois Taxes on Military Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RCSBP) and Retired Serviceman’s Family Protection Plan (RSFPP) Annuities: Illinois does not tax government retirement plans.

Illinois Department of Revenue Publications Learn more about Illinois Taxes on Military Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RCSBP) and Retired Serviceman’s Family Protection Plan (RSFPP) Annuities Illinois State Taxes on U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Disability Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): DIC is a tax-free monetary benefit paid to eligible survivors of service members who died in the line of duty or eligible survivors of Veterans whose death resulted from a service-connected injury or disease.

Learn more about Illinois State Taxes on U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Disability Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Illinois Tax Forgiveness for Deceased Service Members : Individuals filing taxes on behalf of a deceased service member may subtract all income of a service member whose federal income tax was forgiven because they died in a combat zone or due to wounds, disease, or injury incurred in a combat zone.

Illinois Department of Revenue Publications Learn more about Illinois Tax Forgiveness for Deceased Service Members Illinois Returning Veterans' Homestead Exemption (RVHE): RVHE provides service members returning from a deployment a $5,000 reduction of their homes equalized assessed value. Service members must have served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces in an armed conflict to be eligible.

This exemption is for two consecutive tax years, the tax year the service member returns from deployment and the following year. Service members should contact their local County Assessor's Office for more information and to apply.

Illinois Compiled Statutes Chapter 35, Title 4, 200/15-167 Illinois County Assessor Directory Learn more about the Illinois Returning Veterans' Homestead Exemption Illinois Disabled Veterans' Standard Homestead Exemption (DVSHE): DVSHE provides a reduction in a property's equalized assessed value (EAV) of a property owned by a Veteran who has a service-connected disability.

The property's total EAV must be less than $250,000 to be eligible for this exemption.

The reduction is based on the percentage of the Veteran’s disability: $2,500 exemption for a service-connected disability rating of at least 30% but less than 50% $5,000 for a service-connected disability rating of at least 50% but less than 70% Total exemption for a service-connected disability rating of 70% or more This exemption is also available to the unremarried surviving spouse of a Veteran who received an exemption prior to their death.

If a surviving spouse moves to a new home, they are eligible to receive an exemption equal to the amount they received for their previous home. If the Veteran died from a service-connected cause and was not receiving a property tax exemption, their unremarried surviving spouse who is receiving Disability Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is eligible to apply.

Additionally, the unremarried surviving spouse of a service member killed in the line of duty is exempt from all property taxes on their primary residence. For tax years on or after 2024, if the Veteran served in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II, then the property is exempt from taxation regardless of the Veteran’s disability level.

Applicants should contact local County Assessor's Office for more information and to apply.

Illinois Compiled Statutes Chapter 35, Title 4, 200/15-169 Illinois County Assessor Directory Learn more about the Illinois Disabled Veterans' Standard Homestead Exemption Illinois Disabled Veterans' Exemption for Specially Adapted Housing: Illinois offers a $100,000 reduction in the assessed value of the residence of a total and permanent service-connected disabled Veteran who received federal, state, or charitable organization financial assistance to purchase or modify a home to accommodate their disabilities.

This exemption is also available for a mobile home owned and used exclusively by a Veteran with a disability or their spouse. The exemption is valid for as long as the Veteran, their spouse, or unremarried surviving spouse resides on the property. For more information and to apply, Veterans should contact their local Veteran Service Office.

Illinois Compiled Statutes, Chapter 35, Title 4, 200/15-165 Illinois Department of ’Veterans Affairs, Veteran Service Office Directory Learn more about the Illinois Disabled Veterans' Exemption for Specially Adapted Housing Illinois Taxes on Social Security Benefits: Illinois does not tax Social Security benefits that are federally taxed.

Learn more about Illinois Taxes on Social Security Benefits What are my Illinois Military and Veterans Education Benefits? Illinois National Guard Grant Program (ING): The ING Grant Program will pay tuition and certain fees (registration, graduation, general activity, matriculation and term fees) for undergraduate or graduate study for eligible Illinois National Guard Service members.

Benefits can only be used at an Illinois two or four year public college. The amount of benefits a service member can receive is based on years of service.

Less than 10 years of National Guard service - Grant can be used up to the equivalent of four academic years of full-time enrollment 10 years or more of National Guard service - Grant can be used for a maximum of the equivalent of six academic years of full-time enrollment Who is eligible for ING?

To be eligible service members must meet the following requirements: Currently serving Illinois National Guard Service member Completed one full year of service in the Illinois National Guard Enrolled at an Illinois public two or four year college Not be in default on any student loan or owe a refund on any state or federal grant Maintain satisfactory academic progress as determined by the educational institution Service members who served in the Illinois National Guard for at least five consecutive years and whose education was interrupted due to being called to federal active duty for at least six months can receive an exemption from the currently serving requirement.

Service members can apply online using Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) ING Interactive Application , new users will be required to create a profile in the ISAC Student Portal . For more information, questions regarding the application process, or to request a hardcopy application, please contact an ISAC Student Engagement Representative .

2025-2026 ING Approved Illinois Schools Learn more about the Illinois National Guard Grant Program Illinois Deceased, Disabled, Declared Missing in Action (MIA) or Prisoner of War (POW) Illinois Deceased, Disabled, and Missing in Action (MIA) or Prisoner of War (POW) Veterans’ Dependents Educational Opportunity Grant (Ages 10-18): Illinois offers an annual $250 educational grant to the children of certain Veterans.

The grant may be used to offset expenses at a state elementary school, middle school, high school, home school, or vocational school. Who is eligible for the Illinois Deceased, Disabled, and MIA or POW Veterans’ Dependents Educational Opportunity Grant (Ages 10-18)?

This grant is offered to the children of a Veteran who meets the following requirements: At time of entry into active duty service in the U.S. Armed Forces, or Within six months after entering active duty service, or For at least 15 consecutive years after leaving active duty service, and Declared a POW or MIA, or 100% total and permanent service-connected disability rating from the VA or compensated at the 100% rate due to unemployability, or Died from a service-connected cause The Veteran’s child must be the natural child, stepchild, adopted child or court appointed foster child (for at least two years) between the ages of 10 and 18 to be eligible for the grant.

Applicants can apply online at the Illinois Student Assistance Commission Student Portal (select the Illinois Deceased, Disabled, and MIA or POW Veterans’ Dependents Educational Opportunity Grant Apply Here tab). For more information, please contact the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs by calling 217-782-6641.

Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs Contact Information Learn more about the Illinois Deceased, Disabled, and Missing in Action or Prisoner of War Veteran’s Dependents Educational Opportunity Grant (Ages 10-18) Illinois Deceased, Disabled, Declared Missing in Action (MIA) or Prisoner of War (POW) Veterans’ Dependents Scholarship: Illinois provides an educational scholarship at Illinois state supported colleges or universities for the dependents of certain Veterans.

The scholarship will pay full tuition and mandatory fees for up to 4 years of enrollment, including summer terms. Scholarships are based on a point system; students are authorized a maximum of 120 points that expire 12 years from the date of enrollment.

2 credit hours = 2 points 3 credit hours = 3 points 4 credit hours = 4 points 5 credit hours = 5 points 6-8 credit hours = 6 points 9-11 credit hours = 9 points 12 or more hours = 12 points To continue to be eligible students must maintain satisfactory academic progress as determined by the educational institution. Who is eligible for the Illinois Deceased, Disabled, Declared MIA or POW Veterans’ Dependents Scholarship?

This scholarship is offered to the dependents of a Veteran who meets the following eligibility requirements: At time of entry into active duty service in the U.S. Armed Forces, or Within six months after entering active duty service, or For at least 15 consecutive years after leaving active duty service Declared a POW or MIA, or 100% total and permanent service-connected disability rating from the VA, or Compensated at the 100% due to individual unemployability, or Died from a service-connected cause Dependents must meet the following criteria: Spouse or unremarried surviving spouse Stepchildren must have been under age 18 when their parents married Adopted children must have been under the age of 18 at the time of adoption Foster children must have been under age 18 when they entered court-ordered guardianship and for at least 2 continuous years prior to application Applicants can apply online at the Illinois Student Assistance Commission Student Portal (select the Illinois Deceased, Disabled, Declared MIA or POW Veterans’ Dependents Scholarship Apply Here tab).

For more information, please contact the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs by calling 217-782-3564.

Illinois Degree Granting Colleges and Universities Directory Learn more about the Illinois Deceased, Disabled, Declared Missing in Action or Prisoner of War Veterans’ Dependents Scholarship Illinois Veterans' Grant (IVG): IVG pays tuition and mandatory fees at all Illinois state-supported colleges, universities and community colleges for eligible Illinois Veterans. Who is eligible for the IVG?

To be eligible Veterans must meet the following requirements: Resident of Illinois six months before entering the U. S.

Armed forces, or Resident of Illinois for at least 15 years after discharge from active duty service in the U.S. Armed Forces, and Served one full year of active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, or Served on active duty and assigned in a foreign country at a time of hostilities, regardless of length of service, and Received an honorable discharge Return to Illinois within six months after discharge from active duty Veterans can apply online at the Illinois Student Assistance Commission Student Portal (select the IVG Apply Here tab).

For more information Veterans should contact an Illinois Veteran Service Office, their college financial aid office or the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.

Illinois Student Assistance Commission Contact Information Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, Veteran Service Office Directory Illinois Degree Granting Colleges and Universities Directory Learn more about the Illinois Veterans' Grant Illinois Children of Veterans Scholarship: Illinois counties are authorized to award one annual scholarship to the University of Illinois to the children of Veterans of World War I, World War II, Korean and Vietnam Conflicts and any time on or after August 2, 1990.

Preference is given to the children of deceased and disabled Veterans. Children will receive a scholarship for tuition at the University of Illinois for four consecutive years. For more information, please email finaid@illinois.

edu , or call 217-333-0100.

University of Illinois, Office of Student Financial Aid Learn more about the Illinois Children of Veterans Scholarship Academic Credit at Illinois Institutions of Higher Education for Military Training and Education: Illinois institutions of higher education will award academic credits for a service member's or Veteran’s military education and training For more information please visit the Illinois Transfer Portal, iTransfer MyCredits Transfer webpage .

Learn more about Academic Credit at Illinois Institutions of Higher Education for Military Training and Education Illinois Fallen Heroes Scholarship Program: Illinois offers the children of a deceased service member a $5,000 scholarship that is deposited in a Bright Start 529 College Savings Plan that may be used for qualified higher education expenses.

Scholarships may be used at most community colleges, public and private four-year colleges, universities, graduate and post-graduate programs and certain vocational schools. Who is eligible for the Illinois Fallen Heroes Scholarship Program? The dependent children of a service member who was killed in the line of duty while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible to apply.

Scholarship is invested in an age-based portfolio under the Bright Start College Savings Program Scholarship cannot be awarded as cash or withdrawn at any time for cash, funds must be paid directly to the school Bright Start can only be used for qualified higher education expenses (tuition and fees) Eligible educational institutions include most accredited public, nonprofit and privately-owned for-profit postsecondary institutions To request an application or more information please email collegesavings@IllinoisTreasurer.

gov . A complete list of required documentation is contained in the application. Completed applications can be submitted to the previous email or by mail to: Office of the Illinois State Treasurer Fallen Heroes Scholarship 100 W.

Randolph Street, Suite 15-600 Learn more about the Illinois Bright Start Fallen Heroes Scholarship Program Illinois Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (MIC3): The purpose of this compact is to remove barriers to educational success imposed on children of military families because of frequent moves and deployment of their parents by: Facilitating the prompt enrollment of children of military families and ensuring that they are not placed at a disadvantage due to difficulty in the transfer of educational records from the previous school district or variations in entrance or age requirements Facilitating the student placement process through which children of military families are not disadvantaged by variations in attendance requirements, scheduling, sequencing, grading, course content or assessment.

Facilitating the qualification and eligibility for enrollment, educational programs and participation in extracurricular academic, athletic and social activities Facilitating the on-time graduation of children of military families Providing for the enforcement of administrative rules implementing the provisions of this compact Providing for the uniform collection and sharing of information between and among member states, schools and military families under this compact Promoting coordination between this compact and other compacts affecting military children Promoting flexibility and cooperation between the educational system, parents and the student in order to achieve educational success for the student Learn more about the Illinois Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children Illinois Purple Star School Program for Military-Friendly Schools: Recent legislation authorized the Illinois Purple Star School program which recognizes schools that show a major commitment to students and Families connected to the U.S. Armed Forces.

For a school to qualify for the Purple Star Award they must appoint a school liaison who is specially trained to handle the unique challenges experienced by military Families. This liaison will ensure that other teachers at their school are aware of special considerations that students from military Families can benefit from. Each school will also have a dedicated page on their school website featuring resources for military Families.

Military Child Education Coalition Purple Star School Program Learn more about the Illinois Purple Star School Program for Military-Friendly Schools What are my Illinois Military and Veterans Employment Benefits?

Illinois Veteran Entrepreneurship Program: The Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) in partnership with the Illinois Department of Central Management Services provides training and outreach to new and established entrepreneurs.

They assist entrepreneurs by connecting them to government agencies, educational institutions, trade associations and business sector experts to educate them on resources and opportunities available to Veteran-owned and service disabled Veteran-owned businesses.

IDVA and its partner organizations host a variety of training, seminars and informational sessions across the state to share information and resources for Veterans, military families and returning service members.

Event participants receive personalized assistance in the following areas: Federal, state, county and city contracting Business plan development Veteran Certification Enterprise application assistance Strategic growth plan development Those interested should contact their local Illinois Veteran Service Office.

Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, Veteran Service Office Directory Learn more about the Illinois Veteran Entrepreneurship Program Illinois Veterans Business Program (IVBP) Preference in State Contracting: IVBP encourages state agencies and universities to spend at least 3% of their procurement budgets with certified Veteran-owned businesses.

State contracts are available for: Building repairs and maintenance Who is eligible for IVBP Preference in State Contracting? Eligible businesses include companies based in Illinois with annual gross sales under $150 million that are 51% owned by one or more qualified Veterans or service-connected disabled Veterans living in Illinois.

Veterans can apply to have their business certified by visiting the Illinois Commission on Equity and Inclusion, Veteran Business Program webpage and selecting “VBP Certification”. For more information. please contact the Illinois Commission on Equity and Inclusion, Veterans Business Program 312-814-4190 or 800-356-9206, or email cei.

equity. inclusion@illinois. gov .

Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, Veteran Owned Businesses Brochure Learn more about Illinois Veterans Business Program Preference in State Contracting Illinois Department of Employment Security, Veteran Employment Services: The Illinois Department of Employment Security’s (IDES) helps Veterans find sustaining and meaningful employment.

Illinois American Job Center staff provide Veterans with priority of service for employment and training services at offices located throughout the state. Veterans can set up a free account at IllinoisJobLink. com where they can create a resume as well as search for and apply for jobs.

Veterans requesting employment assistance should email DES. MyVetRep@illinois. gov or visit their nearest IDES Office .

Learn more about the Illinois Department of Employment Security, Veteran Employment Services Illinois Work Study Opportunities: The Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) provides VA Work Study opportunities at their numerous offices throughout Illinois. The VA Work Study Program provides part-time employment to students receiving VA education benefits who attend school three-quarter time or more.

Work Study students are paid either the state or federal minimum wage, whichever is greater. Additional work-study opportunities may exist at their campus Veterans' offices, VA Medical Facilities, the VA Regional Office, and with approved Veteran Service Organizations. For more information on approved programs, please call 312-814-2460 or 217-782-7839.

For information regarding VA Work Study positions available at the IDVA, please call 312-814-5538.

VA Work Study Program Webpage Learn more about Illinois Work Study Opportunities Illinois Public Employee Leave and Benefits During Military Duty: Reserve component service members who are employees of the Illinois state government, local government, public institutions of higher education, or a school district must be granted leave from their public employment when they are ordered to active duty service in the U.S. Armed Forces.

During this leave, the employees’ seniority and other benefits will continue to accrue. Public employees are also entitled to full salary continuation during annual training for up to 30 days per calendar year, this training does not need to be consecutive.

Public employees who are required to serve on active duty for longer than 60 days are also entitled to differential compensation, meaning, the public employer must continue to pay the difference between the employee's civilian and military pay. Public employees may choose to use accrued vacation, annual, or similar leave instead of receiving differential pay.

Who is eligible for Illinois Public Employee Leave and Benefits During Military Duty? Illinois public employees who are National Guard and U.S. Armed Forces Reserve service members are eligible for leave for military duty, as well as salary continuation for 30 days, or differential pay for 60 days.

Learn more about Illinois Public Employee Leave and Benefits During Military Duty Illinois Family Military Leave Act: Illinois law requires employers to grant family military leave to the spouse, parent, child or grandparent of service members while they are on state or federal deployment orders. Employers with at least 15 employees, but not more than 50, must provide up to 15 days of unpaid family military leave.

Employers with 51 or more employees must provide up to 30 days of unpaid family military leave. Before taking family military leave, employees should provide the employer with 14 days' notice and are required to use vacation leave, personal leave, compensatory leave, and any other leave that may be granted first, this does not include sick leave and disability leave.

Learn more about the Illinois Military Family Act Illinois State Approving Agency (SAA): SAA approves college and non-college degree programs, vocational flight training, apprenticeships and other on-the-job training so that federal educational assistance benefits may be paid to Veterans and other eligible persons under programs administered by the VA.

Types of approved training includes the following: Colleges and universities Vocational flight schools On-the-job training programs Licensing and certification tests Learn more about the Illinois State Approving Agency Illinois Veteran Preference for State Employment: Illinois offers Veteran preference when hiring for state employment to eligible service members, Veterans and certain family members.

Preference is given by adding points to passing grades.

Three Preference Points are added to the scores of Veterans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces and meet one of the following requirements: Served at least six months and received an honorable discharge Was discharged based on hardship, or was released from active duty because of a service-connected disability and received an honorable discharge Served a minimum of four years in the Illinois National Guard or the U.S. Armed Forces Reserve, including service members who are still actively serving Five Preference Points are added to the scores of Veterans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces and meet one of the following requirements: Served during a time of hostilities with a foreign country for at least six months and received an honorable discharge, or Served for the duration of the hostilities regardless of the length of engagement Served during a time of hostilities and was discharged based on hardship or was released from active duty because of a service-connected disability and received an honorable discharge 10 Preference Points are added to the scores of Individuals who meet one of the following requirements: Veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces who has a service-connected disability rating from the VA Unremarried surviving spouse of: Service member or Veteran who died from a service-connected cause Veteran who has a service-connected disability that prevents them from qualifying for civil service employment Parent of an unmarried service member or Veteran who suffered a service-connected death or a service-connected disability that prevents them from qualifying for civil service employment All Veterans are required to submit a certified copy of their DD214 or DD215 as proof of service at the time of application.

The Illinois Compiled Statutes 65-5-10 grants promotion preference points for municipal classified civil service positions. Veterans must have served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for at least one year before being honorably discharged to be eligible.

Seven-tenths of one point for every six months (or fraction thereof) of active duty service, not to exceed 30 months Points can only be applied towards one promotion For open state employment positions please visit the Illinois Central Management Services, Work for Illinois website .

Illinois State Employment Veterans' Hiring Preference Brochure Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, State Employment Tips for Veterans Learn more about Illinois Veteran Preference for State Employment Illinois Service Member Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (ISERRA): ISERRA ensures Illinois service members’ jobs and benefits are protected while they are serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

ISERRA also helps provide information and training for employers across Illinois.

Illinois Compiled Statutes, 330-61 ISERRA helps minimize the disadvantages of military service in civilian careers by: Providing prompt reemployment and protections to service members that minimizes disruption to the lives of employees, their employers, and co-workers Prohibits discrimination against and interference with military service Ensures that businesses are model employers of reserve component service members The law also created the ISERRA advocate, the ISERRA advocate can assist both service members and employers with information to ensure the rights of service members are protected.

For further assistance, please use the online Illinois Military and Veterans Rights Request Assistance Form , or call the Attorney General’s Military and Veterans Rights Helpline at 800-382-3000.

Learn more about the Illinois Service Member Employment and Reemployment Rights Act Illinois Veteran Education Waivers for State Police, Conservation Officers, Municipal Police, Firefighters and Emergency Medical Technicians: Illinois will waive certain education requirements for Veterans interested in public service.

Illinois State Police and Illinois Conservation Police: The educational requirements needed to join the Illinois State Police are waived for Veterans who were awarded a campaign medal for service in Afghanistan or Iraq and received an honorable discharge. All other requirements to join the Illinois State Police will still apply.

The education requirements needed to join the Illinois Conservation Police (a component of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources) are waived if Veterans meet the following requirements: Received an honorable discharge and awarded a Southwest Asia Service Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, or Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal by the U.S. Armed Forces, or Service members serving in the Illinois National Guard or U.S. Armed Forces Reserves who were awarded the Southwest Asia Service Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, or Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal during an active duty deployment All other requirements to join the Illinois Conservation Police will still apply.

Education Waiver for Municipal Police and Firefighters: The educational requirements of an associate degree needed to be hired as a firefighter or municipal police officer is waived for a Veteran if they meet the following requirements: Served honorably for 24 months on active duty, or Served 180 days in combat The educational requirements of a bachelor’s degree needed to be hired as a firefighter or municipal police officer is waived for a Veteran if they meet the following requirements: Served honorably for 36 months on active duty, or Served 180 days in combat Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs): The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) reviews applications for an EMT license from honorably discharged service members with military emergency medical training for information that clearly demonstrates that their training and experience meets licensing standards.

Applications must be filed with IDPH within one year after military discharge. If applicants meet the requirements, IDPH will offer the applicant the opportunity to take an IDPH-approved EMT exam and will issue an EMT license if they pass. Learn more