Monday, May 30, 2011

Illinois Benefits for Disabled Veterans : Agencies, Benefits, Programs, Resources...

The Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (the Illinois VA) offers various benefits to the state's disabled veterans. Veterans who suffered significant injuries or diseases while on active duty or in training are entitled to monetary compensation and other benefits for themselves and their families, as well as special accommodations in certain instances. Many benefits are national policies of the United States Department of Veteran Affairs (VA). The Illinois VA, through various local branches, ensures that state residents receive the benefits to which they are entitled.

1. Disability Compensation
An Illinois veteran receives tax-free compensation for disabilities that arose from, or were exacerbated by, injuries or diseases while on active duty. The monthly benefit ranges from $123 to more than $3,100, depending on the the level of disability and the veteran's number of dependents.

2. Disability Pension
Wartime veterans can receive a pension if they are permanently and totally disabled and their family income falls below a set annual limit based on their number of dependents. Taking the example of a housebound veteran with one dependent, the veteran would qualify for the pension if he made less than $18,120 in 2010. The VA would pay, in monthly installments, the difference between the veteran's actual income and $18,120.

3. Aid and Attendance
Veterans who must live in a nursing home or who need regular aid from a caregiver to perform everyday functions, may qualify for this benefit, which is in addition to the monthly pension.

4. Housebound Veterans
As with the aid and attendance benefit, veterans whose disability confines them to their residence may qualify for a monthly benefit, which is in addition to the monthly pension.

5. Homestead Exemption
Disabled veterans may qualify for a property tax exemption. Veterans with a service-connected disability that is rated at 75 percent or more by the VA can receive a $5,000 yearly tax exemption. Veterans with a disability that is rated at between 50 percent and 75 percent can receive a $2,500 exemption. The exemption applies to property on which federal funds have been used to purchase or construct specially-adapted housing for the veteran.

6. Specially Adapted Housing Grant
This federal benefit is for veterans with permanent and total disabilities due to the loss of extremities or blindness. The grant covers up to 50 percent of the cost of a specially-adapted house. By law, the maximum allowable grant as of 2010 was $63,780.

7. Fishing and Hunting Licenses
Disabled veterans can fish and hunt without the standard licenses that are required by law. Veterans should contact their local Veterans Service office to acquire a permit.

# Source: Jeffrey Nichols, eHow Contributor updated June 16, 2010
Read more: Illinois Benefits for Disabled Veterans | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/list_6635250_illinois-benefits-disabled-veterans.html#ixzz1NmbHsiX4

# For The Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs; click headline or go to; http://www2.illinois.gov/veterans/Pages/default.aspx

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