Veterans Education Benefits

Are you a veteran who wants to pursue higher education but aren’t sure you can afford it?

Fortunately, there are several financial aid options available to veterans that can help lower college-related or job training costs:

1. Post-9/11 GI Bill. The Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) helps you pay for school or job training. To be eligible, you must meet one of these requirements:

• You served at least 90 days on active duty (either all at once or with breaks in service) on or after Sept. 11, 2001.
  
• You received a Purple Heart on or after Sept. 11, 2001, and were honorably discharged.
  
• You served for at least 30 continuous days (all at once, without a break in service) on or after Sept. 11, 2001, and were honorably discharged with a service-connected disability.
  
• You’re a dependent child using benefits transferred by a qualifying veteran or service member.
  

2. Illinois Veteran Education Benefits. Education programs are available which you and your family may use for a wide variety of approved education and training programs, including apprenticeship and on-the-job training, college degree and certificate programs, flight training, and correspondence courses. The programs include:

• Deceased, Disabled, and MIA/POW Veterans’ Dependents Educational Opportunity Grant (Age: 10-18)
  
• Deceased, Disabled, and MIA/POW Veterans’ Dependents Scholarship
  
• Illinois Veterans’ Grant: This pays tuition and mandatory fees at all Illinois state-supported colleges, universities, and community colleges for Illinois veterans.
  
• Illinois National Guard Grant: Visit www.isac.org for information.
  
• University of Illinois Children of Veterans Scholarship
  

3. If you have a service-connected disability that prevents or limits your ability to work, Veteran Readiness and Employment can help. The program (aka Chapter 31 or VR&E) helps you explore employment options and can address education or training needs. Family members may qualify as well.

Wondering if you qualify? Contact the Grundy County VAC at vac@grundycountyil.gov or call (815) 941-3152.

Grundy County Veterans Assistance Commission : 1320 Union Street: Morris, IL 60450 :

815.941.3152 : https://www.grundycountyil.gov/veterans-assistance/