Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs
Great Seal of Illinois
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| Department overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 1976 |
| Jurisdiction | Illinois |
| Headquarters | Springfield, Illinois |
| Employees | 1200 |
| Annual budget | $138,179,100 |
| Department executives |
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| Website | www2 |
The Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA) is the department of the Illinois state government that assists veterans and their families in navigating the system of federal state and local resources and benefits, provides long-term health care for eligible veterans, and helps veterans address education, mental health, housing, employment, and other challenges.
IDVA is an Illinois executive agency, funded and administered under the auspices of the Governor, and operates independently of US Department of Veterans' Affairs (USDVA). While the USDVA provides the bulk of healthcare and financial benefits for the nation's veterans, IDVA provides critical augmenting programs and services for Illinois veterans. Additionally, IDVA's Veteran Services Officers are experts in both federal and state benefits and resources; they assist veterans in navigating and applying for USDVA and IDVA programs and benefits. IDVA is not a part of the US Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA, or "the VA" as it's often termed). VA medical centers (Jesse Brown, Hines, etc.) and USDVA benefits (disability compensation, etc.) are administered and funded by the federal government. The IDVA team consists of more than 1,200 staff, many of whom are veteran.
In addition, IDVA serves as a liaison to the U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs and other federal and Illinois State agencies that provide programs for veterans. The IDVA actively partners with others who help and empower veterans, including educational institutions, county officials, and employment service personnel.
Illinois’ long and proud history of service to veterans began in 1886 with the establishment of the Illinois Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home for Civil War Veterans. Created through legislation enacted in 1945, the Illinois Veterans’ Commission was responsible for state services to veterans until 1976, when it was succeeded by the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA). The IDVA, created by Public Act 79-376, is charged with responsibility for the welfare and needs of Illinois veterans, their dependents and survivors. IDVA maintains administrative offices in Springfield and Chicago, four veterans’ homes, and more than 73 full- and part-time field offices servicing the 102 counties of the state.
Through the field offices, veterans and their families obtain assistance in navigating the complex system of federal, state and local resources and benefits. Acting as veterans’ authorized representatives, the Department’s accredited Veteran Service Officers provide counseling and assistance in presenting claims to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs on behalf of veterans and their dependents or survivors; these claims may include disability compensation, education benefits, pensions, insurance, hospitalization and rehabilitation. Services also include confirming veterans’ eligibility for state benefits and services, as well as assisting veterans in coordinating with local, state and federal agencies.
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