The State of Illinois is offering bonuses to veterans of the United Sates Armed Forces. The state is offering several types of cash bonuses depending on the veteran’s dates of service.
Illinois Military Veterans Bonus
Illinois Veterans Bonus – WWII Vets
For veterans of World War II, a bonus payment of $10 per month for those serving domestically and a $15 payment per month for service on foreign soil is payable to veterans that were residents of Illinois at the time of entering service, who have served at least 60 days on active duty between the dates of September 16, 1940 and September 3, 1945, and who received an honorable discharge. Survivors of veterans are entitled to receive a one-time benefit of $1,000 if the veteran died as a result of service-related reasons during the specified time period.
Illinois Veterans Bonus – Korea, Vietnam, and Persian Gulf Vets
For veterans serving during the Korean, Vietnam, and Persian Gulf conflicts, a cash bonus in the amount of $100 is payable to service members who served during any of the following time periods:
- Korea –June 27, 1950 – July 27, 1953
- Vietnam – January 1, 1961 – March 28, 1973
- Vietnam Frequent Wind – April 29 – April 30, 1975
- Persian Gulf – August 2, 1990 – November 30, 1995
Service members who are interested in claiming the bonus payments must have been a resident of Illinois for 12 months immediately prior to entering the service, having received an honorable discharge, and must have also received one or more of the following medals:
- Korean Service Medal
- Vietnam Service Medal
- Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal Vietnam Era
- Southwest Asia Service Medal
Individuals that are currently serving in an active duty capacity who also served in the Persian Gulf are eligible to apply for the bonus before being discharged from service.
Survivors Compensation. Survivors of military members killed in battle or by terrorist activities while performing military duties are entitled to a payment of $1,000 if veteran’s death occurred in the periods specified above. Residency of 1 year in Illinois prior to entering military service is required, as is a separate application.
POW Compensation. Persons on active duty with the Armed Forces of the United States or employed by the United States Government on, or after, January 1, 1961, who were residents of Illinois 12 months prior to entry, and who were taken and held prisoner by hostile forces in Southwest Asia, are entitled to $50 for each month or portion thereof while being held captive.
How to apply for Illinois Military Veterans Bonus
Applicants can download an application at the Illinois State website or contact the Illinois Department of Veteran’s Affairs, PO Box 19432, 833 South Spring Street, Springfield, IL 62794-9432. Applications should be completed in its entirety and mailed to the Illinois Department of Veteran’s Affairs along with a photocopy of the applicant’s separation or discharge documents.
See the official at the Illinois Department of Veteran’s Affairs website.
