The mission of the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA) is to empower veterans and their families to thrive. We do this by assisting them in navigating the system of federal state and local resources and benefits; by providing long-term health care for eligible veterans in our Veterans’ Homes; and by partnering with other agencies and non-profits to help veterans address education, mental health, housing, employment, and other challenges.
Who We Are
The IDVA team consists of more than 1,200 staff – many of whom are veterans – who are committed to serving the Illinois veteran community.
Veteran Service Officers
Veterans’ Home Staff
Central Office
Special programs, including the Illinois Warrior Assistance Program & Veterans Cash
State-Approving Agency (SAA)
Grants/Records
Who We Are Not
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. IDVA is an Illinois executive agency, funded and administered under the auspices of the Governor, and operates independently of 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 stand by to assist veterans in navigating and applying for USDVA and IDVA programs and benefits.
24 Hour Veterans Crisis Line 800-273-8255 Press 1
EMPLOYMENT
IDNR Office of Law Employment Jobs
Illinois Department of Public Health
CDL Skills Test Waiver Program
EDUCATION
Illinois Apprenticeships/ On-the-Job Directory
Educational Opportunities for Children (Age: 10-18)
Educational Opportunities for Children application form
IDES Apprenticeship Information Center Program
HEALTHCARE
Illinois Veterans Health Administration
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
WOMEN VETERANS
USDVA Women Veterans Healthcare
Hines VA Hospital Women's Health
Jesse Brown VA Medical Center Women's Health
Business and Professional Women's Foundation
Women's Business Development Center (WBDC)
VA Domestic Abuse Awareness and Prevention
National Domestic Violence Hotline
VA MST and Mental Health Services
Service Women's Action Network (SWAN)
Women & Family Friendly Shelters
Illinois Joining Forces – Women Veterans Working Group
STATE BENEFITS
Service Member Compensation Bonus
Hunting and Fishing Privileges
Veteran Mortgage Assistance Resources
ILLINOIS VETERANS HOMES
CONTACTS
Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs
833 S SPRING , BOX 19432
SPRINGFIELD 62794 – 9432
217-782-6641
American Legion Department of Illinois
2720 E. Lincoln St
Bloomington, IL 61704
309-663-0361
309-663-5783 Fax
hdqs@illegion.org
American Legion Department of Illinois Service Officer
Wayne Macejak
2122 W. Taylor Street
Chicago, IL 60612
312-980-4266
312-706-6675 Fax
va&r@illegion.org