Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.
Hi friend. Thank you for your service. Whatever you're facing right now, a housing problem, a health need, or a rough patch, you earned support, and there are people in Illinois whose whole job is helping veterans like you.
Here is the easy first step: if you don't have a stable place to live, or think you might lose it soon, call the VA National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877.424.3838. It's at no cost and open 24/7.
A few things to know
- You choose. Use what feels right for you and skip anything that doesn't.
- Each place decides who it can serve. We share what each place says it offers and how to reach it. We can't promise benefits, housing or a spot in any program.
- Hours and details change. Call ahead when you can.
- In danger right now? Call 911. In crisis? Dial 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line, or text 838255.
VA says that if you're a veteran without stable housing, or you think you might lose your housing soon, VA can help. Call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877.424.3838 (877.4AID.VET), any time, day or night.
You can also chat with VA online.
VA homeless programs include:
- Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF). VA says SSVF grants provide housing stability services to low income veteran families who are homeless or at imminent risk of becoming homeless.
- HUD VASH. A program from HUD and VA that pairs rental vouchers with VA case management.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.va.gov/homeless/nationalcallcenter.asp
What to do today, step by step
- Call 877.424.3838 and say you're a veteran who needs housing help.
- Tell them where you are and if you have a safe place to sleep tonight.
- Ask about SSVF, HUD VASH and the VA homeless program at your nearest VA medical center.
- Call a state Veteran Service Officer at 800.437.9824, or your county Veterans Assistance Commission, for no cost help with VA and state benefits.
- Keep your DD 214 or any discharge papers safe. If you lost them, see section 5.
- Write down every name and call back date.
What to say when you call
"Hi. I'm a veteran, and I [don't have a place to stay, or may lose my housing soon]."
"I'm in [your city or county]. Is there a safe place for me tonight?"
"Can you connect me with SSVF or the homeless program at my VA?"
"What papers will I need?"
Don't have your DD 214?
Don't let missing papers stop you from calling. Tell them what you have. A Veteran Service Officer can help you request your records. Easy peasy!
How do I get VA health care?
VA says you may be eligible for VA health care if you served in the active military, naval or air service and didn't get a dishonorable discharge. If you enlisted after September 7, 1980, or entered active duty after October 16, 1981, VA says you generally must have served 24 continuous months or the full period you were called to active duty, though some exceptions apply.
- Apply online at va.gov, by mail, or in person at a VA medical center.
- Apply by phone at 877.222.8387, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 8 pm Eastern (7 am to 7 pm Central).
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.va.gov/health-care/eligibility/
Have these ready when you apply, if you can
You stood up for all of us. Now let us stand with you. Asking for help is part of the mission, friend.
From the Bunklow team
Who can help me with VA benefits at no cost?
The Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA) has full time and part time offices across the state, staffed by Veteran Service Officers (VSOs). IDVA says VSOs are fellow veterans, trained and accredited by VA, who give no cost help to veterans, their dependents and survivors.
- They help you apply for federal and state benefits, and with health care, education, jobs, housing, burial and military records.
- You don't have to go in person. IDVA says no benefits require face to face meetings.
- Women veterans can ask to work with a female VSO.
- Call IDVA at 800.437.9824 (TTY 844.760.8103), or use the VSO Lookup online. The Chicago office is 312.814.2460.
- VA's main information line, MyVA411, is open 24/7 at 800.698.2411.
- Never pay anyone to help you apply for benefits you earned.
Sources: https://veterans.illinois.gov/serviceoffices.html and https://veterans.illinois.gov/about-us/communications/contact-us.html
Many Illinois counties also have a Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) that helps veterans and their families. Each VAC sets who it can help, so call and ask. Your county VAC may be in the county list later in this guide.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://veterans.illinois.gov/
Say you want to file a disability claim
Say you have hearing loss and back pain from your service, and you've never filed a claim. You could call IDVA at 800.437.9824 and ask to talk with a Veteran Service Officer near you. They can explain the steps and help you file, at no cost.
Your county VAC may also help with VA claims. Call them and ask where to start.
This is an example to show how it can work. It is not about a real person, and every situation is different. Sources: https://veterans.illinois.gov/serviceoffices.html and https://veterans.illinois.gov/about-us/communications/contact-us.html
What kinds of help can veterans get?
Here's a short version of the main VA benefits, plus Illinois help for hard times and school.
- Disability compensation. VA says this is a monthly tax no cost payment for veterans who got sick or injured while serving, or whose condition got worse because of service.
- Intent to file. VA says telling it you plan to file sets a possible start date for your benefits, so you may get paid back to that date if your claim is approved.
- Veterans pension. VA says this is for some wartime veterans and their survivors, based on income and net worth.
- Turned down before? You can file a Supplemental Claim if you have new and relevant evidence.
Sources: https://www.va.gov/disability/ and https://www.va.gov/resources/your-intent-to-file-a-va-claim/ and https://www.va.gov/decision-reviews/supplemental-claim/
Illinois help for hard times and school
- County emergency help. Many county VACs offer short term emergency money help. For example, DuPage County's VAC says its program is temporary emergency help for basic living costs, for veterans with an honorable or general under honorable conditions discharge, and their spouses and dependents. Rules and amounts are set by each county, so call yours.
- Illinois Veterans' Grant (IVG). IDVA says it pays tuition and mandatory fees at Illinois state supported colleges, universities and community colleges for eligible Illinois veterans.
- "Veteran" on your ID. Honorably discharged veterans can add it to an Illinois driver's license or state ID at any Secretary of State facility. IDVA says it's at no cost at renewal, and veterans over 65 can get the updated state ID at no cost.
Sources: https://www.dupagecounty.gov/government/departments/veterans_assistance_commission/ and https://veterans.illinois.gov/services-benefits/education.html and https://veterans.illinois.gov/services-benefits/veteran-driver-s-license.html
What to bring to your claims appointment
How do I get my discharge papers back?
If you lost your DD 214, you can request a copy of your military records from the National Archives. Have your full name used in service, your service number or Social Security number, branch, and dates of service ready.
IDVA also keeps military records for many Illinois veterans. If you're from Illinois or have visited a Veteran Service Officer, IDVA may have a copy of your DD 214 on file. Call 217.782.4652. If not, a VSO can help you ask for a certified copy.
Sources: https://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records and https://veterans.illinois.gov/services-benefits/militaryrecords.html
Where can I get help if I'm struggling?
The Veterans Crisis Line is at no cost, private and open 24/7. Dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255.
You don't have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to call. Family members and friends can call, too.
- VA medical centers also offer mental health care. Ask your VA about walk in care.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
In Illinois, you can also call or text 988 for the local crisis line, day or night. See Guide 7 for more mental health help.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://988lifeline.org/
Tell them you served
When you call 211, a shelter or a food bank, mention that you're a veteran. Some places have extra help just for veterans. It never hurts to ask!
Where can I find work or legal help as a veteran?
- Legal help. The Illinois Armed Forces Legal Aid Network (IL AFLAN) is a no cost statewide hotline for current and former military members and their families with low to moderate incomes. It helps with discharge upgrades, VA benefits appeals, and family, housing and consumer problems. Call 855.452.3526, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4:30 pm. Have your military records in front of you.
- Appeals to the veterans court. IDVA and the National Veterans Legal Services Program offer no cost legal help with some appeals to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, and with discharge upgrades.
- Jobs. IDVA says IDES has staff who help veterans find work. Sign up for Illinois JobLink, a no cost IDES service, where veterans get priority access to job openings. See Guide 6.
- See Guide 13 for more no cost legal help near you.
Sources: https://veterans.illinois.gov/services-benefits/veteran-legal-aid.html and https://veterans.illinois.gov/services-benefits/employment-resources.html
Can I get VA help if I'm homeless right now?
Yes. VA says to call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877.424.3838, 24/7.
Who is eligible for VA health care?
VA says you may be eligible if you served in the active military, naval or air service and didn't receive a dishonorable discharge. Minimum service rules can apply.
Do I have to pay someone to file my VA claim?
No. IDVA says its Veteran Service Officers give no cost help. Beware of anyone who charges you to file a claim.
Is the Veterans Crisis Line only for veterans in VA care?
No. You don't have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care. Family and friends can call too.
How do I apply for VA health care by phone?
Call 877.222.8387, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 8 pm Eastern (7 am to 7 pm Central).
Is there no cost legal help for veterans in Illinois?
Yes. IL AFLAN is a no cost hotline at 855.452.3526 for current and former military members and families with low to moderate incomes.
Sources: https://www.va.gov/homeless/nationalcallcenter.asp and https://www.va.gov/health-care/eligibility/ and https://veterans.illinois.gov/serviceoffices.html and https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/ and https://veterans.illinois.gov/services-benefits/veteran-legal-aid.html
Here are VA medical centers and county Veterans Assistance Commissions near you. Call ahead, since hours and services change.
Federal help (works in every state)
Here are some places to start.
VA National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
What it offers No cost, confidential help 24/7 for Veterans who are homeless or at risk of losing housing.
How to reach Call 877.424.3838. Veterans Crisis Line: dial 988 then press 1, or text 838255.
Source https://department.va.gov/homeless/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Illinois
Here are some places to start.
Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs
What it offers State help with Veteran benefits and services, with Veteran Service Officers around the state. Not every service is offered at every office, so call first.
How to reach 800.437.9824. Chicago office 312.814.2460.
Source https://veterans.illinois.gov/about-us/communications/contact-us.html
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Chicago and Cook County
Here are some places to start.
Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County
What it offers Emergency financial help for Veterans, and help with VA claims and benefits.
How to reach 1100 S. Hamilton Ave, Suite C O11 (lower level), 312.433.6010. Or 69 W. Washington St, Suite 1420, 312.603.3866. Both Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 3 pm.
Source https://www.cookcountyil.gov/agency/veterans-assistance-commission-cook-county
Last checked October 17, 2026
Chicago 311: shelter and crisis response
What it offers Call 311 to get into a Chicago shelter. A City funded team answers around the clock and handles transportation, triage and placement into open beds. You can also go to any hospital emergency room or police station and call 311 from there.
How to reach Call 311. Available 24/7, including holidays.
Source https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/fss/provdrs/emerg/svcs/MCRSRP.html
Last checked October 17, 2026
Suburban Cook County Coordinated Entry Call Center
What it offers The front door to homeless services in suburban Cook County. Staff ask standard questions and route you to housing help that fits, or to partner agencies for prevention.
How to reach Call 877.426.6515. Or start online at myentrypoint.org
Source https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=177211
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Chicago
Here are some places to start.
Jesse Brown VA Medical Center
What it offers A VA medical center offering primary care, specialty care and mental health care. VA lists it as open 24/7, and says Chicago area veterans may qualify for a Military Service Pass to ride CTA at no cost.
How to reach 820 South Damen Avenue, Chicago. For health care enrollment, call 877.222.8387.
Source https://www.va.gov/chicago-health-care/locations/jesse-brown-department-of-veterans-affairs-medical-center/ and https://www.va.gov/health-care/eligibility/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Suburban Cook County
Here are some places to start.
Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital
What it offers VA says Hines is the largest VA in Illinois, with primary, extended and specialty care, 12 miles west of downtown Chicago, plus outpatient clinics across the region.
How to reach 5000 South 5th Avenue, Hines. For health care enrollment, call 877.222.8387.
Source https://www.va.gov/hines-health-care/ and https://www.va.gov/health-care/eligibility/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
DuPage County
Here are some places to start.
Veterans Assistance Commission of DuPage County
What it offers Temporary emergency money help for basic living costs, and help filing VA claims, for eligible DuPage County veterans and their families. You'll need your DD 214 and proof that you live in DuPage County.
How to reach Call 630.407.5655.
Source https://www.dupagecounty.gov/government/departments/veterans_assistance_commission/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Lake County
Here are some places to start.
Veterans Assistance Commission of Lake County
What it offers Help with VA compensation claims, appeals, discharge upgrades and financial assistance for Lake County veterans.
How to reach Call 847.377.3344.
Source https://www.vaclc.org/contactus
Last checked October 17, 2026
Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center
What it offers A joint VA and Navy health care center serving veterans in the north suburbs.
How to reach 3001 Green Bay Road, North Chicago. For health care enrollment, call 877.222.8387.
Source https://www.va.gov/lovell-federal-health-care-va/ and https://www.va.gov/health-care/eligibility/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Will County
Here are some places to start.
Veterans Assistance Commission of Will County
What it offers No cost help for veterans, service members and families, including emergency financial assistance for veterans in hardship, help with VA claims, and rides to medical appointments for eligible veterans.
How to reach 1300 Copperfield Avenue, Suite 200, Joliet. Call 815.740.8389.
Source https://willcounty.gov/VAC
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Kane County
Here are some places to start.
Kane County Veterans Assistance Commission
What it offers No cost help applying for VA health care, disability compensation, home loans, the GI Bill and state benefits. Call to ask for a Veterans Assistance application. Visits are by appointment.
How to reach 719 Batavia Avenue, Building A, Geneva. Call 630.232.3550, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Source https://www.kanecountyil.gov/pages/veterans.aspx
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
McHenry County
Here are some places to start.
McHenry County Veterans Assistance Commission
What it offers Services for McHenry County veterans, including VA claims help and rides to appointments at Lovell FHCC for enrolled veterans.
How to reach Call 815.334.4229.
Source https://www.mchenrycountyil.gov/departments/veterans-assistance-commission
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Winnebago County
Here are some places to start.
Veterans Assistance Commission of Winnebago County
What it offers Help for honorably discharged veterans, their families and surviving spouses in Winnebago County, including a financial assistance program with emergency support and rapid access to emergency housing.
How to reach Call 815.516.2850, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4 pm. Leave a message if the office is closed.
Source https://vacwc.org/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Madison County
Here are some places to start.
Madison County Veterans Assistance Commission
What it offers Help for Madison County veterans and their families.
How to reach 157 N. Main Street, Suite 115, Edwardsville. Call 618.296.4554, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, except holidays.
Source https://www.madisoncountyil.gov/departments/veterans_assistance_commission/contact_us.php
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
St. Clair County
Here are some places to start.
Veterans Assistance Commission of St. Clair County
What it offers Help for St. Clair County veterans, including VA case intake.
How to reach 19 Public Square, Suite 300, Belleville. Call 618.277.0040.
Source https://www.vac4scc.org/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Champaign County
Here are some places to start.
Champaign County Veterans Assistance Commission
What it offers A temporary financial assistance program for veterans in need, plus other services for the veteran community.
How to reach 102 E. Main Street, Urbana. Call 217.819.3556.
Source https://www.champaigncountyil.gov/vac/VAC.php
Last checked October 17, 2026
VA Illiana Health Care System
What it offers The VA medical center in Danville, serving veterans in east central Illinois.
How to reach 1900 East Main Street, Danville. For health care enrollment, call 877.222.8387.
Source https://www.va.gov/illiana-health-care/ and https://www.va.gov/health-care/eligibility/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Sangamon County
Here are some places to start.
Veterans Assistance Commission of Sangamon County
What it offers A once a year emergency assistance program for eligible veterans and families in need, plus accredited service officers who help with VA disability and pension claims.
How to reach 300 S. 9th Street, Springfield. Call 217.753.6680, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Source https://sangamonil.gov/departments/s-z/veterans-assistance-commission
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Peoria County
Here are some places to start.
Peoria County Veterans Assistance Commission
What it offers Help for Peoria County veterans and their families.
How to reach 4234 N. Knoxville Avenue, Peoria. Call 309.681.2554, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4 pm.
Source https://www.peoriacounty.gov/m/directory/department?did=19
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Neighborhood and other counties
Here are some places to start.
IDVA office finder
What it offers Outside Cook County, call the state line to find the closest Veteran Service Officer.
How to reach Call 800.437.9824.
Source https://veterans.illinois.gov/about-us/communications/contact-us.html
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
My veteran plan
Fill this in with a pen, or snap a photo and keep it on your phone. You've got this!
My plan
Calls I made
Key numbers to keep
Please let me know if you have any questions
If something in this guide is out of date, tell us and we'll fix it. Thank you again for your service. Make it a great day, friend!
About this guide
Made by the Bunklow team. No sign up, no paywall, no cost. Please share it with anyone who could use it. Bunklow does not run these programs and cannot speak for them. We list what each place says it offers and how to reach it, and you decide what to use. This is not a full list of every place that can help. Every source was checked on October 17, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it. We are always happy to hear from you!
Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.
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