The Military and Veterans Assistance Act (MVAA) establishes the processes for creating and operating a veterans assistance commissions (VAC). The MVAA is the legal framework by which VACs can provide the just and necessary assistance and services to military veterans who served in the Armed Forces of the United States and whose last discharge from the service was honorable or general under honorable conditions, to their families, and to the families of deceased veterans with service who need such assistance and services.

VACs are formed by veteran service organizations (VSOs) that have been congressionally chartered or State chartered. The Veteran Service Organizations State Charter Act (effective January 1, 2024) gives the Illinois Attorney General’s Office oversight to approve State charters. Please refer to the Attorney Generals MVRB for more information.