Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County

EDUCATION BENEFITS (GI BILL, VR&E)

VA Education Benefits are programs provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that help eligible Veterans, service members, and certain dependents pursue higher education, vocational training, certifications, apprenticeships, and career development opportunities. Two of the most common education-related programs are the GI Bill and Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E).

The GI Bill helps eligible individuals pay for tuition, housing, books, and other educational expenses for approved colleges, universities, trade schools, certification programs, and training opportunities.

Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E), formerly known as Vocational Rehabilitation, assists eligible Veterans with service-connected disabilities in preparing for, obtaining, and maintaining suitable employment. VR&E services may include career counseling, education and training assistance, resume development, employment support, and in some cases independent living services.

The Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County (VACCC) Veteran Service Officer (VSO) Program provides free assistance to eligible Veterans seeking guidance regarding VA Education Benefits. VACCC VSOs assist Veterans by reviewing eligibility requirements, helping complete applications, identifying required documentation, assisting with GI Bill and VR&E enrollment questions, and helping Veterans better understand available educational and career-related resources.

Common Required Documentation

Veterans seeking assistance with Education Benefits should be prepared to provide:

DD214 or qualifying military discharge paperwork
Current government-issued photo ID
Any previous VA education benefit documentation, if available
School enrollment or acceptance documentation, if applicable
Transcripts or training records, if available
For VR&E services, additional documentation may include:
- VA disability rating information
- Medical documentation related to service-connected disabilities
- Employment history or resume information
Dependency documentation, if applicable

Important Notes

Eligibility for GI Bill and VR&E benefits is based on military service history, discharge characterization, and in some cases VA disability ratings
VR&E services are generally intended for Veterans with qualifying service-connected disabilities that impact employment opportunities
Additional documentation may be required depending on the requested program or educational institution
VACCC VSOs provide assistance free of charge

Veterans interested in this service must either complete the intake form online using the QR code located on the VACCC home page, or contact the VACCC office directly at 312.433.6010 and press Menu Option 2 to speak with a Veteran Service Officer.

Address
HHC
1100 S. Hamilton C-O11 (Lower Level)
Chicago, Illinois 60612

Hours
Monday - 0830-1500
Tuesday - 0830-1500
Wednesday - 0830-1500
Thursday - 0830-1500
Friday - 0830-1500
Saturday - Closed
Sunday - Closed

2nd Address

Chicago Regional Office

69 W. Washington St., Suite 1420

Chicago, Illinois 60602

Services Intake Request

Please Scan this QR code with your camera to request contact by the Veterans Assistance Commission.

Contact Us
Phone: (312) 433-6010
Fax: (312) 433-6015

Services
The VACCC provides a "One Time Only" annual emergency financial assistance to indigent veterans and their dependents who meet certain eligibility requirements. Payments are typically made directly to the vendor/service provider, not as a cash payout to the veteran. This assistance covers essential needs like: Shelter: Rent or Mortgage payments (to prevent eviction or foreclosure). Utilities: Payments for past-due electric, gas, or water bills (to prevent shut-off). Food: Assistance for necessary food and family essentials. Transportation: Providing transportation support, often in the form of weekly CTA/PACE bus cards, and assistance getting to VA medical appointments. Burial: Assistance with indigent burial or cremation expenses. 📝 VA Benefits & Claims Advocacy A major function of the VACCC is to act as an advocate and liaison, connecting veterans to the full range of federal, state, and local benefits they have earned. Key services in this area include: Claims Filing: Providing direct assistance with filing claims for VA Compensation, Pension, and Survivor Benefits. Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) help complete the required forms. Appeals: Assistance with the appeals process for denied claims. Record Requests: Help in obtaining critical military documents, such as the DD-214 (Honorable Discharge), medical records, and service medals. Health Care Enrollment: Guidance and support for applying for VA health care programs. Information and Referral: Counseling veterans and their families, and directing them to other specialized resources for housing, employment, mental health, legal aid, and education (like the GI Bill and VR&E). In short, the VACCC serves as the primary county-funded safety net, focusing on immediate crisis relief and ensuring veterans can successfully navigate the complexities of the federal and state benefits systems.

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Service Areas
Serving the entire area of Cook County, Illinois one of the largest veteran populations in the USA