For more information on these individual programs and services, including basic documentation and qualification criteria, please continue reading below.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – Education Call Center
Provides information and assistance to Veterans, Servicemembers, dependents, and survivors regarding VA education benefits. Representatives answer questions about the GI Bill, Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E), the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) program, and other VA education programs. The call center also helps applicants understand eligibility requirements, application procedures, and the status of education benefit claims.
Basic Eligibility:
- Veterans, Servicemembers, eligible dependents, and survivors
- Individuals seeking information about VA education benefits
- No eligibility requirements to receive information and assistance
Common Documentation Requested:
- Government-issued Photo ID (if applicable)
- Social Security number or VA File Number
- DD-214 (if applicable)
- VA education claim information
- School enrollment information (if applicable)
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E)
The Program helps eligible Veterans with service-connected disabilities prepare for, obtain, and maintain meaningful employment. Services may include career counseling, education and training, employment assistance, resume development, independent living services, and assistance with accommodations. Individualized rehabilitation plans are developed based on each Veteran's employment goals and abilities.
Basic Eligibility:
- Veterans with qualifying service-connected disabilities
- Must meet VA eligibility requirements for VR&E services
- Eligibility is determined by the VA
Common Documentation Requested:
- Government-issued Photo ID
- DD-214
- VA disability rating information
- Employment history
- Educational records (if applicable)
U.S. Department of Education – Federal Student Aid
The office administers federal financial aid programs that help eligible students pay for higher education. Financial assistance may include grants, federal student loans, work-study opportunities, and repayment assistance programs. Students can also access financial literacy resources and information about applying for aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®).
Basic Eligibility:
- Individuals pursuing eligible postsecondary education
- Must meet federal student aid eligibility requirements
- Completion of the FAFSA is generally required
Common Documentation Requested:
- Government-issued Photo ID
- Social Security number
- Federal tax information
- Income documentation
- School enrollment information
Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs – Education Programs
Helps Veterans and eligible dependents access state education benefits, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. Staff provide information about the Illinois Veterans' Grant, Illinois National Guard Grant, MIA/POW Scholarship, and other educational opportunities available through the State of Illinois. The department also assists applicants in understanding eligibility requirements and completing benefit applications.
Basic Eligibility:
- Illinois Veterans and eligible dependents
- Individual education programs maintain their own eligibility requirements
- No eligibility requirements to receive information and application assistance
Common Documentation Requested:
- Government-issued Photo ID
- DD-214
- Illinois residency documentation
- School enrollment information
- Documentation required for the specific education benefit
Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC)
Helps Illinois students and families access grants, scholarships, financial aid, and college planning resources. ISAC also provides free financial aid advising, FAFSA completion assistance, and information about state-funded education programs. Services are available to students at various stages of planning for college or career training.
Basic Eligibility:
- Illinois students and families
- No eligibility requirements to receive information or financial aid counseling
- Individual grant and scholarship programs maintain their own eligibility requirements
Common Documentation Requested:
- Government-issued Photo ID
- FAFSA information
- Income verification
- Illinois residency documentation
- School enrollment information
Illinois Department of Employment Security – Veteran Services
The program connects Veterans with employment, education, apprenticeship, and workforce development opportunities throughout Illinois. Veteran Employment Representatives provide career counseling, job search assistance, resume support, labor market information, and referrals to education and training programs. Eligible Veterans receive priority of service for many workforce programs.
Basic Eligibility:
- Veterans seeking employment or workforce services
- Priority of service available for eligible Veterans
- No eligibility requirements to receive information and referrals
Common Documentation Requested:
- Government-issued Photo ID
- DD-214 or proof of military service
- Resume (if available)
- Employment history
- Social Security number
Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership
Connects job seekers with career training, apprenticeships, occupational skills programs, and workforce development services throughout Cook County. Veterans receive priority access to many workforce programs and may qualify for additional career services through Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding. Services are delivered through American Job Centers and community partners.
Basic Eligibility:
- Individuals seeking employment or career training
- Veterans receive priority of service
- Individual workforce programs maintain their own eligibility requirements
Common Documentation Requested:
- Government-issued Photo ID
- Proof of residence
- Employment history
- Income verification (if applicable)
- DD-214 (for Veteran priority of service)
City Colleges of Chicago – Veterans Services
Assists student Veterans, Servicemembers, and eligible dependents with using VA education benefits while pursuing higher education. Veteran Services staff help certify GI Bill® benefits, provide academic advising, connect students with campus resources, and assist with the transition from military service to college life. Each City College campus maintains a dedicated Veterans Services office.
Basic Eligibility:
- Student Veterans, Servicemembers, and eligible dependents attending a City Colleges campus
- Individuals seeking information about VA education benefits
- Must meet eligibility requirements for the requested VA education benefit
Common Documentation Requested:
- Government-issued Photo ID
- DD-214 (if applicable)
- Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA
- School enrollment information
- Military education records (if applicable)
Illinois Joining Forces
Is a statewide network that connects Veterans, Servicemembers, and their families with trusted community resources and support services. Through partnerships with government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions, IJF helps individuals access education benefits, employment assistance, financial resources, healthcare, and family support programs. IJF serves as a referral network and does not directly administer most services.
Basic Eligibility:
- Veterans, Servicemembers, and military families
- No eligibility requirements to receive information and referrals
- Individual partner organizations maintain their own eligibility requirements
Common Documentation Requested Later by Partner Organizations:
- Government-issued Photo ID
- DD-214 (if applicable)
- Proof of residence
- Income verification (if applicable)
- Documentation required by the referral program
Student Veterans of America
Supports student Veterans through campus chapters, leadership development, scholarships, networking opportunities, and educational advocacy. The organization helps Veterans succeed in higher education by connecting them with peer support, professional development resources, and campus engagement opportunities. Services are primarily delivered through affiliated colleges and universities.
Basic Eligibility:
- Student Veterans attending participating colleges or universities
- Individuals interested in joining a local SVA chapter
- Individual scholarships maintain their own eligibility requirements
Common Documentation Requested:
- Student identification
- School enrollment verification
- Military service documentation (if applicable)
- Scholarship application materials (if applicable)
National Able Network
Provides workforce development services that help job seekers gain the education, training, and skills needed to obtain meaningful employment. Services may include occupational training, career coaching, resume assistance, job placement, apprenticeships, and employment support. Veterans may qualify for priority services and specialized workforce programs based on eligibility.
Basic Eligibility:
- Individuals seeking employment or workforce development services
- Individual programs maintain their own eligibility requirements
- Veterans may receive priority for certain services
Common Documentation Requested:
- Government-issued Photo ID
- Resume (if available)
- Employment history
- Income verification (if applicable)
- DD-214 (if applicable)
- Proof of residence
If you have further questions regarding these services, please contact our main office at 312.433.6010 and select Menu Option 4 to speak with a representative who can assist you with navigating this issue.
