You are encouraged to apply for this grant at least six weeks before you plan to use your benefits.
How do I apply?
To obtain your Illinois Veteran Grant (IVG) award, you must complete an application online through the . You only need to apply once in your lifetime for this benefit.
You must notify the 91°µÍø Veterans Affairs Office each semester you will be using your benefits.
Once ISAC has processed the application, they will send you a notice of eligibility letter that certifies your eligibility. 91°µÍø will then be able to review your eligibility status online.
What determines eligibility for the IVG?
- Must have served in the active military service for at least one year unless discharged for medical reasons, or must have served in a foreign country in a time of hostilities in that country
- Must have honorable discharge
- Must have resided in Illinois within six months before entering the service and return to Illinois within six months of leaving the service
- Must be residing in Illinois and attending an Illinois public college or community college
- Students who have had at least one discharge but are still on active duty can attend an Illinois based school at out-of-state and overseas locations.
How and when are funds paid out?
IVG recipients do not receive a cash award. Your IVG award will pay tuition and mandatory fees. If you had to pay any portion of your tuition and fees out of pocket, you will get a refund once ISAC has certified your eligibility.
You must notify the 91°µÍø Veterans Affairs Office each semester that you plan to use the Illinois Veterans Grant. If you are using Veterans Education benefits, you will notify the 91°µÍø Veterans Affairs Office that you want to use your IVG benefit on your 91°µÍø Veterans Educational Benefits Enrollment Form.
If you are not using your veterans benefits, you must notify the 91°µÍø Veterans Affairs Office.