Illinois Veterans' Compensation (War Bonus) Payments (Illinois War Bonus)
A one-time cash bonus of $100 for most qualifying conflicts, including the Global War on Terrorism. WWII bonuses are $10 to $15 per month of service, POW compensation is $50 per month of captivity, and survivors of some service-connected deaths can receive $1,000.
Who it is for
Veterans who served during a qualifying conflict and were Illinois residents for 12 months before entering service. The Global War on Terrorism Bonus requires service on or after September 11, 2001, at least 30 straight days or 60 total days overseas or at sea, a qualifying campaign medal, and an honorable discharge. Older bonuses exist for Vietnam, Korea, the Persian Gulf, and World War II.
Focus: Post-9/11 veterans, Vietnam era veterans, Surviving spouses and families
Before you start
How you apply: Apply directly to the program.
How to apply
- Complete the online War Bonus Application (DocuSign) linked from the agency's compensation benefits page.
- Have your DD-214 and proof of your qualifying campaign medal ready.
Deadline: No stated cutoff; applications are accepted anytime. (Rolling, apply any time)
Amount: One-time $100 for most qualifying conflicts
Verified as of 2026-07-03. Resources are checked periodically against their official source. Details, amounts, and deadlines change. Confirm the current information on the official page before you rely on it.