Veterans Assistance Commission of Franklin County (Superintendent Liam Mungovan), Benton: Claims and Financial Aid up to $500

The commission. "The Veterans Assistance Commission of Franklin County provides free, accredited assistance to veterans and their families with VA disability claims, appeals, and available benefits." "We proudly assist veterans regardless of county of residence with VA claims and appeals. Financial assistance is also available to eligible Franklin County residents." Its member posts are the Franklin County DAV, Benton American Legion Post 280, Benton VFW Post 2671, Christopher American Legion Post 528, Sesser American Legion Post 560, Sesser VFW Post 4753, Thompsonville American Legion Post 1194 and Zeigler American Legion Post 177; it exists under the Military Veterans Assistance Act, 330 ILCS 45 (see the Illinois entry). Financial aid, from the Financial Assistance Policy. "The Veterans Assistance Commission of Franklin County (VACFC) will provide financial assistance to veterans and/or their families as provided by Illinois law." The superintendent decides eligibility after "a personal interview and a completed budget worksheet", within 30 days of the request. "Assistance can be provided up to three (3) times a year." "The amount of financial aid per case is set at five hundred dollars ($500.00), with the ability to go to seven hundred and fifty dollars ($750.00) due to extreme hardship. Further exceptions may be possible pending board approval." Bring the DD-214, a current bank statement, all utility bills in the veteran's or spouse's name, and all household income; the address is verified by a landlord's or mortgage holder's statement. "A minimum of OTH (other than honorable discharge) is needed on applicants' DD214. Priority will be given to HON (honorable discharge) if funds become limited." A discharge that is not honorable or general may be reviewed where the claimant believes it rested on a service-connected injury, gender identity or sexual orientation. Where. 901 Public Square (the Campbell Building), Benton, IL 62812; (618) 435-9868 or (618) 435-9836; Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The commission meets at the Campbell Building; its next meeting is December 28, 2026 at 6:00 p.m., in the basement. The levy. The County Board moved the commission to a levy of its own for 2026 and approved it at $126,000 on December 15, 2025; the commission had found $156,600 necessary (the board record entry).