Illinois Educational Opportunities Grant for Children of Veterans

330 ILCS 105/1 (as amended by P.A. 104-234, effective August 15, 2025): the Department of Veterans' Affairs provides, "insofar as moneys are appropriated", for "matriculation and tuition fees, board, room rent, books and supplies" for a child of an eligible veteran or serviceperson who is "not under 10 and not over 18 years of age", with an extension to finish high school "but in no event beyond the 19th birthday". "No more than $250.00 may be paid under this Act for any one child for any one school year"; the Department's page gives the same $250 a year. Which children. A natural or adopted child, a step-child, or a minor under a court-ordered guardianship for at least 2 continuous years before applying, who has lived in Illinois for the 12 months before applying and shows compliance with the school attendance law (School Code 26-1). Which parents. The same as the MIA and POW Scholarship: a veteran or serviceperson, a Guard member on active duty or training included, declared missing in action or a prisoner of war, or who died as the result of a service-connected disability, or who has a permanent service-connected disability "with 100% disability"; the Department's page also names a death on active duty. The parent must have been an Illinois resident on entering service or within 6 months after, or be a resident now with at least 15 consecutive years in Illinois since entering service. How it is paid. To the child, or for a minor to the veteran or guardian, on vouchers the Department approves (section 2), which also checks attendance at the school. Apply to the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs on its Educational Opportunity Grant application. A County Veterans Assistance Commission or a service officer can help with the parent's documents. A family claiming this should also claim the MIA and POW Scholarship when the child reaches college.