Veterans Assistance Commission of Vermilion County

Illinois veterans assistance commissions are set up under the Military Veterans Assistance Act (330 ILCS 45); the Illinois entry explains them. Vermilion County's "was formed by the Veterans Organizations with Posts or Detachments situated in Vermilion County in 2019 and funded to operate beginning in Fiscal Year 2020". It "helps veterans, their widows/widowers and dependents, navigate the complex process of accessing benefits": VA applications and enrolments, compensation and pension claims, "Interim and emergency financial assistance for qualified applicants", and referrals for homelessness, jobs, transport, food and household needs. Financial help. The commission's Financial Assistance Guidelines (updated May 26, 2026) offer "interim financial assistance only" to honourably or generally discharged veterans, eligible surviving spouses and minor children, who have lived in Vermilion County at least six months and show financial need. It may pay food, shelter, utilities, personal necessities, emergency transport, appliances (once per lifetime), medical and health needs, burial and memorial costs, and vehicle repairs "only if value of vehicle is at least 3x cost of repair". Help "Is never provided in cash", "Is never provided in gift cards", and is paid to the landlord, lender, utility or vendor. "The following items are never covered by the VAC: Gasoline; Security Deposits; Insurance; Car Payments; Telephone Bills; First Month's Rent; Home Finding Fees; Non-Essential Home Repairs." Limits and appeals. The superintendent may approve "up to $2,000 per veteran, per calendar year"; more goes to the commission's board for a majority vote. A denied applicant "can file an appeal within 30 days to the Executive Committee of the Board". The commission's page adds that the DD-214 must show an honourable or general discharge "without reference to Misconduct and indicate a minimum of 180+ days of active duty status"; the guidelines do not repeat the 180 days, so ask. The year. The commission was reorganised in 2026: new guidelines and bylaws in May, Superintendent Troy Strebin hired on May 14 and Assistant Superintendent David Brown on June 4, with Sabrina Kelley kept as Veterans Service Officer; its national accreditation for claims work was applied for in March. The County Board levied $50,000 for it for 2025-26, down from $264,742, and budgeted $50,000 for veterans' financial aid. Where. 123 N. Hazel Street, Danville, IL 61832; 217-554-7950; [email protected]; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed from noon to 1 p.m., on weekdays except holidays. The commission meets every other month at 6 p.m. on the first Thursday, at the Joseph G. Cannon Building.