Veterans Assistance Commission of Will County

The Veterans Assistance Commission of Will County is the county's commission under the Military Veterans Assistance Act; see the Illinois entry on Veterans Assistance Commissions. It is run by delegates of the county's veterans posts, at 1300 Copperfield Avenue, Suite 200, Joliet, Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (815-740-8389; [email protected]). Financial assistance. For Will County veterans whose household income is below 150% of the federal poverty level, the Commission pays rent, utilities, food and personal needs, and transportation directly to the vendor; a landlord must sign a contract with the Commission first. A veteran who is medically cleared to work must join the Employment Assistance Program and attend its monthly meeting, and completing it each month is what qualifies the veteran for the next month's help. The 150% limit and the work rule are the Commission's own; the Act requires only that the veteran need the help. Mortgages and property taxes. The financial assistance page, last revised in 2023, lists "Rent/Mortgage". The Commission's 2025 report to the Governor says the opposite for now: "current restrictions on the use of county taxpayer dollars" prevent it from paying past-due mortgages or property taxes, which it calls "currently excluded", and it recommended for fiscal year 2026 raising the income limits and finding other money for homeowners. A homeowner should ask before counting on mortgage help. In fiscal 2025 it paid $26,811.54 in housing and utility help to 74 veterans and dependents. Claims. Its veterans service officers, accredited through the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers, file for disability compensation, pension, survivors pension, Aid and Attendance, special monthly compensation, VA health care and education, and help with local, State and federal applications. The Commission also has a mental health coordinator and peer support specialists. Discharge. The Act serves veterans with an honorable or general discharge; the Commission's pages state no further discharge test.