Military and Veteran Services

Informational Resources & Study Abroad Information

Informational Resources

1. Ebenefits

Ebenefits is the result of a collaboration between the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DoD). They serve Veterans, Service members, Wounded Warriors, their family members, and their authorized caregivers.

What They Offer You

• • A secure environment where you can safely access your personal information and perform self-service tasks.
  • Applications (online and PDF) for disability compensation and various benefits.
  • Employment resources.
  • A personalized Dashboard that you can customize to suit your preferences and information needs.
  • Access to the National Resource Directory, which enables you to find links to resource based on subjects that interest you.

2. Education Resources for Veterans and Families

Education Resources for Veterans and Families has access to more than 150 resources to help Student Veterans and their families overcome the challenges of higher education and career training. Listed is an extensive guide to Veteran Affairs benefits along with skills to do well in the classroom setting along with fitting in socially.

3. Illinois Department of Veteran Affairs

Illinois Department of Veteran Affairs assists you in navigating the system of federal state and local resources and benefits; provide long-term health care for eligible veterans in our Veterans’ Homes; partner with other agencies and non-profits to help veterans address education, mental health, housing, employment, and other challenges.

4. National Center for PTSD

The National Center for PTSD provides the clinical care and social welfare of America's Veterans and others who have experienced trauma, or who suffer from PTSD, through research, education, and training in the science, diagnosis, and treatment of PTSD and stress-related disorders.

5. Illinois Warrior Assistance Program

The Illinois Warrior Assistance Program (IWAP) provides confidential assistance for returning Illinois veterans as they transition back to daily living after serving our country. IWAP is also available to family members, including the spouse and children, of eligible veterans.

Their goal is to help service members and their families deal with the emotional challenges they may be facing, especially when dealing with emotional challenges and struggles such as:

• • • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
    • Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
    • Anxiety
    • Stress
    • Depression
    • Coping with daily emotions
    • Addictions and Substance Abuse
    • Overall emotional wellness

6. Student Veterans of America

The Student Veterans of America (SVA) is a coalition of student-veteran groups on college campuses across the globe. The SVA webpage has access to many resources for Veterans, including

• • Support Students
    • The heart of SVA is the student-led chapter. SVA supports a network of over 1,300 schools and over 500,000 student veterans. At the individual level, SVA empowers veterans to be informed consumers of higher education and make the most of the transition to civilian life.
  • Fund Scholarships
    • SVA has awarded over $1 million to 111 SVA Scholars since 2011. Thanks to corporate sponsors, SVA is supporting new scholars every semester. View open scholarships.
  • Train Tomorrow's Leaders
    • The annual Leadership Institute Series offers Local Leadership Summits in every region of the country and culminates with the Leadership Institute, a highly-selective colloquium of SVA's best students. The sessions offer chapter management, budgeting, and strategic planning skills.
  • Protect the G.I. Bill
    • SVA is a guardian and steward of the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill, and SVA founders had an important part in the bill's genesis. SVA's Government Affairs team advises lawmakers and advocates in eight issue areas such as student debt and STEM fields.

7. Veterans of Foreign Wars

The Veterans of Foreign Wars seeks to ensure Student Veterans receive their benefits in a timely manner and have a place to turn to if they need help. Their direct access to VA Regional Offices across the country means that they can work quickly to provide student veterans with timely and accurate answers regarding the complex claims process.

Their direct access to education claims adjudicators means that those whose education benefits have been wrongfully denied, delayed during a transfer from one school to another or paid in error, will not have to wait the months it would traditionally take to file a formal appeal.

Study Abroad

Can be certified if it meets the following criteria:

• For Chapter 33 - Post 9/11, study abroad must be required for graduation (not an option or elective).
  • Both schools have programs approved for VA benefits.
  • The school under which the study abroad program is approved certifies the enrollment.
• Under Chapter 33, VA will pay:
  • Home school’s tuition and fees.
  • Books and supplies.
  • Monthly housing allowance based on the home school’s address.
• VA will not pay:
  • Costs related to travel (airfare, lodging, & meals)
  • Third party charges