Veterans

Based upon the Jobs for Veterans Act , Veterans and eligible spouses are entitled to priority of services with qualified job training programs . Click here to view the formal definitions in the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations.

To learn more follow these steps:

Set up a My Illinois workNet account and identify your Military Status. You will receive information to help you use this website to make the most of resources for veterans.

Click here to find local Illinois workNet Centers and other recipients of federal Department of Labor funds that offer employment, training and placement services. Look for locations identified as providing "Veterans and Eligible Spouse Priority of Service."

Before you visit a local office, review the list of documents that can be used to verify status as a veteran or eligible spouse. Although they are not required to use a public-access resource room or to initially discuss eligibility, bringing them along with you may speed up the process. However, the documentation will be required to determine eligibility for registration and enrollment in a program.

Click here to review the list of documents that can be used to verify status.

Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) Veteran's Services - is the one-stop resource for veterans in the State of Illinois. IDES is committed to helping our men and women who serve by providing vital information and resources for gaining employment and transitioning to civilian life.

U.S. Department of Labor Veteran's Transition Assistance Program (TAP) Information - provides veterans with a downloadable Transition Assistance Program Participant Manual, which includes worksheets and guidance information to assist individuals transitioning from active duty to civilian employment.

U.S. Department of Labor Veteran's Employment and Training Services - Recovery and Employment Assistance - provides information on a comprehensive new program that offers personalized job-training, counseling, and re-employment services to veterans who were wounded or injured while serving in the War on Terrorism.

TurboTAP.org - is Department of Defense's official website providing information for servicemembers on transitioning from military service.

Military to Civilian Occupation Translator - provides a skills assessment tool for comparing Military Occupational Classifications (MOC) to civilian marketable skills, and also provides a military occupation search either by keyword or branch of service.

Key to Career Success Campaign - connects veterans and military personnel with high quality career planning, training, and job search resources.

DoD Transportal - is specifically designed to assist service members leaving active duty.

Workforce Credentials Information Center - provides resources for translating military skills and experience into civilian workplace skills, knowledge and experience.

Transition Assistance Online - offers transition assistance information and tools for transitioning military personnel and veterans. Individuals can search job ads, post resumes, and explore business and education opportunities.

Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs - is a useful resource for Illinois veterans and their families in obtaining their benefits.

United States Department of Veterans Affairs - is a comprehensive resource for veterans. Information includes health care, VA jobs, business opportunities, and other benefits.

• The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides a Veterans Online Application (VOAPP) service where military veterans can apply for compensation, pension, or vocational rehabilitation benefits. To access this online service, visit the: Veterans Online Applications website (VOAPP)

Illinois Attorney General, Veteran Rights - is dedicated to ensuring that veterans receive the benefits to which they are entitled.

Military.com, Illinois State Veteran's Benefits - provides a brief description of veterans' benefits offered by the State of Illinois.

Directory of Veterans Service Organizations - publishes an up-to-date database of Veteran Service Organizations (VSO). You may view all VSO's or search through the database for information that suits your needs.

Seamless Transition Home - provides information on benefits and assistance for returning Active Duty, National Guard and Reserve service members who have participated in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. It also provides links to other federal agencies and organizations that offer related benefits and services.

Iserved - is a comprehensive resource for Illinois veterans. The state web site offers useful information on employment, health care, insurance, education, and other benefits for Illinois veterans.

State of Illinois Veterans Care - is a new program from the State of Illinois that offers access to affordable, comprehensive health care to veterans across Illinois.

Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Care Eligibility - offers access to a standard enhanced health benefits plan available to all enrolled veterans.

• Health Facility Locator and Directory for the State of Illinois

Life Insurance - Service members' and Veterans Group Life Insurance (SGLI) (VGLI) is a life insurance package for service members, veterans and their families.

Post - 9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Act of 2008

• Visit the VA website at http://www.gibill.va.gov/gi_bill_info/programs.htm to verify that the program at your school, or program at the school you would like to attend, is approved.

National Archives Military Service Records - provides discharged veterans access to their Military Service Records, Official Military Personnel Files, DD-214, and Military Medical and Health Records.

Defense Finance and Accounting Service - provides access to veteran, military, civilian, and retirement pay information, as well as financial assistance, tax information, pay tables, retirement preparation assistance and more.

Illinois Department of Employment Security Job Fairs - provides an updated calendar of state-wide job and career fairs and special events.

HireVetsFirst - offers a job search engine and a number of services to assist transitioning military personnel and veterans in locating civilian jobs.

G.I. Jobs.net - provides military transitioners with relevant and useful assistance in locating jobs.

Corporate Gray Online - links employers with transitioning and former military personnel through their Corporate Gray books, job fairs, and an online service.

FedJobs.com - provides a job search engine for individuals seeking employment with the federal government.

USAJobs.gov - The official job site of the United States Federal Government. It's your one stop source for Federal jobs and employment information. The link takes you to the Veteran's Employment Resource Center page.

VetJobs.com - provides job searches, employment assistance, resume posting, and additional veteran resources.

VetSuccess.gov - provides information about the services that the Vocational Rehabilitation Employment (VR&E) program provides to veterans with service-connected disabilities.

HelmetsToHardhats.org - The fastest way for Military, Reservists, and Guardsmen to transition from active duty to a career in the construction industry.

The GI Bill Website

Federal Education Assistance - provides a list of approved educational institutions by the State Approving Agency (SSA).

College Zone - provides financial aid information for veterans, National Guard members, dependants of police officers, and correctional officers.

Occupational and Job Training - allows you to search for occupational training including technical and vocational programs and trade schools, in the State of Illinois.

Homeless Veterans - provides a wide array of programs and initiatives specifically designed to help homeless veterans live as self-sufficiently and independently as possible.
MilitaryHOMEFRONT - is the official Department of Defense web site for reliable Quality of Life information designed to help troops and their families, leaders and service providers.

VetFriends.com - is designed to connect military personnel and veterans with their families and friends. Also, individuals can search for jobs, post resumes, and explore business opportunities.

Veteranscorp.org - provides business development resources including capital, bonding, and training.