State Survivor Benefits For Illinois

ELIGIBILITY

• Children, stepchildren and unremarried spouses
• Children must enter program before turning 26
• Service member's death must have been ruled line of duty during a time of war by the Department of Veterans Affairs
• Service member must have established residency in Illinois at least six months prior to entering service
• Can be used with federal benefits

BENEFITS

• Full payment of tuition and fees
• Does not include room, board or books
• Covers four years of tuition
• Must be completed within 12 years of start for spouses

DOCUMENTS

• Copy of DD1300 or DD 214
• Copy of student’s birth certificate
• Copy of service member's death certificate
• Copy of marriage certificate for spouses and stepchildren
• Proof of residency

Application due date: None

Contact for further information: Harry Sawyer at 630-319-8258 or harry.sawyer@illinois.gov

Note: This information is current as of Sept. 16, 2014. The information provided is meant to give a general overview of the state benefits and should be taken into consideration with individual circumstances.