Veterans Assistance
The Veterans Assistance Commission of Vermilion County (VACVC) 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. Although funded by Illinois Law, Illinois Compiled Statutes Chapter 330, Section 45/1, et seq. through Property Tax Levy of the County of Vermilion, the VACVC is a separate and distinct unit of local government, authorized to function as a central service office of the Veterans Organization for the purpose of assisting military Veterans and their eligible family members with navigating the process of accessing benefits at the local, state, and federal levels.
The VACVC helps veterans, their widows/widowers and dependents, navigate the complex process of accessing benefits and entitlements from various federal, state, and local agencies.
Key Services include:
- Application preparations for entitlements, benefits, and enrollments from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Preparation of claims for Compensation and Pension from the Veterans Benefits Administration.
- Interim and emergency financial assistance for qualified applicants.
- Referrals and program coordination with other agencies to resolve homelessness, unemployment, barriers to transportation for work and/or medical services, food insecurity, personal hygiene and household cleaning supplies.
- Advocacy and Outreach.
**The veteran must provide DD-214 Character of Service evidence of Honorable or General Under Honorable Conditions without reference to Misconduct and indicate a minimum of 180+ days of active duty status. Additional documentation may be requested and/or required based upon the nature of assistance.