Veterans Services Offered Through Wheeling Township

If you are a veteran living in Wheeling Township, there are many programs and services to assist you. These include access to a VSO (Veteran Service Officer), as well as resources for property taxes exemptions/reductions for disabled veterans.

"We have a real heart for supporting those who choose to serve our country," said Wheeling Township Supervisor Kathleen Penner. "We do our best to assist our veterans in many ways."

Programs and services available to Wheeling Township veterans include:

Veteran Service Officer (VSO): On two Fridays each month, the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs' (IDVA) local VSO, Ms. Shynae Murphy, is available to meet with veterans and/or their family members regarding benefits they are entitled to through the IDVA. Service are provided on a walk-in basis (only), between the hours of 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Veterans and their family members are entitled to a wide variety of benefits through the State of Illinois, including those related to compensation, education, burial, employment, real estate and permits. For more information on IDVA and its benefits, visit www2.illinois.gov/veterans, or stop by to meet with Ms. Murphy on the 2nd or 4th Friday of the month.

Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemptions: Veterans with a service-connected disability as certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are eligible for an annual exemption on their property taxes. To qualify, veterans must apply every year, along with meeting the below requirements:

-Be an Illinois resident who served as a member of the U.S. Armed Forces (or State of Illinois) on active duty, a member of the Illinois National Guard, or U.S. Reserves;

-Must have been honorably discharged;

-Have at least a 30-percent service-connected disability as certified by the VA;

-Own and occupy their property as a primary residence;

-Have a total Equalized Assessed Valuation (EAV) of their property that is less than $250,000 for their primary residence, excluding the EAV of property used for commercial purposes, or rented for more than six months.

A first-time applicant must provide a U.S. Department of Defense DD-214 From, certified by either the Cook County Recorder of Deeds or the IDVA. If over 65 years of age, the Disabled Veterans Exemption may be combined with the Senior Freeze (income levels determine qualification) and the Senior Homeowner Exemption (anyone over 65 qualifies, regardless of income). Additional information is available online at cookcountyassessor.com.

Transportation Assistance: Veterans over the age of 60 who reside in Wheeling Township may qualify for transportation to medical appointments at area VA Hospitals through the TRIP program (Township Riders Initiative Program). This program provides rides to a variety of medical centers located in Chicago and surrounding townships. Rides are provided by a Pace-supported vehicle, but registration and reservations should be made through the Wheeling Township Transportation Department. TRIP rides cost a maximum of $10 each way, depending on the location. Hours of service are Monday through Friday from 5:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

There are a range of other services that may be of interest to veterans. Please call Wheeling Township at 847-259-7730 for more information, or visit wheelingtownship.com.