IVG Program Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Veterans who reside in Illinois may be eligible to receive benefits from the Illinois Veteran Grant (IVG) Program. It can be difficult to navigate the program's rules, especially because every service member's records can be unique in numerous ways. What follows are some of our most frequently asked questions, to assist you with the application process.

You may either scroll through the remainder of this page, or click on the appropriate link(s) to explore a specific section or question.

PLANNING / ELIGIBILITY QUESTIONS

  1. I received IVG benefits. Can I pass them to my children?
  2. How do I apply for the IVG Grant as a veteran?
  3. What are the eligibility requirements for IVG, and how do I apply for benifits while on active-duty status?
  4. What are IVG "eligibility units" and how do I use them?
  5. Are there specific schools I must attend to use my IVG benefits?
  6. Can I use IVG benefits with other tuition/fee benefits?

APPLYING QUESTIONS

  1. My IVG application is incomplete – what are my next steps?
  2. I am in the online application, but it is not working properly – do you know why?

PROGRAM QUESTIONS

  1. How can I check my IVG application status?
  2. How many IVG units have I used/do I have remaining?
  3. How can I obtain a duplicate IVG eligibility letter?
  4. How are IVG benefit funds disbursed?

PLANNING / ELIGIBILITY QUESTIONS

  1. QUESTION: I received IVG benefits. Can I pass them to my children?

    RESPONSE: No. IVG benefits are not eligible to be passed to dependents, including a spouse or children. The IVG Grant is only to be used by the veteran. Further resources for veterans and their dependents can be found on our Military Service page.

  2. QUESTION: How do I apply for the IVG Grant as a veteran?

    RESPONSE: The IVG interactive application can be accessed from within the Students & Parents area or directly from the ISAC Student Portal. An applicant can sign into the Student Portal (either as a guest, or if the student already set up a profile and has an account), select Program Applications & Status Checks, and then select "IVG Apply Here". After carefully reading the instructions and eligibility requirements, the applicant may select the "Start Application" button at the bottom of the page.

  3. QUESTION: What are the eligibility requirements for IVG, and how do I apply for benifits while on active-duty status?

    RESPONSE:
    • Service Requirement – you must have:
      • at least one year of honorable federal active-duty service in the Armed Forces of the United States
      • honorably served on federal active duty in a foreign country during a time of hostilities in that country
    • You must have met one of the following at the time of entering federal active-duty service:
      • be an Illinois resident, or
      • be an Illinois resident within six months before entering service, or
      • be a student at an Illinois public 2- or 4-year college.
    • And you must meet one of the following after leaving federal active-duty service:
      • plan to establish Illinois residency within six months, or
      • if married to a person in continuous military service outside Illinois, established, or plan to establish, Illinois residency within six months after and including the date the spouse separated/separates from the service.
    • Additional Requirements:
      • You must establish satisfactory repayment arrangements if you are in default on any federal student loan.
      • You must be in compliance with federal Selective Service registration requirements.
    • Submit the Required Documentation:
      • If you have served at least one year of federal active-duty service and are currently honorably serving on federal active duty, you must submit a letter from the Commanding Officer, on departmental letterhead, stating:
        • you are a member of the Armed Forces,
        • your Home of Record at the time of original enlistment,
        • your anticipated character of service,
        • your length of federal active-duty service, and
        • the expiration date of your current enlistment
        • the Signature of the Commanding Officer
      • You must also submit a DD Form 214 Member 4 for any previous periods of federal active-duty service – including basic training.

      An applicant who is a member of the Armed Forces at the time of application must submit a letter from the Commanding Officer, on departmental letterhead, indicating:
      • the applicant is a member of the Armed Forces;
      • the applicant's character of service;
      • the applicant's home of record at the time of enlistment;
      • the applicant's length of time in each period of federal active duty; and,
      • the expiration date of the applicant's current enlistment.

      The student will be subject to verification of continued eligibility after each period of federal active-duty service.

  4. QUESTION: What are IVG "eligibility units" and how do I use them?

    RESPONSE: IVG recipients may receive benefits limited to the equivalent of 4 academic years of full-time enrollment, which includes summer terms. IVG eligibility units are based on the enrolled hours for a particular term, not the dollar amount of the benefits paid. Credit and noncredit hours, for which benefits are used, are converted to eligibility units.

  5. QUESTION: Are there specific schools I must attend to use my IVG benefits?

    RESPONSE: Benefits are limited to use only at Illinois public colleges or community colleges.

  6. QUESTION: Can I use IVG benefits with other tuition/fee benefits?

    RESPONSE: Yes. However, there are specific rules for how additional benefits may be applied in conjunction with IVG benefits. Contact your financial aid office for questions about how your benefits will be applied.

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APPLYING QUESTIONS

  1. QUESTION: My IVG application is incomplete – what are my next steps?

    RESPONSE: Review the letter you were sent for what information is required to be submitted. You can send us the requested documents via mail, fax, or email (contact information is provided in your letter):
    • via email to [email protected]
    • via FAX to 847.831.8549
    • via letter to ISAC, Program Operations, 1755 Lake Cook Road, Deerfield, IL 60015-5209

  2. QUESTION: I am in the online application, but it is not working properly – do you know why?

    RESPONSE: All the functions of the IVG application work best when accessed through a personal computer using either Google Chrome or Firefox as your browser. The interactive application is not mobile-friendly. Clearing the cookies and cache in your browser may also help resolve the issue. Further issues with filling out the application can be directed to our Support Team: 800.899.4722.

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PROGRAM QUESTIONS

  1. QUESTION: How can I check my IVG application status?

    RESPONSE: To check the status of your application:
    • Log in to the ISAC Student Portal (or, create a profile if you have not yet done so). Your name and Social Security number will automatically link your application to your Student Portal profile.
    • Navigate to Program Applications & Status Checks.
    • Look for the box that reads "IVG – Check Your Status" and log in.
    • Once logged in, you will be able to see your application status. If you become eligible, a link to the copy of your eligibility letter and the number of units remaining will appear on this screen. Communications about your ineligibility or incomplete applications will also appear on this screen.

  2. QUESTION: How many IVG units have I used/do I have remaining?

    RESPONSE: To review your remaining IVG units:
    • Log in to the ISAC Student Portal (or, create a profile if you have not yet done so). Your name and Social Security number will automatically link your application to your Student Portal profile.
    • Navigate to Program Applications & Status Checks.
    • Look for the box that reads "IVG – Check Your Status" and log in.
    • Once logged in, you will be able to see your remaining IVG units and eligibility letter.

  3. QUESTION: How can I obtain a duplicate IVG eligibility letter?

    RESPONSE: To obtain a duplicate IVG eligibility letter:
    • Log in to the ISAC Student Portal (or, create a profile if you have not yet done so). Your name and Social Security number will automatically link your application to your Student Portal profile.
    • Navigate to Program Applications & Status Checks.
    • Look for the box that reads "IVG – Check Your Status" and log in.
    • Once logged in, you will be able to see your remaining IVG units and eligibility letter.

    If an eligibility letter does not appear in the Student Portal, you may need to request that a duplicate be sent by mail – please call ISAC Support at 800.899.4722 for this request. Allow 7-10 business days for processing of the duplicate eligibility letter sent through the mail.

  4. QUESTION: How are IVG benefit funds disbursed?

    RESPONSE: Because this is an entitlement program, eligible recipients will receive their awards regardless of annual appropriations through the State of Illinois budget process. Illinois public 2- and 4-year colleges are required to waive any eligible tuition and mandatory fees that are not covered by state appropriations.

    For the years when state funds are appropriated, ISAC works with the college to disburse funds for this program. The college certifies student eligibility and then submits a payment request on behalf of the student. ISAC processes the payment request and submits the information to the State Comptroller's Office. Dependent on the level of State of Illinois funding at the time of the request, the amount of time it takes for funds to arrive at the college can vary.

    Depending on the college, students may be responsible for payment until program funds are received. Qualified applicants who are awaiting receipt of funds from this program should contact the financial aid office or business office to determine the college's policy.

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