Fourteen County Veterans Assistance Commissions (VACs) in Illinois have not complied with a 2023 amendment to the Military Veterans Assistance Act (MVAA), which requires them to hire accredited Veteran Service Officers. The amendment to Section 9(k)(1) of the Act mandates that all commissions must represent veterans when they apply for or attempt to obtain benefits and services from state and federal agencies.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs requires individuals representing veterans in these matters to be accredited by the VA, as stated in federal regulations. This means each Illinois VAC must employ an accredited Veteran Service Officer to meet state law requirements.
The amended law outlines several duties for the VACs, including administering benefits under Articles VI and IX of the Illinois Public Aid Code, representing veterans during benefit applications and appeals, and ensuring compliance with both commission procedures and Department of Human Services regulations. The law also states: “To further the intent of this Act of assisting military veterans, this Act is to be construed so that the Veterans Assistance Commission shall provide needed services to eligible veterans.”
According to the new provisions, representation involves more than directing veterans elsewhere; it requires direct assistance throughout their application or appeal processes.
The Attorney General has authority to enforce compliance with the Act. If noncompliant VACs do not act or indicate willingness to comply by March 3, 2026, formal complaints may be submitted to the Attorney General’s Veterans Rights Bureau for review.
While most VACs are expected to address compliance issues before the deadline, at least one superintendent has expressed opposition and threatened resignation if forced to meet these requirements. However, there are no provisions in the MVAA allowing a county VAC superintendent to dissolve a commission.
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