SB0686 Summary

• Allows Illinois Veteran grants to be transferred to qualified dependents (spouses or children) beginning with the 2022-2023 academic year if the veteran parent or spouse has served at least 8 years combined of federal active duty or Reserve/Individual Ready Reserve service.

• Qualified dependents must have a high school diploma or equivalency, be under 26 years old (unless granted an extension for illness or disability), meet the institution's grade point average requirements, and be Illinois residents during enrollment.

• Veterans with service-connected disability ratings of 90-100%, total disability status, or who were killed in action, prisoners of war, or missing in action may transfer benefits without maintaining Illinois residency.

• Dependents of veterans killed in action or with 90-100% disability ratings are eligible for a minimum 120 credit hour transfer; benefits cannot be used simultaneously by both the veteran and dependent.

• Effective July 1, 2021, with grant transfers beginning in the 2022-2023 academic year.