An initiative championed by Governor Pat Quinn in 2006, Veterans Cash is the Illinois Lottery's first ticket where 100 percent of proceeds support Illinois Veterans. Proceeds from the sale of this ticket ("Stars and Stripes") are deposited into an interest bearing account in the State Treasury called the Illinois Veterans Assistance Fund. The Illinois General Assembly appropriates this money solely to the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs which awards the money in grants that fund additional services, and conducts research relating to veterans' Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, homelessness, health insurance costs, long term care and disability benefits.

Since 2006, Veterans Cash has awarded more than $7 million to organizations supporting Veterans from around the state.

Veterans Cash Grants

100 percent of the Veterans Cash lottery ticket proceeds go to support Illinois veterans. Non-for-profit organizations, Veterans' organizations and services that help Illinois veterans in one of the following 5 categories can and are encouraged to apply for a Veterans Cash grant:

• health insurance costs
• long-term care
• post-traumatic stress disorder research or treatment
• disability benefits or
• housing assistance.

To apply for a Veterans Cash grant - download, complete, and mail a Veterans Cash grant application [PDF, 220KB]   to the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs.