Employment

State Government/Employment Preference

Preference is given in Central Management Services entrance examinations to honorably discharged veterans who served in times of hostilities and peacetime. Contact the Veterans Outreach Program for more information at (217)524-1313 or (800)643-8138.

Jobs for Vets

The Department of Employment Security/Illinois Job Service provides a trained "Veterans Representative" to help you get the training and job you need. An electronic statewide job search information system is available at different locations throughout the State of Illinois. Contact your local Employment Security office for more information.

The Department of Human Services provides services for veterans with mental/physical disabilities that assist them in returning to gainful employment.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs have a number of Small Business Administration loan and Job Training Programs.

Veteran's Tax Credit

Illinois employers can earn an income tax credit of up to $1,200 annually for hiring Veterans of Operation Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, or Operation Iraqi Freedom. The credit is 5 percent of the total wages paid to every qualified Veteran hired after January 1, 2008. Veterans must work at least 185 days during the tax year for the employer to qualify for the Veteran's Tax Credit.

The Veteran’s Tax Credit can be claimed by employers on 2008 tax returns filed in 2009.

To file for the Veteran’s Tax Credit, download the Schedule 1299-D Income Tax Credits Form.