Don’t see your question? Call us at (217) 854-5249 or stop by the office. Every service we provide is free.
Does it cost anything to use the VAC?
No. All assistance from the Veterans Assistance Commission is free of charge to eligible Veterans and their families. We are a unit of county government established under Illinois law (330 ILCS 45). You should never pay anyone to file a VA claim.
Do I need an appointment, or can I walk in?
Walk-ins are welcome during business hours (Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM), and appointments are recommended so we can set aside time for you. Call or visit →
What should I bring to my first visit?
Your discharge paper (DD-214 or older equivalent), a photo ID, your Social Security number, and — depending on what you’re applying for — marriage/birth certificates, medical records, bills, and a voided check (so the VA can set up direct deposit). Full list →
Do I have to be “service-connected” to get VA health care?
No. Many Veterans qualify for VA health care without a service-connected disability rating — eligibility depends on factors like service history and income, and the PACT Act expanded it for toxic-exposure Veterans. We’ll help you enroll. Health care & enrollment →
Can the VAC decide my disability rating?
No — only the VA decides ratings and eligibility. What we do is help you develop and file a strong, complete claim, gather evidence, and represent you through the process. We give honest, realistic guidance, not promises. How claims work →
How long does a VA claim take?
It varies — by claim type, evidence, and VA workload — so we won’t quote a guaranteed timeline. A complete, well-documented claim filed correctly the first time is the best way to avoid delays, and that’s exactly what we help you put together.
My claim was denied. Can I appeal?
Usually, yes. Under the Appeals Modernization Act there are several review options — a Supplemental Claim with new evidence, a Higher-Level Review, or an appeal to the Board. There are deadlines, so come see us soon. Claims & appeals help →
What is the PACT Act, and am I eligible?
The PACT Act expanded VA benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances, adding many presumptive conditions. If you served near these hazards, you may qualify — and we offer free screenings. PACT Act →
I’m struggling to pay rent or utilities. Can you help?
The VAC offers emergency financial assistance to eligible Veterans for needs like rent, utilities, and certain other expenses, based on income and circumstances. We’ll screen you and connect you to other programs too. Financial assistance →
How do I get a ride to my VA appointments?
Free DAV vans serve both the Danville (VA Illiana) and St. Louis (John Cochran) VA medical centers for ambulatory Veterans, and VA travel pay may reimburse mileage. Transportation options →
I’m homeless or about to lose my housing. What do I do?
Call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans — free and confidential, 24/7 — at 877-4AID-VET (877-424-3838), then come see us. There are VA and local programs (SSVF, HUD-VASH) built for this. Housing help →
I served in the National Guard or Reserve — do I qualify for VA benefits?
It depends on how you served — Title 10 or full-time Title 32 duty, a line-of-duty injury during training, or a 20-year reserve retirement can open benefits, while a drill-only career often does not. We’ll read your records and tell you straight. Guard & Reserve eligibility →
My spouse/parent was a Veteran and has passed. Is anything available to me?
Possibly — survivors and dependents may qualify for DIC, a survivors pension, CHAMPVA health coverage, and burial and memorial benefits. We help families claim everything they’re owed. Survivor & burial benefits →
Where are you, and what are your hours?
We’re at 570 N. Broad Street, Carlinville, IL 62626, open Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM. Directions & contact →
Still have a question? We’re here to help — no question is too small.