Veteran Services

Assisting veterans in finding gainful employment is a top priority at IDES.  Our staff provides veterans with priority of service for employment services (does not apply to unemployment insurance).  In addition, we have nearly 40 offices located throughout Illinois with Employment Specialists available to provide a full array of services to assist veterans.

We also have many resources for veterans available online such as:

​ Employment Search Assistance

• Veterans can search for jobs online at IllinoisJobLink.com

• Setup a free account and learn how to use this system

• Subscribe​ to our events including job fairs and workshops

• Read about finding Jobs for Illinois Veterans​ 

• Eligible Veterans & eligible persons should plan a visit to your local IDES office to obtain more information related to Employment Services and Opportunities tailored specifically for veterans. NOTE: Be sure to bring your DD-214 to your planned visit.​

• Use the IDES Office Locator​​ to find an office nearest you.​​
  

​ Learn

• Learn about veteran's unemployment statistics

• File a claim for unemployment insurance

• Learn about hiring incentives such as the Work Opportunity Tax Credit and the Illinois Veteran's Tax Credit

• Use the Military Employment section in ReNEW to find related industries and civilian jobs.

• See Leaving the Military in ReNEW for transition tips and a military to civilian occupation finder.​

 More Resources

Organizations offering veterans employment services:

• Illinois workNet: Find a Job

• Work4Illinois

• USAJobs

• VetJobs

• My Next Move for Vets

Partner organizations service veterans:

• Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs

• American Legion - Illinois Department

• Veterans of Foreign Wars - Illinois Department

• American Veterans - Illinois

• Disabled American Veterans - Illinois

• U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs

• VA Medical Centers

• VA Women Veterans

• Veterans Retraining Assistance Program

• Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

• Marine For Life - Connecting Marines with Opportunity

• Soldier for Life (Army)​

​ Office Locator

• Bring the required information with you and file the claim at local IDES office.  You will not be able to file online.

• If you need more information, please use our Contact Us​ form.​