Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County

Veterans · Illinois · Free

County agency providing emergency financial assistance, benefit claims help, and referrals for Cook County veterans and their families. VAC of Cook County employs accredited veterans service officers who can file and track VA claims, appeal denials, and connect veterans to emergency financial aid for food, utilities, and housing. Veteran fathers in Cook County can call or visit the Washington Street office to speak with a service officer at no charge.

Contact & Details

Address: 69 W Washington St, Suite 1230, Chicago, IL 60602

Phone: 708-449-1830

Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

Visit Website

About Veterans for Fathers

Veteran fathers have access to a parallel system of benefits and services through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Healthcare is provided through VA medical centers and community-based outpatient clinics; mental health services including PTSD, depression, and family therapy are covered. The VA Crisis Line (dial 988, press 1) is staffed 24/7 by veterans for veterans. Disability compensation, GI Bill education benefits, VA home loans, and vocational rehabilitation are administered through regional VA offices. State-level Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) — the American Legion, VFW, DAV, and state VSO offices — help veterans file benefit claims for free. For family law matters, the VA doesn't provide attorneys, but many state bar associations have veteran legal clinics. This directory includes the VA Crisis Line, regional VA centers, state VSOs, and veteran-specific legal and housing services.

Veterans in Illinois

Illinois handles family law through circuit courts in each of its 23 judicial circuits, with Cook County running its own Domestic Relations Division. The Division of Child Support Services handles enforcement. Chicago dominates the state; downstate metros include Aurora, Rockford, Joliet, Naperville, and Peoria. Legal Aid Chicago (formerly CVLS) and Land of Lincoln Legal Aid cover most of the state for low-income fathers.

More Veterans in Illinois

  • Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital — One of the largest VA hospitals in the country offering comprehensive medical, surgical, mental health, and rehabilitation services in the w
  • Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center — Unique joint DoD/VA facility serving both active-duty military and veterans with full medical, dental, mental health, and substance abuse tr
  • Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA) — State agency providing claims assistance, veterans' homes, educational benefits, and connecting Illinois veterans to state and federal benef
  • Veterans Crisis Line — Free 24/7 confidential crisis support for veterans, service members, and their families via phone, text, or online chat. Call 988 and press
  • Illinois Joining Forces — Statewide coalition coordinating services for veterans, service members, and military families across all 102 Illinois counties. Illinois Jo
  • Veterans' PATH (Homeless Veterans) — Illinois program connecting homeless and at-risk veterans with housing, employment, healthcare, and supportive services through outreach and

Veterans — Common Questions

What do I do in a crisis?
Dial 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line. Text 838255. Chat at veteranscrisisline.net. Staffed 24/7 by veterans. Also visit any VA emergency department — you'll be seen regardless of enrollment status.
I'm not enrolled with the VA — can I still get help?
Yes. Visit any VA medical center to enroll. Most veterans with an honorable or general discharge qualify for free or low-cost care. Combat veterans within 10 years of separation get enhanced eligibility. Bring your DD-214.
Can the VA help with custody cases?
The VA doesn't provide attorneys for family law, but many state bar associations run free Veteran Legal Clinics. The VA Caregiver Support Program and Vet Centers provide counseling, and Veteran Treatment Courts exist in many jurisdictions for justice-involved vets.
What does a VSO do?
A Veterans Service Organization (American Legion, VFW, DAV, state VSO) helps veterans file disability compensation claims, pension claims, and appeals for free. They're accredited by the VA and often get better outcomes than self-filed claims. Always use a VSO before paying for a claims agent.