Veterans Assistance Commission

Font Size: + -

Feedback Print

What the VAC Does

The Veterans Assistance Commission of McHenry County (VAC) provides services to veterans and their eligible survivors with Veterans Financial Assistance, VA Claims & Advocacy, Veteran & Family Wellness, Transportation to the Lovell FHCC (North Chicago), Caregiver Relief Veterans Assistance (CRVA), and Referrals Assistance.

Veterans Financial Assistance

Financial assistance is available to eligible honorably discharged veterans and eligible immediate family members, and the eligible surviving spouse of an honorably discharged veteran. Eligibility is based on an interview and financial evaluation conducted by one of our Veteran Service Officers. Veterans Financial Assistance can be used to pay current bills such as; shelter, food & household items, and utilities.

VA Claims & Advocacy

Military Service Members returning to civilian life and older veterans alike are strongly encouraged to visit a Veterans Service Officer to review VA benefits. Our Veterans Service Officers are accredited by the VA to prepare, present, and prosecute claims for VA Disability and Pension benefits on behalf of veterans and/or their families. The VAC is also available to assist with identifying and applying for other benefits or programs offered by the VA such as VA Healthcare.

There are many other programs and services not administered by the VA which veterans and/or their family members may be eligible. We can help identify benefits the veteran and/or the veteran’s family can use.

Veteran & Family Wellness Programs

Veterans Wellness Programs serve groups of veterans and their families rather than meeting the specific needs of a single veteran and family. Wellness programs are rehabilitative and intended to focus on socialization, communication, education, and/or family interaction. In addition to promoting the physical and mental well-being of our veterans, the goals of Veterans wellness programs include the following: reduced veterans’ suicide and self-harm, reduce isolation, support intimate communication with family and others, expose veterans and family members to constructive coping activities, and educate veterans families and the public of mental health related issues suffered by some of our local veterans.

Lovell FHCC Transportation Service

This service is provided to honorably discharged veterans who are residents of McHenry County. Enrolled veterans must inform the VAC office of appointments at Lovell FHCC no later than 11:00 am the business day before the appointment (815-334-0303). Veterans are picked up from locations in Woodstock, McHenry, and Crystal Lake. A family member may be permitted to ride along in order to assist the veteran.

Caregiver Relief Veterans Assistance (CRVA)

CRVA is provided to help those caring for a veteran and/or the spouse of a veteran. The goal of the program is to provide the caregiver a break so he or she can go to their own appointments, get help with cleaning, etc… Need is determined with the assistance of our Senior Advocate partners.

Miscellaneous

Speakers are available for presentations on VA Benefits such as Aid & Attendance, VA Disability Compensation, the VA Home Loan Guarantee, as well as services offered by the Veterans Assistance Commission. To schedule a presentation for your event call the VAC office at (815)334-4229.