By AP/KWMU
Springfield, Ill. – The Illinois' Department of Veterans Affairs has hired 25 more people to try to improve services for veterans in the state.
Recent studies show Illinois veterans receive far lower disability benefits than their counterparts nationwide.
The new employees will help vets apply for more federal benefits. Department director Roy Dolgos says nearly $400 million in federal money for veterans go unclaimed every year.
Dolgos says the service officers will be on the job next month.
In last February's State of the State address, Gov. Rod Blagojevich promised $1.5 million to increase the number of service officers by 50%. The agency now employs 72 service officers.