The Illinois Department of Veterans ‘ Affairs yesterday announced that thanks to the people of Illinois buying the Veterans’ Cash scratch-off lottery ticket the IDVA are able to award this year $353,100 in grants to 18 non-profits and local governmental entities that provide specialized programs and services to the Illinois veteran community . Four times a year IDVA’s Veterans Cash Grant Committee reviews applications of veteran organizations, non-for-profits organizations and services that help Illinois veterans, and according to the funds available award grants are given to those groups that help address PTSD, homelessness, health insurance costs, long-term care, disability benefits, and job placement and training.