SPRINGFIELD -- Illinois veterans of the National Guard and U.S. Military Reserve can get $10,000 low-interest loans when their duties end.

Previously, reservists and guard members could get loans while on duty. Starting Monday, they can get loans for up to six months after they're honorably discharged.

The Citizen Soldier Program is available through local banks and credit unions. About 400 loans have been given out since 2001.

The state loans money to banks, which loan it to veterans at a rate no higher than 6 percent. The borrower doesn't have to give any reason for needing the money.

State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias said veterans can have a tough financial time when they get done with their service.

"Called up on short notice for extended periods of time, they put their finances at risk as well," he said.

About 3,200 Illinoisans returned from Iraq last month and can qualify for the loans.

Giannoulias outlined the program during stops in Springfield, Milan and Chicago. He's running for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate.