Illinois businesses have qualified for $67 million in tax credits by hiring military veterans, people on food stamps and others in need of work experience.

The Illinois Department of Employment Security announced the tax credit total on Tuesday. The agency says more than 27,000 Illinois workers were hired under the Work Opportunity Tax Credit program last year.

Most of the tax credit involved businesses hiring people receiving state financial assistance. Other qualifying categories of workers include some ex-felons, residents of renewal zones, people with disabilities and teenagers seeking summer jobs.

Employers will claim the federal tax credits on their returns using IRS Form 5884.

The Illinois employment agency has information on how businesses can apply for the tax credit on its website.