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This resource guide
contains suggestions for several community and governmental resources., It is not all-inclusive and income guidelines are estimates. Thank you to Stuart Iseminger for creating this tool. Please feel free to share it with any and all.
Often, many people feel awkward in asking
social service agencies for help or for public benefits. Keep in mind that the vast majority of
recipients get help for a short period of time until they get back on their
feet. We all support these efforts
through our taxes and donations.
Remember the interdependent web of life.
- Second Unitarian Church of Chicago
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Food
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Food stamps*: state aid for low-income
residents that comes on a "Link Card" that looks like a credit card. Income guidelines apply (for a household of 1,
less than $1,127/month). Apply at
Illinois Department of Human Services.
For a list of local offices and documents needed to apply see www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=29719
or call IDHS at 1-800-843-6154. NOTE:
if your expenses are more than your income, you have the right to ask
for "expedited food stamps" for approval in less than 5 days; it's important to
ask for this specifically as many IDHS workers will not do it automatically. For more
information, call Illinois Hunger Hotline 1-800-359-2163.
Food Pantries and Soup Kitchens: To find one nearest you, contact Greater
Chicago Food Depository at www.chicagosfoodbank.org and click on "Need
Food" or call 773-247-FOOD (3663). Many
pantries and soup kitchens have different geographic boundaries and hours of
operation. There may be income
guidelines (for a household of 1, less than $1,127/mo) - but typically only
proof of residency is required.
WIC Women, Infants, and Children: a government program that provides vouchers
for food, and nutrition and medical information for low-income pregnant or
post-partum women and children aged 0-5 y.o.
Income guidelines apply (for a household of 2, less than $2,159/month). Apply at Illinois Department of Human
Services. For a list of local offices and
documents needed to apply see www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=29721
or call IDHS at 1-800-843-6154.
MAC Mothers and Children Supplemental
Nutrition Program: a monthly box of food staples for post-partum non-nursing
mothers, children aged 5-6 y.o., who meet income guidelines (for a family of 2
less than $2,111/mo) and seniors aged 60+ y.o who meet income guidelines (for a
household of 1, less than $1,127/mo).
Need proof of age, residence, and income. For a list of local offices and documents
needed to apply see www.catholiccharities.net/services/nutrition/
or call (773) 378-3127 or (773) 378-3777.
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General
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Burial and Funeral Expenses
·
If the deceased received or were eligible for state assistance (Medicaid, Food Stamps, TANF,
etc.), then they may be eligible for up to $1600 in state burial
assistance. Funeral directors can bill
directly to the state, or survivors can apply for reimbursement. For more information, go to www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=30367 or call
1-800-843-6154.
·
If the deceased was Catholic and low-income, contact
Catholic Charities at www.catholiccharities.net or call (312) 655-7700 to check
on financial assistance.
·
The Salvation Army receives donations of unused
burial plots that they sell at reduced prices.
For more information, call (773)725-1100.
Child Care*
·
Illinois Department of Human Services has a
state funded program to help with costs of child care and after-school costs
for children under 13 y.o. Parents pay a
portion of the fees depending on a sliding scale. There are work and/or school
requirements for parents. For more
information, contact Illinois Action for Children at www.actforchildren.org
or 312-823-1100.
Child Support
·
The Illinois Division of Child Support
Enforcement can help you obtain child support from the non-custodial parent,
whether or not you have a current court order.
NOTE you do not have
to be getting state assistance (food stamps, Medicaid, TANF, etc) to get
assistance through the Division. For
more information, go to www.ilchildsupport.com. No phone is listed.
Counseling
·
Chicago Department of
Public Health: For a list of low-cost or
free city health clinics, go to egov.cityofchicago.org,
click on City Departments, click on Health, click on Clinical Care Services,
click on Mental Health Services or call 311.
·
Community Counseling Centers of Chicago
(C4): Adult, child and adolescent,
sexual violence, and substance abuse counseling available regardless of an
individual's ability to pay. For more
information, go to www.c4chicago.org
or call 773.769.0205.
Crime Victims
·
Victims of violent crime can access area
agencies for assistance (survivors of domestic violence, see also below under
"Domestic Violence"). For a list of
agencies, go to www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov, on the
left hand side click on Helping Crime Victims, click on Violent Crime Victim Assistance (VCVA).
·
Victims
of violent crime may be eligible for Crime Victims Compensation. This financial resource is a last resort
after insurance and other programs are exhausted. It helps to reimburse crime victims for
expenses related to a crime, including counseling, medical, funeral and burial,
clean-up, re-location costs, etc. The
staff is extraordinarily helpful and sensitive.
For more information, go to www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov,
on the left hand side click on Helping Crime Victims, click on Illinois Crime
Victim Compensation Program or call 1-800-228-3368. There are no income guidelines.
Domestic Violence (see
also Crime Victims)
·
To obtain telephone or
in-person counseling, contact the Domestic Violence Helpline -- Toll Free. 24 hour, Confidential,
Multilingual, Information, Options, Counseling, Legal and Shelter
Services, Telephone: 1-877-863-6338.
Many domestic violence counselors may have access to funds for emergency
situations.
Financial
Assistance:
·
Many social services agencies have small grants
for people in a short-term financial crisis through The Emergency Fund. Call 311 and ask for "Short Term Help" for a
screening and referral to a nearby agency.
Recipients can receive up to $300/year.
Small grants are available for rent, utilities, clothing, furniture,
transportation, prescriptions, and other basic needs. Many agencies have no or middle income
guidelines.
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Health
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Medicaid*: a government program for
low-income pregnant women, mothers of children, seniors aged 65+ y.o., and
people with disabilities. Medicaid programs are
officially administered through the Illinois
Department of Healthcare and Family Services, but you apply at
Illinois Department of Human Services.
For a list of local offices and documents needed to apply see www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=29719
or call IDHS at 1-800-843-6154.
AllKids*: state health insurance for any
Illinois child without health insurance.
There are various levels of co-pays and premiums depending on your
income. For more information or to apply
on-line at www.allkids.com/
or call 1-866-ALL-KIDS
(1-866-255-5437).
FamilyCare*: state health insurance for parents whose
children are on AllKids. There are
varying levels of premiums and rebate options depending on your income. For more information or to apply on-line, see
www.familycareillinois.com
or call 1-866-ALL-KIDS
(1-866-255-5437).
Hospital Bills: you have the right to ask the billing
department for information on "Charity Care" applications. Many hospitals may not adequately publicize
this program.
·
People with HIV/AIDS - there are a
variety of social supports including housing, prescription drug, financial, and
food programs for people who are HIV+ but you have to enroll in a case
management program coordinated by AIDS Foundation of Chicago. There are no income guidelines for enrollment
in case management but there may be income guidelines for certain benefits. See www.aidschicago.org, click on Care, click
on Case Management or call 312-922-2322.
Clinics:
o
Chicago Department of
Public Health: For a list of low-cost or
free city health clinics, go to egov.cityofchicago.org,
click on City Departments, click on Health, click on Clinical Care Services,
click on CDPH Clinics or call 311.
o
Community Health Clinic - for
patients without any health insurance (Medicare Part A is the only exception) and are within income
guidelines (less than $ 27,075.00/year for a household of 1). Requirements include picture I.D.,
proof of address, past medical records, list of medications, and proof of
income. For more information, go to www.communityhealth.org or call (773)
395-9900.
o
Access Clinics - offer low-cost medical care for
insured and uninsured patients.
Uninsured patients pay on a sliding fee scale. Go to www.accesscommunityhealth.net
or call 1-866-88-ACCESS.
o
Medical i.d. card: You'll need your doctor's name, list of
medications, and emergency contact. It's
a free service and there are no income guidelines. Apply at the City Clerk's office or at their
community outreach events. For more
information, see www.chicityclerk.com/medicalidprogram.php
or call 312.744.2506.
Prescriptions:
o
Target and Wal-Mart pharmacies have 300 generic
prescriptions for $4. There are no
income guidelines. Go to www.target.com,
click on pharmacy, then click on generic drugs or contact your local Target pharmacy. Or go to www.walmart.com, click on pharmacy, then
click on $4 prescriptions or contact your local Wal-Mart pharmacy.
o
Many pharmaceutical companies have "Indigent
Prescription Programs" -- many with middle income guidelines -- for monthly
maintenance medications for chronic conditions.
For more information, talk to your pharmacist or physician.
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Housing
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Mortgage - For information on mortgage
assistance, contact the Home Owner Preservation Initiative (HOPI). See egov.cityofchicago.org, click on For
Residents, click on Home & Property, click on For Home & Property
Owners, and click on Home Owner Preservation - Foreclosure Prevention. Or call 311.
You will get information on financial counseling, classes, emergency
grants, loan mitigation, etc Rent:
Many social services agencies have grants for rent for people in a
short-term financial crisis. One crucial
eligibility requirement is that you are financially stable now (i.e., your
income is more than your expenses) but had a problem recently (e.g., lost wages
due to unemployment or illness). Some
agencies have no or middle income guidelines.
Call 311 and ask for "Short Term Help" for a screening and referral.
Emergency Shelter: If you need to go to a homeless shelter, go to
the nearest emergency room or police station and ask for transportation to a
shelter. ·
Other housing resources. o
Neighborhood Housing Services offers a range of
services related to home ownership, home buying, classes, home improvement, information
on grants and loans, etc. For more
information, see www.nhschicago.org
or call 773-329-4010. o www.direct2housing.org offers listings of
housing programs such as subsidized, supportive, interim, nursing, etc. You can narrow searches by gender,
disability, medical status, age, etc. and area of Chicago.
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Income Support
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TANF*
·
Temporary Assistance to Needy Families: a state
cash program for low-income parents of children, pregnant women, or caretakers
of relative's children. There may be
work or school requirements. Typically a
60 month limit. Apply at Illinois
Department of Human Services. For a list
of local offices and documents needed to apply see www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=29719
or call IDHS at 1-800-843-6154.
Unemployment
Compensation:
·
Unemployment Compensation provides temporary
financial assistance for employees who have lost their job. Applying on-line takes a great amount of time. Go to www.ides.state.il.us to apply or a list of
local offices and required documents.
You can also call 312-793-5700.
Taxes
·
Center for Economic Progress prepares federal
income tax returns (along with a variety of other tax-related programs) for individuals
making less than $20,000 and families making less than $45,000. For a list of locations and required
documents, see www.centerforprogress.org and click on Get
Help or call (312) 252-0280.
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Legal
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There are several resources for low-cost or free
legal aid with varying income guideline requirements.
o
Go to www.illinoislegalaid.org for a list of
agencies
o
Go to www.cvls.org/ or call (312) 332-1624 for a
location near you.
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Pet Care
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P.A.W.S.
has a program for low-cost or free neutering/spaying for people on
Medicaid. They may also have free pet
food. For more information, see www.pawschicago.org
or call (773) 475-9426.
Red Door Animal Shelter has free
pet food for low-income residents receiving state aid such as Medicaid or Food
Stamps. See www.reddoorshelter.org
or call (773)764-2242.
Animal Welfare League has free pet food
for seniors aged 65+ y.o. or people on public assistance. Go to www.animalwelfareleague.com or
773-667-0088.
Treehouse Humane Society has free cat
food. Go to www.treehouseanimals.org
or 773-784-5488.
The Chicago Anti-Cruelty Society
has a
Short-term Accommodations for Emergencies (S.A.F.E.) program for people
who
need temporary "foster care" for their pets during an emergency or
housing displacement. People need to be referred to Anti-Cruelty
through another social service agency such as a domestic violence
program or
the Red Cross. For more information, go
to www.anticruelty.org/,
click on Programs and Services, click on S.A.F.E. or call (312) 644-8338.
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Utility Assistance
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·
Note that programs usually assist with heating
and electricity bills. There are no
programs that assist with cooking gas bills and very few that assist with
telephone bills.
LIHEAP:
Many social services agencies provide assistance for winter heat bills
through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Income guidelines apply (for a household of 1,
less than $1,300/month) and proof of social security numbers, proof of income,
and proof of utility bills required. NOTE
that only the last 30 days of income are counted so if you are in transition
such as between jobs or have an irregular paycheck, it's important to time your
application. NOTE that renters whose
landlords pay utilities may still be eligible.
If your name is on the utility bill, a check will go to the utility company;
if your landlord pays utilities then you will get a check. For a list of agencies and required
documents, go to www.cedaorg.net,
click on Services, click on Energy Conservation and Services or call 800-571-CEDA (2332).
Summer Cooling: occasionally CEDA offers assistance with
summer electric bills. The program
usually is only open for a few days so it's important to regularly contact CEDA
or watch for press announcements. For
more information, call 800-571-CEDA (2332).
Share the Warmth: the People's Energy's program
is administered through The Salvation Army.
Income guidelines apply (for a family of 1, less than $ $1,734/month). For a list of Salvation Army sites, see www.peoplesgasdelivery.com/service/warmth.aspx#salvationArmy
or call 773-725-1100.
·
In addition to LIHEAP, there are a few other
programs. Contact your utility company
or CEDA for other programs at 800-571-CEDA (2332).
Weatherization: free or low-cost assistance for low-income home owners or rental
property owners (whose tenants meet income guidelines) to provide insulation, weather-stripping,
furnace assessment, etc. To be
eligible for the weatherization program, participants must reside in Cook
County and meet income guidelines (for a household of 1, less than
$1,300/month). Special emphasis is given to families with children under the
age of five, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. For a list of agencies and required
documents, go to www.cedaorg.net,
click on Services, click on Energy Conservation and Services, scroll down to
Weatherization or call 800-571-CEDA (2332).
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Senior Citizens and People with Disabilities
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AABD*: Aid to the Aged,
Blind, Disabled is a one-time application for monthly cash. For low-income seniors aged 65+ y.o. and
people with disabilities. For a list of
local offices and documents needed to apply see www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=29719
or call IDHS at 1-800-843-6154.
Circuit
Breaker: a "property tax rebate" for low-income renters with an annual
check to renters. Income guidelines
apply ($22,218/yr or less for households of one). For more information or a list of locations
and required documents or to apply online go to www.state.il.us/aging/1rx/cbrx/taxgrant.htm
or call 1-800-252-8966. Seniors aged 65+
y.o. and people with disabilities.
CTA
·
seniors aged 65+ y.o. can ride free. Required to show proof of age, i.d., and
photo. For more information, see www.rtachicago.com/CMS400Min/uploadedFiles/Sr_Registration_Centers.pdf
or call 836-7000 for a location near you.
There are no income guidelines.
·
People with Disabilities can ride free. You must first register with the State of
Illinois Circuit Breaker Program. For
more information, see www.rtachicago.com/CMS400Min/index.asp?id=760 or call 312-913-5414. There are income
guidelines ($22,218/yr or less for households of one).
Housing, Subsidized - It is
not easy to get a subsidized rental unit.
People with disabilities can be on waiting lists for years. Waiting lists for seniors (minimum age
ranges from 55 y.o. to 65 y.o. depending on the building or program)are shorter. To search for
units online, go to www.hud.gov/apps/section8/step2.cfm?state=IL%2CIllinois. Or call (312) 747-2796 for
information on how to apply.
QMB pays Medicare
premium. Apply at IDHS. Open to low-income
Medicare recipients. For a list of local
offices and documents needed to apply see www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=29719
or call IDHS at 1-800-843-6154.
Social Security
·
NOTE that some divorced spouses may still be entitled to benefits.
·
Disability Benefits: There are two types of disability programs:
o
Social Security Disability
Insurance (SSDI): Similar to a regular insurance program, SSDI is for people with a work
history - you "paid into" the system while you worked, and then may collect
benefits when you're disabled. There are
no income guidelines.
o
Supplemental Security Income (SSI):
SSI is for low-income people with little or no work history and income
guidelines apply.
o
NOTE: It is crucial to collect as much
documentation as possible to support your claim of disability (medical and
hospital records). It is common for
Social Security to deny most initial claims so it is important to follow appeal
procedures if you believe you have a legitimate claim. It is strongly recommended that you have an
attorney assist you with the appeal process - see above resources under
"Legal."
·
There are numerous benefits - retirement,
survivors, disability, and Medicare - that will not be detailed here. For more information or a list of local
offices, see www.ssa.gov
or call 1-800-772-1213.
Other Resources
·
For more resources for people with disabilities: egov.cityofchicago.org, click on City
Departments, scroll down and click on Mayor's Office for People with
Disabilities (MOPD) or call 311.
·
For more info on seniors' resources:
o
City of Chicago, www.ci.chi.il.us/Aging/ or call 311.
o
State of Illinois, www.state.il.us/aging or call
1-800-252-8966.
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Seniors Only
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Food - MAC. For seniors aged 60+ y.o. Mothers and
Children Supplemental Nutrition Program: for post-partum non-nursing mothers,
children aged 5-6 y.o., and seniors aged 60+ y.o. who meet income guidelines
(for a household of 1, less than $1,127/mo).
Need proof of age, residence, and income. For a list of local offices and documents
needed to apply see www.catholiccharities.net/services/nutrition/
or call (773) 378-3127
Homemakers. For assessments
call NE/NW Case Management 583-9224 x227
To qualify, you must have less than $17,500 non-exempt assets and be
aged 60+ y.o. For more information or a
list of agencies, see www.state.il.us/aging/1athome/homemaker.htm
or call 1-800-252-8966.
In-Home Assistance: Furniture, housing, moving,
upkeep/repair, shopping transportation, etc.
Contact H.O.M.E. (Housing Opportunities and Maintenance for the Elderly)
at homeseniors.org,
or call 773.921-3200.
Elder
Abuse: Be alert to signs of Elder Abuse -- physical abuse, active or passive neglect, financial
exploitation, or inability to care for self in home. Seniors need to self-report unless they are
incapacitated. To report abuse contact Elder Protective
Services 773 286-6041 or 1-866-800-1409.
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