Chicago

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Financial Assistance

Programs and services designed to help with financial aid, budgeting, and economic support.

Sections

1. Housing Assistance

Housing assistance programs in Chicago aim to help residents secure affordable housing, avoid eviction, and manage housing-related expenses.

Programs Available:

  • Chicago Low-Income Housing Trust Fund (CLIHTF):

    • Provides rental subsidies for low-income families and individuals.
    • Eligibility: Income must be below 30% of the Area Median Income (AMI). For a single person, this is approximately $22,650 annually (as of 2023).
    • Cost: No cost to apply.
    • How to Apply: Applications are typically submitted through participating landlords or housing providers. Contact the CLIHTF office for a list of participating properties.
    • Contact: 312-744-0676 | Address: 121 N. LaSalle St., Room 1006, Chicago, IL 60602.

  • Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP):

    • Provides temporary rental and utility assistance for those impacted by financial hardship (e.g., job loss, medical emergencies).
    • Eligibility: Must demonstrate financial hardship, risk of homelessness, and income below 80% of AMI.
    • Cost: Free to apply.
    • How to Apply: Applications are submitted online through the City of Chicagoโ€™s Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) website.
    • Contact: Call 311 or visit Chicago.gov/ERAP.

  • Chicago Housing Authority (CHA):

    • Offers public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) for low-income families.
    • Eligibility: Income limits vary by household size. For example, a family of four must earn less than $63,000 annually (2023).
    • Cost: No cost to apply, but rent is typically 30% of household income.
    • How to Apply: Applications are submitted online at the CHA website.
    • Contact: 312-742-8500 | Address: 60 E. Van Buren St., Chicago, IL 60605.

2. Food Assistance

Food assistance programs help individuals and families access nutritious meals.

Programs Available:

  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP):

    • Provides monthly benefits to purchase groceries.
    • Eligibility: Income must be below 130% of the federal poverty level (FPL). For a family of four, this is approximately $3,007/month (2023).
    • Cost: Free to apply.
    • How to Apply: Apply online at ABE Illinois or in person at a local Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) office.
    • Required Documents: Proof of income, ID, Social Security numbers (if applicable), and proof of residency.
    • Local Office: IDHS Family Community Resource Center, 1642 W. 59th St., Chicago, IL 60636.

  • Greater Chicago Food Depository:

    • Operates food pantries and meal programs across the city.
    • Eligibility: Open to all; no income verification required.
    • Cost: Free.
    • How to Access: Use the Food Depositoryโ€™s online locator tool to find a pantry near you: www.chicagosfoodbank.org.
    • Contact: 773-247-3663.

3. Healthcare Assistance

Healthcare programs ensure access to medical services for low-income and uninsured individuals.

Programs Available:

  • Medicaid (Illinois Medical Assistance Program):

    • Provides free or low-cost health insurance for low-income individuals and families.
    • Eligibility: Income must be below 138% of the FPL (e.g., $20,120 annually for a single person in 2023). Immigration status may affect eligibility.
    • Cost: Free or minimal co-pays.
    • How to Apply: Apply online at ABE Illinois or in person at an IDHS office.
    • Required Documents: Proof of income, ID, Social Security number (if applicable), and proof of residency.
    • Local Office: IDHS Family Community Resource Center, 1642 W. 59th St., Chicago, IL 60636.

  • Cook County Health Financial Assistance Program:

    • Offers discounted or free healthcare services at Cook County hospitals and clinics.
    • Eligibility: Income must be below 200% of the FPL (e.g., $29,160 annually for a single person in 2023).
    • Cost: Sliding scale based on income.
    • How to Apply: Applications are available at Cook County Health facilities or online at Cook County Health.
    • Contact: 312-864-8200.

4. Utility Assistance

Programs help residents pay for essential utilities like electricity, gas, and water.

Programs Available:

  • Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP):

    • Provides financial assistance for heating and cooling bills.
    • Eligibility: Income must be below 200% of the FPL.
    • Cost: Free to apply.
    • How to Apply: Apply online at Help Illinois Families or in person at a local Community Action Agency.
    • Required Documents: Proof of income, ID, utility bills, and proof of residency.
    • Local Office: CEDA (Community and Economic Development Association), 567 W. Lake St., Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60661.

  • Chicago Utility Billing Relief (UBR) Program:

    • Offers reduced water and sewer bills for low-income households.
    • Eligibility: Income must be below 200% of the FPL.
    • Cost: Free to apply.
    • How to Apply: Apply online at Chicago.gov/UBR.
    • Contact: Call 311.

5. Childcare Assistance

Programs help families afford childcare services.

Programs Available:

  • Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP):
    • Provides subsidies for childcare costs.
    • Eligibility: Income must be below 200% of the FPL, and parents must be working or in school.
    • Cost: Sliding scale based on income.
    • How to Apply: Apply online at Illinois Action for Children or in person at a local office.
    • Required Documents: Proof of income, ID, proof of employment/school enrollment, and childโ€™s birth certificate.
    • Local Office: Illinois Action for Children, 4753 N. Broadway, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60640.

6. Employment and Income Support

Programs provide temporary financial assistance and job training.

Programs Available:

  • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF):

    • Provides cash assistance to low-income families with children.
    • Eligibility: Income must be below 50% of the FPL, and recipients must participate in work-related activities.
    • Cost: Free to apply.
    • How to Apply: Apply online at ABE Illinois or in person at an IDHS office.
    • Required Documents: Proof of income, ID, Social Security numbers, and proof of residency.
    • Local Office: IDHS Family Community Resource Center, 1642 W. 59th St., Chicago, IL 60636.

  • Workforce Development Programs:

    • Offer job training, resume assistance, and employment placement services.
    • Eligibility: Open to all Chicago residents.
    • Cost: Free.
    • How to Access: Visit a local American Job Center or the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership website: www.chicookworks.org.
    • Local Office: American Job Center, 1700 W. 18th St., Chicago, IL 60608.

7. Additional Resources

  • Chicago 311 Services:
    • Call 311 for referrals to local assistance programs, shelters, and emergency services.
  • Legal Aid Chicago:
    • Provides free legal assistance for housing, public benefits, and immigration issues.
    • Contact: 312-341-1070 | Address: 120 S. LaSalle St., Suite 900, Chicago, IL 60603.

Final Notes

When applying for financial assistance in Chicago, itโ€™s essential to gather all required documents, including proof of income, identification, and residency. Many programs have online applications, but in-person assistance is also available at local offices. If youโ€™re unsure where to start, contacting 311 or visiting a local IDHS office can help connect you to the right resources.