Chicago

๐Ÿ’ฐ

Financial Assistance

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.