Global Major Cities Guide

Information on government assistance programs like SNAP, TANF, and other safety net services.

SNAP provides financial assistance to help low-income individuals and families purchase food.

Eligibility Requirements:
- Income must fall below certain thresholds based on household size (e.g., for a household of 1, the gross monthly income limit is $2,266 as of 2023).
- U.S. citizens or certain qualified non-citizens (e.g., refugees, asylees, or green card holders after 5 years).
- Must meet work requirements unless exempt (e.g., seniors, disabled individuals).
Application Process:
- Apply online via the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) website: ABE Illinois Portal.
- Submit required documents, such as proof of income, identity, and residency.
- Attend an interview (can often be conducted by phone).
Associated Costs:
- No cost to apply or receive benefits.
Local Resources:
- IDHS Family Community Resource Center (FCRC):
  - Address: 1642 W. 59th St., Chicago, IL 60636
  - Phone: (773) 863-6100
- Greater Chicago Food Depository (for food assistance while waiting for SNAP approval):
  - Address: 4100 W. Ann Lurie Place, Chicago, IL 60632
  - Phone: (773) 247-3663

Medicaid provides free or low-cost health insurance for low-income individuals and families.

Eligibility Requirements:
- Income limits vary by category (e.g., pregnant women, children, adults, seniors, or disabled individuals).
- U.S. citizens or certain qualified non-citizens.
- Illinois residency.
Application Process:
- Apply online through the ABE Illinois Portal.
- Submit proof of income, identity, and residency.
- Assistance is available through local community organizations.
Associated Costs:
- Free for most eligible individuals. Some programs may have small co-pays.
Local Resources:
- Cook County Health Enrollment Assistance:
  - Address: 1901 W. Harrison St., Chicago, IL 60612
  - Phone: (312) 864-8200
- Illinois Health Insurance Marketplace Navigators (for help with applications):
  - Visit Get Covered Illinois.

TANF provides cash assistance to low-income families with children to help cover basic needs.

Eligibility Requirements:
- Must have a child under 18 (or 19 if still in high school).
- Meet income and asset limits.
- U.S. citizens or certain qualified non-citizens.
Application Process:
- Apply online via the ABE Illinois Portal.
- Provide documentation of income, identity, and family composition.
- Participate in work-related activities unless exempt.
Associated Costs:
- No cost to apply or receive benefits.
Local Resources:
- IDHS Family Community Resource Center (FCRC):
  - Address: 2753 W. North Ave., Chicago, IL 60647
  - Phone: (773) 292-7200

WIC provides nutrition assistance, education, and health referrals for pregnant women, new mothers, and children under 5.

Eligibility Requirements:
- Pregnant, postpartum, or breastfeeding women, and children under 5.
- Income below 185% of the federal poverty level.
- Must be at nutritional risk (determined by a health professional).
Application Process:
- Apply at a local WIC clinic. Find locations at Illinois WIC Clinic Locator.
- Bring proof of income, identity, and residency.
Associated Costs:
- Free for eligible participants.
Local Resources:
- Chicago Department of Public Health WIC Office:
  - Address: 333 S. State St., Chicago, IL 60604
  - Phone: (312) 747-9884

Programs like the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) and Emergency Rental Assistance provide affordable housing and rental support.

Eligibility Requirements:
- Income limits based on household size.
- U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens.
- Must meet specific program criteria (e.g., homelessness, eviction risk).
Application Process:
- For CHA housing, apply online at CHA Applicant Portal.
- For emergency rental assistance, visit Chicago Rental Assistance Program.
Associated Costs:
- No cost to apply. Rent is typically set at 30% of household income for public housing.
Local Resources:
- Chicago Housing Authority (CHA):
  - Address: 60 E. Van Buren St., Chicago, IL 60605
  - Phone: (312) 742-8500
- All Chicago – Emergency Rental Assistance:
  - Address: 651 W. Washington Blvd., Suite 504, Chicago, IL 60661
  - Phone: (312) 379-0301

Unemployment benefits provide temporary financial assistance to individuals who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own.

Eligibility Requirements:
- Must have earned sufficient wages during the base period.
- Must be actively seeking work and able to work.
- U.S. citizens or authorized to work in the U.S.
Application Process:
- Apply online at the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES).
- Submit proof of identity, work history, and reason for unemployment.
Associated Costs:
- No cost to apply or receive benefits.
Local Resources:
- IDES Office – Chicago:
  - Address: 33 S. State St., Chicago, IL 60603
  - Phone: (800) 244-5631

CCAP helps low-income families pay for child care while parents work or attend school.

Eligibility Requirements:
- Income below 200% of the federal poverty level.
- Parents must be working or in an approved education/training program.
Application Process:
- Apply through the Illinois Action for Children website: Illinois Action for Children.
- Submit proof of income, employment, and child care provider information.
Associated Costs:
- Families may pay a co-pay based on income.
Local Resources:
- Illinois Action for Children:
  - Address: 4753 N. Broadway, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60640
  - Phone: (312) 823-1100

Chicago offers legal aid for immigrants seeking public benefits or facing challenges with eligibility.

Local Resources:
- National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC):
  - Address: 224 S. Michigan Ave., Suite 600, Chicago, IL 60604
  - Phone: (312) 660-1370
- Chicago Legal Clinic:
  - Address: 2938 E. 91st St., Chicago, IL 60617
  - Phone: (773) 731-1762

Many community organizations, such as Catholic Charities and the Salvation Army, provide assistance with applications and navigating public benefits.
For language assistance, many offices and organizations offer services in Spanish, Polish, and other commonly spoken languages in Chicago.

By leveraging these resources, you can access the support you need to thrive in Chicago. Let me know if you need further assistance!

Chicago