We know that even a year into this pandemic, there continues to be additional stressors and worries impacting people everyday. Below are some resources that we hope will be useful to you and your family if you need additional support during this time.
ILLINOIS: HELPLINES, HOTLINES & WEBSITES
Between Friends
Chicago domestic/intimate personal violence crisis hotline and services run by a nonprofit.
betweenfriendschicago.org
1-800-603-HELP
(1-800-603-4357)
Calm4Calm
Free, anonymous emotional support text line hosted by the Illinois Department of Human Services’ Mental Health Division for Illinois residents experiencing stress and mental health issues related to COVID-19.
Text: TALK to 5-5-2-0-2-0, or for Spanish, “HABLAR” to the same number: 5-5-2-0-2-0.
CARES
CARES is a telephone response service that handles mental health crisis calls for children and youth in Illinois, including mental health evaluation and services, including a crisis hotline, for youth as well as adults with Medicaid.
1-800-345-9049
City of Chicago Domestic Violence Helpline
Chicago domestic violence help and referral line run by the city.
1-877-863-6338
Eating Disorder Resource Catalog
Illinois eating disorder support Groups
https://www.edcatalogue.com/illinois-support-groups/
Get Covered Illinois Health Insurance
Official health insurance marketplace, including Medicaid. Shop/enroll in insurance, and get up-to-date information about the coronavirus (COVID-19) from the Illinois Department of Public Health, such as Essential Benefits and Mental Health Parity.
https://getcovered.illinois.gov/en
1-800-318-2596
Hope For The Day
Non-profit movement empowering the conversation on proactive suicide prevention and mental health education; local resource locator tool with resources on health and wellness services, food, housing, childcare, utility support, etc.
https://www.hftd.org/find-help
Housing Needs
In the city of Chicago, calling 311 is the best place to start finding housing services for adults and families. Most shelters, long term housing, and financial assistance programs are accessed here.
311
Illinois Department of Public Health
Helpline and online local resources and services, including: food, shelter, help at home, medical, recovery, talk to someone, etc.
http://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=123529
1-833-2-FIND-HELP
(1-833-234-6343)
Illinois Legal Aid
Get legal help is a tool to guide you to the best available legal service or resource.
https://www.illinoislegalaid.org/get-legal-help
Legal Aid Chicago
Free representation in civil legal matters for clients who lack the resources to hire an attorney on their own.
https://www.legalaidchicago.org/
National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI)
A family-based, grassroots support and advocacy agency that offers a wide-variety of education and support programs directed to individuals living with mental illness, family members, friends, professionals and the community.
https://namiillinois.org/
https://www.nami.org/Local-NAMI/pdf/IL
Helpline: 1-800-950-6264
Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
Crisis Text: text NAMI to 741-741-24/7
Resilience, Formerly Chicago Rape Advocates
Chicago rape hotline for survivors of sexual violence and their significant others.
https://www.ourresilience.org/
1-888-293-2080
The Trevor Project
Support for LGBTQ+ youth ages 24 and under.
thetrevorproject.org
1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678
Trans Lifeline
Support for transgender, non-binary and gender-nonconforming individuals.
https://www.translifeline.org/
1-877-565-8860
Veterans Crisis Line
For veterans and those concerned about them.
1-800-273-8255
Chicago domestic/intimate personal violence crisis hotline and services run by a nonprofit.
betweenfriendschicago.org
1-800-603-HELP
(1-800-603-4357)
Calm4Calm
Free, anonymous emotional support text line hosted by the Illinois Department of Human Services’ Mental Health Division for Illinois residents experiencing stress and mental health issues related to COVID-19.
Text: TALK to 5-5-2-0-2-0, or for Spanish, “HABLAR” to the same number: 5-5-2-0-2-0.
CARES
CARES is a telephone response service that handles mental health crisis calls for children and youth in Illinois, including mental health evaluation and services, including a crisis hotline, for youth as well as adults with Medicaid.
1-800-345-9049
City of Chicago Domestic Violence Helpline
Chicago domestic violence help and referral line run by the city.
1-877-863-6338
Eating Disorder Resource Catalog
Illinois eating disorder support Groups
https://www.edcatalogue.com/illinois-support-groups/
Get Covered Illinois Health Insurance
Official health insurance marketplace, including Medicaid. Shop/enroll in insurance, and get up-to-date information about the coronavirus (COVID-19) from the Illinois Department of Public Health, such as Essential Benefits and Mental Health Parity.
https://getcovered.illinois.gov/en
1-800-318-2596
Hope For The Day
Non-profit movement empowering the conversation on proactive suicide prevention and mental health education; local resource locator tool with resources on health and wellness services, food, housing, childcare, utility support, etc.
https://www.hftd.org/find-help
Housing Needs
In the city of Chicago, calling 311 is the best place to start finding housing services for adults and families. Most shelters, long term housing, and financial assistance programs are accessed here.
311
Illinois Department of Public Health
Helpline and online local resources and services, including: food, shelter, help at home, medical, recovery, talk to someone, etc.
http://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=123529
1-833-2-FIND-HELP
(1-833-234-6343)
Illinois Legal Aid
Get legal help is a tool to guide you to the best available legal service or resource.
https://www.illinoislegalaid.org/get-legal-help
Legal Aid Chicago
Free representation in civil legal matters for clients who lack the resources to hire an attorney on their own.
https://www.legalaidchicago.org/
National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI)
A family-based, grassroots support and advocacy agency that offers a wide-variety of education and support programs directed to individuals living with mental illness, family members, friends, professionals and the community.
https://namiillinois.org/
https://www.nami.org/Local-NAMI/pdf/IL
Helpline: 1-800-950-6264
Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
Crisis Text: text NAMI to 741-741-24/7
Resilience, Formerly Chicago Rape Advocates
Chicago rape hotline for survivors of sexual violence and their significant others.
https://www.ourresilience.org/
1-888-293-2080
The Trevor Project
Support for LGBTQ+ youth ages 24 and under.
thetrevorproject.org
1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678
Trans Lifeline
Support for transgender, non-binary and gender-nonconforming individuals.
https://www.translifeline.org/
1-877-565-8860
Veterans Crisis Line
For veterans and those concerned about them.
1-800-273-8255
ILLINOIS HOUSING: SHELTERS FOR ADULTS
These are the only four shelters in Chicago that accept walk-ins for single adults. Call 311 to check if beds are still open or to get transportation to a shelter.
A Little Bit of Heaven
11321 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60628
Franciscan Outreach
2715 W Harrison St, Chicago, IL 60612
Olive Branch Mission
6310 S Claremont Ave, Chicago, IL 60636
Pacific Garden Mission
1456 S Canal St, Chicago. IL 60607
A Little Bit of Heaven
11321 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60628
Franciscan Outreach
2715 W Harrison St, Chicago, IL 60612
Olive Branch Mission
6310 S Claremont Ave, Chicago, IL 60636
Pacific Garden Mission
1456 S Canal St, Chicago. IL 60607
ILLINOIS HOUSING: SHELTERS FOR YOUTH & YOUNG PEOPLE
There are some shelters that are only for youth under age 18 and others that are only for youth 18 to 24.
National Runaway Safeline AND Website
If you are under 18 and need a place to stay tonight.
https://www.1800runaway.org/youth-teens/
1-800-RUNAWAY
(1-800-786-2929) or call for resources to CCBYS at 877-870-2663.
A Safe Haven
*Ages 18 – 24
773-435-8424
2750 W Roosevelt Rd, Chicago, IL 60608
“Casa Corazon” at La Casa Norte
Back of the Yards
*Ages 18 – 24
773-276-4900
1736 W 47th St, Chicago, IL 60609
“Casa Corazon” at La Casa Norte
Logan Square
*Ages 18 – 24
773-276-4900
1940 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
“The Crib” at The Night Ministry
*Ages 18 – 24
844-549-4158
835 W Addison St, Chicago, IL 60613
Ujima Village
*Ages 18 – 24
312-455-0007
7320 S Yale Ave, Chicago, IL 60621
National Runaway Safeline AND Website
If you are under 18 and need a place to stay tonight.
https://www.1800runaway.org/youth-teens/
1-800-RUNAWAY
(1-800-786-2929) or call for resources to CCBYS at 877-870-2663.
A Safe Haven
*Ages 18 – 24
773-435-8424
2750 W Roosevelt Rd, Chicago, IL 60608
“Casa Corazon” at La Casa Norte
Back of the Yards
*Ages 18 – 24
773-276-4900
1736 W 47th St, Chicago, IL 60609
“Casa Corazon” at La Casa Norte
Logan Square
*Ages 18 – 24
773-276-4900
1940 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
“The Crib” at The Night Ministry
*Ages 18 – 24
844-549-4158
835 W Addison St, Chicago, IL 60613
Ujima Village
*Ages 18 – 24
312-455-0007
7320 S Yale Ave, Chicago, IL 60621
NATIONAL: HELPLINES, HOTLINES & WEBSITES
Addiction Group
Dedicated to help individuals suffering from substance abuse and prevent new cases through credible information and spreading awareness to as many as we can reach.
www.addictiongroup.org/resources/
Al-anon/Alateen Helpline and Website
Al‑Anon is a mutual support program for people whose lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking. Alateen, a part of the Al-Anon Family Groups, is a fellowship of young people (mostly teenagers) whose lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking whether they are in your life drinking or not.
www.al-anon.alateen.org
1-888-425-2666
Alcohol & Drug Abuse Hotline
1-800-729-6686
Alcohol and Drug Helpline and Website
www.aa.org
1-800-821-4357
AlchoholRehabHelp
An informational web guide to help those struggling with alcohol use disorders (AUD), substance use disorders (SUD), and/or co-occurring mental health disorders; help individuals understand their addictions and find the best treatment option based on their unique situation and individual needs.
https://alcoholrehabhelp.org/
Cocaine Anonymous
Fellowship of, by and for addicts seeking recovery.
www.ca.org
1-800-347-8998
Cyber Civil Rights Initiative
The only national crisis helpline that serves victims of nonconsensual pornography (NCP), recorded sexual assault (RSA) and sextortion.
https://www.cybercivilrights.org/
1-844-878-CCRI
(1-800-878-2274)
Families Anonymous
FA is a 12 step fellowship for the family and friends of those individuals with drug, alcohol or related behavioral issues.
https://www.familiesanonymous.org/
1-800-736-9805
Girls & Boys Town National Hotline and Website
Crisis and resource referral services; specializing in family reunification of runaways and homeless adolescents ages 11-17. Counseling over the phone and online, placement and long-term residential care; bilingual services.
http://yourlifeyourvoice.org/
1-800-448-3000
Help Guide
Guide to mental health and wellness.
helpguide.org
Hope For The Day
Non-profit movement empowering the conversation on proactive suicide prevention and mental health education; local resource locator tool with resources on health and wellness services, food, housing, childcare, utility support, etc.
https://www.hftd.org/find-help
Fiscal Tiger
A Parent’s Guide to Discussing Financial Hardship With Your Children
https://www.fiscaltiger.com/a-parents-guide-to-discussing-financial-hardship-with-your-children/
Love Is Respect
loveisrespect’s purpose is to engage, educate, and empower young people to prevent and end abusive relationships.
https://www.loveisrespect.org/
1-866-331-9474
Text: loveis to 22522
Marijuana Anonymous
Fellowship of people who share our experience, strength, and hope with each other that we may solve our common problem and help others to recover from marijuana addiction.
www.marijuana-anonymous.org
1-800-766-6779
National Eating Disorders Association
Supports individuals and families affected by eating disorders and serves as a catalyst for prevention, cures, and access to quality care.
https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/help-support
1-800-931-2237
National Hopeline Network
1-800-SUICIDE
(1-800-784-7433)
National Safety Council
America’s leading nonprofit safety advocate; focus on eliminating the leading causes of preventable injuries and deaths.
https://www.nsc.org/work-safety/safety-topics/coronavirus/mental-health-and-wellbeing
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and Website
Support and crisis resources for yourself or someone else.
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
1-800-273-TALK
(1-800-273-8255)
National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Hopeline
1-800-622-2255
National Institute on Drug Abuse Hotline
1-800-662-4357
Poison Control
Poison Control tells you what to do if you swallow, splash, or get stung by something that may be harmful. Free/confidential services.
1-800-222-1222
National Helpline for Substance Abuse
1-800-262-2463
National Domestic Violence Hotline and Website
Provides lifesaving tools and immediate support to empower victims and survivors to find safety and live free of abuse; support for friends and family members who are concerned about a loved one.
https://www.thehotline.org/help/
1-800-799-7233
National US Child Abuse Hotline and Website
The hotline offers crisis intervention, information, and referrals to thousands of emergency, social service, and support resources. All calls are confidential.
https://www.childhelp.org/hotline/
1-800-422-4453
Overeaters Anonymous
Online, face-to-face, phone support, and groups for overeaters.
https://oa.org/
Dedicated to help individuals suffering from substance abuse and prevent new cases through credible information and spreading awareness to as many as we can reach.
www.addictiongroup.org/resources/
Al-anon/Alateen Helpline and Website
Al‑Anon is a mutual support program for people whose lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking. Alateen, a part of the Al-Anon Family Groups, is a fellowship of young people (mostly teenagers) whose lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking whether they are in your life drinking or not.
www.al-anon.alateen.org
1-888-425-2666
Alcohol & Drug Abuse Hotline
1-800-729-6686
Alcohol and Drug Helpline and Website
www.aa.org
1-800-821-4357
AlchoholRehabHelp
An informational web guide to help those struggling with alcohol use disorders (AUD), substance use disorders (SUD), and/or co-occurring mental health disorders; help individuals understand their addictions and find the best treatment option based on their unique situation and individual needs.
https://alcoholrehabhelp.org/
Cocaine Anonymous
Fellowship of, by and for addicts seeking recovery.
www.ca.org
1-800-347-8998
Cyber Civil Rights Initiative
The only national crisis helpline that serves victims of nonconsensual pornography (NCP), recorded sexual assault (RSA) and sextortion.
https://www.cybercivilrights.org/
1-844-878-CCRI
(1-800-878-2274)
Families Anonymous
FA is a 12 step fellowship for the family and friends of those individuals with drug, alcohol or related behavioral issues.
https://www.familiesanonymous.org/
1-800-736-9805
Girls & Boys Town National Hotline and Website
Crisis and resource referral services; specializing in family reunification of runaways and homeless adolescents ages 11-17. Counseling over the phone and online, placement and long-term residential care; bilingual services.
http://yourlifeyourvoice.org/
1-800-448-3000
Help Guide
Guide to mental health and wellness.
helpguide.org
Hope For The Day
Non-profit movement empowering the conversation on proactive suicide prevention and mental health education; local resource locator tool with resources on health and wellness services, food, housing, childcare, utility support, etc.
https://www.hftd.org/find-help
Fiscal Tiger
A Parent’s Guide to Discussing Financial Hardship With Your Children
https://www.fiscaltiger.com/a-parents-guide-to-discussing-financial-hardship-with-your-children/
Love Is Respect
loveisrespect’s purpose is to engage, educate, and empower young people to prevent and end abusive relationships.
https://www.loveisrespect.org/
1-866-331-9474
Text: loveis to 22522
Marijuana Anonymous
Fellowship of people who share our experience, strength, and hope with each other that we may solve our common problem and help others to recover from marijuana addiction.
www.marijuana-anonymous.org
1-800-766-6779
National Eating Disorders Association
Supports individuals and families affected by eating disorders and serves as a catalyst for prevention, cures, and access to quality care.
https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/help-support
1-800-931-2237
National Hopeline Network
1-800-SUICIDE
(1-800-784-7433)
National Safety Council
America’s leading nonprofit safety advocate; focus on eliminating the leading causes of preventable injuries and deaths.
https://www.nsc.org/work-safety/safety-topics/coronavirus/mental-health-and-wellbeing
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and Website
Support and crisis resources for yourself or someone else.
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
1-800-273-TALK
(1-800-273-8255)
National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Hopeline
1-800-622-2255
National Institute on Drug Abuse Hotline
1-800-662-4357
Poison Control
Poison Control tells you what to do if you swallow, splash, or get stung by something that may be harmful. Free/confidential services.
1-800-222-1222
National Helpline for Substance Abuse
1-800-262-2463
National Domestic Violence Hotline and Website
Provides lifesaving tools and immediate support to empower victims and survivors to find safety and live free of abuse; support for friends and family members who are concerned about a loved one.
https://www.thehotline.org/help/
1-800-799-7233
National US Child Abuse Hotline and Website
The hotline offers crisis intervention, information, and referrals to thousands of emergency, social service, and support resources. All calls are confidential.
https://www.childhelp.org/hotline/
1-800-422-4453
Overeaters Anonymous
Online, face-to-face, phone support, and groups for overeaters.
https://oa.org/
COVID-19 SUPPORT & RESOURCES
5 Ways to Help Teens Manage Anxiety About the Coronavirus
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/11/well/family/coronavirus-teenagers-anxiety.html
Addressing the psychological and emotional impact of the COVID 19 pandemic for children, families, and healthcare staff
https://www.healthcaretoolbox.org/tools-and-resources/covid19.html
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Helping My Child Cope
https://www.healthcaretoolbox.org/tools-and-resources/14-health-care-toolbox/tools-and-resources/602-covid19-children-and-families.html
Coronavirus Mental Health Coping Strategies
https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/March-2020/Coronavirus-Mental-Health-Coping-Strategies
COVID-19 Lockdown Guide: How to Manage Anxiety and Isolation During Quarantine
https://adaa.org/learn-from-us/from-the-experts/blog-posts/consumer/covid-19-lockdown-guide-how-manage-anxiety-and
Faith & Spirituality: How Faith Can Help
https://www.nami.org/Find-Support/Living-with-a-Mental-Health-Condition/Faith-Spirituality
International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies
https://istss.org/public-resources/covid-19-resources
Just For Kids: A Comic Exploring The New Coronavirus
https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/02/28/809580453/just-for-kids-a-comic-exploring-the-new-coronavirus
Mental Health America
https://mhanational.org/covid19##ToolsToConnectWithOthers
Mental Health And COVID-19 – Information And Resources; managing stress, anxiety, for mental health providers, parents, caregivers, older adults
Navigating a Mental Health Crisis
https://1bo8dy15n7cz1sjbz5hoj5lt-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/122/2018/05/Navigating-A-Mental-Health-Crisis.pdf
Talking to Kids About the Coronavirus
https://childmind.org/article/talking-to-kids-about-the-coronavirus/
Tips for Families: Coronavirus
https://www.zerotothree.org/resources/3210-tips-for-families-coronavirus
Quaranteenagers: Strategies for Parenting in Close Quarters
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/19/well/family/coronavirus-covid-teenagers-teens-parents-kids-family-advice.html
What Is Post-Traumatic Growth and Coping in a Pandemic?
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/surviving-and-thriving-after-trauma/202004/what-is-post-traumatic-growth-and-coping-in-pandemic
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/11/well/family/coronavirus-teenagers-anxiety.html
Addressing the psychological and emotional impact of the COVID 19 pandemic for children, families, and healthcare staff
https://www.healthcaretoolbox.org/tools-and-resources/covid19.html
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Helping My Child Cope
https://www.healthcaretoolbox.org/tools-and-resources/14-health-care-toolbox/tools-and-resources/602-covid19-children-and-families.html
Coronavirus Mental Health Coping Strategies
https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/March-2020/Coronavirus-Mental-Health-Coping-Strategies
COVID-19 Lockdown Guide: How to Manage Anxiety and Isolation During Quarantine
https://adaa.org/learn-from-us/from-the-experts/blog-posts/consumer/covid-19-lockdown-guide-how-manage-anxiety-and
Faith & Spirituality: How Faith Can Help
https://www.nami.org/Find-Support/Living-with-a-Mental-Health-Condition/Faith-Spirituality
International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies
https://istss.org/public-resources/covid-19-resources
Just For Kids: A Comic Exploring The New Coronavirus
https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/02/28/809580453/just-for-kids-a-comic-exploring-the-new-coronavirus
Mental Health America
https://mhanational.org/covid19##ToolsToConnectWithOthers
Mental Health And COVID-19 – Information And Resources; managing stress, anxiety, for mental health providers, parents, caregivers, older adults
Navigating a Mental Health Crisis
https://1bo8dy15n7cz1sjbz5hoj5lt-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/122/2018/05/Navigating-A-Mental-Health-Crisis.pdf
Talking to Kids About the Coronavirus
https://childmind.org/article/talking-to-kids-about-the-coronavirus/
Tips for Families: Coronavirus
https://www.zerotothree.org/resources/3210-tips-for-families-coronavirus
Quaranteenagers: Strategies for Parenting in Close Quarters
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/19/well/family/coronavirus-covid-teenagers-teens-parents-kids-family-advice.html
What Is Post-Traumatic Growth and Coping in a Pandemic?
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/surviving-and-thriving-after-trauma/202004/what-is-post-traumatic-growth-and-coping-in-pandemic
ILLINOIS: ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE
Internet Assistance
The COVID-19 health crisis has shed light on the need for home internet service, and the large number of American households in all kinds of communities who don’t have it. Some Internet Service Providers have responded with new or improved discount broadband plans that will only be available for a short time; others continue to offer plans that were created prior to the crisis.
https://www.digitalinclusion.org/free-low-cost-internet-plans/
Medicaid-Healthcare and Medical Assistance
Medicaid is a jointly funded state and Federal government program that pays for medical assistance services for 1) Eligible children, 2) Parents and caretakers of children, 3) Pregnant persons,
4) Persons who are disabled, blind or 65 years of age or older, 5) Individuals who were formerly in foster care services, and 6) Adults aged 19-64 who are not receiving Medicare coverage and who are not the parent or caretaker relative of a minor child.
https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/1628
https://www.illinois.gov/hfs/medicalclients/Pages/default.aspx
1-800-843-6154
Medicare
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for participants: 1) Age 65 or older, 2) Under age 65 with certain disabilities, and 3) Any age with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).
https://www2.illinois.gov/cms/personnel/benefits/Pages/WhatisMedicare.aspx
https://www.ssa.gov/
SNAP (Food Assistance)
SNAP is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program that used to be called Food Stamps. SNAP helps low income people buy the food they need for good nutritional health. If you qualify for SNAP, you will get an Illinois Link card. Each month, the amount of your SNAP benefits will be added to your Link Card account, and you can use it like a debit card to pay for food at most grocery stores.
https://abe.illinois.gov/abe/access/accessController?id=0.05890987988289553
TANF (Cash Assistance)
Cash Assistance can help pay for food, shelter, utilities, and expenses other than medical costs. A small amount of cash assistance is available to people who fit into one of three groups:
Unemployment Insurance
Individuals without access to paid sick leave or unable to work due to COVID-19 can apply for unemployment insurance under the administration's expansion. The governor's executive order waives the 7-day waiting period for residents to apply for unemployment benefits, meaning anyone who qualifies can file and become immediately eligible instead of experiencing a week-long lag during this challenging time. Gov. Pritzker is working with the federal delegation and congressional leadership to push the Trump administration to allow the state to increase the length of benefits beyond 26 weeks as this crisis continues to provide significant fiscal challenges for Illinois families.
https://www2.illinois.gov/ides/aboutides/Pages/10%20Things%20You%20Should%20Know.aspx
Utility Bill Assistance
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible low-income households pay for home energy services (primarily heating during winter months). Energy costs can place severe and continuing stress on a family’s budget.
https://www2.illinois.gov/dceo/CommunityServices/UtilityBillAssistance/Pages/default.aspx
The COVID-19 health crisis has shed light on the need for home internet service, and the large number of American households in all kinds of communities who don’t have it. Some Internet Service Providers have responded with new or improved discount broadband plans that will only be available for a short time; others continue to offer plans that were created prior to the crisis.
https://www.digitalinclusion.org/free-low-cost-internet-plans/
Medicaid-Healthcare and Medical Assistance
Medicaid is a jointly funded state and Federal government program that pays for medical assistance services for 1) Eligible children, 2) Parents and caretakers of children, 3) Pregnant persons,
4) Persons who are disabled, blind or 65 years of age or older, 5) Individuals who were formerly in foster care services, and 6) Adults aged 19-64 who are not receiving Medicare coverage and who are not the parent or caretaker relative of a minor child.
https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/1628
https://www.illinois.gov/hfs/medicalclients/Pages/default.aspx
1-800-843-6154
Medicare
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for participants: 1) Age 65 or older, 2) Under age 65 with certain disabilities, and 3) Any age with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).
https://www2.illinois.gov/cms/personnel/benefits/Pages/WhatisMedicare.aspx
https://www.ssa.gov/
SNAP (Food Assistance)
SNAP is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program that used to be called Food Stamps. SNAP helps low income people buy the food they need for good nutritional health. If you qualify for SNAP, you will get an Illinois Link card. Each month, the amount of your SNAP benefits will be added to your Link Card account, and you can use it like a debit card to pay for food at most grocery stores.
https://abe.illinois.gov/abe/access/accessController?id=0.05890987988289553
TANF (Cash Assistance)
Cash Assistance can help pay for food, shelter, utilities, and expenses other than medical costs. A small amount of cash assistance is available to people who fit into one of three groups:
- Low-income pregnant women or families that include at least one dependent child under the age of 18, may qualify for TANF Cash Assistance. TANF is short for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. If someone receives TANF, they also get Medicaid or All Kids health care coverage.
- Low-income seniors age 65 or older, people who are blind, and people who have a permanent disability may qualify for AABD Cash Assistance. AABD is short for Aid to the Aged, Blind and Disabled. People who qualify for AABD cash assistance also get Medicaid health care coverage.
- Immigrants with refugee or asylee status may be eligible for cash assistance through the Refugee Resettlement Program (RRP). Refugees may be eligible for assistance up to 8 months after the date of entry into the United States. Asylees may be eligible for assistance up to 8 months after the date asylum is granted. People who qualify for RRP Cash Assistance also get Medicaid health care coverage. People who qualify for TANF or AABD cash assistance do not qualify for RRP cash assistance.
Unemployment Insurance
Individuals without access to paid sick leave or unable to work due to COVID-19 can apply for unemployment insurance under the administration's expansion. The governor's executive order waives the 7-day waiting period for residents to apply for unemployment benefits, meaning anyone who qualifies can file and become immediately eligible instead of experiencing a week-long lag during this challenging time. Gov. Pritzker is working with the federal delegation and congressional leadership to push the Trump administration to allow the state to increase the length of benefits beyond 26 weeks as this crisis continues to provide significant fiscal challenges for Illinois families.
https://www2.illinois.gov/ides/aboutides/Pages/10%20Things%20You%20Should%20Know.aspx
Utility Bill Assistance
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible low-income households pay for home energy services (primarily heating during winter months). Energy costs can place severe and continuing stress on a family’s budget.
https://www2.illinois.gov/dceo/CommunityServices/UtilityBillAssistance/Pages/default.aspx
