Meals and Financial Assistance Resources
How the Coronavirus Stimulus Bill Affects You
Article from Investopedia about how coronavirus legislation affects individuals and their financial well-being.
ILHousingSearch.org is a free bilingual online resource for renters and property providers in Illinois.
You can search for affordable, accessible and market-rate housing to fit your needs and budget.
For additional assistance, call (877) 428-8844 (toll-free) Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dial 7-1-1 for TTY.
Illinois Computer Equity Network
Illinois has launched a statewide network that will receive, refurbish and redistribute used computers to those in need.
This initiative responds to the 1.1 million Illinois households currently without computers and aims to bridge the digital divide for those without internet access to help improve connectivity essential for remote learning, work from home, telemedicine, and other requirements of everyday life.
The project is a partnership of the state of Illinois, PCs for People and various community partners.
To be eligible, residents must be below 200 percent of the poverty level or enrolled in income-based government assistance programs, such as free or reduced school lunch, Medicaid or SNAP.
Individuals can register for upcoming distribution events in their area to receive a computer, internet or both.
Visit www.pcsforpeople.org/illinois/ or call (618) 215-3787 for more information.
Illinois Department of Employment Security
Apply for unemployment insurance if you are without access to paid sick leave or unable to work because of COVID-19.
(800) 244-5631
Illinois Emergency Homeowner Assistance Fund (ILHAF)
The Illinois Emergency Homeowner Assistance Fund (ILHAF) program is now accepting applications for assistance. This federally funded program helps homeowners at risk of default, foreclosure or displacement as a result of a financial hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
ILHAF provides up to $60,000 in mortgage assistance to eligible homeowners. The program pays mortgage assistance directly to the servicer, taxing body or other approved entity.
The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IDHA) is providing free, how-to webinars in English and Spanish to help homeowners with the application process. Visit the ILHAF website for more details.
If you have questions, please contact ILHAF customer relations at (866) 454-3571 or email hafquestions@ihda.org.
Illinois Emergency Rental Assistance Programs
The Illinois Emergency Rental Assistance Programs webpage provides updated information about COVID-19 emergency rental assistance programs throughout Illinois. Information is available in multiple languages and includes:
- Programs that are currently open
- Type of assistance provided
- Eligibility requirements
- Where to apply
- How to apply and the documentation needed
Illinois Unidos – COVID-19 Resources for Latinx Families
Illinois Unidos provides a collection of resources developed for and focusing on Latinx families to address:
- Frequently asked questions regarding vaccinations and mitigation measures
- Accessing health, economic and mental health community services
- Stopping the growth of COVID-19
- The devastating economic impact of COVID-19
Illinois Unidos is a consortium of more than 150 Latino elected and appointed officials, health professionals and representatives of community-based organizations.
Illinois’ Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) SNAP Benefits Program
The Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program provides benefits to children who receive free or reduced-price school meals under the National School Lunch Program to help their families buy groceries.
P-EBT is a temporary food benefit program operating during the COVID-19 pandemic. P-EBT only provides benefits for days that students are remote learning, but without being offered a meal at school, or home for an approved COVID-related absence.
For each day that K-12 schoolchildren lack access to an in-school lunch, P-EBT provides eligible families with $6.82 in benefits per student, per day. These benefits are provided on a card that can be used like a debit card to purchase food at any grocery store that accepts LINK cards.
Beginning in March 2021, the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) in collaboration with the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) will issue P-EBT benefits to families with eligible children for the 2020-21 school year. Families receiving regular SNAP and non-SNAP households can qualify for P-EBT benefits.
See the Frequently Asked Questions on P-EBT for more details. The Greater Chicago Food Depository also has helpful information on P-EBT on its website at www.chicagosfoodbank.org/p-ebt-benefits/.
Please contact IDHS with questions at (800) 843-6154. (Note that the Division of Specialized Care for Children does not operate this program.)
Latino Policy Forum – Index of Coronavirus Resources
A roundup of helpful information, including funding, education, housing, immigration, food and more for the Latino community.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible low-income households pay for home energy services (primarily heating during winter months).
Additionally, you will also qualify for assistance with your water and wastewater bills if your household is disconnected, in threat of disconnection or if you are more than $250 in arrears on your current bill. You will apply for Low Income Household Water Assistance (LIHWAP) at the same time you complete your current LIHEAP application.
Due to COVID-19 precautions, some local agencies are closed to the public, but applications may be made remotely.
To help find an office serving your area, visit this complete list of LIHEAP application agencies based on county.
For more program information, get the Help Illinois Families flyer, check out the frequently asked questions or call the LIHEAP hotline at (877) 411-WARM (9276).
Local agencies may offer different types of LIHEAP assistance depending on funding availability and the utility service area.