Financial Assistance and Social Services
General Assistance (GA) is a low-income relief initiative offered by townships to assist individuals facing challenging circumstances. If you are experiencing hardship, such as overdue rent, eviction, require help with utility payments, or if you simply are seeking assistance navigating the various social services available, we are here to help.
The Township’s GA provides ongoing financial support to individuals encountering hardships, contingent on their continued eligibility. Additionally, the Township administers an Emergency Assistance Program that offers short-term relief to qualifying individuals who do not meet the criteria for General Assistance.
If you need assistance in determining which program may be most suitable for you or need an application form mailed to you, please feel free to reach out to us at (815) 223-0746.
If you have access to a printer, please complete the application form provided below, and then print and sign it.
To apply, please fill out either the General Assistance Application. You will need to fill out the main General Assistance Application for Emergency Assistance as well, along with a few additional pages.
**Note:** A member of our team is available to help you ascertain which application is the most appropriate for your situation. If you haven’t already done so, we encourage you to call us at (815) 223-0746 for support in this process.
You can choose to fill out the application electronically and print it upon completion, or alternatively, you may print the application and complete it by hand.
Dear Applicant,
Below is an application for GENERAL ASSISTANCE. Please be aware you must have applied for all other assistance available to you before your edibility for GENERAL ASSISTANCE can be determined.
Information on how to apply for UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS with a special form just for Veterans is also linked below. The process of certifying and applying for unemployment benefits can be completed online at ides.illinois.gov.
You will also need to be actively seeking work if you are not in the process of filing for SSI or disability benefits. You can find information to register at ILLINOIS JOB LINK here. Please provide proof of your registration or proof of your disability filing to your intake meeting. You will receive a letter in the mail regarding this appointment.
Assistance will be given in the form of vouchers (no cash is distributed). People living in subsidized housing will be on a needs-based only program.
Community hours needed will be calculated using the dollar amount of assistance needed divided by the minimum wage in the State of Illinois.
Any questions please contact the office.
Please review the checklists list in the link below, and compile all relevant documents applicable to your situation.
It is essential to bring all these documents to your appointment, as this will expedite the processing of your application.
Once you have completed and signed your financial assistance application and gathered the necessary verification items, please call us at (815) 223-0746 to schedule your appointment.
**Important: Please do not mail, fax, or drop off your application. Financial assistance applications must be submitted in person only.