Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides short term cash help to families who have related children under age 18 living with them. Pregnant women who have not yet delivered can also receive cash help. If you receive TANF cash, help with medical expenses is also provided. If you and your children are homeless because of a fire, flood, natural disaster, eviction for any reason other than not paying your rent, or left your home due to domestic violence, you can apply for TANF and TANF Crisis Assistance.
Because of a crisis you may be able to be interviewed and receive TANF cash help sooner as well as possibly receive a one time additional benefit. This is also available to you if you already receive TANF and have one of the crisis listed below.
Ask about TANF Crisis Assistance if
- you are a parent or related caregiver of children 18 or younger, AND
- you are eligible for TANF AND
- you are:
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homeless due to a fire, flood or natural disaster;
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left your home due to domestic violence;
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your abuser left the home and as a result you have no income or means of support, or
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you have been evicted for any reason,
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If you are newly applying for TANF, you have to apply for both TANF cash and the Crisis Assistance at the same time. It is best to actually bring in the application for TANF and ask for Crisis Assistance. You can also complete a Cash, Medical, Food assistance request and also a Crisis assistance application and bring both to the office.
See below to print a copy of the Crisis Assistance application.
Social Security provides benefits to dependents of a deceased wage earner who paid sufficient Social Security taxes while working. If you are not sure if you qualify you can call 1-800-772-1234 and talk with a Social Security representative.
The General Assistance (GA) program provides people with money and limited medical care to help take care of themselves when they do not qualify for other cash benefits. The program is operated by the State of Illinois in the City of Chicago. In the rest of Illinois, either local townships or county governments operate the General Assistance Program.
Social Security provides retirement and disability benefits to you if you have paid sufficient Social Security taxes while you were working. You may be able to receive cash if you are retired, disabled, or a dependent of a deceased wage earner. If you are not sure if you qualify you can call 1-800-772-1234 and talk with a Social Security representative.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a Federal income supplement program funded by general tax revenues (not Social Security taxes). It is designed to help aged, blind, and disabled people, who have little or no income; and It provides cash to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter.
Aid to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (AABD) provides cash assistance
to persons who are aged (65 and older), blind, or disabled and who need
extra money to supplement an SSI (Supplemental Security Income)or other
disability/retirement benefit.
- were injured while in the service,
- are permanently and totally disabled due to military service,
- were seriously ill while they were in the service, and believe the problem has continued, or
- developed a mental or physical condition that may be related to military service.
If you are military veteran who is honorably discharged, you may be able to receive emergency, or temporary help to meet a life crisis, such as inability to pay rent, utilities, or need emergency medication.
Low income disabled or elderly (65 and older) veterans who are discharged under conditions other than dishonorable OR surviving spouses and disabled adult children may be able to receive help through this national cash assistance program.