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 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.