Health & Benefits

First, you must determine whether you live in a township based on your county.  Not all counties have townships. Check the Illinois Association of County Board Members has a website to see if your county has townships. If you’re not sure which township you belong to, call your county to find out. 

If you live in a township, note the township office address. You will need to file your application at that office. If your township does not have an online website to access information about General Assistance, contact your county to gain information about your township's General Assistance program to complete an online or written application.

If you do not live in a township, then you will need to apply with your county.

Note: The remaining instructions only refer to townships. If you are applying with your county, these instructions still apply.

The township may ask you to show proof of:

• Recent receipts,
• Utility bills,
• Medical bills,
• Pay stubs, 
• Proof of your income, assets, Anything a person owns that has financial value and needs,
• Social Security number, A number that the federal government gives to each U.S. citizen. It keeps track of their earnings and retirement benefits. and
• Identity documents or government issued identification.

You must file a written application for General Assistance (GA) with your local township office. Your township must give you an application form when you ask to apply for GA. The township must process your application. The township can’t deny your application just because it claims to lack the money. The township can't require you to prove eligibility before letting you apply.

The township may ask you to show:

• Rent receipts,
• Utility bills,
• Medical bills,
• Pay stubs, 
• Proof of your income, assets, and needs, and
• Social Security number.

If you are a veteran living in a county with a Veteran’s Assistance Commission, you should contact your local Veterans’ Services Office (VSO).To know if you are a veteran living in a county with a Veteran’s Assistance Commission, use your DD-214 or discharge papers to verify your local county resources through the Illinois Association of County Veterans Assistance Commissions website.

The township must give you notice in writing that either approves or denies your application. They must give you this notice within 30 to 45 days of the date you filed your application. The township must also give you a written notice every time if it wants to change or stop your payments. If you disagree with the decision, you can file an appeal.

The township must give you GA on an ongoing basis each month for as long as you qualify.