Health & Benefits

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, and
• Social Security number. A number that the federal government gives to each U.S. citizen. It keeps track of their earnings and retirement benefits.

You must file a written application for General Assistance (GA) with your local township office. You can find a list of townships on the Township Officials of Illinois website. 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 To refuse or say no 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, Anything a person owns that has financial value and needs, and
• Social Security number. A number that the federal government gives to each U.S. citizen. It keeps track of their earnings and retirement benefits.

If you are a veteran living in a county with a Veteran’s Assistance Commission, you should contact the Veteran Services Officer (VSO).

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 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.