Health & Benefits

Finding help can be hard when you don't have enough money. This article lists some of the help available for food, clothing, shelter, and child care in Illinois. It also includes some back-to-school events that offer multiple services. 

I need food

The Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program

You can apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to buy food. The money comes from the federal government, but it is run by the Illinois Department of Human Services. 

Summer food programs

Summer EBT (Sun Bucks)

Summer EBT is a new program that started in 2024. This program provides families with a $120 one-time benefit for each eligible school-aged child. Benefits will be loaded onto an EBT card and can be used to buy groceries when school is not in session. If you received food or cash assistance from the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) during the school year, your benefits will be loaded onto your existing Link account. 

Most eligible families will receive benefits automatically, but some parents will need to apply.

Learn more about Summer EBT.

Summer Food Service Program

Low-income families with children may be eligible for summer food aid, which is available in different forms. Options may include free meals at neighborhood locations, meals or snacks for pick up, and money to purchase groceries during the summer. The Illinois Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides nutritious meals to children during the summer months when school is not in session. Learn more about SFSP, which provides free meals to all children under 18 with no income requirements. You can use the Summer Meals Site Finder application to find a location that is offering free meals.

Seamless Summer Option

The Seamless Summer Option is an alternative to the SFSP offered by some schools. If your child qualifies for free or reduced school meals, reach out to their school about this program.

I need clothes

Clothing closets

You can get new or gently used clothing at your local clothing closet for free if you meet certain income limits. You will usually need to visit the clothing closet in person and fill out a form. To find your local clothing closet, visit findhelp.org. 

Cradles to Crayons

Cradles to Crayons partners with local organizations to provide services to Chicago families. These services include:

• Clothing,
• Footwear,
• Books,
• Diapers,
• School supplies, and
• Hygiene kits.

Visit the Cradles to Crayons website to find an organization near you. 

Sangamon County

Sangamon County offers vouchers for school uniforms. There are 200 vouchers of $100. You must call on a Monday to schedule your appointment on a Tuesday. You must use the voucher at Luers, which will also give you a 20% discount for items purchased with a voucher. You must use it within 7 days after you receive it.

For more information, visit the Sangamon County website.

Similar services may be available in other districts. Contact your school social worker for more information.

I need shelter

If you are homeless or in immediate danger of eviction, foreclosure A forced sale of property when a person doesn't make payments on a loan , or homelessness, you can look into the IDHS Homeless Prevention program. 

Services are provided through a network of local organizations. To get services, contact a Homeless Prevention Provider.

For information about the support services available to those experiencing homelessness, visit the IDHS Help is Here page or call 1-833-2-FIND-HELP.

I need child care

You may be eligible for the Illinois Child Care Assistance Program if you meet all of the following requirements:

• Live in Illinois,
• Are employed and/or going to an eligible educational activity (high school, trade school, undergraduate college),
• Have children younger than 13 that need care while you are working or going to school. Children with documented special needs may be eligible up to the age of 19, and
• Have family income below allowable limits. 

Illinois Action for Children is currently offering one-on-one appointments. They are being offered both in person and by phone to fill out the necessary paperwork for this program.

You can also ask about the child care assistance programs at your local YMCA and YWCA. These programs are free to people who meet certain income limits. Contact your local program for more details. 

Back-to-school events

There are annual back-to-school events and fairs in Illinois that happen during the summer and in August. These events provide families with free school supplies, access to vaccines, full physicals, haircuts, and more. 

Some of these events include,

• Chicago Back 2 School Fair,
• Will County Back to School Fair, and
• DuPage County Back to School Fair.

This is not a complete list. Check with your local school district to see if they are offering or are aware of a back-to-school fair in your area.