There are many people who call the state of Illinois home. Some of them at times may need to know about special helpful programs that will provide assistance to those experiencing financial difficulties. Knowing about the programs can make a world of difference and ensure that one’s basic needs are being met. There are several programs that offer financial help for African Americans in Illinois.
The programs that are in place to help provide financial help for African Americans in Illinois are usually funded by the federal government. Some of them are made possible by the state government, too. There are also programs available at churches, community centers, and provided by non-profit organizations. Together, all of these programs will ensure that people get through the financially difficult periods of time.
Financial Help for African Americans in Illinois
The programs listed below will all provide some type of financial assistance for those in need. There is no limit to how many of these programs you can get help from at one time, so be sure to apply to all those you feel qualified for. This will ensure that your basic needs are met during this difficult financial time. Keep in mind that the assistance is not a loan, so you never have to pay any of it back. It’s considered a gift and is given to those in the community who has a low income and need assistance.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – This program focuses on providing people with a low income the food they need to survive. The program is federally funded and used to be known as food stamps. Those who are approved for the benefit will receive a monthly payment that is electronically added to a debit card. The card can then be used to pay for groceries at the store or farmer’s market. The amount of money you receive each month on you debit card is determined by how many dependents you have in the home. To qualify, you have to have low income and be a legal citizen, or legal non-citizen. To get more information or apply, click here.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – This program offers monthly cash benefit that can be used to help with basic living needs. This program will provide financial help for African Americans in Illinois, which can be used to pay for such things as rent, utility bills, purchasing food, paying bills, transportation, and more. To qualify for assistance you have to have a low income and at least one minor child that you are caring for. You also have to be legal U.S. citizen or legal non-citizen. The amount that you receive each month is determined by how many dependents you have. This program was formerly called food stamps. To get more information or apply, click here.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – This program offers financial help for African Americans who are struggling with housing issues. They will help pay your rent, help you avoid foreclosure, and pay for some necessary home repair bills. They also pay for weatherization services, which will make your home more energy efficient, as a result it will lower monthly utility bills. HUD also owns housing units that they allow people to live in for free. HUD is a government-funded program. To get assistance from HUD in Illinois you have to have a low income and be a legal citizen or legal non-citizen. To get more information or apply, click here.
General Assistance – Those who do not have any minor children they are providing for and can’t get other means of assistance may qualify for General Assistance. The program will provide cash benefit each month that can be used to pay for living expenses. The funds can be used for clothing, food, rent, transportation, prescriptions, etc. To qualify for this program, you have to have a low income. To get more information, click here.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – This program will provide financial help for African Americans to help pay for utility bills. The program is open to anyone who has a low income and is the person responsible for paying the bill. If you are approved for the program they will pay your utility bill on your behalf. This program is funded through a federal block grant, so when the funds are gone each year there is no more assistance until it’s re-funded the next year. You will have to re-apply for the financial help each year that you need it. Those who get approved for LIHEAP may also be automatically able to get reductions in their water and sewer bills. To get more information about LIHEAP, click here.
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) – This program is designed to provide financial help for women in Illinois. To qualify for WIC, you have to have a low income and be considered nutritionally at risk. Those who are approved for WIC in Illinois will be able to get free healthy foods each month. To apply for WIC you have to visit one of their clinics in person. To learn more information and find a clinic near you, click here.
Catholic Charities – This faith-based organization will provide financial help for African Americans by providing free food, clothing, shelter, counseling, and more. They have locations around the nation, providing different programs at each of one. To get help from Catholic Charities you need to have a low income. To get more information and find a location near you, click here.
Salvation Army – This is another faith-based organization that provides a variety of helpful services to those in the community who have a low income. They offer free hot meals, boxes of food, clothing, transportation vouchers, shelters, counseling services, and much more. By visiting a Salvation Army near you, they should be able to help you with your individual needs, or refer you to a place that can. To get more information and find a location near you, click here.