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General Assistance
General Assistance is a locally administered program that provides financial assistance to eligible Oak Park residents in accordance with the Illinois Department of Human Services guidelines, and offers referrals and information regarding eligibility for other assistance-type programs.
General Assistance Programs
General Assistance (GA) is a public assistance program mandated by state law for qualified individuals with financial needs. Our programs include:
General Assistance
Emergency Assistance
CEDA Energy Programs
Nicor Energy Assistance Programs
The Chicago Furniture Bank
See the Oak Park Township General Assistance Programs flyer to learn how we support families in Oak Park and River Forest.
Emergency Assistance Programs
Oak Park Township and the Village of Oak Park, have partnered to provide short-term financial assistance through the Flexible Rental Assistance Program (FRAP) and Emergency Assistance (EA) to help residents experiencing housing instability to stay safely housed.
Examples of situations we can help with:
- Eviction notice or risk of losing housing
- Past-due rent or utilities
- Utility shut-off notice
- Need help securing a new unit
See the Emergency Assistance flyer to learn how we support families in Oak Park and River Forest.
Energy Assistance
Oak Park Township is a certified partner of the Community Economic Development Association of Cook County (CEDA). We can assist qualifying residents by applying for available energy benefits like these:
Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Emergency Furnace
Weatherization Program
Energy Efficiency Kits
See the Oak Park Township Energy Service Benefits flyer to learn how we support families in Oak Park and River Forest.
Nicor Energy Assistance Programs
Oak Park Township is a certified Nicor Gas Energy Program partner. We can assist qualifying residents with benefits like these:
Payment Arrangements
Community Action Agencies
Request waivers of deposits and late payment fees
Ways to Save
See the Nicor Gas Energy Assistance Programs for Residential Customers webpage to learn how we can support families in Oak Park and River Forest.
The Chicago Furniture Bank
Oak Park Township's partnership with the CFB provides gently used and donated furniture to residents as they transition into a new home.
They can provide an entire home's worth of furniture to residents facing poverty.
See the Chicago Furniture Bank Website to learn how we can support Oak Park and River Forest families.
General Assistance Qualifications
To qualify for General Assistance, applicants must:
Have no minor children under 18 unless the applicant is the non-custodial parent
Be seeking employment or applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Meet income and asset guidelines
Not be eligible for other government-sponsored assistance
Adhere to General Assistance Guidelines
The Application for General Assistance and Emergency Assistance must be completed and signed for consideration.
The Illinois Department of Employment Security Website and the Chicago Legal Aid Website provide more information about additional programs.
Holiday Program
HFGB provides food gift cards at Thanksgiving and holiday gifts in December to:
Low-income families
Seniors
Adult singles
in Oak Park and River Forest.
A referral from Oak Park Township General Assistance at (708) 383-8005 or local clergy based on proof of income and residency is required.
To apply for General Assistance, please make an appointment and be prepared to provide the following:
For more information about eligibility or to schedule an appointment, please call (708) 383-8005. General Assistance and Emergency Assistance applications and documents may be emailed to intake@oakparktownship.org or you can drop off in our mailbox placed in front of the building at 105 S. Oak Park Avenue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is General Assistance and how can I apply if I am in need?
General Assistance is a locally administered program which provides financial assistance to persons who are not eligible for any other state or federal assistance programs and who do not have income or resources to provide for their own basic needs. An application and needed verification must be completed before assistance may be considered. An application may be obtained by coming to the General Assistance office or by making an appointment.
How do I know if I qualify for General Assistance?
You must be at least eighteen years old and a resident of Oak Park.
You must not be the custodial parent of a minor child.
If you are not working, applicants must maintain current registration with the Illinois Job Service and participate in a verifiable and active job search.
If you voluntarily left your job without due cause or were terminated for misconduct, you must wait thirty days after termination to file an application.
You are not eligible if you are a full or part-time college student.
If you are not a United States citizen, you must be an alien admitted under color of law and reside in this country for five years to be eligible.
You are ineligible if you live in a private or public institution, including psychiatric facilities.
All income and assets are included in determining your eligibility except the cash value of life insurance not exceeding $1,000, homestead property, and one automobile.
Applicants who are unable to work and have filed for Supplemental Security Income must submit SSI paperwork with their current status and additional eligibility information on request.
What are my responsibilities while I am a General Assistance recipient?
You must give complete information regarding income, assets, and means of support at the time of application. All changes in circumstance must be reported in person, via letter, or phone call within five working days of the change or prior to the expenditure of the most recent check received, whichever comes first. Those changes include family size, location, or receipt of income or assets which might affect the applicant's assistance.
The applicant is also expected to keep appointments and cooperate on referrals. If you receive more aid than warranted because of failure to report a change in circumstances, you will be required to repay the entire amount of excess assistance provided by the township. Persons who fail to comply may be prosecuted for fraud. A person guilty of fraud may be fined, imprisoned, or both. Anyone who encourages a person to misrepresent his or her case by any means is, by law, also guilty of fraud.
What if I am unhappy with the decisions made by Oak Park Township General Assistance?
You may appeal any decision by Oak Park General Assistance if you consider the decision unfair, you feel you have been unfairly forced to participate in a service program, or you feel you have been unfairly denied or excluded from a service program. Details of the appeal process are available upon request.
Other Available Resources
African American Christian Foundation
Job training, employment, and resume assistance; free computer training Serves youth and adults
6707 North Ave
Oak Park, IL 60302
708-848-1700
www.aacfworks.org
Provides job search guidance for people with criminal backgrounds. A referral from Oak Park Township is required.
237 S. Desplaines Street
Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 798-3300
Visit the Cara Collective website to learn more.
Chicago's Community Kitchen
Free job training for qualified and accepted applicants to gain food service experience, creating meals for Food Depository programs. See the website for applicant requirements and more information. Screening and orientation every Wednesday at 8:45 a.m.
4100 W. Ann Lurie Place
Pulaski & 42nd Place
Chicago, IL 60632
773-247-3663
www.chicagosfoodbank.org
Department of Rehab Services
Assists individuals with developmental disabilities
2215 Enterprise Drive Suite 1502
Westchester, IL 60154
708-409-8800
www.dhs.state.il.us
Easter Seals Metropolitan Chicago
The Easter Seals Metropolitan Chicago Central Office has an employment program that provides job training and employment opportunities for eligible low-income individuals aged 55 and older.
Contact- Jennifer L. Burke, Vocational Program and Training Services Manager
1931 W 13th St, Ste 300
Chicago, IL 60608-1226
312-491-4110
www.eastersealschicago.org
Employment Websites
www.npo.net – not for profit positions/social services
www.miracleworkers.com – health care positions
Housing Forward (formerly PADS Shelter)
Homeless Shelter and support for homelessness prevention
1851 S. 9th Ave.
Maywood, IL 60153
708-338-1724 or 888-338-1744
www.housingforward.org
Howard Community Center
Adult basic education, GED classes, and job placement
7648 N. Paulina Street
Chicago, IL 60626
773-262-6622
www.howardarea.org
Oak Park Public Library - Main Branch
Free basic computer classes; 1:1 support also available; three branch locations throughout Oak Park
834 Lake Street
Oak Park, IL 60302
708-383-8200
www.oppl.org
Job Search Resources - seminars, tech classes, and more are available at: https://www.oppl.org/use-your-library/job-seekers/.
Social Security Administration "Ticket To Work" Program
Ticket To Work is a free and voluntary program that improves access to meaningful employment for people who receive disability benefits. Call or visit their website to contact an authorized provider in your area.
Ticket to Work Help Line: 1-866-968-7842 / 866-833-2967 (TTY)
Temporary Employment Agencies
People Ready
7001 North Ave
Oak Park, IL 60302
708-383-0170
www.peopleready.com/
Paramount Staffing
7019 W. North Ave
Oak Park, IL 60302
708-383-3355
www.paramountstaffing.com
Triton College Career Services
1:1 job search counseling is available, as well as computer access, job postings, job search workshops, and referrals. Specific walk-in scheduled hours are available Monday through Friday.
2000 Fifth Ave. Room A-204
River Grove, IL 60171
708-456-0300, ext. 3619 or 3805
www.triton.edu/careerserv
YMCA Rise Center
Career coaching for women only; free computer training for men and women
1 North LaSalle Street, Ste 1150
Chicago, IL 60602
866-525-9922
www.ywcachicago.org
Additional Resources
General Assistance
Access to Care
Health care for limited-income residents.
2225 Enterprise Drive, Suite 2507
Westchester, IL 60154
708-531-0680
Fax: 708-531-0686
www.accesstocare.org
Cook County Health & Hospitals System - CountyCare
CountyCare is a Medicaid program for uninsured adults in Cook County through the Affordable Care Act (Healthcare Reform). Residency and income guidelines apply to be eligible for the program. Enrolled individuals will receive medical care from providers in the Cook County Health & Hospital System (CCHHS) and select community providers.
Call 312-864-8200 for more information.
Forest Park Vet Center
The Vet Center provides counseling, outreach, and referral services for veterans and their families. It is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 to 4:30 p.m.; evening and weekend appointments are available upon request.
1515 S Harlem Ave
Forest Park, IL 60130
708-383-3225 or 877-927-8387
www.va.gov
Illinois Department of Employment Security
Link to Illinois workforce services: job placement and referrals, insurance, employment and training programs, career and labor market information.
35 So. 19th Avenue
Maywood, IL 60153
800-244-5631
www.ides.illinois.gov
Illinois Department of Human Services
Cash, SNAP, and Medical Assistance
West Suburban Office
2701 W. Lake St.
Melrose Park, IL 60160-3041
708-338-7600
Fax: 708-338-7638
www.dhs.state.il.us
Legal Aid Foundation
The Legal Aid Foundation provides free legal services to low-income individuals and families. They assist with foreclosure, bankruptcy, divorce, custody, and other legal issues except criminal, personal, injury, probate, or traffic cases. The phone lines open at 8 a.m.
120 S. LaSalle St. Suite 900
Chicago, IL 60603
312-341-1070
www.lafchicago.org/
Salvation Army and Nicor Gas Sharing Program*
If you are not over the income threshold for the CEDA Energy LIHEAP program, you may be eligible for the Salvation Army Nicor Gas Sharing Program. There are four additional gas utility grants under the Nicor Sharing Program (income guidelines strictly apply.)
Please contact the GA/EA department at 708 383-8005 and ask to speak with the intake person. And/or, visit the NICOR website and click on the Energy Efficiency Program option to learn more about the Energy Assistance Programs.
There may be additional funding for Military Veterans and seniors 65 and better.
Provides emergency assistance to residents in over 200 suburban communities in the Chicago metropolitan area. Supports people during crisis situations and identifies other community resources. Thrift stores are located throughout Cook County.
Division headquarters:
5040 N. Pulaski Rd.
Chicago, IL 60630
773-205-3369
Fax: 773-205-3585
www.salarmychicago.org
* Gas Sharing applications may be processed through Prevail, 848 Lake Street, (708) 386-1946.
Social Security Administration
230 N Mannheim Road
Hillside, IL 60162
800-772-1213
ssa.gov/
Thrive Counseling Center
Thrive is a nonprofit mental health center. It provides counseling for individuals, couples, and families. It also offers psychiatric services, 24/7 crisis services, youth services, in-home counseling for seniors, and other specialized programs. Thrive accepts most major insurance, Medicare and Medicaid. Sliding scale fee available for residents without insurance.
120 S. Marion St
Oak Park, IL 60302
708-383-7500
www.thrivecc.org/
Village of Oak Park Public Health Department
123 Madison St.
Oak Park, IL 60302
708-358-5480
Fax: 708-358-5115
www.oak-park.us/village-services/department-public-health
Homelessness Prevention
Catholic Charities of Chicago Northwestern Suburbs Suburban Cook County Homeless Prevention Center
721 N. LaSalle St.
Chicago, IL 60610
877-426-6515
www.catholiccharities.net/services/homelessness
1400 S. Austin Blvd.
Cicero, IL 60804
708-329-4022
Fax: 708-222-1495
1717 Rand Rd.
DesPlaines, IL 60016
847-376-2112
Chicago Emergency Fund
Financial aid can be provided for rental and utility assistance, security/utility deposits, moving assistance, and motel/hotel vouchers. Documentation is required. Due to anticipated demand, call wait time can be lengthy.
208 S. LaSalle, Suite 1356
Chicago, IL 60604
Call 311
www.dhs.state.il.us
Featherfist Homeless Shelter – Chicago
2255 E. 75th St.
Chicago, IL 60649
773-721-7088
Fax: 773-721-7144
www.featherfist.org/
Housing Forward (formerly West Suburban PADS – Public Action to Deliver Shelter)
Housing Forward provides emergency shelter, supportive housing, emergency assistance, job-search support, community outreach, and homelessness prevention. Download their list of resources on the current street card here.
1851 S. 9th Ave.
Maywood, IL 60153
708-338-1724
www.housingforward.org/
Lawyer's Committee for Better Housing
Any tenant in a building that is being foreclosed has rights. The Lawyer's Committee for Better Housing can assist. Please call the free Tenants in Foreclosure Help Line below or visit the LCBH website for more information.
33 N. LaSalle
Suite 900
Chicago, IL 60602
855-207-8347 (toll-free)
www.lcbh.org/
Other Social Services
CARA Program
Assists people with criminal backgrounds. Need referral from Oak Park Township.
237 S. DesPlaines
Chicago, IL 60661
312-798-3300
www.thecaraprogram.org/
Community and Economic Development Association (CEDA) of Cook County
Child and family development, health and nutrition services, senior citizen programs, economic development, employment and job training, housing, education, and community development.
6141 West Roosevelt Road
Cicero, IL 60804
708-222-3824
Fax: 708-222-0026
www.cedaorg.net
Cook County GED
Provides locations of preparation classes and registration for the GED Test
Cook County GED Testing Program
Illinois Community College Board – GED
P.O. Box 88725
Chicago, IL 60680
800-321-9511; 847-328-9795
www.cookcountyged.org
Executive Clemency and Expungement
Governor Pat Quinn – Springfield
Illinois Prisoner Review Board
319 East Madison St., Suite A
Springfield, IL 62701
217-782-7273
Fax: 217-524-0012
www.illinois.gov/prb/Pages/prbexclemex.aspx
Haymarket Center
Assists people with drug and alcohol abuse through detox programs, housing, counseling, employment opportunities, etc.
932 W. Washington
Chicago, IL 60607
312-226-7984
Fax: 312-226-8048
www.hcenter.org
Way Back Inn / Grateful House
Provides housing and counseling as well as other resources to help promote a healthy lifestyle for those with a history of chemical abuse. Must have the ability and willingness to maintain full-time employment and must not have a history of chronic violent behavior.
1915 W. Roosevelt Rd.
Broadview, IL 60155
708-345-8422
Fax: 708-344-2944
www.waybackinn.org/
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