Tag: financial

Emergency Rental and Mortgage Assistance from Illinois Housing Development Authority

The Illinois Housing Development Authority is offering emergency rental and mortgage assistance to help Illinois residents during COVID-19.

The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) will soon be offering emergency rental and mortgage assistance to help Illinois residents during COVID-19.

The Illinois General Assembly has dedicated $396 million in Coronavirus Relief Funding to IHDA to fund affordable housing grants for emergency rental assistance and emergency mortgage assistance.

When to Apply:

  • IHDA will accept Emergency Rental Assistance Program applications August 10 through August 21.
  • IHDA will accept Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program applications August 24 through September 4.

Please see below for more information, videos, and printable flyers on IHDA’s Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) and Emergency Mortgage Assistance (EMA) Programs.

Contents

Click a link below to quickly go to a specific section!

  1. Emergency Rental Assistance Program
  2. Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program
  3. ERA and EMA Background

Emergency Rental Assistance Program

Summary

The Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program will give $5,000 to renters impacted by COVID-19 for back rent and prepay through 2020.

  • IHDA will accept Emergency Rental Assistance Program applications August 10 through August 21.
  • You must have an unpaid rent balance that began on or after March 1, 2020 due to loss of income related to COVID-19 pandemic.

For more information, please see the video links and flyers below or go to https://era.ihda.org/.

To apply, please click the button below.

More Information + Apply

Return to Table of Contents

Videos

Emergency Rental Assistance Video

Programa de Asistencia de Renta Video

Return to Table of Contents

Flyers

Emergency Rental Assistance Eligibility [English/Spanish]Download
Emergency Rental Assistance FAQ [English]Download
Programa de Asistencia de Renta FAQ [Spanish]Download
How to Apply/
Cómo Aplicar [English/Spanish]Download

Emergency Mortgage Assistance

Summary

The Emergency Mortgage Assistance (EMA) program will provide homeowners impacted by COVID-19 up to $15,000 to reinstate their mortgage and prepay through 2020.

  • IHDA will accept Emergency Mortgage Assistance applications August 24 through September 4.
  • You must have a past due balance or a forbearance balance that began sometime on or after March 1, 2020 due to loss of income related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

For more information, please see the videos and flyers below or go to https://ema.ihda.org/.

To apply, click the button below.

More information + Apply

Return to Table of Contents

Videos

Emergency Mortgage Assistance Video

Asistencia Hipotecaria de Emergencia Vídeo

Return to Table of Contents

Flyers

Emergency Mortgage Assistance Eligibility [English/Spanish]Download
Emergency Mortgage Assistance FAQ [English]Download

Return to Table of Contents

ERA and EMA Program Background

IHDA Emergency Housing Assistance Program BackgroundDownload

Important P-EBT and SNAP Updates: Apply for P-EBT Today!

Illinois households can now apply for P-EBT financial assistance until 8/31! (Plus important SNAP updates)

Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) Extended to 8/31

Does your family have school aged children? If so, you can still apply for Pandemic EBT (P-EBT), which will provide you with financial assistance!

  • The deadline to apply for P-EBT has recently been extended to August 31st.
  • P-EBT provides financial assistance to families with school aged children.
    • Families receive an EBT card that can be used offset the cost of meals that would have been consumed at school.
    • P-EBT provides the value of school meals at the rate of $5.70 per child per school day.
  • Please download the P-EBT Guide below and share with community members who may be eligible for P-EBT.
P-EBT Guide for IllinoisDownload

Community Organizations: Are you interested in receiving training on P-EBT outreach and how to talk to immigrant families about P-EBT? Do you have P-EBT questions your clients keep asking? If so, reach out to pif@povertylaw.org for free training.

SNAP Recertification Extension

Did you recently receive a SNAP Recertification Letter from the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS)? If so, please read on!

  • Illinois households that were scheduled to have their SNAP recertification in July and August 2020 will automatically have their SNAP certification period extended 6 months.
    • If you were going to be recertified in July, your recertification will be extended to January 2021.
    • If you were going to be recertified in August, your recertification will be pushed back to February 2021.
  • Unfortunately, IDHS already sent some recertification letters out.
  • Your benefits will not expire if you received a recertification letter for July or August 2020.

Maximum SNAP Benefits

  • All Illinois households receiving SNAP benefits will receive the maximum SNAP benefit for July and August.

IDHS Offices Reopening

The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) is starting to reopen local offices to client services.

However, IDHS still urges clients to use phone and online options to get help whenever possible.

Authorized community organizations are continuing to help households apply for SNAP over the phone.

For information on how to apply for SNAP online or over the phone, check out our blog post.

Lawndale Cares: Helpline and Financial Support

Lawndale Cares helping residents in Lawndale and surrounding neighborhoods find resources and meet their needs.

Lawndale resident sews masks at Stone Temple Missionary Baptist Church.
Picture Credit: Pidgeon Pagonis

The newly created Lawndale Cares Virtual Helpline is now helping residents in Lawndale and surrounding neighborhoods find local resources and meet basic needs.

  • The helpline is available to North Lawndale residents and those in nearby communities, including Little Village.
  • Residents can request help online by…
  • Residents can also call the helpline at 800-655-1626.
    • Volunteers and helpline staff are available 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday for immediate assistance.

Additionally, the Lawndale Cares mutual aid network has created The Compassion Fund for North Lawndale residents to get help paying for food, child care, transportation assistance and housing.

Check out this Block Club Chicago article for more details about these awesome grassroots resources.

Chicago COVID-19 Rental Assistance: Apply by August 14th

COVID-19 Rental and Mortgage Assistance applications will now be accepted until Monday, August 14th at 11:59PM.

Photo by Ryan Maia

The City of Chicago recently announced an additional $25 million in COVID-19 rent and mortgage relief funding this month for Chicagoans impacted by coronavirus.

Deadline: COVID-19 Rental and Mortgage Assistance applications will be accepted from Monday, July 27 at 10:00AM until Friday, August 14th at 11:59PM.

Note: The original deadline was Monday, August 10th. It has been extended to Friday, August 14th.

Learn More and apply
View Flyer / ver el volante

A lottery (randomized) system will be used to select applications that will receive funding through this program.

This is intended to create a level equity and fairness. A first come, first serve system would favor applicants who happen to be more experienced using the Internet or who have all the required documents readily available.

Since a lottery system will be used, applicants who apply first will not receive higher priority.

Apply

To learn more and apply online, click here.

You can also apply in person at one of six Chicago Community Service Centers:

  1. Englewood Community Service Center
    • 1140 West 79th Street, Chicago, IL 60620, 312-747-0200
    • Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  2. Garfield Community Service Center
    • 10 South Kedzie Avenue, Chicago, IL 60612, 312-746-5400
    • Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  3. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Service Center
    • 4314 South Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60653, 312-747-2300
    • Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  4. North Area Community Service Center
    • 845 West Wilson Avenue, Chicago, IL 60640, 312-744-2580
    • Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  5. South Chicago Community Service Center
    • 8650 South Commercial Avenue, Chicago, IL 60617, 312-747-0500
    • Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  6. Trina Davila Community Service Center
    • 4312 West North Avenue, Chicago, IL 60639, 312-744-2014
    • Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Deadline: COVID-19 Rental and Mortgage Assistance applications will be accepted from Monday, July 27 at 10:00AM until Monday, August 14th at 11:59PM.

More Info

Required Documents: The City of Chicago will ask for documentation to verify identity, social security number, income amount, and proof of housing. For more information about required documents, click here.

Frequently Asked Questions: For answers to Frequently Asked Questions about the City of Chicago’s COVID-19 Rental and Mortgage Assistance Program, click here.

Learn More and apply
View Flyer / Ver El Volante

Unemployment Benefits Expiring? Apply for SNAP

If your Pandemic Unemployment Compensation is expiring soon, you should consider applying for SNAP.

Click the infographics above to view full screen.

If you received unemployment benefits during the pandemic, you likely receive Pandemic Unemployment Compensation, or PUC. PUC is scheduled to expire for all unemployment participants at the end of July.

This article contains information and resources on applying for SNAP benefits for both PUC recipients and community organizations that serve clients who have received PUC benefits.

Outreach Resources

PUC Benefits Expiration – Apply for SNAP FlyerDownload
PUC/SNAP Benefits Outreach Guide for Service ProvidersDownload

What is Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (PUC)?

PUC provides an additional unemployment benefits of $600 per week. This temporary increase will end on July 25, 2020. 

What can I do once my PUC benefits expire?

If you need additional help with purchasing groceries once your $600 per week from PUC stops coming in, you should consider applying for SNAP benefits.

Income Eligibility

Eligibility for SNAP is based on the income you received in the 30 days prior to the date of your application.  For many people, the additional income received through Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (PUC) put them over the income limit for SNAP eligibility. 

You can apply for SNAP as soon as your PUC benefits end. However, it is important to note that your first month of benefits will likely be $0 based on the income you received through PUC in the prior 30 days. 

Future months of benefits, however, will be based on your income without PUC.  (Illinois SNAP Policy Manual: PM 13-02-03: Income)

SNAP Income Limits

Below are the gross income limits for SNAP benefits.  If your income will be less than the listed amount after the Pandemic Unemployment Benefits (PUC) end, you may be eligible for SNAP Benefits.

SNAP Unit SizeMaximum Gross Income Standard (165%)
1 Person$1,718
2 Persons  2,326
3 Persons  2,933
4 Persons  3,541
5 Persons  4,149
6 Persons  4,757
7 Persons  5,364
8 Persons  5,972
9 Persons  6,580
10 Persons  7,188
Each Additional Member+608

Tips for a Smooth Application Process (for Community Organizations)

In order to ensure that IDHS has a clear understanding of the client’s financial situation at the time of application, we recommend providing the caseworkers with an explanation of the fact that the clients income will be decreasing. 

You can include a note on the fax cover page for a paper application, or in the comments section of the online application. 

Below is a sample text for the note:

Mr. Smith had previously been receiving Pandemic Unemployment Benefits in the amount of $600 per week in addition to his regularly scheduled unemployment benefits.  Beginning 7/25/2020, Mr. Smith will no longer be receiving the additional unemployment income, and will only be receiving his weekly benefit in the amount of $250.

Expanded Financial Relief for Illinoisans

Illinois households with income up to 200% of the federal poverty level are now eligible to receive assistance with utility bills, rent, temporary shelter, food, and other household necessities.

The State of Illinois just authorized an expansion of the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) program. This expansion will help Illinoisans get emergency assistance to cover costs of utility bills, rent, temporary shelter, food, and other household necessities.

Households with income up to 200% of the federal poverty level are now eligible to receive financial assistance. Increased income eligibility thresholds aim to assist additional households needing support due to COVID-19.

Here are the services covered by this newly expanded financial relief:

Here is the income eligibility chart for these expanded services:

Family Size
(total number in household)		30-Day Income
Total to Meet Eligibility​
1$2,127
2$2,873
3$3,620
4$4,367
Add $747 monthly income per person above 4 people

This new funding means approximately 1 million more residents are now eligible for this program – with about 3.5 million residents eligible in total. For an average family, that amounts to hundreds of dollars.

What documentation do I need to prove eligibility? For each household member, please have the following documents ready to confirm eligibility with your LAA or CAA:

  • Social security card
  • Proof of past 30-day income (such as a paystub, check, or copy of check showing fixed income amount [e.g. SSA, VA, DHS benefits] or other proof of documentation for any income source)
  • Utility bill if seeking utility bill assistance or lease if seeking rental assistance

Residents seeking emergency relief can visit helpillinoisfamilies.com to determine their eligibility and submit a pre-application.

Learn more and apply for relief
Emergency Relief One Pager

COVID-19 Relief Fund for Immigrant Families in Illinois

The COVID-19 Immigrant Family Support Project will provide funds to low-income immigrants in Illinois who are not eligible for the federal stimulus package, unemployment insurance, or public benefits.

UPDATE: According to ICIRR, the $2 million in funds have been exhausted. ICIRR is no longer accepting applications for emergency assistance.

Through a partnership with the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) has launched the COVID-19 Immigrant Family Support Project.

This project will provide relief funds to one of the most underserved populations of the COVID-19 crisis: low-income immigrants who live in Illinois who are not eligible for the federal stimulus package, unemployment insurance, or public benefits.

Recipients of these funds will not be subject to Public Charge.

More info in English
Información en español aquí

How to Apply

Applicants will have to contact selected community-based organizations, who will screen applicants, determine eligibility, and assist in the application process.

Immigrant households should text “COVIDIL” to 52886 to receive more information and updates. Applications will be accepted until June 30th or when funds run out.

For information on how to apply, go to www.icirr.org/covidil or text “COVIDIL” to 52886. Please also see the infographics at the bottom of this blog post for more information.

Eligibility

  • You must not be eligible for federal stimulus, unemployment insurance, or public benefits.
  • You must live in the state of Illinois.
  • You have experienced income disruption due to COVID-19.
  • Priority will be given to households with income below 200% of the Federal Poverty Line. Please see the Income Guidelines infographic below for more details.

Infographics

Overview

Apply

Eligibility

Income Guidelines

Get Your Stimulus Check

GetMyPaymentIL.org can help take you get your stimulus payment as quickly as possible.

Most Illinoisans are eligible for Economic Impact Payments from the federal government. Even if you have no income you are eligible, but you might have to take action to receive your check.

You could receive up to $1,200 ($2,400 for a married couple) and $500 for each eligible dependent.

GetMyPaymentIL.org can help take you through each step so you can get your payment as quickly as possible. It provides step-by-step instructions on how to secure your stimulus check and answers common questions you may have.

Go to Getmypaymentil.org

Also, the recently IRS announced that it will begin adding 3,500 telephone representatives to answers questions about stimulus checks. People can call (800) 919-9835 with their stimulus check related questions.

GetMyPaymentIL.org Flyer: