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All kinds of help

Money

Cash help for basic needs, monthly payments for people with disabilities, retirees and veterans, and help with taxes. Your state runs cash help for families. Social Security pays disability and retirement benefits, and the VA pays veterans benefits. Free tax help can make sure you claim the credits you qualify for.Help in Illinois and from the federal government.

Ask about it

Tell us more about what you need, in your own words. You get the programs that fit and people to call.

Community action agencies in Illinois

Local nonprofits that help people with low incomes. Many help with energy bills, rent, jobs and taxes. Call to ask what they offer now.

Programs in Illinois

Illinois programs for this kind of help. Each agency decides who qualifies.

  • Illinois Department of Human Services

    Temporary Assistance for Needy Families

    TANF provides cash help to eligible families with children and pregnant people.

    Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person

    Apply online Agency pageCall 800-843-6154

  • Illinois Department of Human Services

    Aid to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled Cash Assistance

    AABD Cash provides monthly cash assistance to eligible older adults and people with disabilities.

    Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person

    Apply online Agency pageCall 800-843-6154

  • Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services

    Child Support Services

    Child Support Services helps parents establish and collect financial support for their children.

    Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person

    Apply online Agency pageCall 800-843-6154

  • Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs

    Illinois Veterans’ Benefits and Services

    IDVA helps veterans and their families find and apply for state and federal benefits.

    Ways to apply:OnlinePhoneIn person

    Apply online Agency pageCall 800-437-9824

  • Illinois Department of Revenue

    Illinois Earned Income Credit

    The Illinois EITC is a refundable tax credit for eligible workers and families.

    Ways to apply:Paper

    Agency pageCall 800-732-8866

Checked on October 8, 2026

Federal programs

These work the same in every state. Each agency decides who qualifies.

  • Social Security Administration

    Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

    Monthly payments for people with little income and few resources who are 65 or older, blind, or have a disability, including children.

    Apply online at SSA.gov or call Social Security to make an appointment. Bring proof of age, income and any medical records.

    Apply on SSA.gov Official pageCall 1-800-772-1213

  • Social Security Administration

    Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

    Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes and now cannot work because of a disability that will last a long time.

    Apply online at SSA.gov or call Social Security. Have your medical records and work history ready.

    Apply on SSA.gov Official pageCall 1-800-772-1213

  • Social Security Administration

    Social Security retirement benefits

    Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes, starting as early as 62. Spouses and widows may also get benefits.

    Apply online at SSA.gov about four months before you want payments to start, or call Social Security.

    Apply on SSA.gov Official pageCall 1-800-772-1213

  • U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

    VA disability compensation and benefits

    Monthly payments for veterans with an illness or injury caused or made worse by military service, plus education, home loan and other benefits.

    File a claim online at VA.gov or call VA. A free accredited representative can help you file.

    Apply on VA.gov Official pageCall 1-800-827-1000

  • Internal Revenue Service

    Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

    A federal tax credit for people who work and earn low to moderate income. It can mean a bigger refund, even if you owe no tax.

    Claim it when you file your federal tax return. Free help from VITA or IRS Free File can make sure you get it.

    Official pageCall 1-800-829-1040

  • Internal Revenue Service

    VITA and TCE free tax help

    IRS-certified volunteers prepare and file your taxes for free, in person, for people with low or moderate income, older adults and people with disabilities.

    Find a site near you on IRS.gov or call the locator line, then bring your ID and tax papers.

    Official pageCall 1-800-906-9887

  • Internal Revenue Service

    IRS Free File

    File your federal tax return online for free with tax software offered through the IRS, if your income is under the year's limit.

    Start from IRS.gov so you get the free version. Fillable forms are free for everyone.

    Apply on IRS.gov

Checked on October 9, 2026

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