Charleston

Local offices in Charleston

We found these on official websites. Call before you go, since hours and places can change.

• Utilities · City office

  City of Charleston Water and Sewer Utility

  520 Jackson Avenue, Charleston, IL 61920

  Help here

  • Water and sewer service and billingResidents can start or stop water service, ask about a bill, and make payments.Apply onlineRead more
  Call 217-345-2484DirectionsWebsite

  Last checked October 9, 2026 · Found on charlestonillinois.org

• State office

  Illinois Department of Human Services Family Community Resource Center - Mid-Illinois

  1550 Douglas Street, Charleston, IL 61920

  Help here

  • Medicaid and All KidsResidents can get help applying for Medicaid and All Kids health coverage.
  DirectionsWebsite

  Last checked October 9, 2026 · Found on dhs.state.il.us

• State office

  Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Facility

  1010 E Street, Charleston, IL 61920

  Help here

  • Driver and state ID servicesResidents can visit for driver license and state identification services.
  DirectionsWebsite

  Last checked October 9, 2026 · Found on ilsos.gov

• Library · City office

  Charleston Carnegie Public Library

  712 Sixth Street, Charleston, IL 61920

  Help here

  • Library cards and library resourcesResidents can get a library card and use books, technology, learning resources, and meeting rooms.
  Call 217-345-4913DirectionsWebsite

  Last checked October 9, 2026 · Found on charlestonlibrary.org

• Local office · City office

  City Hall

  520 Jackson Avenue, Charleston, IL 61920

  Help here

  • City services and informationContact City Hall for help finding city services and information.
  Call 217-345-2484DirectionsWebsite

  Last checked October 9, 2026 · Found on charlestonillinois.org

City of Charleston, Illinois website

Checked on October 9, 2026

Nonprofits that serve Charleston

Each one serves this area. Call before you go, since services and hours change.

Offices for all of Coles County

Charleston is in Coles County. These county and state offices serve people there too.

• State office

  Coles County Family Community Resource Center

  119 West State Street, Charleston, IL 61920

  Help here

  • Apply for public benefitsVisit the state office for help applying for food, cash, and medical benefits.Apply online
  Call 217-348-7100DirectionsWebsite

  Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on dhs.state.il.us

• Local office · Nonprofit

  211 Illinois

  Help here

  • Help finding local servicesCall 211 any time to get connected with local help for housing, food, utilities, health care, and other needs.
  Call 211Website

  Last checked October 9, 2026 · Found on 211illinois.org

• Public health · County office

  Coles County Health Department

  753 Windsor Road, Charleston, IL 61920

  Help here

  • Public health servicesGet nursing services, screenings, immunizations, and environmental health help from the county health department.
  • WICEligible pregnant or postpartum women, infants, and children under five can get nutrition support and food benefits.Read more
  Call 217-348-0530DirectionsWebsite

  Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on colesco.illinois.gov

• Mental health and recovery · County office

  Coles County Mental Health Commission

  651 Jackson Avenue, Room 309, Charleston, IL 61920

  Help here

  • Mental health services and referralsContact the commission for information about mental health services and local referrals.
  Call 217-348-0521DirectionsWebsite

  Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on colesco.illinois.gov

• Courts and legal help · County office

  Coles County Circuit Clerk

  651 Jackson Avenue, Room 128, Charleston, IL 61920

  Help here

  • Court information and self-help resourcesGet court information and help finding resources for navigating the county court system.
  Call 217-348-0516DirectionsWebsite

  Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on colesco.illinois.gov

• Older adults · Regional office

  East Central Illinois Area Agency on Aging

  Help here

  • Aging and caregiver supportGet information and referrals for older adults, caregivers, and adults with disabilities in Coles County.
  Call 309-829-2065Website

  Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on eciaaa.org

Everything in Coles County

Illinois programs by kind of help

These are run by Illinois and work the same everywhere in the state. Each page lists the programs and how to apply.

• FoodFood benefits, WIC, school meals and food banks.
• HousingRent help, shelter, and help with heat and power bills.
• HealthHealth coverage, Medicare, mental health care and help with drug costs.
• MoneyCash help, disability, retirement and veterans payments, and tax help.
• CareChild care, help for older adults and disability support.
• EducationHelp paying for college and training, and free preschool.
• WorkJobs, unemployment, and the IDs and papers you need for work.
• Legal helpFree legal help with eviction, family law, benefits and more.
• SafetyHelp with abuse at home, a safe place to stay, and crisis lines.

Checked on October 8, 2026

Federal help anyone can use

These come from the federal government, so they work the same in every state.

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

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

  Call 1-800-772-1213
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

  Social Security Administration. 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.

  Call 1-800-772-1213
• Social Security retirement benefits

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

  Call 1-800-772-1213
• Medicare

  Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Health insurance for people 65 or older and for some younger people with a disability or kidney failure.

  Call 1-800-633-4227
• Extra Help with Medicare drug costs

  Social Security Administration. Help paying for Medicare prescription drug plans for people with limited income and resources.

  Call 1-800-772-1213
• VA health care

  U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Health care at VA clinics and hospitals for veterans who served in the active military and did not get a dishonorable discharge.

  Call 1-877-222-8387
• VA disability compensation and benefits

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

  Call 1-800-827-1000
• FAFSA, the federal student aid form

  U.S. Department of Education. One free form that opens federal grants, work-study and loans for college or trade school. Many states and schools use it for their own aid too.

  Call 1-800-433-3243
• Federal Pell Grant

  U.S. Department of Education. Money for college or trade school that usually does not have to be paid back, for students with financial need.

  Call 1-800-433-3243
• Lifeline phone and internet discount

  Federal Communications Commission. A monthly discount on phone or internet service for households with low income or who get benefits like SNAP, Medicaid or SSI.

  Call 1-800-234-9473
• Head Start and Early Head Start

  U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Free preschool, child care and family support for young children from birth to age 5 in families with low income, run by local programs.

  Call 1-866-763-6481
• IRS Free File

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

• VITA and TCE free tax help

  Internal Revenue Service. 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.

  Call 1-800-906-9887
• Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

  Internal Revenue Service. 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.

  Call 1-800-829-1040
• Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

  U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Help paying rent in a home you choose, for families with very low income, older adults and people with disabilities. Local housing authorities run it, and many have waiting lists.

• Replace a Social Security card

  Social Security Administration. Get a free replacement Social Security card if yours was lost, stolen or damaged. Many people can ask online.

  Call 1-800-772-1213
• FEMA disaster assistance

  Federal Emergency Management Agency. Help with a place to stay, repairs and other needs after a disaster the President has declared in your area.

  Call 1-800-621-3362

Checked on October 9, 2026