There are over 213,000 veterans living in the Chicago area. Some of them may at times experience difficult financial times. Veterans who feel they are struggling to pay the bills each month may qualify for assistance through grant programs. The grants for veterans in Chicago will help people be able to pay the bills, obtain food, pay for rent, and more. Most of the popular grants are funded by the state and federal government and are open to all those who are citizens or legal immigrants.
Grants never have to be paid back, unlike loans. They are considered to be gifts to help those in need during difficult times. The grants can help people make ends meet, while they strive for self sufficiency. Some of the programs have been designed to give people short term assistance and help them with job skills at the same time, so that they can transition to a job. Other grants provide short term assistance to help with a variety of living expenses.
Types of Grants for Veterans in Chicago
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – Veterans who need assistance obtaining food may qualify for a monthly grant through SNAP. The program provides those who qualify with a grant each month that can be used at the grocery store or farmer’s market to pay for food items. The amount you receive in your grant depends on the number of dependents you have in your household, as well as your income level. Once approved, your grant will be electronically added each month to an Illinois Link Card, which is like a debit card. Eligibility includes meeting the low income requirements, and being a citizen or legal immigrant. You can apply in person at your local Family Resource Center, or online. To apply, click here.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – Veterans in Chicago who need cash assistance may qualify for help through the TANF program. Those who are approved for TANF will receive a monthly cash grant that can be used for a variety of living expenses, including rent, transportation, food, laundry, and more. To qualify for TANF, you have to have at least one dependent minor child in the home, be a resident of the state, are a citizen or legal immigrant, and create and follow a plan for becoming self sufficient. You can apply for TANF in Chicago at your local Family Resource Center, or you can apply online. To apply, click here.
Homeless Prevention – Chicago offers a Homeless Prevention Program, which provides rent assistance, utility assistance, and helps people to avoid foreclosure. Veterans in need of assistance to help pay rent, pay a security deposit, pay the mortgage, or find affordable housing, may qualify for help through the Homeless Prevention Program. To qualify for the assistance, you have to meet the low income requirements. They also offer emergency and transitional housing assistance. To apply for help, you have to contact your local Homeless Prevention Provider. To apply, click here.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – There are energy grants for veterans in Chicago. Those who need help paying for their energy bill may qualify for assistance through LIHEAP. The program will help pay utility bills, by providing a once-a-year grant for those who qualify, as well as offering reconnection assistance for those who have had their energy connection turned off. To qualify for LIHEAP, you have to show proof of household income, provide your current energy bill, and provide social security numbers for each person in the household. You can apply in person or online. To apply, click here.
Utility Bill Payment Plan – The city of Chicago offers a Utility Bill Payment Plan for those who are struggling to pay their utility bills. They offer a general bill payment plan, water shut-off payment plan, and a hardship payment plan. The program allows people to go on a payment plan to pay for their utility bills, which makes it easier for them to afford each month. To qualify for the program, you have to meet the low income requirements. You can apply online. To apply, click here.
Veterans living in Chicago who are going through difficult financial times may qualify for help through these grant programs. The grants for veterans in Chicago can help you make ends meet, while you strive to become self sufficient once again.