COVID-19 Resources
Suburban Cook County Homeless Prevention Call Center
If you need financial assistance with mortgage, rent payments, rent deposits, utility payments or other housing issues, please call the Homeless Prevention Call Center at 1-877-4-Cook-15 (1-877-426-6515).
Listen carefully to the prompts to choose which kind of help you need.
Summer EBT “SUN Bucks” and Summer Meal Sites
Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) or SUN Bucks is a nutrition program from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help families buy food for their school-aged children during the summer. Illinois families will receive a one-time benefit of $120 for each eligible child to purchase groceries for their household. The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) will provide EBT benefits at the end of August or beginning of September 2024.
See the Summer EBT/SUN Bucks Fact Sheet in English or la EBT de verano/SUN Bucks Fact Sheet in Spanish to learn more.
Your school can help you with basic questions about Summer EBT. Households should visit the IDHS Summer EBT webpage for more information.
The Illinois State Board of Education also partners with the Illinois Hunger Coalition and No Kid Hungry to operate the Summer Food Service Program hotline and text service. To find summer meal sites:
- Call (800) 359-2163
- Text “FOOD” or “COMIDA” to 304-304
- View the USDA Summer Meals for Kids Site Finder or Summer Meals Find Food Map to find nearby meal sites open to all children and youth ages 18 and younger
The Summer Meals Program and Illinois No Kid Hungry collaborate with national and state partner organizations to provide free meals during the summer for children and youth who depend on school lunches during the school year. Meals are available at locations throughout Illinois for children and youth ages 18 and under.
To find a meal site near you:
- Visit Summer Meals Find Food Map or No Kid Hungry’s Free Meals Finder
- Call (800) 359-2163
- Text “Food” or “Comida” to 304-304
There is no application to receive a meal and you do not have to show proof of income.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Payments and COVID-19 Financial Assistance
The Social Security Administration updated its rules about what financial assistance can affect an individual’s eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or their monthly SSI payment amount.
The administration no longer counts Economic Impact Payments, State Stimulus Payments and other COVID-19 financial assistance against an individual’s eligibility or payment amount. Visit the Social Security Administration’s website for the full list of financial assistance programs that do not affect SSI eligibility or payment amounts.
Support for Kids With ADHD During the Coronavirus Crisis
Information from the Child Mind Institute.
Supporting Children and Teens During This Holiday Season
Families are dealing with stress from multiple sources, including COVID-19, and may not be able to celebrate the holidays as usual. Given these changes, adults and children may experience waves of sadness, disappointment, loneliness, grief and anger.
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network has put together these strategies and ideas to help create moments of joy, hope and connection with your family.
Supporting Teenagers and Young Adults During the Coronavirus Crisis
Tips for parents with older children at home from the Child Mind Institute.
Increased data allowances and other supports for customers
Talking to Children About Coronavirus: ASL & English Resources
Information from the American Society for Deaf Children
Talking to Children About COVID-19 (Coronavirus): A Parent Resource
Information from the National Association of School Psychologists.