Resource Directory /

Financial Assistance and Grant Programs Resources

  • Illinois Disability Benefits 101

    Illinois Disability Benefits 101 is a free, user-friendly, Illinois-specific website that helps work through the myths and confusion of Social Security benefits, health care, employment and more. It is a one-stop shop for information, resources, and tools to motivate and support employment and community inclusion for individuals with disabilities, their families and professionals.

  • Illinois Division of Developmental Disability (DDD) Services

    Illinois’ Division of Developmental Disability (DDD) Services system offers services including day services, home-based services, Early Intervention services, disability determination services and other supports.

    Visit the Developmental Disability Services page for more information. You can also contact:

  • Illinois Early Intervention Clearinghouse

    The Illinois Early Intervention Clearinghouse is a lending library and information resource for families and professionals interested in or involved with the Illinois Early Intervention (EI) Program. It also provides support groups in English and Spanish for families involved in the Illinois early intervention program on Facebook.

    The Illinois Early Intervention Clearinghouse offers:

  • Illinois Elks Children’s Care Corporation

    The Illinois Elks Children’s Care Corporation (IECCC) assists any child under the age of 21 who is a legal resident of Illinois with medical assistance, as long as it falls within the IECCC scope and guidelines.

    Assistance can include custom-designed braces, wheelchairs, treatment programs, corrective shoes, physical/occupational therapy services and more.

    IECCC provides several competitive scholarship programs. No current or past affiliation with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is required. Areas of study include physical or occupational therapy, special education and speech-language pathology. Scholarship application packets must be returned by March.

    Explore all IECC scholarship requirements online or visit your local Elks‬ Lodge for more information.

  • Illinois Epilepsy Support and Resources

    Streator Unlimited Inc.’s Illinois Epilepsy Support and Resources provides services to anyone of any age with epilepsy or a seizure disorder who resides in its service area of central and northwest Illinois. Its services include:

    • Peer support and support groups
    • Caregiver support
    • Help to navigate insurance and benefits
    • Medical service support
    • Access to counseling
    • Vocational support
    • Help to coordinate transportation

    For more details, email epilepsy@streatorunlimited.org or call (815) 673-5574.

  • Illinois FAIR Plan Association

    The Illinois FAIR Plan Association offers property insurance to qualified applicants in Illinois who are unable to buy insurance through the standard insurance market for reasons beyond their control. The FAIR Plan may be an answer for responsible property owners or homeowners who are having a problem obtaining property insurance in the standard market.

    Many insured individuals use the FAIR Plan as a temporary market for a year or two until they qualify for coverage in the standard market.

    The FAIR Plan offers Dwelling Property, Commercial Property and a broad range of Homeowners coverage for property owners, renters and condominium owners. Please visit the Illinois FAIR Plan Association website or call (312) 861-0385 for more details.

    If you have questions, please contact the Illinois FAIR Plan Association at (312) 861-0385 or (800) 972-4480.

  • Illinois Funeral and Burial Benefits Program

    The Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Funeral and Burial Benefits Program pays for funeral and burial expenses when a person’s resources and all other sources of payment are less than the DHS standard payment rates.

    More information and forms for submitting a claim are available online or at your local Family Community Resource Center (FCRC). Use the DHS Office Locator to find your local FCRC.

    For questions, please contact the DHS Funeral and Burial Unit at (217) 785-4216.

  • Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission

    The Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission protects the rights and promotes the welfare of persons with disabilities.

    Contact (866) 274-8023 or (866) 333-3362 (TTY).

  • Illinois Guide By Your Side

    Illinois Hands & Voices Guide By Your Side (GBYS) is a free program providing unbiased information, one-on-one support and resources and trained Parent Guides to talk and/or meet with you if you have a child with hearing loss or a suspected hearing loss.

    Parent Guides are adults who have children with a hearing loss. They provide unbiased information and resources regarding communication, educational and technological choices. They help families identify their options and not tell them which options  to choose. They support families and can help them navigate through the many systems and services available in Illinois. They work as a team with professionals offering a well rounded care system for families.

  • Illinois Helpline for Opioids and Other Substances (24/7)

    If you or someone you know is suffering from an opioid use disorder or other substance use disorders, call the Illinois Helpline for Opioids and Other Substances at 833-2FINDHELP to speak with a trained professional for support and advice or to be directed to customized resources. You can also visit www.HelplineIL.org.