Resource Directory /

Financial Assistance and Grant Programs Resources

  • 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.

  • Illinois Housing Development Authority

    The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) connects people with financing programs for their homes, helps them find the right place to rent, and provides pathways to housing stability.

    IHDA provides mortgage loans, rental assistance, grants that enable low-income homeowners to pay for repairs and improvements to their homes and free foreclosure prevention assistance for homeowners struggling with mortgage payments.

    IHDA also provides resources to help people across the state find apartments that fit their budgets.

  • Illinois Migrant Council

    The Illinois Migrant Council (IMC) is a community-based non-profit organization with the primary mission of promoting employment, education, health, housing, crisis intervention and other opportunities for migrant/seasonal farm workers, immigrants, refugees/asylum seekers and their families and other low-income rural communities in Illinois.

    The council’s services include:

    • Health education and family services for the whole family
    • Referrals for English as a Second Language (ESL) and GED (General Educational Development), scholarships, basic skills and computer literacy classes at local community centers, churches, non-profit organizations and community colleges that IMC offers
    • Referrals to Illinois agencies providing rental assistance services and housing foreclosure prevention counseling

    For more information, email info@illinoismigrant.org or call (815) 995-0300.

  • Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living

    The Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living (INCIL) supports 22 Centers for Independent Living (CILs) across the state. The goal of these non-profit organizations is to provide community-based, non-residential support for people with disabilities so they may achieve independence in every aspect of their lives, including home, work and school. 

    INCIL also oversees the Home Modification Program that provides funding for improvements to make eligible homes and rental properties more accessible.

    Fill out INCIL’s contact form or call (217) 525-1308 or (800) 587-1227 for more information.

  • Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies

    The Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (INCCRRA) is a statewide organization that partners with the state’s 16 local Child Care Resources and Referral (CCR&R) agencies. It is a recognized leader, catalyst and resource for making high-quality, affordable early care and education and school-age care options available for children and families in Illinois.

    CCR&R’s connect and coordinate programs and services for young children and their families. CCR&R’s manage the application and information for families to receive child care assistance, allowing them to work and/or go to school while their children have access to quality early care and education.

    Visit www.inccrra.org/about/sdasearch to find your local CCR&R.

  • Illinois Respite Coalition

    The Illinois Respite Coalition (IRC) is a not-for-profit organization of caregivers and respite providers dedicated to supporting families and ensuring access to quality respite services for the residents of Illinois. The IRC assists caregivers by connecting them to resources in their area, providing training on respite topics and having funding available for emergency respite. The IRC helps caregivers of individuals across the lifespan with any disability.

    The Emergency Respite Care Program offers funding and resources to support caregivers who are not receiving any respite services and have an urgent need for respite care in the absence of any other funding source.  Emergency respite care may be for an unplanned or planned event for reasons including:

    • Caregiver illness (physical, mental or emotional)
    • Caregiver hospitalization or doctor appointments
    • Work-related situation or loss of employment
    • Reduction of stress level
    • Funeral or wake

    The website gives examples of qualifying circumstances and information on how to apply. For more information, contact:

  • Illinois Respite Services and Providers List

    Respite is a service providing a temporary break between the family caregiver and the care recipient. Illinois offers a variety of respite services for eligible families and individuals.

    Illinois Life Span (ILS), a program of The Arc of Illinois, provides fact sheets, information and a listing of respite services/providers currently funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Developmental Disabilities. The current listing may be found on their website.