Utility Assistance Resources
The Findhelp.org website allows individuals to search and connect to support no matter where they live. Share your zip code to find area resources that include financial assistance, housing, food pantries, medical care, transportation and other free or reduced-cost help.
311 provides assistance with non-emergency city services and information on events, programs and agencies within the city of Chicago. Individuals may call or access the 311 website and mobile app to:
- Create and track service requests
- Find rent or housing assistance
- Learn about the HomeMod Program that provides accessibility modifications for Chicago residents
- Search and get information on other requests in your neighborhood
Affordable Connectivity Program
The Affordable Connectivity Program(ACP) is an FCC benefit program that helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more. Eligible households can receive:
- Up to $30 per month discount for internet service, including associated equipment rentals such as a modem
- Up to $75 per month discount for households on qualifying tribal lands
- A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet or desktop computer (with a co-payment of more than $10 but less than $50)
ACP is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household. The FCC provides a list of frequently asked questions and enrollment information for families.
Ameren Illinois Economic Hardship Recovery Program
Ameren Illinois’ Economic Hardship Recovery Program provides information on various energy assistance programs, payment options and tips on lowering your utility bill.
This step-by-step resource includes information on:
- Assistance paying your energy bills, applying for financial assistance and eligibility guidelines
- Exploring payment options
- Tips for lowering future energy bills and energy efficiency programs
Click here for a list of assistance programs statewide, including Warm Neighbors Cool Friends (WNCF), a program designed to help moderate-income seniors and families who have temporarily experienced a hardship but may not meet the guidelines of government programs.
For more information, contact Ameren Illinois at (800) 755-5000 (residential customers) or (800) 232-2477 (business customers).
Bill Assistance Programs in Springfield
Springfield’s City, Water, Light and Power provides a list of financial assistance and loan program resources if you are having trouble paying your CWLP bill or other housing and utility costs.
Champaign-Urbana Community Resource Guide: COVID-19
An organic guide to Champaign-Urbana community resources during the COVID-19 Pandemic- A collaborative effort between the School of Social Work Community Learning Lab (CLL) and UniPlace Christian Church.
Citizens Utility Board Help Center
The Citizens Utility Board (CUB)’s Help Center provides information and helpful resources for Illinois utility customers. with more information.
CUB provides information, including:
- Financial resources and where to find help with utility bills
- Disconnection rights
- Efficiency and safety tips
- Solar and efficiency programs
City of Chicago Coronavirus Response Center
City of Chicago Coronavirus Response Center provides the latest guidance and information on COVID-19 testing, vaccines, public health department guidance and other available resources.
City of Springfield COVID-19 Community Resources
The city of Springfield provides a list of community resources available during the COVID-19 pandemic, including public computer labs, mortgage and housing assistance, unemployment, rent assistance, virtual career support, emotional support, payment assistance and family assistance.
ComEd Financial Assistance Options
ComEd offers assistance programs and its Smart Assistance Manager tool (SAM) to help you find the right options. ComEd programs include free energy-saving products, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), payment and budget billing arrangements, and more.