Utility Assistance Resources
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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.
211 – Help During the COVID-19 Pandemic
If you need assistance finding food, paying housing bills or other essential services, visit www.211.org/get-help/help-during-covid-19-pandemic or dial 211.
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. It replaces the Emergency Broadband Benefit.
Eligible households 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)
- Low-cost service plans may be fully covered through the ACP*
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. An ACP Outreach Toolkit is also available for consumers and program partners.
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).
No terminations because of inability to pay and no late fee charges due to disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic, keeping public Wi-Fi hotspots open for any American who needs them.
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.
The Chicago COVID Resource Finder provides information on available assistance with money, food, housing, health, mental health, utilities and legal help during the pandemic.
Resources are available for families, immigrants, LGBTQI, business owners and students.
Text “covid” to (312) 436-2280 to access these resources via phone.
Citizens Utility Board – COVID-19 Help Center
If you are having difficulty affording your utility bills during the pandemic, there is money available for lower-income families.
Visit the Citizens Utility Board’s Help Center for more information.