Finding Benefits and Assistance
If you are looking for information not covered here, please give us a call or Ask a Librarian.
Assistance Paying Home Utility Bills
LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)
See if you qualify and learn how to apply at CEDAORG
or apply in person at local CEDA partner:
The Apostolic Church in Steger
1311 E Steger Rd, Steger, IL 60475
708-833-7031
apostolicliheap@gmail.com
Cash, SNAP (Food Stamps), and Medical Assistance (in Illinois)
Credit or Financial Counseling
Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Northern Illinois
800-815-2227
Offers many different forms of financial counseling for a small fee, although their website says “No one is denied services due to inability to pay a fee.”
Domestic Violence or Sexual Assault Support
Domestic Violence Helpline: free and private services
877-863-6338 (toll free, confidential, 24 hours, multilingual)
National Sexual Assault Hotline: free and confidential
800-656-4673 OR Live Chat @ RAINN.org
Filing for Social Security
Click on an option below to begin the online application process:
Speak to a Social Security representative by phone (expect a very long wait):
You can call our National 800 Number at 1-800-772-1213 between 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Wait times to speak to a representative are typically shorter Wednesdays through Fridays or later in the day. We also offer many automated telephone services, available 24 hours a day, so you do not need to speak with a representative.
Homelessness Prevention & Services
Assistance for Homeless Youth (ages 14-23)
Aunt Martha’s, 19990 Governors Hwy, Olympia Fields, IL 60461. 708-747-7100 OR 708-679-8100
National Youth Advocate Program, 4747 Lincoln Mall Dr, Matteson, IL 60443. 708-747-2655
South Suburban Council on Homelessness – 847-426-6515
Public Action to Deliver Services (PADS) South Suburban
414 W Lincoln Hwy, Chicago Heights, IL 60411
Open Monday 9a-1p, Wednesday 9a-5p, Friday 9a-1p.
If you currently live in a house or apartment and are seeking emergency assistance to preserve your current home, please call the Homeless Prevention Assistance call center at 877-426-6515.
If you are currently homeless and seeking emergency shelter or assistance to obtain a home, please call 708-332-7700 and leave a message for the emergency shelter department (option 4) so that a staff member can help.
Catholic Charities of Joliet – 815-723-3405
CEDA – 312-288-8010, housing1@cedaorg.net
Action to End Homelessness in Suburban Cook County - 708-236-3261
Beds-Plus.org
Offers rental assistance for people experiencing homelessness and offers emergency overnight shelter at churches in the southwest suburban Cook County area near Oak Lawn.
Legal Assistance
Mental Health Crisis Hotlines & Support
Emergency Help:
Suicide prevention text hotline: Text 988
Crisis text hotline: Text START to 741741.
Support Help (nonemergency):
Illinois Warm Line (866) 359-7953
Peer and family mental health support by phone, weekdays M – F, 9 am – 5 pm
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Helpline (800) 950-6264
The NAMI national HelpLine can be reached M - F, 10 am - 6 pm, ET.
Seniors or Persons w/Disability Ride Free Transit Card OR Senior License Plate Discount
Click here to apply. You can only apply online. If you need assistance applying online, please call the library.
WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children)
Last updated 1/18/2023
Please email jess@sschlibrary.org to recommend more information or to report any broken or outdated links.