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

www.illinoiscccs.org

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:

Retirement Benefits

Disability Benefits

Supplemental Security Income

Medicare


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.

Finding Housing & Homelessness Prevention

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


South Suburban Housing Center  - 708-957-4674


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.

sspads.org

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

See available services


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.

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)

CEDA

1203 West End Ave, Chicago Heights, IL 60411

708-754-4576, wic@cedaorg.net

Eligibility Guidelines

Last updated 1/18/2023

Please email jess@sschlibrary.org to recommend more information or to report any broken or outdated links.