IL COVID Community Resources

Questions about these resources or need additional help? Contact Myra Glassman (312-446-1152,  Myra.Glassman@seiuhcil.org) or Jaquie Algee (Jaquie.Algee@seiuhcil.org, 1-312-933-2351).  If you are inquiring about COVID issues on the job, please contact our Member Resource Center at 866-933-7348 or via this form.

For community resources in other states, click here. 

Big thanks to the Chicago Teachers Union, who helped compile many of these resources.

NEW (8/13): Having trouble paying your rent or mortgage because of COVID-19? Our union is determined to make sure this pandemic doesn’t put us out on the streets and our gathering information to get help get relief from Springfield.

Fill out our COVID-19 Rent and Mortgage Survey.

Visit the Illinois Housing Development Authority to see if you qualify for rent or mortgage relief at this moment.

New (6/4): Chicago Covid Mutual Aid Solidarity Network is an interconnected network of autonomous mutual aid efforts across Chicago working to organize solidarity and support to help each other through COVID-19 hardships and the times to come. Learn more.

NEW (4/28): Illinois COVID Text Line. Dial 552020 with the appropriate phrase.

IL Govt COVID-19 Resource Page
COVID Testing Sites
Financial Resources
Housing/Utilities Resources
Childcare for Essential Workers
Immigrants and Refugee Resources
Food
Mental & Emotional Health
Chicago Neighborhood Resources
Lastest work related COVID updates
COVID News

Financial

Additional $600 per week: The CARES Act’s Pandemic Unemployment Compensation offers an additional $600 per week above whatever benefits an individual would normally receive from their state’s unemployment insurance. This additional benefit does not count against Medicaid or CHIP eligibility, but may affect other benefits. The additional payments will be in effect through July 31, 2020.

 

Additional 13 weeks of benefits: Under the CARES Act people receiving unemployment benefits will receive up to 39 total weeks of benefits. Recipients will be paid $600 per week for the additional 13 weeks.

Housing/Utilities

Renters

Home Owners

NO EVICTIONS OR FORECLOSURES FOR FEDERALLY-BACKED MORTGAGES: In an Executive Order issued on March 20, Governor Pritzker prohibited evictions in Illinois for the duration of the Disaster Proclamation. This is currently expected to extend through April 30, 2020. However, it could be extended further. Visit Illinois’ Coronavirus Response website for up-to-date information

Utilities

Childcare for Essential Workers

  • The COVID-19 Prioritized Essential Workers Child Care Application includes instructions that clarify who is eligible to receive child care through this program.  Download, fill it out, save as…, then e-mail to your local CCR&R .
  • A dedicated help line has been created so Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (CCR&Rs) can help connect essential worker families to emergency child care. Call toll-free (888) 228-1146. The helpline will be available from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Monday through Friday to answer calls, but callers will be able to leave a message 24 hours a day.   
  • For residents in Cook County, Illinois Action for Children (IAFC) has launched a temporary text messaging service to answer CCAP questions during IAFC’s office closure. Text: 312-736-7390 Monday through Friday between 8:30 AM-5:00 PM. Priority will be given to first responders, health care workers, and essential workers to help them find and pay for child care.
  • GOECD – Child Care Closures: A Letter to Families

Immigrants and Refugees

DIRECT ASSISTANCE

INFORMATION RESOURCES

Food

Mental & Emotional Health

Chicago neighborhood resources

Southwest Side

Chicago neighborhood resources

Northwest Side

South Side