Last Updated on August 23, 2023 by Hannah Stevens
Chicago is home to more than 213,000 veterans. Some veterans may experience financial difficulties at times. Grant programs may be available to veterans who are having difficulty paying their bills each month. Chicago grants for veterans will assist people in paying their bills, obtaining food, renting, and other expenses. The majority of the grants are funded by the federal and state governments and are available to anyone who is a citizen or legal immigrant.
Grants are not subject to repayment, unlike loans. These grants are gifts that can be given to people in need during hard times. These grants can be used to help people get by while they work towards self sufficiency. The programs can provide short-term assistance as well as job skills training to help people transition into a new job. Some grants are short-term assistance that can be used to cover a range of living expenses. Click the links of the programs to apply online and learn more about them.
Grants offered for veterans in Chicago
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
SNAP grants monthly to veterans who are in need of assistance with food. Each month, the program gives those who are eligible a grant that can be used at the farmer’s market or grocery store to purchase food items. Your income level and the number of dependents in your household will affect how much you receive.
The grant will be added electronically each month to your Illinois Link Card once it is approved. This card acts like a debit or credit card. You must meet the low income requirements, and be a citizen or legal immigrant to be eligible. Online applications are available.
This ties in with the Food Assistance grants for veterans in Ohio.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
Chicago veterans who require cash assistance might be eligible for TANF. TANF applicants will be granted a monthly cash grant to help with a range of living expenses such as rent, food, transportation, laundry, and other necessities. You must have at least one minor child living with you, be a resident of the State, be a citizen or legal immigrant, as well as create and follow a plan to become self-sufficient. You can apply for TANF Chicago at your local Family Resource Center.
Homeless Prevention
Chicago has a Homeless Prevention Program that provides rent assistance, utility assistance and helps people avoid foreclosure. The Homeless Prevention Program may be able to assist veterans who need assistance to pay rent, make a security deposit, find affordable housing, or pay the mortgage. You must meet the low income requirements to be eligible for the assistance. They also provide emergency and transitional housing assistance. You can apply for assistance by contacting your local Homeless Prevention Provider.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Chicago offers energy grants to veterans. LIHEAP may be able to help those who have difficulty paying their energy bills. This program provides assistance with utility bills by offering a once-a-year grant to those who are eligible and reconnection assistance to those who have lost their electricity connection. LIHEAP is available to those who can provide proof of income and current energy bills. Each household member must also provide their social security numbers. Online and in-person applications are accepted.
Utility Bill Payment Plan
For those struggling to pay their utility bills, Chicago offers a Utility bill payment plan. There are three options available: a general bill payment plan; a water shut-off payment program; and a hardship payment option. This program allows people to set up a payment plan to cover their utility bills. It makes it much easier to manage each month. You must meet the low income requirements to be eligible for the program. Online applications are accepted.
Final Remark
These grants are available to Chicago veterans who are experiencing financial hardship. These grants are available to veterans in Chicago and can help you get by while you work towards becoming self-sufficient again.
