HELP ILLINOIS FAMILIES
Effective immediately, the Help Illinois Families initiative is implementing an online form to make it easier and faster for individuals and families to remotely request assistance through the LIHEAP and/or CSBG programs. Funding may be limited in some areas of the state and completion of the form linked below is not a guarantee of funding.
 
This initiative remains available for all qualifying households with low income, regardless of how they may be affected COVID-19. Eligible families may qualify for hundreds of dollars of support; all applications will be reviewed on a first come, first served basis and subject to funding availability. More information on the remote application process can be found below.
 
You may be eligible to receive financial assistance for the following services:
 
Water Sewer Payment
Food
Financial Management
Utility Assistance
Rental Assistance
Temporary Shelter
Employment Training Placement
​https://www2.illinois.gov/dceo/CommunityServices/HomeWeatherization/CommunityActionAgencies/Pages/helpIllinoisFamilies.aspx#:~:text=Help%20for%20Illinois%20Families%20is%20administered%20by%20DCEO%E2%80%99s,and%20the%20Illinois%20Home%20Weatherization%20Assistance%20Program%20%28IHWAP%29

FEMA TO HELP PAY FUNERAL COSTS FOR COVID RELATED DEATHS

​In early April, FEMA will begin providing financial assistance for funeral expenses incurred after Jan. 20, 2020 for deaths related to coronavirus (COVID-19) to help ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the pandemic. FEMA has announced that they will begin accepting applications for funeral assistance on Monday, April 12. The following number will be used for those applying: 844-684-6333.
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To be eligible for COVID-19 funeral assistance, the policy states:
  • The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien who incurred funeral expenses after Jan. 20, 2020 for a death attributed to COVID-19.
  • If multiple individuals contributed toward funeral expenses, they should apply under a single application as applicant and co-applicant. FEMA will also consider documentation from other individuals not listed as the applicant and co-applicant who may have incurred funeral expenses as part of the registration for the deceased individual. 
  • An applicant may apply for multiple deceased individuals.
  • The COVID-19-related death must have occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories and the District of Columbia.
  • This assistance is limited to a maximum financial amount of $9,000 per funeral and a maximum of $35,500 per application.
  • Funeral assistance is intended to assist with expenses for funeral services and interment or cremation.
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Documentation Required:
  • ​An official death certificate that attributes the death to COVID-19 and shows that the death occurred in the U. S. The death certificate must indicate the death “may have been caused by” or “was likely the result of” COVID-19 or COVID-19 like symptoms. Similar phrases that indicate a high likelihood of COVID-19 are considered sufficient attribution.
  • Funeral expense documents (receipts, funeral home contract, etc.) that include the applicant’s name, the deceased individual’s name, the amount of funeral expenses, and the dates the funeral expenses were incurred.

RESOURCES