GENERAL ASSISTANCE
General Assistance Administrator: Jay Allen
Mission
General Assistance provides financial assistance to unemployed or
disabled Oak Park residents without an income in accordance with the
Illinois Department of Human Services guidelines and, to provide referrals
and information regarding eligibility for other assistance-type programs.
Locally Administered Welfare
Single, unemployed adults seeking employment or applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) may be eligible for General Assistance. Applicants must meet income and asset guidelines and not be eligible for other government-sponsored assistance. Adults with children are referred to the Illinois Department of Human Services. While receiving General Assistance, individuals must adhere to General Assistance guidelines.
Links to Health Care
Please call the Village of Oak
Park Health Department at (708) 358-5428 to apply for Access to Care, a
health care plan for limited income Oak Park residents who are not eligible
for any other health care plan.
Food Assistance
Limited income Oak Park residents may
use the Food Pantry at First United Church of Oak Park, 848 Lake St., Oak
Park, which is open Saturdays from 9 am to noon and 1st
Wednesday 7 pm to 8 pm, & the 2nd, 3rd, & 4th Wednesdays from 3:30 pm to 5
pm. The entrance is on the north side of the
building, basement level. Please bring bags/boxes.
Useful Resources
Illinois Department of Human Services
West Suburban Office
2701 W. Lake St.
Melrose Park, IL 60160-3041
708-338-7600
Social Security Administration
230 N Mannheim Road
Hillside, IL 60162
800-772-1213
Chicago Region Social Security Administration Website
www.ssa.gov/chicago/illinois.htm
Illinois Department of Human Services Website
www.dhs.state.il.us
Current News
Salvation Army
emergency funds are earmarked and available once in any 12 month period for
Oak Park/River Forest limited-income residents. Due to high demand, March '10 Salvation
Army funds are expected to be exhausted early in the month. Documentation is required.
Please call the General Assistance Administrator for details.
Com Ed has electric bill relief through its Residential Special Hardship program. Call (800) 571-2332 or www.ComEdCARE.com for information.
