Money & Debt

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Am I eligible for general assistance?

Adults and families may qualify for General Assistance if they are currently not eligible for any other State or Federal Assistance programs.

Adults can get General Assistance (GA) if they are any one of the following:

  • Age 21 or over,
  • Married and living with a spouse, or
  • Age 18-20 and not living with a parent.

A family can get GA if there is a:

  • Child under age 18,
  • Child who is 18 and going to school full time, or
  • Pregnant woman in the household.

Anyone who gets GA must:

  • Be a resident of Illinois (a permanent address is not needed),
  • Live in the township, and
  • Be a US citizen or a qualifying non-citizen.

You must also meet the income and asset rules. Your monthly income must be less than the GA benefit amount. The amount of assets that you can have depends on your township’s rules. But your house, furniture, clothing, one car, and tools for your business don’t count as assets. Some townships may also require you to submit to a urine drug test.

Last full review by a subject matter expert
November 17, 2021
Last revised by staff
March 14, 2022

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Worried about doing this on your own?  You may be able to get free legal help.