General Assistance FAQs

What financial assistance programs does Hanover Township offer?

Hanover Township offers two financial assistance programs:

General Assistance – provides a monthly grant not to exceed $975 based on need to residents not eligible for any other state or federal financial assistance program and who do not have adequate income or resources to provide for their own basic needs. 

Emergency Assistance – provides financial assistance to residents in life threatening situations once every 14 months to those who meet the requirements and financial guidelines of the program.  Emergency Assistance benefit for 1 qualifying person is up to $2,000 with each additional qualifying person grant increases $250 to a maximum benefit of $3,000.

Can anyone apply to receive financial assistance?

Applicants must reside within Hanover Township, meet residency requirements and submit required documentation.

How do I qualify for assistance? 

General Assistance Applicants must reside within Hanover Township, submit a completed application and required documents proving residency and need. 

Emergency Assistance Applicants must reside within Hanover Township, submit a completed application and required documents proving residency and need. Emergency must be alleviated and resident must be able to show their income allows them to sustain moving forward.  

What are the income guidelines? 

General Assistance provides monthly financial assistance to residents who are not eligible for any other state or federal assistance program and do not have adequate income or resources to provide for their own basic needs.

Emergency Assistance applicant must fall into the designated income guidelines based on family size and be able to submit proof of income. Income guidelines are based on 200% of the poverty level.  

What documents will I need to provide?

General Assistance required documents include but are not limited to: a signed application for General Assistance, valid photo ID with current address, social security card, birth certificate, current lease or mortgage statement, unemployment letter from Illinois Department of Employment Security, current bank statements, qualifying background check and for residents filing for social security disability a doctors evaluation stating resident cannot work and proof of application and/or appeal letter.

Emergency Assistance required documents include but are not limited to:  a signed application for Emergency Assistance, valid photo ID with current address, social security cards for all family members listed on application, birth certificates for all family members listed on application, current lease or mortgage statement, proof of any and all income in past 30 days, proof of marriage (if applicable), current bank statements and proof of emergency. 

Would a person on TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) or SSI (Supplemental Security Income) qualify?

In most cases, families collecting TANF or SSI are ineligible for General Assistance or Emergency Assistance.

What can the Township provide Emergency Assistance for?

Financial assistance can be used for shelter, water and utility balances for qualifying applicants.

How long does it take to process an application?

Once submitted, a complete application can take up to 30 days to process. It is important to note the application timeline does not begin until the application has been completely filled out and all supporting documentation has been submitted.

What other assistance is available?

Hanover Township Human Services is an intake site for CEDA (Community Economic Development Association).  Applications are processed for residents for the following programs through CEDA:

• LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program): provides assistance with ComEd and Nicor bills.
• Weatherization: helps low income residents and households conserve fuel and reduce energy costs by making their homes and apartments more energy efficient, as well as provides many health and safety upgrades ensuring safe and healthy homes.
• Furnace program: if your household is LIHEAP eligible and your heating system is not working or is unsafe, you may be eligible for assistance.

Hanover Township Human Services is also an intake site for the Salvation Army and processes applications for residents in emergency situations, when Salvation Army has funds available. The maximum grant is $600 and if approved can be used for shelter and utility payments. Individuals must reside in Streamwood, Hanover Park or Barrington to apply.

How do I find out if I qualify?

Please contact Hanover Township Human Services, 7431 Astor Avenue, Hanover Park, IL 60133 by calling (630) 540-9085. Walk-ins are welcome.