General Assistance
General Assistance
What is General Assistance?
General Assistance is a locally administered welfare program which provides monthly financial assistance in the form of a vendor payment to persons who meet all eligibility requirements, and do not have the adequate income or resources to provide for their own basic maintenance needs. Freeport Township is statutorily mandated by the legislature to administer general assistance for eligible township residents.
Overview of Eligibility Guidelines: (Other guidelines could be considered during the application process pursuant to the GA/FG Manual)
Must be a resident of the township
18 years or older; or married; or legally emancipated
Not receiving and/or preemptively eligible for Cash Assistance
Must be a United States citizen or non-citizen in a category per GA Manual #3.10
Availed oneself for all other resources including but not limited to all State and Federal benefits and utilize all such resources and benefits
Actively seeking employment (if not exempt), and
Registered with the Illinois Department of Employment Security (if not exempt), or
Pending some type of Social Security Disability (if exempt), and
Verification from a doctor that a person is unable to work or has restrictions (if exempt)
Cooperation in the investigation and verifying eligibility
Verification of income received within the last 30 days
Must not have a Class 1 or Class X drug felony per GA Manual #3.34
How to Apply:
Applications are available at the Freeport Township Supervisor’s Office located at 524 W. Stephenson Street Suite #230 during regular business hours or online Click this link: https://freeporttownship.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/General-Assistance-Application-.pdf
Applications can be returned at any time during regular business hours. Applicants will then receive an appointment with a caseworker for an intake interview.
The application process can take up to 30 days
Required Documentation:
Completed and signed application
Photo I.D. or Driver’s License
Social Security Card
Proof of current residence including a Lease if applicable and/or Tax Bill, Mortgage Information, etc.
Proof of current income for the last 30 days including Pay Stubs, Unemployment Compensation Benefits, Pensions, etc.
Proof of current assets within the last 30 days including bank statements, CDs, Retirement Resources, Vehicle Information, etc.
Proof of any medical coverage
Verification of registration with Illinois JobLink
Verification of actively seeking employment
***Depending on eligibility requirements, other information may be required during the application process to determine eligibility.
Other Resources
Freeport Area Church Cooperative (FACC)
514 S Chicago Ave
Freeport, IL 61032
815-233-0435
Housing Authority City of Freeport
1052 W Galena Ave
Freeport, IL 61032
815-232-4171
Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES)
2323 E. Lincolnway
Sterling, IL 61081
815-625-2313
Illinois Department of Human Service (DHS)
1631 S Galena Ave.
Freeport, IL 60123
815-232-6123
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
27 W. State Ave
Freeport, IL 61032
815-232-3141
Northern Illinois Community Action Agency (NICAA)
27 W. State Ave
Freeport, IL 61032
815-232-3141
Salvation Army
106 W Exchange St
Freeport, IL 61032
815-235-7639
Veterans Assistance Commission
201 E Exchange St
Freeport, IL 61032
815- 233-7282
