General and Emergency Assistance at DuPage Township
One of the main responsibilities of townships is providing General Assistance. General Assistance is a locally administered welfare program for those with little to no income and very little in assets and is considered a program of “last resort.” In addition, the township offers Emergency Assistance for those who are facing “life-threatening” circumstances such as rental eviction or utility disconnection. Below outlines in detail both General and Emergency Assistance. All services are for those who live in DuPage Township in Will County.
Use the map below to see if you are a resident of DuPage Township:
General Assistance
General Assistance in DuPage Township (in Will County) is a locally administered welfare program which provides monthly financial assistance to individuals who are not currently eligible for any other State or Federal Assistance programs and do not have adequate income or resources to provide for their own basic needs. General Assistance is used for shelter, utilities and other basic needs. Please note that only a certain amount can be given for assistance. To begin the process, click on the link below to go to the application for assistance. You may also stop by the township office and pick up an application packet as well.
Emergency Assistance
Under General Assistance from the Township, Emergency Assistance is offered to help alleviate “life-threatening” situations such as rental eviction or utility disconnection along with possibly other services as well. Unfortunately, Emergency Assistance CANNOT be used for 1st month’s rent, security deposit or hotel stays. In addition, under Emergency Assistance, assistance may be provided for car repair assistance for those employed or seeking employment. Please note that only a certain amount can be given for assistance. Applicants must meet both financial and non-financial qualifications. Emergency Assistance can only be used once during a 12-month period. To begin the application process, click on the link below to go to the application for assistance. You may also stop by the township office and pick up an application packet as well.
Emergency Assistance does have income and asset limits.
Below are the current income and asset limits for the township as of October 1st, 2024:
Setting Up An Appointment
Whichever program you are applying for, once completed, you must make an appointment to come into the office to submit the required documentation and sign off on some additional paperwork. If some of the documentation is digital, you can e-mail it when you come for your appointment. To make an appointment, you can click on the link below or you can call the General Assistance Office at 630-759-1317. Applicants must meet both financial and non-financial qualifications. By law, a determination must be made within 30 days of submitting and completing an application.
Other Assistance Programs
Salvation Army Service Extension
The Salvation Army Service Extension provides for emergency assistance for things such as housing, utilities and other areas of need. The Salvation Army partners with DuPage Township in administering this program to help township residents in need.
PLEASE NOTE: DuPage Township does NOT accept donations of goods (furniture, clothes, etc.) for the Salvation Army. For donation of goods, please call 1-800-SA-TRUCK (1-800-728-7825) or drop off at the local Salvation Army Thrift Store, located at 7511 Lemont Rd. Darien, IL 60561
Help to Others (H2O)
H2O, Help to Others is a program to help Illinois American Water customers with their past due water bill. This program is funded through contributions from IL American Water customers and works in collaboration with the Salvation Army and provides for a one-time grant of up to $100. Assistance from this program can only be used once in a 12-month period.
Nicor Sharing
Nicor Sharing is a one-time grant from Nicor Gas for those who have fallen behind on their natural gas utility. The maximum grant is $500, depending on overall account balance. Customers must be within 201 percent to 300 percent of the Federal Poverty Line to qualify.
Nicor Energy Aid Program
Nicor Energy Aid is a one-time grant up to $350 towards their past due Nicor bill. Customers must be at or below 350 percent of the Federal Poverty Line and customers who have applied for LIHEAP during the program year can also apply for this program as well.
Resource Referral
The Township also maintains a list of current resources available to residents of DuPage Township as well as for others living in Will County.
