One of the main responsibilities of the township providing General Assistance. General Assistance is meant for those with little to no income and very little in assets.  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.

General Assistance
General Assistance in DuPage Township 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.    Please note that only a certain amount can be given for assistance.  To begin the application process, download and complete the General Assistance application and collect the necessary documentation.  Once completed, call the General Assistance Office at DuPage Township for an appointment to complete the application process.  Also, depending on your particular situation, you may be required to submit additional documentation than what is listed in this packet.  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.  Should you need assistance or have questions about completing the application process, please contact the General Assistance Office.

General Assistance Application

Emergency Assistance
Emergency Assistance is meant to help alleviate “life-threatening” situations such as rental eviction or utility disconnection along with possibly other services as well.  In addition, under Emergency Assistance, assistance can 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 utilized once during a 12 month period. 

To begin the application process, download and complete the Emergency and General Assistance application and collect the necessary documentation.  Once completed, call the General Assistance Office at DuPage Township for an appointment to complete the application process.  Also, depending on your particular situation, you may be required to submit additional documentation than what is listed in this packet.  By law, a determination must be made within 30 days of submitting and completing an application.  Should you need assistance or have questions about completing the application process, please contact the General Assistance Office.

Emergency Assistance Application

There is an income and asset limit for Emergency Assistance.  Below is a table of the current income limits for Emergency Assistance as of January 1^st, 2023 and is based on 200% of the Federal Poverty Line:

Below is the asset limit for each household.  Assets include but not limited to bank account balance(s), cash on hand, real estate and motor vehicles.

Other Financial Assistance Programs

Salvation Army Service Extension
In addition to the above services, the township serves as an extension to the Salvation Army. The Salvation Army Service Extension provides for emergency assistance for things such as housing, utilities and other areas of need.

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 $200.

Nicor Sharing
Nicor Sharing is a one-time grant from Nicor Gas for those who have fallen behind on their natural gas utility. Customers must be within 201% and 300% of the Federal Poverty Line to qualify.

Nicor Energy Aide Program
Nicor Energy Aide is a one-time grant up to $350 towards their past due Nicor bill.  Customers must meet income requirements and customers who have applied for LIHEAP during the program year can also apply for this program as well.

Nicor Shield of Caring
Nicor Shield of Caring program is another program intended to help Nicor customers with their bill. The maximum grant amount is $250 and can be used once a year. Customers can apply by going to: https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/northcentralillinois/shield-of-caring-application/

Resource Referral
The Township maintains a list of current resources available to residents of the Township as well as others living in Will County.