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Illinois

All kinds of help

Housing

Help paying rent, finding a safe place to stay, and keeping the heat and power on. Your state and local housing authorities run rent help and housing vouchers. Your state also runs help with energy bills. If you have nowhere to stay tonight, call 211.Help in Illinois and from the federal government.

Ask about it

Tell us more about what you need. We answer first, then show the programs that fit, then ask a few questions to narrow it down.

Programs in Illinois

Illinois programs for this kind of help. Each agency decides who qualifies.

  • Illinois Department of Human Services

    Homeless Prevention Program

    The program may help eligible people and families who are homeless or at risk of losing housing.

    Ways to apply:PhoneIn person

    Agency pageCall 800-843-6154

  • Illinois Housing Development Authority

    Rental Housing Support Program

    The program funds local partners that provide rental assistance to eligible households.

    Ways to apply:PhoneIn person

    Agency pageCall 312-836-5200

  • Illinois Housing Development Authority

    Illinois Housing Help

    IHDA offers housing programs and information for residents seeking affordable housing.

    Ways to apply:OnlinePhoneIn person

    Agency pageCall 312-836-5200

  • Illinois Department of Human Services

    Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program

    IHWAP helps eligible households make their homes more energy efficient.

    Ways to apply:PhoneIn person

    Agency pageCall 800-843-6154

  • Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

    Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

    LIHEAP helps eligible households pay energy bills and avoid utility shutoffs.

    Ways to apply:OnlinePhoneIn person

    Apply online Call 800-252-8643

Checked on October 8, 2026

Community action agencies in Illinois

Local nonprofits that help people with low incomes. Many help with energy bills, rent, jobs and taxes. Call to ask what they offer now.

Federal programs

These work the same in every state. Each agency decides who qualifies.

  • U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

    Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

    Help paying rent in a home you choose, for families with very low income, older adults and people with disabilities. Local housing authorities run it, and many have waiting lists.

    Apply through your local public housing authority. HUD lists every housing authority by state.

    Find your housing authority Official page

  • Federal Communications Commission

    Lifeline phone and internet discount

    A monthly discount on phone or internet service for households with low income or who get benefits like SNAP, Medicaid or SSI.

    Check if you qualify and apply on the National Verifier, then pick a phone or internet company that offers Lifeline.

    Apply on the National Verifier Official pageCall 1-800-234-9473

  • Federal Emergency Management Agency

    FEMA disaster assistance

    Help with a place to stay, repairs and other needs after a disaster the President has declared in your area.

    Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by phone, or in person at a Disaster Recovery Center.

    Apply on DisasterAssistance.gov Call 1-800-621-3362

Checked on October 9, 2026

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