General Assistance
The legislature statutorily mandates all townships in Illinois to levy taxes and administer general assistance for destitute township residents.
Who is eligible for GA?
Any township resident 18 years or older who is either a U.S. resident or legal alien admitted under current U.S. Immigration law. The General Assistance Program is for adults without minor children, without adequate income, and ineligible for any other monetary forms of assistance.
General Assistance (GA) is a locally administered welfare program that provides monthly financial assistance to persons who do not have adequate income or resources to provide for their own basic needs. To qualify, the individual must meet specific financial and residential criteria and not be eligible for any other state or federal assistance programs.
Contact the Township Office at (815) 726-4781 for more information.
Emergency Assistance Program
Emergency Assistance is available to those who do not qualify for the Township’s General Assistance program.
For rental payments assistance, the applicant must have a current 5-day Eviction notice from the property owner, proof that they are five days or more behind in their rent.
If the amount exceeds the township payment amount, the applicant must pay the balance before the township funds are released.
For utilities (water only at this time), the applicant must have a current Disconnection Notice from the utility company.
Applicants must be able to provide proof of the remaining balance being met through either their funds or proof of assistance from other service agencies or the applicant must be able to provide satisfactory proof that the Property Owner has signed the Landlord agreement or that the Utility Company has agreed to a payment schedule.
Payment is based on household size, needs, and qualifications. It is payable once in 12 months.
All applicants must otherwise qualify per Financial and non-Financial eligibility requirements outlined in the General and Emergency Assistance manuals and any addenda or amendments.
When all the paperwork is completed, including obtaining a copy of the fire report, the applicant then calls for an appointment with the Township’s General Assistance Caseworker at (815) 726-4781.
Who is eligible for EA?
Any township resident 18 years or older is either a U.S. resident or a legal alien. Emergency Assistance may be available for adults with minor children. This program is subject to the above-listed criteria.
How Does a Resident Apply for Assistance
A general/emergency assistance application can be obtained from the township office.
After completing an application, an applicant will meet with a case manager to review their case and decide what other documents must be provided to consider eligibility status.
If an applicant is disabled, a person with power of attorney can apply for them.
Referral Services
Joliet Township case managers have established a strong networking relationship with many other Joliet/Will County agencies. Case managers work extensively with all individuals to ensure they are given every resource above and beyond our assistance program to assist them in their situations.
Referral services will be explained in more detail when you contact the Township for possible assistance.