General Assistance


Maine Township’s General Assistance program was created to serve the needs of our financially distressed residents. Our goal is to help prevent temporary financial difficulty from becoming a devastating or life-shattering event. We strive to help Maine Township residents get back on their feet as quickly as possible by requiring and assisting those who are able to find meaningful employment. We simultaneously provide assistance in the form of personal essentials, rent, transportation, utilities, and clothing. In certain cases we provide medical assistance and money for necessities including funerals. Among other criteria, you must meet the following:

  • Must be an adult with no minor children
  • Must live within the boundaries of Maine Township
  • Must not be eligible for other forms of financial assistance including but not limited to; unemployment benefits, Public Aid benefits, disability benefits, early retirement, etc.
  • Must have little to no income and depleted assets
  • Must be searching for work or pending a disability case

Please call us at 847-297-2510 x236 for more information and/or to request a General Assistance application via mail, email, or fax.

Benefit Access Program

No paper applications are available. Please call us to schedule your appointment and obtain a list of documents needed. The benefits available through this program are:

  • Seniors Free Transit Ride
  • Persons with Disabilities Free Transit Ride
  • Secretary of State License Plate Discount
Benefit Access Program Details

Emergency Rent Assistance

This program provides one-time financial assistance with rent for residents living in Maine Township. In order to apply, the resident must provide proof of a five-day notice or letter from their landlord showing that the resident is behind on their rent, complete an application, and provide all other required documents.

Energy Assistance

Beginning in the fall of each year, our Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) can help low-income persons with a one-time credit toward their winter utility bills. There will be one priority period where households with at least one member aged 60 or older, person(s) with a disability, families with children 5 and under, households with a disconnection notice or already disconnected from one or both utilities can apply first. Starting November 1, all other Cook County households can apply with the rest of the households from priority group 1.

Health Insurance

Maine Township provides free assistance to persons who have problems or questions about their health insurance. A trained Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) representative can answer questions on health insurance benefits and coverage, particularly Medicare, Medicare Supplements, and Long Term Care Insurance.

License Plate Discounts

Special discounts are available for vehicle license plates and renewal stickers.

Prescription Discount Program

Do you have Rx insurance? Stop by Maine Township and pick up your FREE Coast2CoastRx Discount Prescription Card and receive a discount on your prescriptions. Anyone can use the card. It covers drugs not covered in health plans along with many pet prescriptions! Save money on health expenses that are not covered by insurance.

Public Aid Advocacy For Medicaid And Food Stamps

If you want help filling out forms from Public Aid for Cash, Snap (Food Stamps) and Medicaid, one of our experienced staffers will be happy to assist you! Please visit Cash, SNAP (Food Stamps) & Medical Assistance webpage for more information.

Senior and Disabled Services

Senior and disabled citizens are an integral and vital part of the Maine Township community. We recognize that some members of our disabled and senior community may occasionally need assistance, and we are here to help. Maine Township has a Senior Disabled Advocate who acts as a clearing house for programs sponsored not only by the township, but also by the state, county, and local government. Any Maine Township resident who finds himself or herself in a difficult financial, medical or personal situation should visit our offices and speak to one of our trained staff to find out what kind of services may be available to accommodate their needs.

Summer Camp Scholarships

The Maine Township Reilly-Bialczak Scholarship Fund was initiated to provide an opportunity for the children of residents who are encountering financial hardship to participate in local park district summer camps. Children must be 18 years of age or younger to be eligible. Students over age 18 who are currently enrolled in high school as a full-time students are also eligible.

Transportation

Maine Township sponsors a subsidized taxicab program entitled MaineLines. It helps low-income people who are disabled pay for transportation in and around Maine Township.

Other Programs and Resources

  • Financial Assistance
  • Housing Information
  • Medical Assistance
  • Medicare Inquiries
  • Social Security Inquiries
Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions.