family and children services
Strong families are the foundation of strong communities. Every family deserves access to the resources, opportunities, and support they need to thrive.
Our office is here to help families navigate state programs and connect with resources that can make everyday life a little easier. Whether you're looking for help with childcare, healthcare, food assistance, housing, education, or another issue, we're here to help you find where to start.
Family and Children Resources
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Childcare & Early Learning
Finding affordable, reliable childcare can be challenging. These resources can help families find childcare assistance, early learning programs, and support for young children.
Financial assistance may be available to help eligible families pay for childcare while parents or caregivers work, attend school, or participate in approved activities.
[Apply for Child Care Assistance]
Programs that support young children and families through early education, development, and family services.
Connect with your local Child Care Resource & Referral agency for help finding childcare and navigating available programs.
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Food & Nutrition Assistance
Every family should have access to nutritious food. These programs can help eligible families with groceries, infant nutrition, and meals for children.SNAP
SNAP helps eligible individuals and families purchase food through an Illinois Link Card. You can use Illinois' ABE system to check eligibility and apply.
[Check Eligibility / Apply]WIC
WIC provides nutrition assistance, breastfeeding support, healthy foods, and referrals for eligible pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and young children.
[Learn About WIC]School Meals
Find information about free and reduced-price school meals and other nutrition programs available to children.
[Find School Meal Resources]Food Pantries & Local Food Assistance
Find food pantries and community organizations that can help families experiencing food insecurity.
[Find Food Assistance] -
Healthcare for Families
Healthcare should be accessible and affordable for every family. Find information about Medicaid, children's health coverage, and other healthcare resources.Illinois Medicaid
Medicaid provides health coverage to eligible children, adults, seniors, and people with disabilities. Applications and benefit management are available through Illinois ABE.
[Apply for Medicaid]All Kids
All Kids provides comprehensive, affordable health coverage for eligible children in Illinois, including doctor visits, dental care, vision care, prescriptions, and more.
[Learn About All Kids]Get Covered Illinois
Illinois' official health insurance marketplace can help families explore health coverage options and find free assistance from navigators and brokers.
[Explore Health Coverage]Healthcare Questions?
If you're having trouble understanding your coverage or figuring out where to start, our office may be able to help connect you with the appropriate state agency.
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Housing & Utility Assistance
Housing costs can put significant pressure on families. These resources can help with housing, rent, utilities, and other basic needs.
Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA)
Resources for renters, homeowners, homebuyers, and individuals looking for affordable housing opportunities.
LIHEAP — Utility Assistance
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps eligible households with energy costs and utility assistance. Program availability, eligibility, and application periods can change, so check the current information before applying.
Emergency Housing
If you or your family are facing homelessness or an immediate housing crisis, find emergency shelter and local assistance resources.
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Financial Assistance & Benefits
Illinois offers programs that may help eligible families with food, healthcare, cash assistance, and other basic needs. Use the resources below to learn what assistance may be available.Illinois ABE — Check Your Eligibility
The Illinois Application for Benefits Eligibility (ABE) allows you to check whether you may qualify for programs including SNAP, healthcare coverage, and cash assistance.
[Check My Eligibility]Apply for Benefits
Ready to apply? Use ABE to submit an application for SNAP, healthcare, and cash assistance programs.
[Apply for Benefits]TANF — Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
TANF provides temporary cash assistance and other support to qualifying families with children.
[Learn About TANF]Manage Your Benefits
Already receiving benefits? Use ABE to check your case information, application status, notices, and other benefit information.
[Manage My Case] -
Family Safety & Support
Every family deserves to feel safe. If you or someone you know needs help with domestic violence, child abuse or neglect, or another safety concern, confidential support and resources are available.Child Abuse & Neglect
If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, Illinois provides resources for reporting concerns and finding support for children and families.
Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-25-ABUSE (1-800-252-2873)
[Report Child Abuse / Learn More]Domestic Violence
The Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline provides free and confidential support, information, and referrals 24 hours a day.
24-Hour Hotline: 1-877-863-6338
[Get Domestic Violence Support]Family Support
Find information and resources related to child safety, parenting support, foster care, adoption, guardianship, and other family services.
[Illinois Family Resources]Immediate Danger
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911.
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Disability Services & Support
People with disabilities and their families deserve access to the services, opportunities, and support they need to live, work, learn, and participate fully in their communities.Illinois Department of Human Services — Division of Rehabilitation Services
DRS provides services to help people with disabilities pursue employment, education, and independent living opportunities.
[Explore Disability Services]Home Services Program
The Home Services Program may provide support that helps eligible people with disabilities live more independently in their homes and communities. Services can include personal assistance, home-delivered meals, respite, nursing, and other supports.
[Learn About the Home Services Program]Disability Healthcare Resources
Find information about Medicaid and other healthcare programs available to eligible people with disabilities.
[Explore Healthcare Resources]Disability & Rehabilitation Services Contact
1-877-581-3690
[Find a Local DRS Office]