General Assistance
Financial help for Crete Township residents in need
How Township Assistance Works
Crete Township offers two types of financial assistance to eligible residents facing hardship. Both programs are administered through the Township General Assistance office, and both require an in-person application with original supporting documents.
General Assistance
Monthly financial assistance to help meet basic needs such as utilities and rent. Subject to a work requirement — recipients must register with IDES and must not refuse suitable employment.
Emergency Assistance
One-time assistance (once per 12 months) for situations that are life-threatening or that directly jeopardize your employment. You must be denied General Assistance before Emergency Assistance is considered.
Who Qualifies
Residency Requirement
You must be a continuous Crete Township resident for at least 6 months prior to the date your completed application is received. The application date is the date all documents and your signature are in hand.
Apply for All Eligible Benefits First
You must apply for TANF and SNAP through the Illinois DHS (abe.illinois.gov) and provide written proof of application and current benefit status.
Employment Requirement
You must have registered with IDES (Illinois Department of Employment Security) within the preceding 30 days, unless exempt. You must not have refused suitable employment. Applicants must report any change in circumstances within 5 days.
Utility Help
Utility assistance is available for ComEd, Nicor, and Village of Crete water only. A disconnection notice is required. The grant is a flat amount up to $240. Late fees are not covered.
Rent Help
A "5-Day Notice" from your landlord is required. Assistance is partial payment only — not full rent. Late fees are not covered. Mortgage assistance is not available through this program.
Not Eligible If
- Currently receiving SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
- Currently receiving SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance)
- Currently receiving TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
Required Documents
You must bring original documents to the township office. Copies may not be accepted. Gather everything before your visit.
Any missing documents or information will deem your application INCOMPLETE. The 30-day review period does not begin until a completed application with all documents and your signature is received.
Social Security Cards or numbers for everyone in the household
Proof of all income for everyone age 18+ — last 30 days and last 3 check stubs
Proof of unemployment benefits (if applicable)
Federal Form 1040 and W-2s for everyone age 18+
Proof of all benefits currently being received
Current utility bills: Nicor, ComEd, other — plus any Shut-Off Notices (REQUIRED if seeking utility help)
Copy of your lease (must show 6-month Crete Township residency)
If lease does not show 6 months: additional proof of residency for the past 6 months
"5-Day Notice" from your landlord (required if seeking rent assistance)
Illinois SNAP (Link Card) — proof of application AND proof of current benefits
Illinois TANF cash assistance — application and proof of benefits
Bank and savings account statements for everyone age 18+ — last 3 months
How to Apply
Gather Documents
Collect all required original documents from the checklist above before visiting the office.
Apply for State Benefits First
Apply for SNAP and TANF through Illinois DHS before visiting the township. Bring proof of application and current benefit status.
Download the Application
Download and complete the official General Assistance application packet.
Download ApplicationSubmit In Person
Bring your completed application and all original documents to the Crete Township office. Staff will review once your file is complete.
Questions? Call the Crete Township General Assistance office at (708) 672-8279
Request Assistance
Not sure where to start? Send us a preliminary inquiry and a staff member will reach out to guide you through the process. This is not a formal application — you will still need to visit the office in person with your documents.
Community Resources Directory
The following organizations serve Will County and surrounding areas. Many offer assistance regardless of General Assistance eligibility.
State & Federal Benefits
3 resourcesABE — Apply for Benefits Eligibility
Apply online for SNAP, cash assistance, healthcare, and Medicare Savings.
IDHS — Illinois Department of Human Services
Link Card, cash assistance, medical, SNAP, TANF, and WIC. Use the site to find your nearest office.
Healthcare.gov
Federal Health Insurance Marketplace for individuals not eligible for Medicaid.
Energy Assistance
2 resourcesLIHEAP — Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
Heating and utility cost assistance for income-qualified households.
Will County Center for Community Concerns (WCCCC)
LIHEAP, housing counseling, employment support, prescription drug assistance, VITA free tax help, and Veterans Dental Assistance.
Housing & Rent Help
10 resourcesWill County Comeback Grants & Assistance Program
Mortgage, rent, and utility help for households under 80% AMI who are at least one month behind due to hardship.
Catholic Charities
Free food, emergency rental assistance (eviction prevention), DAYBREAK shelter for the homeless, and transitional housing for single mothers.
611 E. Cass Street, Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 774-4663Salvation Army — Joliet
Food, groceries, meals, rent/housing assistance, utility help, healthcare, and low-interest loans.
Veterans Assistance Commission of Will County
Rent help, housing advocacy, and financial services for veterans and families.
128 N. Scott St., Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 740-8389Housing Authority of Joliet
Section 8 and public housing.
6 S. Broadway Street, Joliet, IL 60436
(815) 727-0611Housing Authority of Park Forest
Section 8 and public housing.
350 Victory Drive, Park Forest, IL 60466
(708) 748-1112Senior Services of Will County
Home-delivered meals, home maintenance, housekeeping, caregiver assistance, Mini-Bus/Shuttle, Volunteer Driving, and free tax preparation.
Continuum of Care — Homeless Services
Low-income apartments, rent loans, referrals, and case management.
Martha's Youth Service Center
Crisis intervention, housing assistance, referrals, and case management.
409 W. Jefferson Street, Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 768-8750Prairie State Legal Services — Housing
Free civil legal aid for eviction prevention, landlord-tenant mediation, and housing or utility shut-off issues.
Mon–Thu 9 AM–1 PM. Callers 60+: (800) 531-7057
(815) 727-5123Food Pantries
7 resourcesCrete Township Food Pantry
Crete Township residents only.
Alicia's House
Open to area residents.
Community Outreach Program
Allowed twice per month.
3440 Halsted Blvd, Steger, IL 60475
Saturdays after 1st & 3rd Friday 9–11 AM; other weeks Tuesday 7–9 PM
(708) 732-4504Emmanuel Christian Reformed Church
Lynwood & Sauk Village residents only for Saturday pantry; mobile pantry open to everyone.
22515 Torrence Ave, Sauk Village, IL 60411
Every Saturday 10 AM–12 PM; Mobile: 2nd Wednesday monthly at 3:30 PM
(708) 758-3343Monee Township Food Pantry
Peace Community Church
Rich Township Food Pantry
Community Support
5 resourcesUnited Way of Will County
Funds local nonprofits; help finding resources in the area.
54 N. Ottawa Street Suite 300, Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 723-2500American Red Cross
Disaster assistance: lodging, food, medication, and emotional support.
2200 W. Harrison St., Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 729-6100Christians Against Poverty
Free debt help, financial coaching, credit counseling, and budgeting.
Spanish Community Center
Bilingual childcare, citizenship/immigration assistance, food pantry, and family advocacy.
309 N. Eastern Ave, Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 727-3683Community Service Council (CSC)
HUD Certified; foreclosure prevention, rental counseling, anger management, drug/alcohol counseling, and post-traumatic stress services.
Mental Health
6 resourcesWill County Health Department & Community Health Center
Behavioral health for adults and children, family support, vision/hearing screening, and food nutrition education.
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Joliet
Mental health services.
203 N Ottawa St, Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 730-4891Karing Initiatives, Inc.
Mental health services.
600 Holiday Plaza Dr., Suite 130, Matteson, IL 60423
(708) 248-5009Domestic Violence
5 resourcesGuardian Angel Community Services
On-site emergency shelter, counseling, and support.
South Suburban Family Shelter
Off-site emergency shelter and counseling.
Domestic Violence Helpline (DHS)
Toll-free, confidential, 24-hour, multilingual helpline.
Partner Abuse Intervention Services
Men's, women's, LGBT, and adolescent assessments in English and Spanish.
12 W Cass St, Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 727-2830Connections for Abused Women & Their Children (CAWC)
Veterans Services
2 resourcesVeterans Assistance Commission of Will County
Rent help, housing advocacy, and financial services.
128 N. Scott St., Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 740-8389Road Home Program at Rush
Confidential support and health services for veterans and families healing from the invisible wounds of war.
Rehabilitation & Other Services
4 resourcesRehabilitation Services (DHS)
1617 Jefferson Street, Joliet, IL 60435
(815) 730-4200Developmental Disability Services
1740 McDonough Street, Joliet, IL 60436
(815) 741-0800Child Care Resource & Referral
801 N Larkin Ave, Joliet, IL 60435
(800) 552-5526Prairie State Legal Services
Free civil legal aid for eviction prevention, landlord-tenant mediation, housing/utility/shut-off issues, and Illinois law info.
Mon–Thu 9 AM–1 PM. Callers 60+: (800) 531-7057
(815) 727-5123Will County Township General Assistance Phone Directory
Channahon
(815) 467-2569Crete
(708) 672-8279Custer
(815) 458-2252DuPage
(630) 759-1317Florence
(815) 478-3150Frankfort
(815) 469-4907Green Garden
(815) 277-9884Homer
(708) 301-0522