General Assistance

Sterling Township offers financial assistance to families

and individuals in need.

General Assistance (GA) is designed to assist individuals and/or families who are in need of meeting basic living expenses according to a written standard by the State of Illinois and the Sterling Township. If an applicant is found eligible, GENERAL ASSISTANCE provides financial assistance for food, (even if you have SNAP), shelter, utilities, personal essentials (soap, shampoo, toothpaste, etc.), household supplies (laundry soap, detergent) and clothing. The GENERAL ASSISTANCE Office must determine the eligibility of each applicant. GENERAL ASSISTANCE has specific constraints regarding financial eligibility and there are also numerous non-financial eligibility requirements that must be met. The maximum amount of a benefit is limited by the payment level established by the GENERAL ASSISTANCE Office. In some circumstances applicants are eligible for GENERAL ASSISTANCE, but not eligible for the maximum amount of the benefit. When an applicant is approved for GENERAL ASSISTANCE the applicant is then required to develop and implement either a Community Work Program and/or a Job Search Program if the applicant is physically capable. An applicant that has been approved WILL NOT RECEIVE CASH . If approved, the GENERAL ASSISTANCE office will issue “disbursing orders” totaling the approved grant amount to vendors to supply goods and services. The General Assistance Office has 30 days from the date of receipt of a GENERAL ASSISTANCE application to make a decision regarding eligibility. Eligibility for GENERAL ASSISTANCE is reviewed and determined monthly. General Assistance 815.625.3990 ext 101 ga@sterlingtownship.com