Veterans Emergency Financial Assistance

Emergency Financial Services

Emergency Financial Assistance (EFS) through the Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County (VACCC) provides short-term, immediate support to eligible Veterans and their dependents experiencing financial hardship. Assistance is designed to stabilize essential living needs, with payments issued directly to landlords, utility companies, or service providers, not to the Veteran - the exceptions being food assistance, hygiene assistance, and transportation assistance. These services can be used annually or semi-annually depending on the type of service.

Services

EFS covers a range of essential needs, including:

• Housing Assistance: Annual rent or mortgage support (up to $2,000) to prevent eviction or foreclosure
• Utilities Assistance: Annual support for past-due electric, gas, and water bills (up to $550)
• Internet & Phone Assistance: Limited, annual support of up to $100 for internet and $100 for cell phone/landline service (up to $200 total), for overdue bills.
• Food Assistance: Semi-annual grocery support through gift cards for eligible Veterans and household members ($200 Aldi Food Cards per Veteran and another $100 per dependent)
• Hygiene Assistance: Basic hygiene and personal care support through approved vendors ($100 Walgreens Card per Veteran and another $100 per dependent)
• Transportation Assistance: CTA/PACE bus cards for travel to VA appointments, employment, education, and other essential needs (30 weeks with caseworker referral, another five weeks without a referral)
• Burial Assistance: Up to $3,000 to assist with burial or cremation expenses for eligible Veterans

Requirements

To qualify, applicants must generally meet the following criteria:

• Discharge Status: Must have a qualifying discharge (Honorable, General, GUH or UHC) with sufficient active service
• Residency: Must be a resident of Cook County (at least 3 consecutive months)
• Income: Must meet income eligibility guidelines based on household size and financial need

Applicants are required to provide supporting documentation, which may include a DD-214 (or equivalent), valid ID, proof of Cook County residency, income verification (pay stubs, benefits letters, etc.), and documentation related to the specific expense (lease, utility bill, invoice, etc.). All applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and additional documentation may be required depending on the service requested.