Programs & Assistance

General Assistance

A program that offers financial assistance to eligible Niles Township residents who currently have no income due to lack of employment or are awaiting a decision on their Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claim. Eligible individuals can receive up to $700 a month toward rent or utilities paid directly to the vendor on behalf of the client. You must be 18 years or older and be actively seeking employment or social security benefits to qualify.

Electronically fill out the General Assistance Application Form.

View the paper application for General Assistance

Emergency Assistance

A financial assistance program to alleviate a life-threatening circumstance to eligible Niles Township residents. In order to qualify, you must have a 5 day eviction notice from a landlord or a disconnection notice from a utility company. This program is available once in a 12-month period per household. Assistance is paid directly to the vendor.

Electronically fill out the Emergency Assistance Application Form.

View the paper application for Emergency Assistance

Camp Scholarships

If you are sending your child or children to camp at a township park district, and are in need of financial assistance, Niles Township may be able to provide you with some support.

The following are the eligibility requirements for assistance:

1. Child and Parents or Legal Guardians must reside within the boundaries of Niles Township.

2. The Camp Program must be offered by one of the following park districts:

Glenview, Golf Maine Park District, Lincolnwood, M-NASR, Morton Grove, Niles, and Skokie

3. Gross Household Income per month must be less than or equal to 85% of State Median Income, or the amounts listed below.

Family Size Gross Income Family Size Gross Income

2 $4,921 5 $8,395

3 $6,079 6 $9,553

4 $7,237 7 $9,770

Gross income includes, but not limited to: wages and salaries before deductions, child support payments, alimony and unemployment or disability insurance.

4. Parent(s) or guardian(s) must be working, attending school or be enrolled in a job training program during the hours the child(ren) will be attending camp.

*Once your application and supporting documents have been reviewed and approved, payment will be sent directly to the Park District after registration has been confirmed. If you do not register your child for the originally requested days and hours, the amount awarded will be adjusted accordingly. Extraordinary medical expenses or circumstances will be taken into account.

Scholarship Program is Full at this time

Child Care Scholarships

Struggling to pay for your child’s daycare or preschool? Niles Township can supplement childcare costs for eligible parents in the district.

The following are the eligibility requirements for assistance:

1. Child(ren), and parents/legal guardians must reside within the boundaries of Niles Township. Children qualify only if their birthday is on or after September 1, 2017.

2. All recipient families are expected to contribute a portion of the tuition fees.

3. Child(ren)must be officially registered in a childcare facility, deposit paid by family.

4. The childcare program selected must be one of the following:

• State licensed or approved day care provider

• Accredited preschool program

5. Both parents/custodial parent/guardian must be working, attending school or be enrolled in a job-training program during the hours of the childcare program.

6. Gross Household Income per month must be less than or equal to the amounts listed below (85% of SMI):

Family Size Gross Income Family Size Gross Income

2 $4,702 5 $8022

3 $5,809 6 $9,128

4 $6,915 7 $9,366

Gross income includes, but not limited to: wages and salaries before deductions, child support payments, alimony and unemployment or disability insurance.

7. The application process is two steps: first complete this form, and click on the “Done” button located at the top right of the screen when you are finished. The form will automatically be sent to Ruth Orme-Johnson and Holly Zimmermann via email. Second, please email copies of the documents on the following page to Ruth and Holly at socialworker@nilestownshipgov.com.

8. Troubles submitting the application? Please call 847-673-9300 to speak with Holly Zimmermann or Ruth Orme-Johnson and schedule a time to apply in-person.

9. You will be notified by either email and/or postal mail as to whether you have been approved or denied child care scholarship assistance.

*Once your application and supporting documents have been reviewed and approved, payment will be sent directly to the Childcare Facility after registration has been confirmed. If you do not register your child for the originally requested days and hours, the amount awarded will be adjusted accordingly.

Scholarship Program is Full at this time

Social Security Services Provided by Jan Schakowsky’s Office

Maribeth Stein is an Outreach Coordinator and Constituent Advocate from the office of Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. She is available the 3rd Monday of each month from 1 to 4 pm.

Some of the issues she can assist with are:

Understanding changes to Social Security benefits
Evaluation of Medicare Part D plans
Social Security Disability issues
Questions about Medicare coverage

Appointments are preferred. You can email Maribeth Stein or call 773-506-7100.

Low-Cost Glasses & Hearing Aids

Niles Township has new partnership that is launching with the Lion’s Club. Niles Township is now accepting applications for those who are seeking low/no-cost glasses and hearing aids. The Lion’s Club will connect qualified applicants with the appropriate medical appointments and glasses/hearing aids.

Qualifications

Family must be low-income
Must have previously been (or currently be) a Niles Townships client
Hearing aids are only for those 18 and older - glasses are for all ages

Apply

To apply please complete the applications below:

North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic

North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic offers eviction, immigration, and domestic violence help. Know your rights regarding housing by visiting the North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic website.

Email Lia H. Kim-Yi or call 847-737-4042 for more information.