General Assistance

General Assistance (GA) is temporary support up to $425 per month for Urbana residents who are out of work or disabled. You will not qualify if you receive any other cash benefit such as SSI/SSDI, TANF, or AABD. Assistance is provided regardless of immigration or criminal conviction status to the extent allowed by law.

To Apply:

  1. Fill out the application either online (English, Español) or download and print it (English).If you need help, call us 217-384-4144 or ring the doorbell and ask. We are open 8:30am-12 and 1-4:30pm.
  2. Collect all paperwork, and turn in the application with all paperwork included. This checklist has what we need and how to get it.There is FREE printing, scanning and help at the Urbana Library across the street from Township.

 

After you have turned in your completed application:

  1. We review your application and paperwork. If we have questions or need documents, we will contact you. We need a working phone number and/or email address for you. If you don’t have either, let us know.
  2. Your application will expire after 30 days – so make sure you respond to us quickly.
  3. You will receive an approval or denial letter within 30 days of turning in your complete application.
  4. We will mail your approval or denial letter to you OR, if you do not have an address, your letter will be available to you at Cunninghan Township Supervisor’s Office.

 

If you are approved:

  1. You will be assigned to one of these tracks:
    • Employment Track is for those able to work.To receive assistance: You will serve 12 hours every two weeks at Salt and Light or another community work site, which is $17.70 an hour for your service.
    • Disability Track is for those not able to work due to a permanent disability.To receive assistance you must regularly go to the doctor, provide medical verification, and apply for Social Security Disability (SSI/SSDI).
    • TANF Track is for those with children under 18 in their custody.
      To receive assistance, you must have applied for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). GA benefits will stop after 3 months or sooner if your household is approved for TANF.
  2. Benefits are issued as a check payable to you and sent to your verified Urbana address on the first day of the month. You can cash the check for free at any Busey Bank whether or not you have a bank account.
  3. If you do not have an address, you can pick up your check on the second Tuesday of the month at Cunningham Township at 205 West Green Street, Urbana, Illinois 61801 between 1 and 4:30 pm.
  4. With your first check, you will receive an update appointment and a list of any additional paperwork. You must attend this first appointment and submit the requested paperwork, or your case will be closed and you will need to reapply and submit new paperwork. This first appointment is very important. It is how we get to know you and support you.

 

To continue to receive general assistance you must:

  1. Let us know of ANY changes within 5 days. This includes: address change, income change, change in household size, and any changes to your social security case.
  2. Attend ALL scheduled appointments (every 2-3 months).
  3. Submit all paperwork as requested to your case manager.
  4. Complete your monthly community work assignment.
  5. If the Supervisor is concerned about drug or alcohol abuse, you may be required to get an evaluation and seek treatment to continue to receive assistance.
  6. You will be provided a document detailing any additional responsibilities you have as a participant of township.

 

Required paperwork to apply for general assistance:

  • Government Photo ID
  • Proof of Current Address (Lease) or Homelessness Verification
  • Proof of ALL Income for you and your spouse (if applicable) – Past 30 days including paystubs, SSA award letters, ongoing cash gifts from family/friends, etc
  • Social Security Benefit Verification Letter or recent verification of application for SSI/SSDI
  • Bank Statements and Assets – Past 30 days of statements from checking accounts, savings accounts, mobile payment services, and statements from any other assets.
  • SNAP/Medicaid Notice of Decision Letter or proof of an application for SNAP/Medicaid
  • Consent to Release Information (This is on the last page of the application)

If you are able to work, you must provide:

  • UI Finding from the unemployment office

If you are unable to work and/or 65+, you must provide these items:

  • Doctor’s Note Stating Inability to Work & Dates of Restrictions
  • Letter from employer to verify medical leave (if applicable)

If you are pregnant or there are children under 18 in the household:

  • Proof of An Application for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

 

If your application is denied:

You have a right to understand the reason for your denial. The reason will be in your denial letter but if you have questions, call us. If you disagree, you have a right to appeal and submit additional documentation to the Supervisor. An appeal must be in writing, if you need assistance filling one out please let our staff know. We will respond to you within 2 weeks. Applicants have the right to appeal decisions by the Supervisor and be given a fair hearing by the Champaign County Public Aid Committee. An appeal must:

  • Be in writing and submitted within 60 calendar days of the decision of this office.
    • The Cunningham Township Office or the County Board Office (1776 E. Washington, Urbana) can provide an appeal form and help with completion.
  • Those appealing may represent themselves at the fair hearing or be represented by a person or persons of their choice, such as a lawyer, relative, or friend.
  • If the appeal is filed within 10 days of the date of change (or within 10 calendar days of notice when there is no date of change), benefits may be continued at the present level pending the result of the appeal.