EMERGENCY FINANCIAL SERVICES

The Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County (VACCC) Emergency Financial Services (EFS) program provides temporary emergency assistance to eligible Veterans and their families residing in Cook County. These locally funded programs are designed to help Veterans stabilize urgent financial situations involving housing, utilities, transportation, food, hygiene, communication services, and burial support. Assistance may include help with rent, mortgages, utilities, transportation, food, hygiene items, internet or phone bills, and burial expenses.

Basic Eligibility Requirements

To generally qualify for VACCC Emergency Financial Services, applicants must:

  • Be a resident of Cook County for at least three recent consecutive months.
  • Have qualifying military service, typically:
    • Minimum 6 months of Net Active Service; and
    • An Honorable, General, GUH, or UHC discharge.
  • National Guard members with less than 6 months active duty may qualify with an NGB-22 showing completion of a full contract.

Common Required Documentation

Our EFS programs require the following documentation:

  • DD214 or qualifying military discharge paperwork
  • VA Rating Award Letter or VA No Benefit Letter
  • Current Illinois Driver’s License or State ID
  • Household income verification, such as:
    • Recent pay stubs
    • Pension statements
    • Unemployment documentation
    • Social Security award letters
  • Additional documents specific to the requested assistance program may also be required.

Veterans are encouraged to contact the VACCC before arriving to confirm eligibility requirements and ensure all required documentation is available.