RENTAL ASSISTANCE

The Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County (VACCC) Rental Assistance Program provides temporary emergency financial assistance to eligible Veterans who are behind on rent payments. Qualified Veterans may receive up to $2,000 in assistance for past-due rent to help stabilize their housing situation.

Basic Eligibility Requirements

To generally qualify, applicants must:

  • Be a resident of Cook County for at least 3 recent consecutive months
  • Have qualifying military service:
    • Minimum 6 months of Net Active Service
    • Honorable, General, GUH, or Under Honorable 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

Applicants should be prepared to provide:

  • DD214 military discharge paperwork
  • VA Rating Award Letter or VA No Benefit Letter
  • Current Illinois Driver’s License or State ID
  • Current copy of a legal lease, signed by both tenant and property owner
  • Recent signed and notarized notice from landlord or property manager showing past-due balance
  • Household income verification, such as:
    • Recent pay stubs (within 30 days)
    • Pension statements
    • Unemployment documentation (UI Finding Letter)
    • Social Security awards letter
  • If married, spouse income documentation is also required along with a marriage certificate and current Illinois ID.

Important Notes

  • Subsidized housing may disqualify applicants from rental assistance
  • Veterans who own multi-unit properties are generally ineligible
  • Additional documentation may be required depending on the situation

Processing and receipt of services are conducted in person on a first come, first-serve basis at VACCC Headquarters located at 1100 S Hamilton Ave, C-011 (Lower Level), Chicago, IL 60612. If you have additional questions or would like to speak directly with a caseworker regarding eligibility or required documentation, please contact the VACCC office directly at 312.433.6010 and press Menu Option 1 for Emergency Financial Services.