UTILITIES ASSISTANCE

The Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County (VACCC) Utilities Assistance Program provides temporary emergency financial assistance to eligible Veterans who are behind on utility payments. Qualified Veterans may receive up to $550 in assistance for overdue light, gas, and/or water bills to help maintain essential household services.

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 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

Applicants should be prepared to provide:

  • DD214 or qualifying military discharge paperwork
  • VA Rating Award Letter or VA No Benefit Letter
  • Current Illinois Driver’s License or State ID
  • Recent overdue utility bill dated within the past 30 days
  • Household income verification, such as:
    • Recent pay stubs
    • Pension statements
    • Unemployment documentation
    • Social Security award letters
  • If married, spouse income documentation may also be required

Important Notes

  • Additional documentation may be required depending on the situation

Processing and receipt of services are conducted in person on a first come, first served 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.