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 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
• Recent utility bill dated within the past 30 days
• 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

• If Utilities are shut off, our office cannot provide assistance
• 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.