TRANSPORTATION SUPPORT (CTA/PACE CARDS)

The Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County (VACCC) Transportation Assistance Program provides temporary transportation support to eligible Veterans through weekly CTA/PACE bus cards. This program is designed to assist Veterans with transportation related to outpatient medical care, job interviews, employment, education, and housing searches.

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
  • Documentation showing transportation need, such as:
    • Social worker referral
    • Medical appointment printout
    • Employment schedule
    • School schedule
    • Interview appointment confirmation
  • 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

  • Veterans may qualify for up to 30 weeks of transportation assistance annually with an approved referral
  • Veterans may also qualify for up to 5 weeks of emergency transportation assistance without a referral
  • 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.