For more information on these individual programs and services, including basic documentation and qualification criteria, please continue reading below.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – HUD Housing Counseling
Connects individuals and families with HUD-approved housing counselors who provide free or low-cost guidance on budgeting, credit management, debt reduction, foreclosure prevention, rental housing, and homeownership. Counselors help clients understand their financial situation, develop action plans, and connect them with housing assistance programs when appropriate. Services are available nationwide through HUD-approved counseling agencies.
Basic Eligibility:
- Individuals seeking financial or housing counseling
- Homeowners, renters, and prospective homebuyers
- No eligibility requirements to receive referrals to HUD-approved counseling agencies
Common Documentation Requested by Counseling Agencies:
- Government-issued Photo ID
- Income verification
- Monthly household budget
- Mortgage or lease documents (if applicable)
- Credit and debt information
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
Provides free educational resources to help consumers make informed financial decisions and protect themselves from unfair financial practices. The Bureau offers information on budgeting, credit reports, debt management, mortgages, student loans, banking, and consumer rights, while also accepting complaints about financial products and services. The CFPB does not provide direct financial assistance but helps consumers understand and resolve financial issues.
Basic Eligibility:
- Consumers seeking financial education or consumer protection information
- Individuals wishing to submit complaints about financial products or services
- No eligibility requirements to access educational resources
Common Documentation Requested (When Filing a Complaint):
- Government-issued Photo ID (if applicable)
- Account information
- Supporting financial documents
- Correspondence with the financial institution
- Transaction records (if applicable)
Federal Trade Commission – Consumer Advice
Program provides educational resources to help consumers recognize, avoid, and report scams, identity theft, fraud, deceptive business practices, and unlawful debt collection. The FTC also provides guidance on recovering from identity theft and reporting fraudulent activity to the appropriate authorities. The agency focuses on consumer education and enforcement rather than providing direct financial assistance.
Basic Eligibility:
- Individuals seeking consumer protection information
- Victims of scams, fraud, or identity theft
- No eligibility requirements to access educational resources
Common Documentation Requested (When Reporting Fraud):
- Government-issued Photo ID (if applicable)
- Financial account information
- Police report (if available)
- Copies of fraudulent communications
- Transaction records (if applicable)
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) – Consumer Services
Provides consumer education regarding financial institutions, licensed professionals, and financial service providers operating in Illinois. The department also investigates complaints involving licensed financial institutions and helps consumers understand their rights when working with banks, lenders, mortgage companies, and other regulated businesses. IDFPR does not provide direct financial assistance but serves as a consumer protection resource.
Basic Eligibility:
- Illinois consumers seeking information or assistance
- Individuals filing complaints against licensed financial institutions or professionals
- No eligibility requirements to receive consumer information
Common Documentation Requested (When Filing a Complaint):
- Government-issued Photo ID
- Account or loan information
- Copies of contracts or agreements
- Supporting financial documents
- Written correspondence
Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) – Housing Counseling
Connects Illinois homeowners, renters, and prospective homebuyers with HUD-certified housing counselors who provide financial education and housing counseling. Counselors assist with budgeting, credit improvement, foreclosure prevention, mortgage readiness, rental issues, and homebuyer education. Counseling services are delivered through participating nonprofit agencies throughout Illinois.
Basic Eligibility:
- Illinois homeowners, renters, or prospective homebuyers
- No eligibility requirements to receive referrals to participating counseling agencies
- Individual counseling programs may have additional eligibility requirements
Common Documentation Requested by Counseling Agencies:
- Government-issued Photo ID
- Income verification
- Mortgage or lease documents
- Credit information
- Monthly household budget
Ladder Up
Provides free financial counseling, tax preparation, budgeting assistance, and financial wellness education to help individuals and families improve their long-term financial stability. Financial counselors work with clients to establish budgets, reduce debt, improve credit, build savings, and access available financial resources. Services are offered through appointments and community partnerships.
Basic Eligibility:
- Individuals seeking financial counseling or tax assistance
- Some programs maintain their own eligibility requirements
- No eligibility requirements for many financial education services
Common Documentation Requested:
- Government-issued Photo ID
- Income verification
- Tax documents (if applicable)
- Credit report or debt information
- Bank statements (if applicable)
GreenPath Financial Wellness
Is a nonprofit organization that provides certified financial counseling, debt management services, credit counseling, student loan counseling, and budgeting assistance. Certified counselors help individuals evaluate their financial situation, create personalized action plans, and improve long-term financial health. Many counseling services are available free of charge.
Basic Eligibility:
- Individuals seeking financial counseling
- No eligibility requirements for most counseling services
- Certain debt management programs require enrollment agreements
Common Documentation Requested:
- Government-issued Photo ID
- Income verification
- Credit card statements
- Loan information
- Monthly budget and household expenses
Community and Economic Development Association (CEDA)
Connects eligible households with programs that promote financial stability, including utility assistance, weatherization, benefits enrollment, and financial education resources. Staff help residents identify available assistance programs and connect them with community services that improve financial well-being. Program eligibility varies depending on the specific service requested.
Basic Eligibility:
- Residents seeking financial stability services
- No eligibility requirements to receive information and referrals
- Individual assistance programs maintain their own eligibility requirements
Common Documentation Requested Later by Individual Programs:
- Government-issued Photo ID
- Proof of residence
- Income verification
- Utility bills (if applicable)
- Social Security numbers (if applicable)
Money Management International (MMI)
Is a nonprofit credit counseling agency that provides certified financial counseling, debt management plans, budgeting assistance, housing counseling, and financial education. Counselors help clients evaluate their financial circumstances, improve credit, reduce debt, and develop realistic financial goals. Many educational and counseling services are available at no cost.
Basic Eligibility:
- Individuals seeking financial counseling
- No eligibility requirements for most counseling services
- Enrollment requirements apply for certain debt management programs
Common Documentation Requested:
- Government-issued Photo ID
- Income verification
- Credit card statements
- Loan information
- Household budget and monthly expenses
Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago (NHS)
Provides financial coaching, credit counseling, foreclosure prevention assistance, and homeownership education to help individuals achieve long-term housing stability. Certified counselors assist clients with budgeting, improving credit, preparing for homeownership, and navigating financial challenges affecting their housing. Programs vary depending on available funding and individual needs.
Basic Eligibility:
- Individuals seeking financial or housing counseling
- Homeowners, renters, and prospective homebuyers
- Individual programs maintain their own eligibility requirements
Common Documentation Requested:
- Government-issued Photo ID
- Income verification
- Mortgage or lease documents (if applicable)
- Credit report
- Monthly household budget
- Financial account information
If you have further questions regarding these services, please contact our main office at 312.433.6010 and select Menu Option 4 to speak with a representative who can assist you with navigating this issue.
