General Assistance:

General Assistance – General Assistance is offered to established residents of Orland Township who have no form of income, assets, or financial resources who are not otherwise eligible for Federal or State Assistance. Applicants must be 18 or older, and a United States citizen or qualifying immigrant.

Application – Applications are available in Orland Township’s administrative office, and to anyone who asks for them. Applicants will be required to complete an application and provide support documentation before program eligibility can be established.

Applicant’s Responsibility – Every applicant for General Assistance must, at the time of application, furnish complete and accurate information concerning income, proof of residency, any means of support and assets.   All applicants will be required to apply for state food assistance and all other governmental assistance in which they are presumptively eligible.  Applicants who are applying for Social Security Disability will be required to show proof of application and a physician’s letter supporting disability claim and inability to work.

Assistance Grant – Once eligibility has been established, the assistance grant may be applied towards rent, utilities, food allowance, and household products. Other needs may be considered upon request.

Institutional Status – General Assistance is not available to residents in hospitals or in private or public institutions.

Client’s Responsibility – Client must report any change in residence, income, assets, and/or family size within five (5) business days of the change. Notifications can be made to our office by letter, phone, or in person.   Clients not reporting changes in income, assets, family size, residency, or receiving more aid than they are entitled to are required by law to pay back a sum of money up to, but not to exceed, the entire amount of excess assistance paid by the Township.  Clients must keep all appointments and fulfill all requirements, sign all necessary forms. Failure to do so will result in termination for non-cooperation.

Fraud – Persons who make false statements or who willingly deceive and misrepresent their circumstances to a public assistance agency, or persons who willfully fail to report changes in income or property owned, which affect the amount of assistance they are entitled to are subject to penalties under the law.  Any person found guilty of fraud will be required to repay Orland Township the amount of assistance received and, in addition, may be fined, imprisoned or both.

Terminated Employment / Job Services – If you voluntarily left your job without just cause, you may not apply for General Assistance for 30 days from the date of termination. You are also required to maintain current registration with the Illinois Job Service. You must bring paperwork that shows you have applied.