Resources
Healthcare Services
Cook County Health can remain your healthcare home. You may contact them by calling 773.395.9050
If you or someone in your family is pregnant, you can signup for a program called WIC, which provides additional food for pregnant women and small children. For assistance, please call 217.782.2166.
Legal Services
If you are planning to apply or have applied for asylum, you can sign up for additional benefits through the Illinois Department of Human Services. For assistance, please call IDHS' hotline at 800.843.6154
To obtain information on legal services you can 312.660.1328 for a possible consultation by immigration professionals. Please note, notaries are NOT attorneys and not legally allowed to provide legal services. Your must seek out an accredited attorney.
Victims of Trafficking and Serious Crimes Support
The Victims of Trafficking Torture or other Serious Crimes (VTTC) benefit is a state of Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) public benefit for which new arrivals can apply. The benefits include the medical card (health insurance) and a food/cash assistance card. Contact an IL Welcoming Center for more information.
Driver's License and Identification
In Illinois, individuals without social security numbers can obtain a Temporary Visitor’s Driver’s License (TVDL), allowing you to drive with authorization. You can visit the Secretary of State’s website to find the nearest DMV near you by visiting ilsos.gov or call 800.252.8980.
City Services
If you remain in Chicago, you can obtain a CityKey identification card. The CityKey serves as an ID within the City limits. You can also use it as a library card and public transportation card (funds need to be loaded on the card). Find the next CityKey event by visiting chicityclerk.com. Please note that a CityKey ID is not proof that you are able to work. Only the federal government can provide you with employment authorization. CityKey cards are not being printed at City Hall.
Digital Services
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a federal program that makes broadband internet more affordable for eligible households and families. If you need support enrolling in Affordable Connectivity Program, see here.
Education Services
All children ages 7-17 must be in school. Please call 773.553.2242 to begin registration process. You can also access Early Learning resources by calling 312.229.1690.
Resource Navigation Support
If you ever need support or services and are unsure of where to turn to, please call 2-1-1 to reach a trained resource navigator (available in both English and Spanish) to seek out more information. Resource navigators are also available via chat at hhttps://211metrochicago.org/ and by texting 898-211.
Emergency Services
If you ever need support or services and are unsure of where to turn to, please call 2-1-1 to reach a trained resource navigator (available in both English and Spanish) to seek out more information. Resource navigators are also available via chat at hhttps://211metrochicago.org/ and by texting 898-211.
Support Hotlines
Likewise, if you are in an emergency, please call 911. As a reminder, the police will NEVER ask about your immigration status.
- The hotline for domestic violence support is: 877.863.6338
- The hotline for mental health support is: 9-8-8
Important Links:
- Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project
- How Recent Arrivals Can Comply with the U.S. Immigration System
- Welcome to IL
- CityKey
- USCIS Local Office
- Office of Immigrant, Migrant, and Refugee Rights
- Illinois Community for Detained Immigrants
- Illinois Department of Human Services
- Homelessness Support
- National Immigrant Justice Center
- Illinois Secretary of State
- 2-1-1 Metro Chicago
- Chicago Public Schools
- CDPH Mental Health Centers
- City of Chicago Trauma Informed Centers of Care
- City of Chicago Domestic Violence Helpline