Coronavirus (COVID-19) Relief Center
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Relief Center
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- Relief Center
- Federal
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- NYC
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Other States
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
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Illinois
These resources – like the public health crisis itself – are constantly evolving and are only current as to the date of publication. This page was last updated on August 24, 2020.
For more up-to-date information on the relief programs available in Illinois, we recommend that you visit the state's Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response portal.
Business-Related Relief Programs
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CARES Act: Paycheck Protection Program
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) appropriates $349 billion to assist small businesses through section 7(a) loans and Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”), administered by the Small Business Administration … » more information -
Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loans
Economic Injury Disaster Loans (“EIDLs”) provide working capital to help small business concerns, small agricultural cooperatives and aquaculture companies, and most private non-profit organizations (of all sizes) meet financial obligations that … » more information -
Business Interruption Grants Program
The Business Interruption Grants Program will provide $60 million to up to 3,500 businesses that experienced a limited ability to operate due to COVID-19-related closures. The first wave of grants will focus on small businesses located in … » more information -
Business Interruption Grants Program
The Business Interruption Grants Program will provide $60 million to up to 3,500 businesses that experienced a limited ability to operate due to COVID-19-related closures. The first wave of grants will focus on small businesses located in … » more information -
Chicago, Illinois: Small Business Resiliency Fund
In response to COVID-19, the City of Chicago has established a $100 million Chicago Small Business Resiliency Fund to provide small businesses with emergency cash flow during this crisis. Funds will be provided to eligible businesses as low-interest … » more information -
Delay of State Income Tax Filing Deadline
In light of COVID-19, the Illinois Department of Revenue has extended the deadline to file state income tax returns to July 15, 2020. » more information -
Downstate Small Business Stabilization Program
In light of COVID-19, the Downstate Small Business Stabilization Program will offer small businesses of up to 50 employees located in downstate and rural counties the opportunity to partner with their local governments to obtain grants of up to … » more information -
Immunity from Civil Liability for Health Care Facilities, Health Care Professionals, & Health Care Volunteers
The Governor of Illinois has issued an executive order granting immunity from civil liability to health care facilities, health care professionals, and health care volunteers for any injury or death that occurred when they were engaged in the course … » more information -
Low Rate Business Loans for Small Businesses through Business Invest
Through the Business Invest program, the Illinois State Treasurer has made up to $500 million in deposits available to banks and credit unions throughout Illinois, at near-zero rates, to provide loans to Illinois small businesses and non-profits … » more information -
Moratorium on Non-Residential Evictions
In light of the spread of COVID-19, the Illinois Governor has ordered that all state, county, and local law enforcement officers must cease enforcement of orders of eviction for non-residential premises. » more information -
Moratorium on Utility Shut-Offs
In light of COVID-19, the Illinois Commerce Commission has issued a moratorium on shut-offs for all utility companies across Illinois. The moratorium will remain in place until May 1, 2020, or the end of the state of emergency, whichever is later. » more information -
Notary Requirements
In light of COVID-19, the Governor of Illinois relaxed notarization requirements: instead of appearing in person before a notary, a person can use two-way audio-video communication technology. » more information -
Relief for Restaurants and Bars Serving Alcohol
Illinois has enacted a statute, House Bill 2682, permitting Illinois restaurants and bars to sell cocktails for pick-up and delivery. » more information -
Restore Illinois Guidelines for Reopening Business
The Governor of Illinois has outlined a five-phase plan, Restore Illinois, to reopen businesses and guide the return to public life. Illinois is currently in Phase 4 of the plan. … » more information -
Sales Tax Deferral for Bars & Restaurants
In light of COVID-19, the Illinois Governor has directed the Department of Revenue to defer sales tax payments for small- and medium-sized bars and restaurants. Eligible eating and drinking establishments will not be charged penalties or interest on … » more information -
Small Business Assistance
This website provides a compendium of resources to assist small businesses in general (but is not specifically related to COVID-19). For example, the website provides links to information about loans and financing, as well as regulatory assistance. » more information -
Small Business Emergency Loan Fund
In light of COVID-19, the Illinois Small Business Emergency Loan Fund will offer small businesses low-interest loans of up to $50,000. Successful applicants will owe nothing for six months, and will then begin making fixed payments at a below-market … » more information -
Work Share Legislation
Illinois’s Work Share law encourages employers to temporarily reduce hours, rather than lay off workers. Workers who are affected can collect partial unemployment benefits, while staying on the job part-time. This legislation has not changed in … » more information -
Chicago Expanded Outdoor Dining
Chicago’s “Our Streets” plan will open up portions of streets in commercial corridors for expanded outdoor dining. Six pilot streets include: … » more information -
Chicago: Automatic Business License Extension
The Chicago City Council passed an ordinance to extend certain business licenses that expire during the COVID-19 pandemic. Licenses issued by the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection under Title 4 or Title 9 of the Municipal Code … » more information -
Chicago: Grants and No-Interest Loans for Affordable Housing Providers (ERAMP)
The Chicago Department of Housing has established the Emergency Relief for Affordable Multifamily Properties (ERAMP) to provide short-term operating support to multi-family affordable housing providers affected by COVID-19 and the related economic … » more information -
Chicago: Small Business Resource Navigators
Chicago’s Small Business Resource Navigators will provide individualized counseling and support for business owners, share and navigate available business resources for business owners, and assist with determining loan and grant eligibility … » more information -
Tax Deferral for Certain Business Taxes
The City of Chicago has extended due dates for tax payments, for the following City taxes: bottled water tax, checkout bag tax, amusement tax, hotel accommodation tax, restaurant tax, and parking tax. » more information -
Temporary Suspension of Debt Collection for Debts Owed to the City of Chicago, Ticketing, & Towing
In response to COVID-19, the City of Chicago has temporarily suspended its debt collection practices for debts owed to the City of Chicago and non-safety related citations and impounds, as well as penalties for late payments. This relief includes a … » more information -
Together Now Grants for Small Businesses
Chicago’s Together Now fund will provide grants to small businesses and non-profits in Chicago that have experienced economic distress due to COVID-19. Grantees may receive operational cost support grants of up to $4,000 for necessary operating cost … » more information -
Transportation Relief
In light of COVID-19, the City of Chicago has announced that it will delay the collection of ground transportation tax for taxicabs, ride-hail services, and other public passenger vehicle, through June 1. The city is also deferring collection of … » more information
Employment-Related Relief Programs
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CARES Act: Unemployment Insurance Benefits
The CARES Act creates a temporary Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program that expands eligibility for unemployment benefits and increases those benefits for certain individuals who are unable to work due to the COVID-19 emergency. The program … » more information -
Credit for Sick Leave for Certain Self-Employed Individuals
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (the “FFCRA”) provides a refundable income-tax credit to self-employed individuals who would otherwise be entitled to paid sick leave under the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act (the “EPSLA”), were they … » more information -
Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act
The Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act (the “EFMLEA”) requires certain employers to provide their employees with paid, job-protected leave for up to twelve weeks in connection with qualified family caregiving needs. The intended … » more information -
Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act
The Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act (the “EPSLA”) requires government employers and employers with fewer than 500 employees to provide their employees with paid sick leave if those employees are unable to work due to COVID-19. Full paid leave is … » more information -
“Get Hired” Website & Employment Resources
In light of the spread of COVID-19, the Illinois state government has launched Get Hired IL, a website designed to connect workers with available job and career training opportunities across the state. Beginning in June, Illinois residents will also … » more information -
Executive Order No. 2020-04 (COVID-19 Executive Order No. 2: Suspension of Service Requirement for Sick Leave Advancement
In light of COVID-19, the Illinois Governor has suspended the two-year continuous service requirement for state employees to receive advancement of sick leave. » more information -
FAQ for Employee Sick Leave Act
Provides answers to frequently asked questions about the Employee Sick Leave Act, which requires employers to allow employees to use at least a portion of sick leave time already available to them to care for certain relatives. The Employee Sick … » more information -
Temporary Moratorium on Wage Garnishment
The Governor of Illinois has issued an executive order suspending the statutes that permit the service of a garnishment summons, wage deduction summons, or a citation to discover assets on a consumer debtor or consumer garnishee. This order does not … » more information -
Unemployment Benefits
State Unemployment Programs … » more information -
Work Share Legislation
Illinois’s Work Share law encourages employers to temporarily reduce hours, rather than lay off workers. Workers who are affected can collect partial unemployment benefits, while staying on the job part-time. This legislation has not changed in … » more information -
Workers’ Compensation for Essential Employees Who Contract COVID-19
Under emergency rules, COVID-19 first responders or front-line workers who contract COVID-19 during the state of emergency will be presumed eligible for workers’ compensation claims. » more information -
Chicago: COVID-19 Anti-Retaliation Ordinance Regarding Actions Against Employees
The Chicago City Council passed a COVID-19 Anti-Retaliation Ordinance, preventing employers from taking adverse action against employees for obeying certain orders related to COVID-19. The ordinance prohibits employers from terminating, demoting, or … » more information -
The ARK
During the COVID-19 outbreak, The ARK is continuing to offer monthly food packages to Jewish individuals in Chicagoland who are in need. Additionally, The ARK is providing financial assistance, medical services, and employment services upon request. » more information
Food-Related Relief Programs
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COVID-19 Child Nutrition Response Act
The COVID-19 Child Nutrition Response Act (the “CNRA”) enables the Secretary of Agriculture to waive conditions that states, schools, and individuals must meet to be eligible for financial support for federal nutrition programs. » more information -
Food and Nutrition Service
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (the “FFCRA”) makes appropriations to the Department of Agriculture to fund food and nutrition assistance programs. » more information -
SNAP COVID-19 Response Waivers
This section of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (the “FFCRA”) makes it easier to obtain nutritional assistance. The Act lifts certain requirements for low-income, unemployed individuals to be eligible for Supplemental Nutrition … » more information -
The Maintaining Essential Access to Lunch for Students (MEALS) Act
The Maintaining Essential Access to Lunch for Students Act (the “MEALS Act”) seeks to ensure students have access to school meal benefits while schools are closed because of COVID-19. Enacted as part of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act … » more information -
Emergency SNAP Benefits
Emergency SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits are nutrition benefits (formerly known as food stamps) to help individuals buy food that are available within five days of their application. These offerings were previously in … » more information -
Help Illinois Families: Financial Assistance for Essential Services
The state of Illinois has announced $275 million in emergency relief for households impacted by COVID-19. Eligible Illinois residents and families can apply to receive assistance with food, rent, utilities, temporary shelter, medicine, and other … » more information -
Student Lunches (Statewide)
In light of the school closings ordered to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, schools are providing free to-go meals to students. Students who qualify for free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch can receive grab-and-go meals each day, with some … » more information -
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Food Benefits
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP benefits (formerly known as food stamps) help people buy the food they need. In light of COVID-19, Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Human Services have announced that SNAP benefits … » more information -
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
TANF provides temporary financial assistance for women who are pregnant and for families with one or more dependent children. This financial assistance can help pay for food, shelter, utilities, and expenses other than medical expenses. TANF … » more information -
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Nutrition Assistance
WIC is a food assistance program for women, infants, and young children. WIC provides checks to buy healthy foods, and also provides information about nutrition, health, and breastfeeding. The WIC Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program provides checks to … » more information -
Chicago: Emergency Food Coordination Center
In light of COVID-19, the City of Chicago has launched an Emergency Food Coordination Center at Malcolm X College, in partnership with The Salvation Army and the Greater Chicago Food Depository. 3-1-1 requests from residents who are homebound and … » more information
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