General & Emergency Assistance

The Chouteau Township General Assistance programs helps our residence who may need temporary financial help. This program is required by state law and is administered by the Township Supervisor. In Chouteau Township the General Assistance program has two components; General & Emergency Assistance. General Assistance follows specific guidelines for eligibility and operation. The process starts with filing a completed application with the Township Supervisor’s Office.

The main component of the General Assistance program is known by the same name, General Assistance (GA). This component helps residents who are not receiving any other federal or state welfare benefits. General Assistance is a short-term safety net when between jobs or during illness. This component can make monthly payments on behalf of eligible residents for items like housing, utilities, and food.

The second component is Emergency Assistance (EA). This component helps residents who are not eligible for GA (MUST do a GA Application first), not receiving any other federal or state welfare benefits AND have urgent, life-threatening need. EA is a once-per-year payment on behalf of eligible residents to alleviate a life-threatening situation-a utility disconnect or eviction. Would not be eligible again until the 13th month following payment date.

Applicants must meet financial and non-financial factors for eligibility as contained in the Township’s General Assistance Handbook for GA and EA.

Application Requirements:

  • Eligibility for aid is generally based on financial income and resources available.
  • In addition to being a resident of Chouteau Township, information regarding you and your family, financial status, and registration with the Department of Employment Security will need to be provided
  • You start out as a General Assistance Applicant. If denied, then moved to be completed as an Emergency Assistance Applicant (if eligible)
  • Applications can be downloaded or may be picked up during regular business hours, daily from 9:30am-11:00am & 1:30 to 3:00pm
  • Once Application is filled out & ALL required documents are gathered you must call into the office for an appointment (618) 931-0360. Ask for Annette Caldwell

Application Document Requirements: Instruction Sheet & Documentation Request Form

Application: General Assistance Application

How to Apply for General/Emergency Applications (for EA: must be denied as a General Assistance Applicant):

  • To be eligible you must return all required documents and be within the required guidelines
  • It may take up to thirty (30) business days to determine your eligibility for a General Assistance Application. An intake interview will be done when you drop off the required documents.
  • It may take (an additional) up to ten (10) business days to determine your eligibility for Emergency Assistance Application. An additional interview may be scheduled to determine your eligibility as well.
  • Must be a permanent resident within the township (this excludes motels & campgrounds)
  • Must be living for a consecutive of at least 6 months at said address within the township (must have legitimate proof)
  • Cannot be receiving: SSI, TANF, AABD, VA Benefits (ANY gov’t welfare program) – This will make you OVER INCOME.
  • Cannot be a veteran (would need to reach out the Veterans Affairs (618) 296-4554)
  • Must be living at said address
  • Income must be within poverty levels set by Federal Government
  • Have not received Emergency Assistance in the past 13 months

Required Documentation:

  • Picture drivers license, state identification card, military identification card, or other identification with picture
  • Proof of application and/or denial for food stamps from the Illinois Department of Public Aid
  • Proof of application and/or denial for Temporary Aid for Needy Families (TANF) from the Illinois Department of Public Aid Illinois Department of Public Aid
  • Proof of application and/or denial for Social Security Income (SSI) from the Social Security Administration, where applicable
  • Proof of application and/or denial for Social Security Disability (SSD) from the Social Security Administration, where applicable
  • If claiming disability, doctor report on current condition and probable length of disability
  • Proof of application and/or denial for Unemployment Insurance benefits from the Department of Employment Security, where applicable
  • Proof of registration of work opportunities with the Illinois Department of Employment Security
  • Proof of parenthood for any children claimed by an applicant, such as birth certificate
  • List of addresses where applicant has resided for the last five (5) years
  • Complete name, address, and telephone number of current landlord or house mortgage holder
  • Social Security Number for applicant, any children claimed, and other parent if children are claimed
  • List of financial institution accounts including checking account, savings account, certificate of deposit account, VENMO, Online Banking, etc. The list should have the institution’s name, address, and account number, such as the most recent bank statement.
  • Proof of current residence such as rent receipt, utility bill, mortgage or ownership papers
  • Title to any vehicles owned or the name and address of lien-holder
  • List of employers with addresses for the last five years
  • Paycheck stubs for the last thirty (30) days
  • Rental agreement, if applicable
  • Shut-off notice for utility, if applicable
  • Eviction notice, if applicable

If you have any questions please call Annette Caldwell @ 618-931-0360