Additional Rental Relief, Child Care Assistance Dollars Available for Illinois Families In Need
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch wants to highlight that applications are now open for the second round of the Illinois Rental Payment Program to assist tenants and landlords who have experienced hardship during the pandemic.
"This pandemic has presented our entire state with many challenges, few more crucial than housing insecurity,” said Speaker Welch. “We know that many Illinoisans are struggling due to pandemic-related loss, but help is here for those who need it most.”
The ILRPP is open to all Illinois landlords and tenants who meet certain eligibility requirements. Some of the program’s requirements for renters include having an unpaid rent balance and having a household income that is not greater than 80% of their area’s median income. Renters may apply for ILRPP assistance even if they received emergency rental assistance in the past or another unit of government provided them with federal rental assistance. However, they may not receive more than 18 months of total combined assistance, regardless of the source.
Approved applicants can receive one-time grants of up to $25,000 in assistance through the program. To apply, housing providers and tenants can submit a joint application together, and grants will be paid directly to the landlords. If the landlord chooses not to participate in the program, tenants may receive payments directly to make rental payments. To apply or view a complete list of eligibility requirements, individuals can visit www.illinoishousinghelp.org.
In addition, Illinois is offering $300 million in new child care recovery grants that will be made to providers across the state. This child care grant program is considered a national model and has provided stability for the industry when providers and parents needed it most.
“We know that getting people back to work means they need safe, quality, and affordable child care and, more importantly, it’s what our children deserve,” said Speaker Welch. “We’ve made it a priority to support our child care industry since the beginning of this pandemic and we know this is one of the best investments we can make. We also continue to prioritize equity and will ensure that our marginalized communities receive the resources they desperately need.”
Applications for this round of funding are due in early January, with funding beginning to flow in February 2022. This will support child care providers with approximately $25,000 per classroom per year, child care group homes with $15,000 per year, and child care homes with approximately $10,000 per year. Additional funding will be made available for programs that demonstrate they reach underserved communities.
Application information about the newest round of grants and Restoration Grant extension will be available for providers through the Illinois Network of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies (INCCRRA).