Financial Help in Chicago: Every FSR Guide in One Place (2026–27)

Chicago renters have a county-wide safety net that many people never hear about until they are in court. Cook County Legal Aid for Housing and Debt (CCLAHD) gives free legal help to residents facing eviction, foreclosure, consumer debt and tax deed problems, and its services are open to Cook County residents regardless of income. Its Early Resolution Program can also refer you to rental assistance so a case does not end in an eviction or debt judgment. The intake line is (855) 956-5763, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Call that line as early as possible, ideally before your first court date. The guides below cover the rest of the Chicago picture: Cook County eviction steps, ComEd and Peoples Gas bill help, CCAP child care, CTA reduced fares, medical debt relief, senior property tax exemptions and food while SNAP is delayed.

Sources: Cook County Legal Aid for Housing and Debt. Checked October 19, 2026.

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Housing & Eviction

• Chicago Security Deposits and Moving Costs: Where to Find Help

• Chicago Family Shelter 2026–27: How to Get Placed Through 311 and Shield of Hope

• Chicago Eviction Court Steps 2026–27: The 5-Day Notice, Your First Zoom Court Date, Pay and Stay, and the Sheriff

• Chicago Tenant Repair Rights 2026–27: How the RLTO's 14-Day Notice, Repair-and-Deduct, Rent Withholding and Heat Rules Work

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Utilities & Water

• Cook County Winter 2026–27 Shutoff Protections: How to Keep Your Heat On This Season

• Chicago Holiday Help 2026: Angel Tree by ZIP Code, Holiday Food, and LIHEAP Heat Help

• Chicago Water Bill Help 2026–27: Utility Billing Relief Cuts Water and Sewer Charges in Half and Can Erase Old Debt

• ComEd and Peoples Gas Bill Help in Chicago 2026–27: Low-Income Discounts, LIHEAP Dates and Winter Shutoff Rules

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Medical

• Chicago Medical Debt Help 2026–27: Illinois Debt Relief, Cook County CareLink and Your Billing Rights

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Taxes

• Free Tax Prep in Chicago for 2027: VITA Sites, Ladder Up, and What to Bring

• Chicago Senior Property Tax Exemptions 2026–27: Cook County's Senior Exemption, Senior Freeze and How to Claim Missed Savings

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Transit

• Chicago CTA Reduced Fare and Ride Free 2026–27: The New Access Program for SNAP Households, Senior and Disability Permits and How to Apply

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Food & Churches

• 15 Churches and Faith-Based Programs in Chicago Helping with Rent, Food, and Bills in 2026

• Chicago Food Help When SNAP Is Delayed: What to Do This Week (2026–27)

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Other Help

• Chicago Child Care Assistance (CCAP) 2026–27: Income Limits, Copays, Who Qualifies and How to Apply

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About this page

This directory is maintained by the FSR Editorial Team. When we publish or retire a guide for Chicago, we update this page. Last updated October 2026.