Resident Services
Financial Assistance
River Forest Township can offer various forms of financial aid to River Forest residents who qualify. If you are a River Forest Township resident and seek financial assistance, call the office to determine if you meet any and all requirements necessary to apply for General Assistance, Emergency Assistance, Energy Assistance Program or Youth Scholarships. Please contact the Township Supervisor, John Becvar, at 708.366.2029 x11 or via email at: [email protected].
The General Assistance (GA) program is available to provide temporary, financial support for Township residents in need who are looking for jobs, but do not qualify for, or are waiting for a decision on unemployment, disability, or other government programs. If you are a River Forest resident with noncustodial children in financial need who is not receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or other government-sponsored assistance and meet income and asset guidelines, contact us. Learn more.
The Emergency Assistance (EA) program is a one-time award, up to $1600, to alleviate a health and/or welfare crisis (i.e. potential eviction or utility shutdown), and can only be given once within a 12-month period. The amount available is limited and only granted if the crisis would be averted. Learn more.
The Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps pay a set portion of heating or electric utility bills on a one-time yearly basis for income-eligible applicants (150% of poverty) or gives the applicant the option to enroll into or re-certify in the percentage of income payment plan (PIPP) at certain times during the season. Households in which at least one person is 60 years or older or have someone disabled are given priority processing. Both priority groups are also eligible to apply for furnace repair or replacement. The furnace assistance program will be available until May 31, 2024 or until funds are exhausted. We are a certified partner of Community Economic Development Association of Cook County (CEDA) and a certified Nicor Gas Energy Program partner. Learn more.
Our partnership with the Chicago Furniture Bank provides gently used and donated furniture to residents as they transition into a new home. They can provide an entire home’s worth of furniture to residents facing poverty.
The Township offers Youth Scholarships so that young people aged 5-17 with demonstrated financial need can participate in after-school recreational, educational, sports and arts-related programs. (Scholarships may be available to children aged 3-4 on an exception basis.) Youth Scholarships generally ask families and the program to share in the cost of program fees.