The ALICE Emergency Fund provides one-time emergency financial assistance of up to $1,500 for families experiencing a recent financial crisis.
Eligible situations may include:
- Medical emergencies
- Divorce or death in the household
- Temporary job loss or reduced work hours through no fault of their own
- Major unexpected expenses
Assistance can help cover urgent needs such as:
- Rent or mortgage payments to prevent eviction
- Car repairs so a parent can continue getting to work
- Childcare costs to help maintain employment
Accountability & Impact
To ensure funds are used effectively:
- Payments are made directly to verified landlords, repair shops, childcare providers, or service providers
- Assistance is designed to stabilize families quickly during temporary hardship
ALICE Emergency Assistance Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
Residency & Employment
- Primary resident of Sangamon or Menard County for at least 180 days
- Currently employed or temporarily unemployed due to circumstances beyond the applicant’s control
- Not currently receiving rent or mortgage assistance from another government, faith-based, or nonprofit organization
Financial Hardship Requirement
- Experienced a significant financial hardship within the past 180 days, including but not limited to:
- Reduction in work hours resulting in a loss equal to 30% of household income
- Temporary unemployment due to circumstances beyond the applicant’s control
- Death of a significant other contributing to household income
- Divorce or separation from a significant other contributing to household income
- Serious injury or medical diagnosis
- Significant increase in expenses equal to 30% of household income, including:
- Loss of a primary vehicle required for work or school
- Loss of childcare required for work or school
- Unexpected medical expenses
- Funeral costs
Income Eligibility
- Household income must fall at or below the ALICE Survival Budget guidelines.
Gross Annual Household Income Limits for ALICE Emergency Assistance
| Household Size | Minimum Income | Maximum Income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $20,345 | $28,000 |
| 2 People | $27,495 | $43,000 |
| 3 People | $34,645 | $60,000 |
| 4 People | $41,795 | $70,000 |
| 5 People | $48,945 | $84,000 |
| 6 People | $56,095 | $95,000 |