Whether you are an employee, business owner, student, or family affected by Covid-19, the following resources are a starting point to help you cope and recover financially. If you are looking for non-financial resources and information, please visit the library's Covid-19 information page.
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Unemployment assistance for employees
Nutrition and food assistance, and well being assistance
Resources for business owners and employers
Info for business owners and employers
Updated December 29, 2020
Unemployment assistance for employees
Individuals who have lost their job as a result of COVID-19 can visit the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) website to apply for unemployment.
10 things to know before applying for unemployment insurance in Illinois, including a link to file your claim.
See the FAQ's on Unemployment in Illinois on the State of Illinois Coronavirus response page.
Unemployment insurance claimants must also register with the employment service: Employment Service Registration Requirements
For additional information, Call IDES at 1.800.244.5631 or visit the IDES website
Are you looking for a job? Lake County is maintaining a list of opportunities.
Updated April 5, 2021
Cash or monetary assistance
Temporary Rental Assistance information
Rental Assistance and Affordable Housing in Lake County
- The Lake County COVID Housing Relief Program (CHRP) provides rent and utility assistance for eligible households financially impacted by COVID-19. If you are a Lake County resident and need help paying rent or utility bills, please call 211. To learn more, please visit lakecountyil.gov/4476/Lake-County-COVID-Housing-Relief-Program .
- The Lake County Federal Emergency Rental Assistance (FERA) program is now open. Learn more at lakecountyil.gov/renthelp.
Cash assistance for pregnant women and families with children: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
Financial assistance for musicians: The Recording Academy MusiCares or Musicians Foundation (re-opened)
Artists can learn more about their options here about Arts for Illinois. Donate or Apply for funding here.Back to top
Updated December 29, 2020
Student loan assistance
Coronavirus and Forbearance Information for students, parents, and borrowers
Updated December 29, 2020
Nutrition and food assistance and well being
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program can help you and your family purchase groceries. To find out if you are eligible or to get help with your application, visit abe.illinois.gov or call 844-600-7627.
The Northeastern Illinois Food Bank can also be a useful resource in feeding you and your family. Find your nearest pantry at solvehungertoday.org/get-help.
West Deerfield Township Food Pantry
Contact Lake County's 211 to be connected with someone well-versed in Lake County organizations and operations that will direct you to services, resources, and help. On a phone, text 898211 or dial 211.
Local health authority information and who to contact if you or someone you know is sick lakeforestlibrary.org/blog/covid19-info#who
Updated May 7, 2021
Financial resources for businesses:
Federal
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) application round two has closed.
- Access the PPP Loan Forgiveness Application.
- Learn more about PPP Loan Forgiveness at youtube.com/watch?v=uBdDgDR00Ag
The IRS and the Treasury Department have announced tax credits available under the American Rescue Plan (ARP). The program helps small to mid-size businesses claim refundable tax credits that reimburse them for the cost of providing paid sick and family leave to their employees due to COVID-19 – this includes leave taken by employees to receive or recover from COVID-19 vaccinations. The ARP tax credits are available to eligible employers that pay sick and family leave for dates between April 1, 2021 and September 30, 2021. See the fact sheet here.
SBA Funding Options
- SBA Loan - Borrower Information Form. “The purpose of this form is to collect information about the Small Business Applicant (“Applicant”) and its principals, the loan request, indebtedness, information about currentor previous government financing, and certain other topics. The information also facilitates background checks as authorized by section 7(a)(1)(B) of the Small Business Act, 15 U.S.C. 636(a)(1)(B). This form is to be completed by the Applicant and all individuals identified below and submitted to your SBA Participating Lender.”
- SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans has re-opened. Learn more at it here. The EIDL Advance is no longer available.
- A working capital loan can be used for anything that a business would have been able to pay normally had Covid19 not happened. Learn about SBA 7a loans here.
- Restaurant Revitalization Fund - learn more at https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/covid-19-relief-options/restaurant-revitalization-fund
Other options:
ComEd Small Business Assistance - provides eligible small business customers with a one-time grant of up to $1,000 towards a past due balance – a remaining balance can be placed into a payment plan of up to six months. For details please visit the ComEd website.
Updated May 7, 2021
Info for business owners and employers
Find a location near you to get vaccinated at https://coronavirus.illinois.gov/s/vaccination-location. All vaccinations are done by appointment only.
Questions on re-opening your business can go to the IL DCEO at 1-800-252-2923 or ceo.support@illinois.gov.
Consider chatting with the experts at the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the College of Lake County (CLC). Or, sign up to receive updates from the SBDC at CLC.
SBDC at CLC
19351 W. Washington St.
Grayslake, IL 60030
Room E186
Phone: (847) 543-2033
Fax: (847) 223-9371
illinoissbdc@clcillinois.edu
Find further business resource links, information, and partners on the Lake County Partners website