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Category: COVID-19

Published: Monday, August 10, 2020 11:22 AM

Guidelines and government services

• Driver services facilities – Any licenses or IDs that expire prior to May 31 have been automatically extended until January 1, 2022. Driver’s licenses for people 75 and older were automatically extended for one year. The federal government has also extended the deadline to begin requiring a REAL ID or passport to board a plane until May 3, 2023.
• Family and Community Resource Centers – IDHS has closed some offices, so check your local office’s status before you go. Online applications will still be processed, and IDHS’s call center is still open: 1-800-843-6154.
• Department of Rehabilitation Services local offices – IDHS has closed some offices, so check your local office’s status before you go. Online applications are still being accepted: DRS.illinois.gov/apply.
• State prisons – State prisons have adopted a two visits per month rule.
• FOID cards and Concealed Carry Licenses - Firearms Owners Identification cards and Concealed Carry Licenses will automatically be extended during the disaster declaration as long as holders whose permits expire submit renewal applications.

Health resources

• Vaccination plan – IDPH’s vaccination plan is posted on its website. Everyone age 12 and up is eligible to get vaccinated.
• Vaccination locations – Find where you can schedule an appointment to get a vaccination, if you’re eligible.
• Testing sites – IDPH has created a list of sites that will provide COVID-19 tests outside of hospitals. Some are available to anyone showing symptoms, while others have additional requirements. Sites managed by IDPH are open to anyone, regardless of whether or not they’re showing symptoms.
• Insurance questions – The IL Dept. of Insurance has created a web page to answer insurance questions.
• Mental health – The COVID-19 pandemic and associated financial stresses and isolation are challenging for many people. In addition to resources from the Illinois Department of Human Services, the National Alliance on Mental Illness – Illinois’ website also has links to local branches that can help people find more personalized assistance. They also operate a crisis helpline at 800-950-6264 and a suicide prevention line at 800-273-8255. If you believe a family member poses a threat to themselves or others, you can seek a firearms restraining order. Illinois Legal Aid Online has additional information.
• Call4Calm emotional support text line – The Illinois Department of Human Services is operating a service to connect individuals struggling with the stress of COVID-19 and the Stay at Home Order with free, anonymous counselors. Text “TALK” to 552-020 (or “HABLAR” in Spanish).

Family resources

• Expanded unemployment benefits – IDES manages unemployment benefits in Illinois. They’ve also prepared an explanation of the expanded federal unemployment benefits for people who would not normally qualify.
• Employment resources – The Illinois Departments of Employment Security and Commerce and Economic Opportunity have combined resources to create Get Hired Illinois, a one-stop resource for job seekers and unemployment benefits. It also features job training opportunities and job fairs.
• Restaurant employee grants – The Illinois Restaurant Association is providing one-time $500 grants to restaurant employees experiencing hardship due to COVID-19.
• Moratorium on evictions – There is currently a moratorium on evicting any single person who makes up to $99,000 per year (or $198,000) for families, if they are experiencing hardship due to COVID-19. However, tenants must make a good faith effort to pay as much as they can afford and sign a form documenting their hardship.
• Utility, rent, and necessity help – Families struggling to make ends meet may qualify to receive assistance with food, rent, utilities, temporary shelter, medicine and other essential household services.
• Federal Economic Impact Payments – The IRS has put together a resource for people with questions.
• Child care assistance locator – With many child care centers operating under reduced capacity, workers may need to locate new providers. There is also a toll-free helpline available at 888-228-1146.
• Student loan collections – The federal government has reduced interest rates to 0% and suspended collections until at least Sept. 30, 2021. In addition, Illinois has worked with other states to provide private borrowers assistance, including at least 90 days of forbearance with waived late fees and no negative credit reporting or debt collection. If you are having trouble with your servicer or have a non-federal student loan, you can call the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation at 217-785-2900 or file a complaint here. You also can call the Illinois attorney general’s Student Loan Helpline at 800-455-2456 or file a complaint here.
• Free Wi-Fi hotspots – DCEO has put together a map of free Wi-Fi hotspots that can be used for activities like e-learning.
• Homelessness resources – The Department of Human Services has expanded its homelessness resources to help address additional issues from the pandemic, and information is available for providers and the homeless on its website.

• Blood donation – With blood drives across the country cancelled, the nation’s supply of donated blood is dangerously low. In addition to the Red Cross, consider contacting your local blood donation center.
• Food bank donations – Many food banks need additional resources to help families struggling through this crisis. Even if you’re familiar with a food bank, call, email, or visit its website first. Many have changed procedures to help slow the spread of coronavirus.

• Coronavirus.illinois.gov – State of Illinois Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response
• Illinois Department of Public Health
• Centers for Disease Control
• World Health Organization