Digital Literacy and Technology Assistance for Single Mothers in Illinois

Digital Literacy & Technology Assistance for Single Mothers in Illinois

Last updated: September 2025

This guide gives you direct steps, numbers, and links you can use today. It focuses on low‑cost internet, free devices, safe places to learn tech skills, and how to handle online paperwork for benefits, schools, courts, and work. You’ll find plain‑English steps, checklists, and real contacts across Illinois. Keep this page handy.

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If You Only Do 3 Things — Emergency Actions to Take

Stop a utility shutoff now: Call your electric or gas company and ask for a “deferred payment arrangement” and note you applied for LIHEAP; then call the Illinois Commerce Commission Consumer Services at 1-800-524-0795 to log the issue and request help. Use the state’s LIHEAP portal to request service help at Help Illinois Families, and read the ICC winter/heat protections before you call. (icc.illinois.gov)
Secure low‑cost internet today: Check eligibility and enroll online with Access from AT&T or Xfinity Internet Essentials; if those aren’t available, call PCs for People Illinois for a $15/month hotspot or a low‑cost desktop/laptop. (att.com)
Get in‑person tech help: Book a one‑on‑one session with Chicago Public Library CyberNavigators through CyberNavigator Technology Tutors, or call 211 for the nearest library or nonprofit that offers computer help and classes. Use the statewide 211 site at 211 Illinois and CPL’s learning tools at Chicago DigitalLearn. (chipublib.org)

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Quick Help Box — Numbers and Links to Keep Handy

Energy bill help (LIHEAP): Call 1-833-711-0374 and start at Help Illinois Families; read program dates and updates via ICC Utility Assistance. (dceo.illinois.gov)
Utility complaints/rights: ICC Consumer Services 1-800-524-0795; know winter/heat shutoff protections at ICC Rules & Protections and disconnection protections page at ICC Energy Assistance. (icc.illinois.gov)
Apply for benefits (SNAP/TANF/Medicaid/Child Care): Use Illinois ABE or call 1-800-843-6154 (TTY 1-866-324-5553). See help notes at IDHS ABE Help. (abe.illinois.gov)
Court and e‑filing help: Call Illinois Court Help 1-833-411-1121 and use eFileIL (official portal) and How to e‑File (guides). (ilcourthelp.gov)
Child support (open a case, questions): Call 1-800-447-4278 and start at HFS Child Support — Enroll; see HFS Parents page for online services. (hfs.illinois.gov)

What Digital Literacy Means for You in Illinois

Digital literacy means you can connect to internet service, use basic tools like email, upload documents for benefits, and handle online school and court tasks. Start with a safe, stable connection; then use trusted, free training to build skills. You can combine low‑cost internet options like Access from AT&T with free library coaching through CyberNavigator Technology Tutors and self‑paced lessons on Chicago DigitalLearn to take care of bills and paperwork faster. (att.com)

Reality check: funding shifts are real. The federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ended in 2024, so plan around regular low‑cost plans and Lifeline phone discounts. Illinois’ Office of Broadband also notes changes to federal digital equity grants in 2025, but local libraries and nonprofits are still serving families daily. Read the FCC’s ACP wind‑down and Illinois broadband updates at FCC ACP page and DCEO Digital Equity. (fcc.gov)

Fast Paths to Internet and Devices

Start here and pick the option you can activate this week.

Low‑Cost Home Internet You Can Get Quickly

Access from AT&T: $30/month for up to 100 Mbps (no annual contract, equipment included). Check address and apply at Access from AT&T, and review offer details on AT&T Access FAQ. (att.com)
Xfinity Internet Essentials/Essentials Plus: $14.95/ m o n t h f or 75/10 M b p s, or$ 29.95/month for 100/20 Mbps. Start with the welcome kit at Internet Essentials and see program terms at Essentials T&Cs. (xfinity.com)
PCs for People Mobile/Hotspot: $15/month prepaid hotspot plans; in‑store device + service bundles available. Check Cook County store info at PCs for People — Oak Lawn and statewide eligibility at PCs for People eligibility. (pcsforpeople.org)

Where to Get a Low‑Cost or Free Computer

PCs for People Illinois: Windows laptops often start around $50 in ‑ s t ore; d es k t o p s f ro m$ 30; hotspots $60 d e v i ce +$ 15/month service. Visit PCs for People — Cook County or shop online at pcsrefurbished.com. (pcsforpeople.org)
Human‑I‑T: Refurbished devices with one year free tech support; low‑cost hotspots and help in English/Spanish; call 1-888-391-7249. Start at Human‑I‑T Store and read support details at Human‑I‑T Tech Support. (store.human-i-t.org)
City of Chicago device info (for city residents): See Need a Computer? (PCs for People & Compudopt) and watch for local distribution events. (chicago.gov)

Quick Comparison — Illinois Internet & Device Options

Program	Typical Price/Speed	Who Qualifies	How to Apply
Access from AT&T	$30/mo up to 100 Mbps	Income ≤200% FPL or qualifying program	Online application; address check (att.com)
Xfinity Internet Essentials	$14.95/ m o 75/10;$ 29.95/mo 100/20	SNAP, Medicaid, NSLP, Housing programs	Apply online; upload docs (xfinity.com)
PCs for People Hotspot	$15/mo unlimited data	Income‑eligible or program‑eligible	Online or in‑store enrollment (pcsforpeople.org)
Human‑I‑T	Devices from ~$150; hotspot plans	Low‑income households	Shop online; phone support (store.human-i-t.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Call 211 to ask for digital navigator help in your county at 211 Illinois; in Chicago, ask any library branch about CyberNavigator one‑on‑one coaching via CPL CyberNavigators. If you’re a CPS family already in Chicago Connected, your free internet was extended through SY25‑26—contact your school for status using Chicago Connected. (211illinois.org)

How to Stop Utility Shutoff in Illinois Today

Move fast, document every call, and use your rights. Illinois has strong winter and extreme‑heat protections.

Call your utility’s collections line and ask for a “Deferred Payment Arrangement (DPA).” Tell them you applied for LIHEAP and ask that they note it.
Apply for LIHEAP immediately using the Request for Services form at Help Illinois Families (response can take days to weeks; local agencies call back). (dceo.illinois.gov)
Call the ICC Consumer Services Division at 1-800-524-0795 to log a complaint if disconnection is scheduled and you can’t secure a payment plan. Read the winter/heat rules at ICC Utility Energy Assistance. (icc.illinois.gov)

Key rules to know: winter shutoff limits apply Dec 1–Mar 31 (and on freezing‑forecast days), and there are heat protections above 90°F; utilities must offer a DPA with a max 10% down payment before disconnecting many heating customers. Also, if you apply for LIHEAP/PIPP, large utilities must give a 30‑day disconnection pause (and 45 days after assistance is received) under 220 ILCS 5/8‑206.5. Read details on the ICC rule page and the statute. Use Rules Applicable to Utilities and Illinois Statute 220 ILCS 5/8‑206.5. (icc.illinois.gov)

If you’re in Chicago, also check the City’s Utility Billing Relief (UBR) for a 50% water/sewer rate cut and debt forgiveness after 12 on‑time reduced payments at UBR program and UBR FAQ. (chicago.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Call 211 to locate a Community Action Agency same‑day; ask for a crisis LIHEAP appointment via Help Illinois Families. If the shutoff is due to a serious medical condition, ask your doctor’s office for a “medical certificate” to pause disconnection under ICC rules; confirm the process at ICC Rules Overview. (dceo.illinois.gov)

Internet, Phone, and Lifeline (Phone Discount) — 2025 Snapshot

Lifeline gives up to $9.25/ m o n t h o ff p h o n eor in t er n e t (u pt o$ 34.25 on Tribal lands). Check income/program eligibility and apply via the National Verifier at USAC Lifeline — Do I Qualify?; see 2025 limits and survivor benefits info at USAC Eligibility. (usac.org)
ACP ended in 2024, so plan for regular low‑cost internet or Lifeline phone/internet discounts instead. Read the FCC wind‑down guidance at FCC ACP Consumer FAQ and program status at FCC ACP page. (fcc.gov)
In Chicago, CPS families already enrolled in Chicago Connected continue to receive free high‑speed internet through SY25‑26; new enrollments remain limited. Check updates at CPS Chicago Connected update and program info at CPS Chicago Connected. (cps.edu)

Quick Reference — Lifeline Income (48 states), 2025

Household Size	Max Annual Income (135% FPG)
1	$21,128
2	$28,553
3	$35,978
4	$43,403

Find the full table and survivor pathway details at USAC Consumer Eligibility. (usac.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your phone/internet company to apply your Lifeline benefit; if they don’t support it, switch to a provider that does (Assurance, Q Link, etc.). Use the National Verifier through USAC Lifeline and call 211 to locate local enrollment events at 211 Illinois. (lifelinesupport.org)

Where to Learn Digital Skills for Free

Chicago Public Library CyberNavigators: book one‑on‑one help for email, resumes, online forms, and security tips. Use CyberNavigator Technology Tutors and explore CPL Learning resources including LinkedIn Learning and Cell‑Ed lessons. (chipublib.org)
Illinois Adult Education: call/text the Illinois Adult Education Hotline 1-800-321-9511 or use the locator to find GED/ESL/digital skills classes near you at Adult Education Hotline and ICCB Provider Locator. (alrc.thecenterweb.org)
Illinois workNet centers: free job search help, digital literacy workshops, and training referrals. Find your nearest center using Illinois workNet Service Finder and disability‑specific services with Disability Service Locator. (illinoisworknet.com)
Chicago Urban League: free digital literacy courses (Microsoft 365, Google tools) and job readiness sessions. See program details at Chicago Urban League Digital Literacy and workforce offerings at CUL Workforce Development Center. (thechicagourbanleague.org)
National Able Network — IT Career Lab: accelerated Cisco/Microsoft training with info sessions and potential device support. Learn more at IT Career Lab — IL Events and contact the Chicago office via National Able Network. (itcareerlab.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Call 211 to ask for “digital navigator” help; in smaller towns, ask your public library about beginner classes supported by the Illinois State Library; see recent grant initiatives at Illinois State Library — Tech Grants and PLA/AT&T resources at PLA DigitalLearn. (ilsos.gov)

Utility Help, Benefit Applications, and Online Tasks

Energy bill help (LIHEAP) — What to expect in 2025

Eligibility & dates: Illinois LIHEAP accepts applications on a first‑come basis each program year and continues while funds last; statewide intake is managed through local agencies. Confirm current dates on DCEO Utility Bill Assistance and ICC updates at ICC Utility Energy Assistance. (dceo.illinois.gov)
How to apply: Submit a Request for Services and wait for your local agency to call; response can take days to weeks depending on volume and funding. Start at Help Illinois Families (Call Center 1-833-711-0374). (dceo.illinois.gov)
PIPP status: New PIPP enrollments have been limited/closed at times based on funding; your local agency will confirm availability when you apply. Watch notices at ICC Energy Assistance page and your utility’s PIPP page, for example Peoples Gas PIPP. (icc.illinois.gov)
Required documents: Government ID, Social Security numbers (if available), last 30‑day gross income for all adults, most recent utility bills, and any disconnection notice. The DCEO site provides printable brochures and appeal rights in English/Spanish at DCEO Utility Assistance. (dceo.illinois.gov)
Timelines: Non‑crisis cases vary; the state notes agencies will contact you “from days to weeks” after you submit the request. For disconnection, ask for an urgent appointment and tell your utility you’ve applied. Use Help Illinois Families and ICC guidance at Rules & Protections. (dceo.illinois.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Call your utility and ask about company hardship funds (e.g., Ameren grants announced Aug 2025) or gas low‑income discounts approved by ICC. See Ameren Payment Assistance and ICC info on low‑income gas discounts (5%–83% credits based on income) at ICC Utility Assistance. (ameren.com)

Apply for state benefits online (SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, Child Care)

Illinois ABE (Apply for Benefits Eligibility): File and track SNAP/TANF/Medicaid online, or call the ABE Customer Call Center at 1-800-843-6154 (TTY 1-866-324-5553). Start at Illinois ABE — Apply and see helpline details at ABE Help. (abe.illinois.gov)
Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP): If you work or attend school/training, CCAP can lower child care costs; use local CCR&R agencies for help. Learn basics at Illinois Cares for Kids — CCAP and a sample CCR&R guide at Child Care Resource Service (U of I). (illinoiscaresforkids.org)
Court e‑filing: Most civil filings must be e‑filed. Use eFileIL and get free help from Illinois Court Help (call/text 1-833-411-1121). Follow step‑by‑step instructions at How to e‑File. (illinoiscourts.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask for language access or disability accommodations through IDHS or the courts (TTY/Relay available). For legal aid, start with Illinois Legal Aid Online and regional hotlines below. (illinoislegalaid.org)

Local Organizations, Charities, Churches, and Support Groups

Chicago Urban League offers digital literacy and job programs at Digital Literacy and Workforce services; call CPL at 312-747-4300 or use CPL Learning for ongoing classes. (thechicagourbanleague.org)
Goodwill (Metro Chicago) runs Workforce Connection Centers with computer access and job workshops; see locations at Goodwill Workforce Centers and call the Englewood center at 773-627-5770; for central/southern IL, see Land of Lincoln Goodwill’s new digital career accelerator noted in August 2025 news at LL Goodwill training. (goodwillchicago.com)
PCs for People Illinois provides low‑cost devices and hotspots; visit Oak Lawn store or order online via PCs for People — Cook County and PCs Refurbished shop. Pair with free coaching from CPL CyberNavigators. (pcsforpeople.org)
Faith‑based help: Catholic Charities, Salvation Army, and local churches often host computer labs or can pay for limited bills. Ask 211 for nearby options at 211 Illinois and check Ameren/ComEd assistance partners via Payment Assistance. (211illinois.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Call 211 to search by ZIP for “utility assistance,” “internet,” or “computer classes,” and ask your library about one‑on‑one help using CPL CyberNavigators or the Adult Education Hotline (1-800-321-9511). (211illinois.org)

Resources by Region (Examples and Phone Numbers)

Use these as starting points; always confirm hours.

Chicago (Cook County): Free coaching at CPL CyberNavigators; UBR for water bills at UBR program; legal help via CARPLS Hotline 312-738-9200. (chipublib.org)
Collar Counties (DuPage/Lake/Kane/Will/McHenry): Find Illinois workNet centers at Service Finder; legal help from Prairie State Legal Services; 211 services (e.g., Lake County) at 211 Lake County. (illinoisworknet.com)
Rockford/Winnebago (Northern IL): 211 via United Way RRV at Get Help; adult ed via 1-800-321-9511 at Adult Education Hotline. (unitedwayrrv.org)
Peoria/Tazewell, Bloomington, Galesburg (Central IL): Check your CAA for LIHEAP openings via Help Illinois Families; legal aid via Prairie State Legal Services. (dceo.illinois.gov)
Champaign/Vermilion/Macon (East‑Central): CCAP info via Child Care Resource Service; adult education at City Colleges Adult Ed (Chicago) or local community college adult ed via ICCB Locator. (ccrs.illinois.edu)
Metro East/St. Clair/Madison (Southern IL): Utility help via Help Illinois Families; legal aid through Land of Lincoln Legal Aid 877-342-7891. (dceo.illinois.gov)
Rural counties: Call 211 statewide at 211 Illinois; ask your library about new tech grants (often used for Wi‑Fi and devices) via Illinois State Library Technology Grants. (211illinois.org)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Missing documents: Upload clear photos of your ID, 30‑day income, and utility bills when applying through ABE or Help Illinois Families; delays happen when items are missing or unreadable. (abe.illinois.gov)
Waiting for a disconnect notice: Don’t wait. Start a DPA with your utility and apply for LIHEAP; protections kick in once your application is on record under ICC rules at ICC Energy Assistance. (icc.illinois.gov)
Relying on ACP discounts: ACP ended; shift to low‑cost plans plus Lifeline where possible. Read updates at FCC ACP page and set a new budget. (fcc.gov)

Reality Check — Delays, Shortages, and Work‑Arounds

LIHEAP is first‑come, first‑served: You may wait days to weeks for a call back; keep answering unknown numbers and check voicemail daily. If you have a shutoff date, tell your utility and ask ICC to document your situation at ICC Contact. (dceo.illinois.gov)
PIPP openings are limited: If PIPP is closed in your area, ask about regular LIHEAP plus a DPA and company hardship funds (e.g., Ameren grants). See ICC Energy Assistance and Ameren Payment Assistance. (icc.illinois.gov)
Training time is scarce: Use short mobile lessons (Cell‑Ed via CPL) and schedule one‑hour CyberNavigator sessions so you can get tasks done fast at CPL Learning and CyberNavigators. (chipublib.org)

Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

Task	Where to Click/Call	Notes
Internet sign‑up	Access from AT&T / Internet Essentials	No contract; equipment included; low‑cost options. (att.com)
Device on a budget	PCs for People — IL / Human‑I‑T	Refurbished laptops; hotspots available. (pcsforpeople.org)
Tech coaching	CPL CyberNavigators / Adult Ed Hotline	One‑on‑one help; English/Spanish. (chipublib.org)
Utility rights	ICC Rules & Protections / 1-800-524-0795	File a complaint; ask about DPAs. (icc.illinois.gov)
LIHEAP request	Help Illinois Families / 1-833-711-0374	First step; local agency calls back. (dceo.illinois.gov)
Courts & e‑file	eFileIL / 1-833-411-1121	Free, statewide help. (illinoiscourts.gov)

Application Checklist — Screenshot‑Friendly

Photo ID: State ID/driver’s license or other government ID for adult applicant(s). Use Help Illinois Families to see what counts. (dceo.illinois.gov)
Social Security numbers (if available) and birthdates for household members; programs won’t deny emergency energy help based solely on immigration status (ask your local agency). See DCEO Utility Assistance. (dceo.illinois.gov)
Last 30 days of gross income for adults (paystubs, benefits letters). Upload clear images in ABE when applying for benefits. (abe.illinois.gov)
Most recent utility bills and disconnect notice (if any). Keep copies for ICC complaints at ICC Contact. (icc.illinois.gov)
Landlord letter/lease if heat/electric is included in rent. Confirm local rules with your CAA via Help Illinois Families. (dceo.illinois.gov)

If Your Application Gets Denied

Ask for the reason in writing and what proof was missing. Use appeal rights from program notices (brochures and appeal posters at DCEO Utility Assistance). (dceo.illinois.gov)
Reapply with complete documents and attach a brief cover note. For court or benefits issues, get free help from Illinois Legal Aid Online and legal hotlines like Land of Lincoln Legal Aid (central/southern) or CARPLS (Cook). (lincolnlegal.org)
Escalate shutoff issues: Request a DPA and log an ICC complaint at 1-800-524-0795; show proof you applied for LIHEAP. See ICC Energy Assistance. (icc.illinois.gov)

County‑Specific Variations to Watch

PIPP openings vary by county and funding; utilities note statewide pauses on new enrollments at times (e.g., Peoples Gas PIPP notice). Check your utility’s website (e.g., Peoples Gas PIPP) and your CAA listing via Help Illinois Families. (peoplesgasdelivery.com)
LIHEAP hours and booking: Some agencies require appointments; local news often posts early intake dates. Always confirm via DCEO Utility Assistance and your county agency’s page. (dceo.illinois.gov)
Water/sewer relief: Chicago’s UBR offers fixed discounts and debt forgiveness; other water utilities (e.g., Illinois American Water) have discount programs. See UBR and Illinois American Water Income‑Based Discount. (chicago.gov)

Diverse Communities — Tailored Help and Access

LGBTQ+ single mothers: Use Illinois Court Help for name/ID changes and IL Pride Connect LGBTQ+ Legal Hotline 855-805-9200 (M–Th). For safe online access, ask a librarian about private computer sessions via CPL CyberNavigators. (ilcourthelp.gov)
Single mothers with disabilities: Contact the Illinois Assistive Technology Program for device loans and reuse at IATP (800-852-5110), and request TTY/Relay for agency calls (711). Ask libraries for large‑print materials and accessible computers; see CPL Learning for accessible e‑learning tools. (iltech.org)
Veteran single mothers: Ask your VA care team for a “Digital Divide Consult” (loaned tablet, help with connectivity) through VA Telehealth — Digital Divide, and connect with IDVA at 1-800-437-9824 via Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs. For women veterans’ resources, use VA Chicago updates and hotlines listed on VA Women Veterans. (telehealth.va.gov)
Immigrant/refugee single moms: IDHS Welcoming Centers, legal clinics, and community groups launched IllinoisImmigrationInfo.org in 2025 to centralize services; benefits portals provide language access lines in ABE at Illinois ABE. Ask your library for bilingual digital classes via CPL Learning. (icirr.org)
Tribal‑specific resources (urban Native families): Connect with the American Indian Center (Chicago) for community support, cultural programming, and referral to services at AIC Chicago, and use Illinois Legal Aid Online for benefits and court help. (en.wikipedia.org)
Rural single moms with limited access: Ask your county library about new tech equipment funded by Illinois State Library grants at Technology Grants, and look into hot‑spot options from PCs for People if wired service is not available. (ilsos.gov)
Single fathers: Most programs listed are gender‑neutral; use Help Illinois Families and Illinois workNet for the same supports, and call Illinois Court Help for custody and e‑filing questions. (dceo.illinois.gov)
Language access and accessibility notes: Ask every agency for language services on the phone; request large‑print applications and TTY/Relay (711). The courts and IDHS list TTY lines on Illinois ABE Help and Illinois Court Help; public libraries also offer accessibility supports via CPL Learning. (aberp.illinois.gov)

Tables You Can Use

Utility Company Contacts and Programs (Selected)

Company	Customer Service	Programs
Ameren Illinois	1-800-755-5000	Hardship grants and payment plans at Ameren Payment Assistance; summer 2025 $150 grants distributed via LIHEAP agencies. (ameren.com)
Peoples Gas (Chicago)	866-556-6001	Low‑income gas discount on bills; PIPP currently not accepting new apps; see details at Peoples Gas PIPP. (peoplesgasdelivery.com)
Nicor Gas	888-642-6748	ICC‑approved low‑income gas discounts (5%–75% credits) via ICC Utility Assistance; payment plans available. (icc.illinois.gov)
ComEd	1-800-334-7661	Payment arrangements; company hardship funds (check current programs on ComEd’s site); ICC complaint line: 1-800-524-0795 at ICC Contact. (icc.illinois.gov)

Courts and Legal Help

Need	Where to Start	Notes
E‑file forms	eFileIL	Free help: Illinois Court Help 1-833-411-1121. (illinoiscourts.gov)
Free legal advice (Cook)	CARPLS Hotline 312-738-9200	Weekdays; referrals if representation needed. (carpls.org)
Free legal aid (downstate)	Land of Lincoln Legal Aid 877-342-7891	Central & Southern IL coverage. (lincolnlegal.org)

Digital Skills — Quick Starters

Tool	What It Does	Link
CPL CyberNavigators	1‑on‑1 coaching at branches	CPL CyberNavigators (chipublib.org)
Chicago DigitalLearn	Short video lessons for beginners	Chicago DigitalLearn (chipublib.org)
Adult Education Hotline	Finds free classes statewide	Adult Education Hotline (alrc.thecenterweb.org)

Internet & Device Budgeting

Item	Good “Starter” Choice	Why
Home internet	Access from AT&T or Internet Essentials	Lowest monthly cost with included equipment. (att.com)
Backup internet	PCs for People Hotspot	Works if you move or can’t get wired service. (pcsforpeople.org)
Computer	PCs for People or Human‑I‑T	Refurbs with support; keep costs down. (pcsforpeople.org)

Safety & Crisis Lines

Hotline	Number	Link
Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline	1-877-863-6338	ICADV Get Help (ilcadv.org)
National Domestic Violence Hotline	1-800-799-7233	thehotline.org (illinoisattorneygeneral.gov)
Illinois Court Help	1-833-411-1121	ilcourthelp.gov (ilcourthelp.gov)

FAQs (Illinois‑Specific)

How do I get internet if ACP ended?
Use low‑cost plans like Access from AT&T and Internet Essentials, and apply Lifeline to a phone or bundled service via USAC Lifeline. If you’re a CPS family already in Chicago Connected, your free service was extended through SY25‑26 per CPS update. (att.com)
What if my power is scheduled for shutoff?
Ask your utility for a DPA, apply for LIHEAP immediately, and call the ICC at 1-800-524-0795. Winter and heat protections may apply; read ICC protections and Rules. (icc.illinois.gov)
How long does LIHEAP take?
The state says local agencies will reach out from days to weeks after your request, depending on volume and funding—watch for calls. Start at Help Illinois Families. (dceo.illinois.gov)
Can I get help paying my water/sewer bill?
In Chicago, apply for the UBR program for 50% rate reduction and debt forgiveness at UBR; some water utilities offer income‑based discounts (e.g., Illinois American Water) via IAW Discount. (chicago.gov)
Where can I learn computer basics near me?
Book CyberNavigator coaching at CPL (Chicago) or call the Adult Education Hotline 1‑800‑321‑9511 at ALRC. (chipublib.org)
Is there help for veterans who need devices or data for telehealth?
Ask your VA provider for a “Digital Divide Consult” through VA Telehealth; VA can loan a tablet and help with connectivity. (telehealth.va.gov)
How do I e‑file court papers without a lawyer?
Use eFileIL and call Illinois Court Help at 1‑833‑411‑1121 for live guidance. (illinoiscourts.gov)
Where can I get low‑cost computers?
Check PCs for People and Human‑I‑T. Libraries often have device‑borrowing; ask at CPL Learning. (pcsforpeople.org)
Who can help with child support questions?
Call HFS at 1‑800‑447‑4278 and see HFS Child Support — Enroll and HFS Parents. (hfs.illinois.gov)
Where can I find help in Spanish or other languages?
Use ABE helplines (TTY/Relay, language options) at ABE Help, ask the court helpline at Illinois Court Help, and request library language support via CPL Learning. (aberp.illinois.gov)

Spanish Summary — Resumen en español

Este resumen fue traducido con herramientas de IA. Verifique los detalles por teléfono o en los sitios oficiales.

Internet y computadoras: Planes de bajo costo en Access from AT&T y Internet Essentials; computadoras y hotspots en PCs for People — Illinois. (att.com)
Ayuda para facturas de energía (LIHEAP): Solicite en Help Illinois Families o llame 1-833-711-0374; conozca sus derechos con la ICC (clima frío/calor) en ICC Utility Assistance. (dceo.illinois.gov)
Asistencia legal y trámites en la corte: Use eFileIL y Illinois Court Help (1-833-411-1121). (illinoiscourts.gov)
Apoyo en violencia doméstica: Línea estatal 1-877-863-6338 en ICADV — Obtener ayuda. (ilcadv.org)
Clases de computación: Pida una cita con CPL CyberNavigators o llame a la línea de Educación de Adultos 1‑800‑321‑9511 con ALRC. (chipublib.org)

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team.

This guide uses official sources including:

Last verified: September 2025, next review January 2026.

Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur — email info@asinglemother.org with corrections and we respond within 72 hours.

Disclaimer

This guide is for general information and planning; it is not legal or financial advice. Program rules change and funding can run out. Always confirm current availability and amounts with the official agency or utility before applying. Call to confirm eligibility and timelines.

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