The primary function of this office is to provide certain types of aid for the indigent residents of Capital Township who are legal residents of the United States.  The Capital Township Office of General Assistance, hereafter termed Capital Township, is governed by an elected Board of Trustees.  All policies, procedures, budgets, and grants are established and regulated by the Capital Township Board of Trustees.  Capital Township provides aid for those in need with three distinct categories of assistance.  These categories are:  Transitional Assistance,  Emergency Assistance, and the Workfare Program.

Transitional Assistance:

Transitional Assistance is available for individuals considered "not employable".  Individuals who are considered "not employable" can receive up to $300.00 per month in financial assistance.  They also are eligible for certain physician and prescription assistance. Prescription assistance is limited to a maximum total of $1,000.00 per month. The criteria for being considered "not employable" are as follows:

* Disabled as determined by the Department of Human Services. 

One year limit with a pending SSI or SSD claim.

* Unable to work due to a serious injury or surgery.

Need verification from a local physician stating the following: Date of injury or surgery; Why client is unable to work; Intended course of treatment; Expected length of incapacity.

Maximum six (6) month limit with updated medical information after three (3) months. After receiving six (6) months of assistance, client may  not re-apply for one (1) year from the date of last assistance.

* Unable to work due to a serious medical condition.

Need verification from a local physician stating the following:  Verification of on-going treatment for the medical condition for the past 60 days; Verification from a pharmacy listing dispensed medication related to the treatment; Statement explaining why client is unable to work due to this medical condition; Expected length of incapacity.

Maximum six (6) month limit with updated medical information after three (3) months. After receiving six (6) months of assistance, client may not re-apply for one (1) year from the date of last assistance.

Any intentional falsification whether written or oral, will result in a one (1) year sanction of ineligibility for assistance.

Emergency Assistance:

Emergency Assistance is available for those individuals determined eligible who have demonstrated a verifiable need for a certain category of emergency aid.  The categories for Emergency Assistance are as follows:

• Rent                                      

• Utilities

• Physician Services

• Prescriptions

• Perishable foods

• Dental

• Eyeglasses

• Seasonal emergency services

In the majority of cases, Emergency Assistance will be issued through referrals from other social service agencies that are not able to provide the necessary assistance.  Emergency Assistance is paid directly to the vendor only, and never to the recipient.  Emergency Assistance will be granted until such funds are exhausted. 

The Workfare Program:   

Capital Township has established a program to provide temporary employment for jobless adults who are willing and able to work while they are actively seeking permanent employment.  Participating Workfare employers are offered part-time and temporary help at no direct cost to them.  This program provides eligible adults between the ages of eighteen (18) and sixty-two (62) the opportunity to earn a paycheck and gain valuable work experience.

To e-mail the General Assistance office please use: Township General Assistance@co.sangamon.il.us

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