City of Chicago Survivor Cash Assistance

Funder: The Network: Advocating Against Domestic Violence (funded by City of Chicago Department of Family & Support Services)

Cash assistance program for survivors of gender-based violence and human trafficking residing in Chicago.

Geographic Scope

• Location: City of Chicago, Illinois only

Funding Details

• Award Amount: $1,000 per applicant
• Type: Cash assistance (not emergency funding)

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be a victim/survivor of domestic violence, sexual abuse, stalking, and/or human trafficking
• Must reside within the City of Chicago
• Household income must be less than 300% of the National Poverty Guidelines
• Must not have received funding from The Network in the last 12 months
• Open to all regardless of immigration status (including undocumented individuals and mixed-status households)
• Minors may have a caretaker or advocate apply on their behalf with proper documentation

Application Timeline

• Appointment Eligibility Form: Open from the 15th at 8am to the 21st at 8pm each month (while funding and appointments remain available)
• Random selection for interviews with Application Specialist
• Selected applicants must meet with an Application Specialist to submit their application

Contact Information

• Email: SurvivorFund@the-network.org
• Phone: (312) 527-0730
• Website: https://the-network.org/survivor-fund/

Important Notes

• This is not emergency funding
• Receiving funds may affect eligibility for certain public assistance programs; applicants should consult with their benefits administrator
• Application does not contain citizenship or immigration status questions

Application Process

1. Submit Appointment Eligibility Form
   • Open from the 15th at 8am to the 21st at 8pm each month (while funding and appointments remain available)
   • Form available on The Network website
2. Random Selection
   • Applicants are randomly selected from those who submit the Appointment Eligibility form
3. Meet with Application Specialist
   • Selected applicants must meet with an Application Specialist
   • Submit completed application at the appointment
4. Application Requirements
   • Proof of residency in City of Chicago
   • Documentation of household income to verify less than 300% of National Poverty Guidelines
   • Documentation of survivor status (for minors, caretaker/advocate must be present with minor's documentation)

Required Materials for Minors

• Adult applicant must be present at appointment
• Proper documentation of the minor's survivor status
• Contact information and payee must be an adult with responsibility to manage minor's funds