Below is a list of local, state and federal resources for those with questions about the many different aspects of the ongoing coronavirus emergency. Check back, as this list will likely be updated as more information becomes available.
GENERAL – Current detailed information
- State of Illinois main website: Coronavirus.Illinois.gov
- Toll-free statewide coronavirus information hotline: 1-800-889-3931
- State Rep. Tom Bennett’s website: repbennett.com/covid-19
- Governor’s office coronavirus questions: GOV.COVID19stakeholder@illinois.gov
ALL IN ILLINOIS
- State leaders are asking Illinoisans to share their stories about how they are filling the hours staying at home, while encouraging others to do the same. The “All In Illinois” campaign has videos from celebrities and everyday Illinoisans talking about what they are doing while heeding the advice to stay at home during the outbreak.
NEWS FROM STATE AGENCIES
- To sign up for news updates from state government, sorted by agency and county, click here.
ASSISTANCE/INFORMATION FOR:
THOSE WHO ARE UNEMPLOYED
- Call the Illinois Department of Employment Security at 1-800-244-5631
- Illinois Unemployment Insurance Benefits Handbook
- Efforts to expand access and eligibility for unemployment insurance
- If you have been a victim of unemployment fraud
BUSINESSES
- Emergency Resources for Business (from DCEO)
- Small Business Administration Customer Service Center: 1-800-659-2955
- SBA Loan Applications: https://disasterloan.sba.gov
- Questions about essential businesses: CEO.support@illinois.gov; 1-800-252-2923
- Illinois Department of Labor Employer Benefits: (217) 782-6206 or dol.questions@illinois.gov
- Small Business Administration COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program
- Paycheck Protection Program (loans for small businesses to meet payroll)
- SBA Small Business Guidance and Loan Resources
- Illinois Small Business Emergency Loan Fund
- Downstate Small Business Stabilization Fund
CHILD CARE PROVIDERS AND ESSENTIAL WORKERS IN NEED OF CHILD CARE
- Updates for facilities regulated by the Department of Children and Family Services: https://www2.illinois.gov/dcfs/brighterfutures/healthy/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx
- Many parents are still having to go into work, even though child care centers have been closed. To meet the need for child care for those considered essential workers, the Governor’s office has set up a directory of emergency providers of child care. You can visit https://emergencycare.inccrra.org/ to enter your location and find out about providers nearby, or call the early learning helpline at 1-888-228-1146 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. for more information.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SURVIVORS
- The Department of Human Services (DHS) is working to connect domestic violence survivors with emergency shelters during the coronavirus outbreak. DHS is making its Helpline, 1-888-863-6338, into “a one-stop access point for shelter needs.” Persons calling that line can be connected with a local shelter either through an existing shelter service or through the emergency shelter program that includes space in available hotels. DHS has been working to help local shelters with the emergency funds needed during the outbreak. Read the full statement from DHS here.
FARMERS
- Guidance from the Illinois Department of Agriculture: https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/agr/Pages/Covid-19-Essential-businesses-guide.aspx
HEALTH CARE INFORMATION
- Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov
- Illinois Department of Public Health: www.dph.illinois.gov
- Submit questions via email: DPH.sick@illinois.gov
HUMAN SERVICES PROVIDERS AND CLIENTS
- Illinois Department of Human Services: 1-800-843-6154
INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES
- The Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) assists those with disabilities in living independently, through such services assistive technology, occupational rehabilitation and in-home services. But because so many state offices have been closed, the agency has set up a new toll-free number for Illinoisans to use during the coronavirus outbreak. Call 1-877-581-3690 or visit the DRS website for assistance.
NON-PROFITS AND COMMUNITY FOUNDATIONS
PROFESSIONAL LICENSES ISSUED BY THE STATE
- Department of Financial and Professional Reg. https://www.idfpr.com/COVID-19.asp
QUESTIONS AND INFORMATION ABOUT STATE PRISONS
- Illinois Department of Corrections inquiries: https://www2.illinois.gov/idoc
SCHOOLS AND SCHOOL INFORMATION
- Illinois State Board of Education questions: www.isbe.net/covid19
SENIORS AND THOSE WHO CARE FOR THEM
- Information from the Illinois Department on Aging: https://www2.illinois.gov/aging/coronavirus/Pages/default.aspx
STATE RETIREES
- State Retirement Systems: srs.illinois.gov
THOSE WITH QUESTIONS ABOUT STATE TAXES
- Information for Illinois taxpayers: tax.illinois.gov
THOSE WHO WISH TO ASSIST
- Personal Protective Equipment donations: ppe.donations@illinois.gov
- To Volunteer: http://serve.illinois.gov
- Additional information about volunteer opportunities and ways to help alleviate the critical shortage of blood donations by clicking here.
TO CONTACT YOUR LOCAL COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Ford County Public Health Department
https://fordcountyphd.org/; (217) 379-9281
Iroquois County Public Health Department
https://www.co.iroquois.il.us/health-department/; (815) 432-2483
Livingston County Public Health Department
https://lchd.us; (815) 844-7174
Vermilion County Public Health Department
https://vchd.org/; (217) 431-2662
Woodford County Public Health Department
http://www.woodfordhealth.org; (309) 467-3064
My local offices are closed to in-person visits, but are still available by telephone at:
Watseka: (815) 432-0106 and Pontiac: (815) 844-9179