Pilot Program – Cook County

What is the Promise Pilot Program?

3,250 Cook County households will be chosen via a lottery system to receive no strings attached $500/month for 24 months. More than one-third of all Cook County households are eligible to apply.

Who is Eligible?

• • 18 years or older;
  • A resident of Cook County;
  • Household income is at or below 250% of the federal poverty level or less; and
  • Not currently receiving funds from another guaranteed income pilot. This includes the City of Chicago’s Resilient Communities pilot.
  • Anyone can apply regardless of their immigration status.

Note: Cook County elected officials and employees (and their family members) are not eligible to participate in the pilot.

What is the Federal Poverty Level?

Household/Family Size                                 250% Federal Poverty Level

                     1                                                                            $33,975
                     2                                                                            $45,775
                     3                                                                            $57,575
                     4                                                                            $69,375
                     5                                                                            $81,175
                     6                                                                            $92,975
                     7                                                                          $104,775
                     8                                                                          $116,575

*For each additional member over 8, add $11,800.

What is a household?

• • The applicant
  • Anyone who depends on the applicant (spouse, child, etc.) for most of their expenses (including household expenses i.e. utility bills)
  • Anyone the applicant depends on

Example: A family that lives together but does not share expenses and file taxes separately is considered separate households. One member from each household can apply.

Necessary Documents:

Required at Time of Initial Application

• • State ID or picture/Selfie

Can be Uploaded at the Time of Application OR Later in the Application Process

• • DHS benefit award letter (SNAP/MEDICAL)
  • Proof of income
  • Proof of residency

Walk-In and Outreach Days

Walk-In:  1300 W Northwest Hwy, Mt Prospect, IL 60056

• • October 6: 9am – 12pm and 1pm – 4pm
  • October 11: 9am -12pm and 1pm – 4pm
  • October 17: 9am – 12pm and 1pm – 6:30pm
  • October 21: 9am – 12pm and 1pm – 6:30pm

Outreach Days (subject to change/additions)

• • Wednesday October 12, 2022 at the Des Plaines Library
    • Meeting Room A: 1501 Ellinwood St, Des Plaines, IL 60016  | 10am – 1pm
  • Thursday Oct 13, 2022 at Partners for Our Communities in Palatine
    • POC’s address: 1585 N. Rand Road, Palatine, IL 60074
  • Thursday Oct 20, 2022 at Partners for Our Communities in Palatine
    • POC’s address: 1585 N. Rand Road, Palatine, IL 60074

• • To Find Application Assistance Near You: Click Here

Translated Flyers Available: Arabic; English; French; Hindi; Korean; Polish; Simplified Chinese; Spanish; Tagalog; Traditional Chinese; Urdu; Vietnamese

Click here to sign up for updates about the Promise Pilot from Cook County or for more information!