City of Chicago · Human Services
Office Locations & Availability
3 of 5
Offices Open
24 min
Avg Wait Today
4 sites
Walk-ins Welcome
Find Your
Benefits Office.
Check What to Bring.
Walk In Ready.
Enter your ZIP code to find your nearest Human Services office, current wait time, and open appointment slots — then scroll to check what documents to bring for each program.
Find Your Nearest Office
Jump to a program
Step 01
Find Your Office
Enter your ZIP code above to see wait times and open slots at your nearest location.
Step 02
Check Your Eligibility
Tick the boxes that match your situation. Your document list appears automatically.
Step 03
Walk In Ready
Gather your documents, click the amber button to pre-screen online, then walk in.
Program
Housing Assistance & Emergency Vouchers
Eligibility Self-Check
Check all that apply to your situation.
What to Bring
Check eligibility items on the left to see your document list.
Government-issued photo ID
RequiredDriver's license, state ID, or passport for all adults in household
Proof of income — all sources
RequiredLast 3 pay stubs, SSA award letter, child support order, or self-employment records
Proof of Chicago residency
RequiredUtility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement dated within 60 days
Social Security cards or ITIN documentation
RequiredFor every household member listed on the application
Eviction notice, shelter letter, or doubled-up statement
RequiredWritten statement from host if you are staying with family or friends
Birth certificates for all minors
Required if children under 18 are part of the household
Check items on the left to reveal your document list
Appointment Type
In-person intake appointment required
Est. Processing Time
15–30 business days after complete application
Program
SNAP Food Benefits (Enrollment & Renewal)
Eligibility Self-Check
Check all that apply to your situation.
What to Bring
Check eligibility items on the left to see your document list.
Photo ID for the primary applicant
RequiredIllinois ID, driver's license, passport, or military ID
Proof of all household income
RequiredPay stubs (last 30 days), benefit award letters, child support documentation
Proof of residency
RequiredCurrent lease, utility bill, or postmarked mail with your address
Social Security numbers for all household members
RequiredCards preferred; if lost, bring any document showing the SSN
Proof of work, training, or exemption documentation
Employer letter, school enrollment, or doctor's note for disability
Immigration documents (if applicable)
Green card, I-94, EAD, or refugee resettlement documentation
Check items on the left to reveal your document list
Appointment Type
Phone interview or in-person — your choice
Est. Processing Time
7–10 business days (30 days for new applicants)
Program
Medicaid & All Kids Recertification
Eligibility Self-Check
Check all that apply to your situation.
What to Bring
Check eligibility items on the left to see your document list.
Medicaid renewal letter or case number
RequiredFound on your renewal notice — bring the entire letter if possible
Current photo ID
RequiredFor the adult applicant or parent/guardian
Proof of updated income
Required only if income changed — pay stubs, award letters, or employer letter
Birth certificates for all children being added
For new household members not previously on the case
Proof of pregnancy
Letter from OB/GYN, midwife, or hospital confirming pregnancy
Proof of new address
If you have moved — lease, utility bill, or postmarked mail
Check items on the left to reveal your document list
Appointment Type
Walk-in accepted · No appointment needed
Est. Processing Time
Same-day determination in most cases
Program
Emergency Relief & Childcare Vouchers
Eligibility Self-Check
Check all that apply to your situation.
What to Bring
Check eligibility items on the left to see your document list.
Utility shutoff or past-due notice
RequiredComEd, Peoples Gas, or water authority notice showing account number and shutoff date
Proof of employment, enrollment, or job training
RequiredPay stub, employer letter, school ID, or training program enrollment letter
Documentation of income loss or emergency
RequiredLayoff notice, termination letter, medical bill, or police/fire report
Photo ID and proof of residency
RequiredCurrent Illinois ID and utility bill or lease at the same address
Childcare provider information
Name, address, and DCFS license number of your chosen provider
Children's birth certificates
For each child requiring childcare assistance
Check items on the left to reveal your document list
Appointment Type
Emergency walk-in prioritized · Call ahead if possible
Est. Processing Time
Emergency utility: 48–72 hrs · Childcare: 2–3 weeks
Still have questions?
A caseworker will walk you through it.
If you are unsure which program fits your situation, call the main intake line. Real staff are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.