According to the stats, over 120,000 people have reported an injury in their workplace, in the state of Illinois, in 2022 alone.
If you were injured at work or suffer from a sudden, short-term disability, you should apply for short-term disability grants and assistance programs. These can help you financially, while you’re getting back on your feet.
Furthermore, Short-term disability can be an important resource for someone who is experiencing financial hardship, specifically.
There are numerous reasons why someone may experience short-term disability, but knowing where to find the resources that they can turn to for help makes a world of difference.
Secondly, it’s important to know how to apply for short-term disability in Illinois in order to get the needed assistance.
Unlike some assistance programs that provide long-term financial disability assistance, short-term disability helps people who need help for a shorter period of time. Thus the name.
Wether you suffered a work-related injury, or any other medical issue or that is preventing you from being able to work as you would, you might be eligible for one or multiple programs.
The goal of short term disability programs in Illinois is to provide you with financial assistance for a limited time only, to help you get back on your feet.
It’s a good idea to inquire about all of the programs that you feel you may qualify for, so you can try to be approved and get assistance. It’s 100% free to apply and will not require much on your end, other then filling out some forms.
Be sure to check out the individual program sites, so you can get the latest information regarding how to apply for the programs.
Each one requires a different application route and has stipulations that need to be met in order to be approved.
The good news is that there are programs in place to help everyone, even if they are for a very limited amount of time.
Short-Term Disability Assistance: The State of Illinois
1.Social Security Disability Program –
This program has been designed to help people who meet the conditions of being disabled. Those who meet the criteria and are approved will be able to receive benefits under the program that include financial assistance.
In order to qualify for the program, you have to have paid into the Social Security program at some point.
This means you have had a job that took out taxes from your check sometime during your employment history.
Once you apply for this program it takes around 90 days before you find out if you will be approved to receive the benefits.
2.Disability Benefits –
This program provides disability benefits for those who meet one of the tiers of criteria. In order to be approved, you have to meet all the criteria within one of the two tiers.
The programs offered include Non-occupational Disability, Occupational Disability, and Temporary Disability.
Those looking for short-term disability in Illinois would want to look at the Temporary Disability program offered through the program.
In order to apply for the program, you will need to read over the informational packet and submit the application. There are certain items you will need upon applying, including medical records, adjustment claims, birth certificates, etc.
Additional Short Term Disability Program in Illinois
Short-term disability is a program that you can turn to for a limited amount of time to get financial assistance.
There are additional programs you can apply for that will also provide you with financial assistance during times of need.
Most of the programs provide short-term assistance for those who have financial difficulties. Below you will find a list of additional programs you can apply for if you are having short-term disability issues.
The Arc –
This organization provides assistance to those who need help obtaining disability approval.
Their service will be an advocate for you, helping you every step of the way in being able to apply for and obtain disability assistance.
Their assistance is provided in English and Spanish, and they provide a variety of helpful programs to help those who have a financial need, whether short or long term.
Illinois General Assistance –
This program is a last resort option for those who need financial assistance for a limited period of time.
If you are waiting for short term disability approval and need cash, this program may be able to help you.
The goal is to provide people with enough cash to meet their basic needs and only for a short period of time. In order to apply, you have to show your pay stubs, utility and medical bills, proof of income, etc.
You can file an application in person or online.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) –
This program was formerly called Food Stamps.
While we have covered it before on our website, its definitely worth mentioning as it can be used on a short, or long-term basis.
The program will help people with obtaining food, whether you need the help short or long term.
To apply for SNAP, you will need proof of your identity, proof of residence, Social Security number, and any other documents they may request, depending on your situation.
If you are approved for SNAP benefits, they will provide you with a credit-card style payment source that can be used at grocery stores and some farmer’s market in order to pay for food items.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) –
Those who need assistance paying for their rent or mortgage can turn to HUD.
The government organization offers numerous programs to help people avoid foreclosure and eviction.
They can also help you find affordable housing options in your area, including government-owned housing units that will be free or low-cost for those who qualify.
If you need short-term financial assistance to help pay for your housing, you may qualify for help through HUD’s programs. You can apply for assistance online or through your local county HUD office.
Once you are back on your feet and no longer need short-term disability, they can help you with home ownership options, too.
Workers Comp in Illinois
We highly recommend if you were injured at work, apply for workers comp.
This program was specifically designed to compensate workers who got injured during work.
Mind you, there are several situations that might get you qualified for workers comp in the state of illinois.
These are:
- Aggravation of a pre-existing condition
- Sudden injury caused while performing your duties
- Injuries caused by repetitive or stressful work (like heart attacks, god forbid).
- Any other physical injury caused by work
Workers comp is very easy to apply for, click here to start your application.
The Bottom Line
We hope you or your loved one get well soon, and are able to get back to work.
However, make sure you apply for short-term disability grants while you can’t work, so you won’t fall behind on your bills and responsibilities.
We got multiple emails of stories of people who were 100% healthy, then get injured and couldn’t work, and ended up in a bad financial situation, some even lost their house. So be mindful of that and be pro-active.
When applying for these programs, inquire about other assistance options that they know about. Depending on the city you live in, you may be able to use local resources to help you with financial assistance as you receive short term disability.
There are many programs offered through churches and non-profit organizations that can help short term with things like cash, food, and transportation.