Understanding the 2024 Illinois Court-Based Rental Assistance Program

Posted on October 14, 2024October 15, 2024

The Court-Based Rental Assistance Program (CBRAP), run by the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), helps tenants facing eviction. In 2024, the program's budget was increased to $75 million, with the goal of continuing to prevent evictions statewide. As of September 20, 2024, IHDA has reopened the statewide eviction rental assistance program and will continue accepting applications through June 2024 or until funds are exhausted.

This program allows eligible applicants to qualify for up to $15,000 in emergency rental assistance that can be used to pay for past-due rent, up to $500 for court costs, and up to two months’ future rent to prevent eviction.

North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic offers free housing legal aid to residents of Lake County and Cook County. While we do not provide rental assistance funds, we can help navigate the application process. For questions regarding Court-Based Rental Assistance, contact NSLAC at 847-737-4042 or email Info@NSLegalAid.org.

How Can I Apply for Court-Based Rental Assistance?  

Interested applicants can apply for Court-Based Rental Assistance online through the Illinois Housing Development Authority’s portal. After the tenant has submitted their portion of the application, the landlord must complete theirs too. The tenant and landlord portions are then matched while IHDA processes the application.

Who is Eligible for Court-Based Rental Assistance?

To qualify for Court-Based Rental Assistance (CBRAP), tenants must meet the following criteria:

Have a pending eviction case in court.

Reside in the state of Illinois

Have a household income at or below 80% of the area’s median income.

Proof of citizenship is not required.

What If My Landlord Doesn’t Want to Participate in the Court-Based Rental Assistance Program?

If a landlord does not wish to participate, the tenant can be considered for Tenant Direct rental assistance. This option allows tenants to receive direct rental assistance that can be applied to a new unit and is equal to two months of future rent.

What Documents Do I Need to Apply for Court-Based Rental Assistance?

Tenants interested in applying for Court-Based Rental Assistance must provide the following documents:

A government-issued Photo ID

Proof of address dated within the last 60 days

Documentation of household income

Evidence of past-due rent

Eviction court complaint, summons, and court-case number (the tenant’s name must be listed on the eviction document)

Current signed lease (if available)

Proof of public assistance (if applicable)

Valid email addresses for both the tenant and landlord/housing provider

Find a full list of acceptable documents HERE

Tenants who have already applied can check the status of their CBRAP application HERE.

Are There Other Rental Assistance Programs in Illinois?

Yes, Illinois offers several rental assistance options. Programs are available through cities, townships, and various social service agencies. We encourage tenants to explore local nonprofits and social service agencies for help.

Free Housing Legal Aid for Lake County and Cook County Residents 

North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic (NSLAC) provides free legal housing representation to low-income renters living in north suburban Cook County and Lake County. NSLAC assists with landlord/tenant relations, including evictions, lease disputes, lockouts, and wrongful retaliation. If you are facing housing issues and need legal assistance, please be in touch with NSLAC at 847-737-4042 or email Info@NSLegalAid.org

Voting Options for Domestic Violence Survivors in Illinois

Posted on September 30, 2024September 30, 2024

Voting is a fundamental right, but for those experiencing stalking or abuse, the process can present unique risks and challenges. The following information is designed to help domestic violence survivors in Illinois, as well as their loved ones, navigate the voting process safely and confidently while protecting their privacy. Thank you to NoMore for providing NSLAC and the community with this information to protect survivors and their voices. Find more information about safe voting options by state HERE.

North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic (NSLAC) provides free legal aid to survivors of domestic violence living in Lake County and north suburban Cook County. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call (847) 737-4042 or email info@nslegalaid.org

What is the Address Confidentiality Program (ACP):

The Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) allows survivors to withhold their addresses from all public records, including voter registration lists. Participants of this program are given a free substitute mailing address, that can be used in place of their physical address on public documents. This helps protect survivors from being located by current or former abusers through publicly available voter registration records.

Does Illinois Offer the Address Confidentiality Program (ACP)?

Yes, if you are a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, or stalking, you may be eligible and can apply by returning a completed application to the Attorney General's Office. You can access the ACP online application and learn more HERE.

What is the Confidential Registration?

Confidential registration is commonly linked with ACPs but can also be a separate option in some states, offering survivors an alternative or additional method to protect their personal information when voting.

Does Illinois Offer Confidential Registration?

No, Illinois does not offer Confidential Registration. Instead, you can refer to the Illinois Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) for protecting personal information.

What is Early Voting?

Early voting allows people to cast their vote in person before Election Day. This option can be helpful for survivors who want to avoid large crowds or whose whereabouts may be monitored by their abuser. Early voting allows survivors to vote with flexibility, at a time that is safest for them.

Does Illinois Offer Early Voting?

Yes, in-person early voting is available to everyone from September 26, 2024, to November 4, 2024. You can find an early voting location near you HERE.

What is Same-Day Registration?

Same-day registration allows individuals to register and vote on the same day, including on Election Day. This option offers flexibility for survivors who may have missed the registration deadline or prefer to register in person to avoid leaving a digital or paper trail at home.

Does Illinois Offer Same-Day Registration?

Yes, you can register and vote on the same day during early voting or on Election Day.

Register to vote in advance HERE or learn more about same-day registration options HERE.

What is Vote by Mail?

Voting by Mail, also referred to as no-excuse absentee voting, allows voters to receive and return their ballots by mail, removing the need to go to a polling place in person. It offers a secure alternative for survivors who may not be able to visit physical voting locations or feel safer voting from home.

Can I Vote by Mail in Illinois?

Yes, you can vote by mail if you request your ballot by October 31, 2024. You can request your ballot HERE.

Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by November 5, 2024.

On the News: NSLAC Hires Sally Pissetzky Steele Director of Domestic Violence Law Practice

Posted on March 27, 2024March 27, 2024

NSLAC Welcomes Sally Pissetzky Steele Director of Domestic Violence Law Practice

Posted on February 27, 2024February 27, 2024

North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic (NSLAC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Sally Pissetzky Steele as the new Director of Domestic Violence Law Practice. She brings a wealth of experience spanning both private practice and public service and a deep commitment to serving and empowering underserved communities, particularly victims of domestic violence.

In her new role as the Director of Domestic Violence Law Practice, Sally aims to further her dedication to helping victims of domestic violence, applying her comprehensive knowledge in domestic relations, and expanding her leadership in the legal services sector. Her unique blend of legal acumen, advocacy, and leadership skills positions her as a valuable asset to NSLAC’s mission.

Sally is also an Adjunct Professor at her alma mater, the UIC School of Law (formerly the John Marshall Law School), where she teaches lawyering skills to first-year law students. Her commitment to education aligns seamlessly with NSLAC’s work to empower individuals through legal knowledge and representation.

Executive Director Susan Shulman stated, “We are thrilled to welcome Sally as our new Director of Domestic Violence Law Practice. Her extensive experience, passion for serving the community, and commitment to leadership make her an excellent fit for our organization. We look forward to her contributions in advancing our mission and providing crucial support to those in need."

Sally Pissetzky Steele holds a J.D. from The John Marshall Law School and a B.A. in Speech Communications from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Additionally, she has received a certificate in Divorce Mediation from the Northwestern University School of Professional Studies.

As a devoted wife of a fellow family law attorney and mother of two young boys, Sally draws inspiration from her family, motivating her to embody qualities of humility, kindness, hard work, and commitment to making the world a better and more inclusive place.

On the News: Attorney Richard Hillsberg to Receive Nancy R. Rotering Founder’s Award at NSLAC’s 9th Anniversary Event

Posted on February 23, 2024February 27, 2024

A Comprehensive Walkthrough of NSLAC’s Free Power of Attorney Clinics

Posted on January 31, 2024December 9, 2024

The information in this blog is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed between NSLAC and the reader. NSLAC is not liable for any action taken or not taken based on this blog. Readers should contact an attorney with any questions regarding the content.

Since 2018, North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic (NSLAC) has been providing essential free Power of Attorney (POA) clinics to residents in north suburban Cook County and Lake County. NSLAC’s POA clinics play a pivotal role in empowering low-income residents by providing free legal services that contribute to their health and financial planning. Whether you have already scheduled an appointment or are looking for more information, the details below will help you navigate what to expect from a POA clinic.

What types of Power of Attorney does NSLAC help with?

NSLAC assists in preparing documents for POA for healthcare and POA for property. You can learn more about these different types of POAs HERE.

Where are NSLAC’s Power of Attorney clinics held?

North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic offers year-round free Power of Attorney clinics at surrounding community senior centers, public libraries, and community colleges throughout north suburban Cook County and Lake County. For specific information on the location of the next POA clinic, please be in touch with NSLAC.

What does the NSLAC’s POA clinic process look like?

On the day of your appointment, NSLAC volunteers will explain the document (s), assist you in signing, witnessing, and notarizing your POA, ensuring you walk out with completed documents for distribution.

How can I schedule an appointment for an NSLAC POA clinic?

To effectively reach the community, NSLAC may occasionally collaborate with a partner organization to host a clinic. Depending on the nature of the POA clinic, registration may vary. If you are interested in registering for a POA clinic, you may call our offices at 847-737-4042 and an intake specialist will book you for our next available clinic. Occasionally, one of our partners may handle registration. If uncertain about whom to contact, our office will gladly connect you to the right place. You may also find additional information on upcoming POA clinics HERE.

Are there eligibility requirements to receive free Power of Attorney services?

Yes. Before your appointment, a screening process will be conducted to ensure that you meet NSLAC eligibility requirements. NSLAC will screen for income and service area. To qualify for NSLAC free legal aid services, you must be a low-income resident living in north suburban Cook County or Lake County.

What documentation should I bring to my POA appointment?

In most cases, the client should only come prepared with a valid form of identification. However, if the client’s situation is more complex, involving more than one bank account or property holdings, the client should also bring other important bank statements or property documents. If you are unsure about your situation, please contact our offices and we will be happy to answer any questions.

Who will I talk to during my consultation?

On the day of your consultation, you will meet with an attorney and a non-attorney volunteer or paralegal. The non-attorney volunteer or paralegal will help fill out forms and/or serve as an interpreter. Your attorney will help answer any questions regarding your POA and help you leave with completed POA forms.

What forms will I fill out during my POA consultation?

During your consultation, an attorney and a non-attorney volunteer or paralegal will assist in filling out a few forms, including an Intake Form, Limited Client Agreement, the Illinois Statutory POA form for Healthcare, and/or the Illinois Statutory POA form for Property.

Find additional POA form resources below.

What questions will I be asked during my POA consultation?

During your POA consultation, you will be asked to name your agent for healthcare and for property. You will need the person’s full name, phone number, and mailing address. It is important to have this information ready, as it forms the basis for a smooth discussion about your specific POA requirements. Learn more about POA agents HERE.

Does my chosen agent need to be present during my POA consultation?

No. Your agent does not need to be present during your consultation. To ensure that the client's preferences and POA documents accurately reflect the wishes and intentions of the person creating them, we recommend that the client attend alone. If you are accompanied by someone, they may wait in an outside area during the consultation to maintain confidentiality and privacy. They may join you for your appointment only if you give confirmation that you would like them present.

How long will my POA consultation take?

POA consultations typically last an hour. Within this timeframe, you can draft either a POA for healthcare, a POA for property, or both.

Can I notarize my POA documents at the clinic?

Yes. NSLAC will provide an on-site volunteer notary during your consultation to assist you in leaving with completed POAs. However, if a volunteer notary is unavailable during the clinic, the client will need to arrange for an external notary to finalize the POA.

What should I do with my completed POA?

After signing and notarizing your POA, it is important to distribute copies of your POA to relevant parties, such as your Agent and any successor Agents, your bank, your primary care physician, and anyone other than your regular doctor.

Have additional questions?

If you have more questions regarding POA clinics, please call NSLAC at 847-737-4042 or email probono@nslegalaid.org. Interpreters are available upon request in all languages. Services are available regardless of immigration status. NSLAC also offers free legal aid services in the areas of immigration, domestic violence, and housing

POA Resources:

ILAO POA Health Care Easy Form: This program will help you prepare your POA for healthcare documents. At the end of the program, you will get a completed set of POA for healthcare documents with instructions that you can save and print.

ILAO POA Property Easy Form: This program will help you prepare your POA for property documents. At the end of the program, you will get a completed set of POA for property documents with instructions that you can save and print.