Single Parent Resources in Illinois
Verified resources for custody, child support, housing, financial aid, and emotional support in Illinois — plus national tools every single parent should know.
🏛️ Custody & Legal Help
Illinois-Based Resources
- Illinois Legal Aid Online – Free legal help for custody, child support, divorce, and visitation issues.
- Illinois Legal Aid – Child Custody – Understand Illinois custody laws, parenting plans, and how to go to court.
- Illinois Courts – Approved Forms – Official court forms for family law, including custody and parenting time.
Nationwide Help
- Legal Services Corporation – Free legal aid nationwide.
- WomensLaw.org – Legal info and support for survivors of domestic violence.
- ABA Family Law Section – Professional legal resources and guidance.
- Child Support Enforcement (OCSE) – Federal guidance on support enforcement.
- Safe Horizon – Support for victims of abuse and legal advocacy.
- National Coalition Against Domestic Violence – Policy, protection, and victim resources.
- LoveisRespect – Support for teens and young parents facing abuse.
- Break the Cycle – Prevention and intervention for domestic abuse.
- RAINN – Help for survivors of sexual abuse.
- Women’s Law Project – Advocacy and legal information for women.
- National Center for Missing & Exploited Children – Report and find missing children.
- Zero Abuse Project – Child protection advocacy and training.
- National Women’s Law Center – Policy and family advocacy.
- Neighborhood Legal Services – Local-level free legal services network.
- Futures Without Violence – Support for abuse survivors and prevention programs.
- National Child Abuse Hotline – Call or chat for abuse help and resources.
💸 Child Support
Illinois-Based Resources
- Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services – Child Support – Apply for services, estimate payments, and manage your case.
- Illinois Legal Aid – Child Support Overview – Learn how Illinois calculates child support and enforces payments.
Nationwide Help
- No national child support resources available at this time.
🏠 Housing & Shelter
Illinois-Based Resources
- Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) – Emergency rental assistance, affordable housing, and homeowner help.
- Chicago Shelter Directory – Emergency housing and shelter locator in the Chicago area.
- Illinois Department of Human Services – Homeless Services – State-run shelter and housing assistance for families.
Nationwide Help
- Family Promise – Temporary shelter and support for families in crisis.
- HUD.gov – Federal housing assistance and public housing programs.
- NLIHC – National Low Income Housing Coalition programs and policy updates.
- US HHS Shelter Directory – Nationwide shelter search tool.
- Public Housing (HUD) – Local housing options and how to apply.
- CoAbode – House sharing network for single mothers.
- National Shared Housing Resource Center – Directory of housing share programs by state.
- Project Night Night – Comfort kits for homeless children.
- ERAP – Apply for help with past-due rent and utilities.
- Homeless Prenatal Program – Services for housing-insecure families with children.
🧾 Financial Assistance
Illinois-Based Resources
- ABE Illinois – Apply for SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, and child care assistance online.
- Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) – Public aid for families, emergency assistance, and food programs.
Nationwide Help
- Benefits.gov – Federal benefit finder and application help.
- Feeding America – National food bank network and hunger relief.
- SNAP – Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamps).
- Medicaid.gov – Federal health coverage information.
- Modest Needs – Short-term emergency financial help.
- SSI – Disability and income-based support.
- TANF – Federal cash assistance program for low-income families.
- EITC – IRS Earned Income Tax Credit eligibility and filing help.
- LIHEAP – Utility assistance for low-income households.
- MyFreeTaxes – File taxes online with free help from United Way.
🧠 Mental Health & Emotional Support
Illinois-Based Resources
- Illinois Mental Health Hotline: Dial 988 – 24/7 crisis and suicide prevention support.
- IDHS Division of Mental Health – Community mental health services and crisis support programs.
- NAMI Illinois – Peer support, education, and advocacy for families and individuals.
Nationwide Help
- Mental Health America – Find therapy and mental wellness tools.
- National Parent Helpline – 1-855-4A-PARENT for emotional support.
- NAMI – Free education, helpline, and support groups.
- Postpartum Support International – Help for new moms and parents.
- National Domestic Violence Hotline – 24/7 support at 1-800-799-SAFE.
- SAMHSA Treatment Locator – Find mental health and addiction care.
- National Runaway Safeline – Support for youth and parents in crisis.
- NCTSN – Help for children and families exposed to trauma.
You’re Not Alone in Illinois
From legal support to financial aid to emotional survival — this page gives you the resources you need. Bookmark it and share with those who need it.