Welfare Services is a multifaceted service providing assistance to qualified Township resident.

Our Mission

To improve the welfare of needy residents; to serve them promptly with dignity and with fairness.

General Assitance

General Assistance in Hanover Township is a locally administered welfare program which provides monthly financial assistance to persons who are not eligible for any other state or federal assistance programs, and who do not have adequate income or resources to provide for their own basic needs.

Hanover Township and all townships in Illinois are statutorily mandated by the legislature to levy taxes and administer general assistance for destitute township residents.

Any township resident, 18 yrs. or older, who is either a U.S. resident or legal alien admitted under color-of-law, is eligible. The General Assistance Program is primarily for those adults without minor children, without adequate income, and ineligible for any other monetary form of assistance.

Please call 630.837.0301 x 2104 for an appointment.

Click here for an application.

Emergency Assistance

Emergency Assistance provides for residents in life-threatening situations who have no income for 30 days. Residents can only qualify once every 18 months.

Access to Care Intake Site

Access to Care is a non-profit primary healthcare program for low-income, uninsured residents of Suburban Cook County and Northwest Chicago. To be eligible to join the program a person must:

1. Live in Suburban Cook County or the Chicago demonstrated area;
2. Have a family income under 200% of the federal poverty level; and
3. Be ineligible for Medicare, Medicaid, KidCare, KidCare Assist, KidCare Share and have no private health insurance.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Residential Fire Response

In cooperation with the Red Cross, the Township assists victims with food and relocation.

Food Pantry

Hanover Township's year-round priority in our General Assistance area is to keep the Food Pantry well-stocked. The Food Pantry is open to Hanover Township residents who are experiencing financial hardships. The Pantry provides food for emergencies that arise. Food is provided by a very caring and generous community.

Click here for a list of donation items needed.

Donations of food and funds are always needed on a regular basis.

Food Pantry hours are as follows:  

• Monday - Friday, 11:00am to 3:30pm
• Every Saturday 9:00am to 11:30am

Salvation Army Service Extension

Service Extension Units are organized by villages and a family or individual who resides in a community and is served by the Service Extension unit. Volunteers interview families and individuals requesting assistance. They assess the needs and develop a Service Plan with the family or individual. They collaborate with community agencies in implementing the Plan and make referrals as part of the Service Plan.

This program is funded by the Tri-Village United Way and helps people who do not qualify for financial help through Township programs. Residents can only qualify once every 12 months.

Referral Services

Hanover Township has established a strong networking relationship with many other Suburban Cook County Agencies. Therefore, our Welfare Services Department works extensively with all individuals to see that they are given every resource above and beyond our referral program to assist them in their individual situations.  

For example:


Job Training Job Counseling Homelessness and Low Income Housing Domestic Violence Legal Aid LIHEAP Substance Abuse

Community Assistance Mental Health Senior Services Youth and Family Services ESL Immigration All Kids Program


The Welfare Services Office is open Monday - Friday between 8:30 am and 4:00pm, by appointment.