Financial Resources

Often, consumers are unaware of the various resources and programs that are available for assistance in several different areas. CIDMCE has provided guidance in helping you obtain information about resources and programs that may be able to help you with your overall situation.

Child Care
There are several programs available for help with child care costs, supplies and food. Several resources are available to provide information on these topics as well.

Consumer Issues
Consumers should be well aware of the various resources available which provide information about businesses and credit.

Legal Assistance
Find out how to locate an attorney.

Elderly
There are several resources available, for seniors, that can help in many areas.

Help/Prevention Programs
Help is just a click away. Programs are available for help with debt, abuse, gambling, dependencies, suicide, etc. Prescription costs can be quite high. Programs are available for help in this area.

Medical Expenses
Prescription costs can be quite high. Programs are available for help in this area.

Mortgages
Buying a home may be the most important financial decision on one's life. Find out information.

Student Loans
There are several ways to track an existing student loan, set up an arrangement and to find out how to get a loan for future education.

Utilities
Programs are available for help with utility costs.

Child Care

National Childcare Information Center:
Information and phone numbers for everything from help with childcare costs to health and safety.
www.nccic.org

EIC (Earned Income Credit) Advanced Payments:
www.irs.gov

WIC:
Woman, infants and children: supplies protein foods (milk, cheese) for low income families. Usually for children up to 5 years old.
www.fns.usda.gov/wic

Consumer Issues

About Checking:
Teaches and helps to maintain a checking account.
www.aboutchecking.com

Bankrate:
Provides consumer information, financial calculators, rates etc.
www.bankrate.com

Credit Reporting Agencies:
Equifax: www.equifax.com
Experian: www.experian.com
Trans Union: www.transunion.com
Free reports: www.annualcreditreport.com

Debtors Anonymous:
www.debtorsanonymous.org

Do Not Call List:
Prevents telemarketers from calling your home.
www.donotcall.gov

FTC-Federal Trade Commission:
For help with creditor harassment, identity theft and fraud.
www.ftc.gov

Legal Assistance

Illinois Legal Aid:
Oversees and protects the rights of low income people
www.illinoislegalaid.org

Elderly

AARP:
www.aarp.org

Food Stamps:
www.fns.usda.gov/fsp

Social Security:
www.ssa.gov

Help/Prevention Programs

Debtors Anonymous:
www.debtorsanonymous.org

Do Not Call List:
Prevents telemarketers from calling you home.
www.donotcall.gov

Gamblers Anonymous:
www.gamblersanonymous.org

Narcotics Anonymous:
www.narcoticsanonymous.org

National Abuse Hotline:
Provides information on shelters, privacy issues, legal advocates and medical help.
www.ndvh.org

National Suicide Hotline:
Provides emergency assistance.
www.suicidehotlines.com

SCORE - Service Corps of Retired Executives:
Provides volunteer entrepreneur education and information to help small businesses.
www.score.org

US Department of Labor:
Website provides information on unemployment benefits, insurance, locating a job, etc.
www.doleta.gov/layoff

Medical Expenses

American Diabetic Foundation:
Provides free medical supplies for teachers and social workers.
www.americandiabetes.com

Eldercare Locator:
Assists in finding state programs.
www.eldercarelink.com

Medicare:
www.medicare.gov

National Institute of Mental Health:
www.nimh.nih.gov

Needy Meds:
An information source to help get free or discounted prescriptions. Lists information about prescription programs.
www.needymeds.com

Pharmaceutical Research & Manufacturers of America:
Offers a free directory of drug assistance programs.
www.phrma.org

Mortgages

Bankrate:
Provides consumer information, financial calculators, rates, etc.
www.bankrate.com

Consumer Insurance Guide:
Answers questions about home insurance coverage.
www.insure.com

Fannie Mae:
Provides information on approved lenders, defaulted loans, etc.
www.fanniemae.com

Freddie Mac:
Provides information on getting help for federal mortgage loans.
www.freddiemac.com

Home Renting:
For information on renting out or renting a home and forms that are available.
www.uslegalforms.com

HUD: (Housing and Urban Development)
Provides information on HUD housing and section 8
www.hud.gov

Interest.Com:
Mortgage calculators.
www.interest.com

National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association:
Publishes a list of lenders.
www.reversemortgage.org

Student Loans

Academic Management Services:
Provides interest free payment plans and loans to parents who send their children to participating private schools.
www.salliemae.com

Educaid:
Allows parents to borrow for private school tuition.
www.educaid.com

Federal Student Aid Information Center:
Provides information on federal loans, aid and grants.
www.fafsa.ed.gov

Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA):
Answers questions regarding student loan repayment and default prevention. Helps students find the servicing center and status of their federal loans.
www.hesaa.org

Loan Locator:
Helps locate who administers a student loan.
www.studentclearinghouse.org

Student Loan Ombudsman Office:
Helps with disputes and problems.
www.ombudsman.ed.gov

US Department of Education
Provides information on student loans programs.
www.ed.gov

Veterans Education Benefits:
Helps locate who administers a student loan.
www.gibill.va.gov

Utility Help Programs

LIHEAP:
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (Federal).
www.liheap.com