Chicago, IL -(Effingham Radio)- Coalition Helping Vulnerable Populations in Illinois Secure Vital Economic Impact Payments
A coalition of Illinois nonprofits today announced the launch of the “Get My Payment Illinois” campaign, aimed at helping Illinoisans access federal economic impact payments (EIPs) more quickly and efficiently during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
The campaign is focused on ensuring that low-income, unbanked, and vulnerable populations across Illinois have the resources and guidance they need to easily obtain stimulus funds during a time of economic hardship across the country. These payments stem from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which was signed into law on March 27, 2020, and included provisions providing a direct EIP of up to $1,200 for eligible Americans.
“Federal economic impact payments are providing real financial relief in the midst of the current crisis,” said Christine Cheng, Executive Director of Ladder Up. “However, getting these critical funds quickly or even at all is challenging for many people across Illinois, including many populations that need it most. Our coalition is working to help these vulnerable groups clear the hurdles that stand in the way of the financial relief they deserve,” Cheng said.
“We want to make sure that every Chicagoan takes advantage of the benefits they’ve earned during this crisis, and we’re grateful to this Coalition for their work in making that easier,” said Dan Lurie, Chief of Policy for the City of Chicago. “For those that need help with accessing their stimulus payment or accessing resources like a bank account to take advantage of faster payments, this is going to be a great resource.”
The coalition has launched the website, GetMyPaymentIL.org, which helps users determine if they are eligible for an EIP and how they can take action to get the payment. The website also features resources to help users set up a bank account to receive the EIP through direct deposit and file their taxes.
“I applaud this coalition coming together to provide these resources to the most vulnerable Illinoisans in their time of need,” said Chasse Rehwinkel, Acting Director of the Illinois Division of Banking. “We look forward to continuing our work with this coalition to make sure we are helping as many people as possible during this time.”
The coalition is also deploying an EIP hotline in early May to be monitored by volunteers who can answer questions related to the economic impact payments and safe banking options. Connecting Illinoisans to affordable bank accounts will help families receive the EIP more quickly and save money on check cashing and other fees over time. Additionally, the group will launch an out-of-home public information campaign to educate Illinoisans about these resources.
The coalition’s lead partners are Ladder Up, the Economic Awareness Council, Heartland Alliance, Heartland Human Care Services, New America, and Woodstock Institute. Other coalition members include Bank On Chicago, the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund, Economic Security for Illinois, the Illinois Asset Building Group, the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and United Way of Metropolitan Chicago.
More information on the campaign can be found at GetMyPaymentIL.org.
Ladder Up provides hardworking people with the financial resources and opportunities they need to move up the economic ladder. The organization provides free financial programs to help individuals and families secure the tax refunds they deserve, gain the knowledge to navigate today’s complex financial systems, and obtain financial aid to make college dreams a reality.
The Economic Awareness Council (EAC) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to prepare students and families for the economic and financial decisions they will make both today and tomorrow. EAC’s objectives include educating students and families about the basics of saving, budgeting, banking, credit, investing and business as well as advocating for high quality, youth friendly bank account access and payroll policies that encourage banking, saving and direct deposit.
New America is a national nonprofit dedicated to renewing the promise of America by continuing the quest to realize our nation’s highest ideals, honestly confronting the challenges caused by rapid technological and social change, and seizing the opportunities those changes create.
Heartland Alliance, one of the world’s leading anti-poverty and human rights organizations, works in communities in the U.S. and abroad to serve people experiencing homelessness, living in poverty, or seeking safety. The organization provides a comprehensive array of services and advocates for policy change in the areas of safe and justice, health and healing, and economic opportunity.
Heartland Human Care Services supports people as they build on their strengths. We cover basic needs for today, like housing and healthcare, while providing job and financial training for tomorrow. HHCS Asset Building programs particularly work with vulnerable populations such as those who are unemployed or homeless to support individual financial goals and create their own unique and realistic paths to economic security.
Woodstock Institute has been a recognized leader in building bridges between low- and moderate-income communities, financial institutions, regulators and policymakers since its foundation in 1973. The Chicago-based, national non-profit conducts high-quality research on financial products, services, investments, and policies at the local, state, and national levels. Its findings and recommendations inform and influence efforts to build a more equitable financial system.
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