Benefits · Emergency Aid

How to apply for Madison County Township General Assistance + Emergency Aid — Referral Coordination (Madison County)

Madison County Township Supervisors (General Assistance) + community organizations

Who it's for

Madison County emergency aid: (1) DISTINCTIVE to Illinois — TOWNSHIP GENERAL ASSISTANCE (GA): each township supervisor provides emergency 'General Assistance' for residents with little or no income — help with rent, utilities, food, and personal/medical needs (Illinois's analog to Indiana's township-trustee relief). Madison County has 24 townships; find your township supervisor through the county. (2) AgeSmart / the local senior center for case management, meals, and the Community Care Program (618-222-2561). (3) Madison County Community Development (MCCD) for LIHEAP utility help. (4) The county hospital financial-assistance programs (Touchette / BJC / Anderson) for medical bills. (5) Salvation Army / St. Vincent de Paul / Catholic Charities. (6) St. Louis Area Foodbank. (7) Dial 211.

Madison: Illinois township General Assistance is the front-line emergency aid (parallels Indiana's township trustees). Layered with AgeSmart, LIHEAP, hospital charity care, and 211.

What you'll need

  • Proof of Madison County township residency
  • Proof of all household income
  • Photo identification
  • Documentation of the emergency need (eviction notice, shutoff notice, etc.)

Where to apply

Apply online: official application

By phone: 211

Renewals

as-needed

Official source →Last verified · June 14, 2026

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Not legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.