Benefits · Emergency Aid
How to apply for Massac County General Assistance + Emergency Aid — Referral Coordination (Massac County)
Massac County government (General Assistance) + community organizations
Who it's for
Massac County emergency aid: (1) DISTINCTIVE — Massac County is one of Illinois's 17 COMMISSION (non-township) counties, so it has NO townships; instead General Assistance (GA) — emergency rent/utility/food relief for residents with little or no income — is administered at the COUNTY level by Massac County government (the General Assistance office is in the Massac County Courthouse basement, 1 Superman Square, Metropolis). (2) Egyptian Area Agency on Aging / the local senior center for case management, meals, and the Community Care Program (618-985-8311). (3) Shawnee Development Council for LIHEAP utility help and other Community Action supports (618-634-2201). (4) Massac Memorial Hospital Charity Care for medical bills. (5) Salvation Army / area churches / local food pantries. (6) Dial 211.
This aid has two conditions this check cannot confirm for you. First, it is for people who have NOT had gross earnings totaling $2,000 in the past year, and who have not earned at least $200 a month in seven of those months — that is a test on money earned from WORK, not on Social Security or a pension, so a retiree living on Social Security may still qualify. Second, the county says you are not eligible if you are receiving SSDI or SSI, which rules out many people who otherwise look like a match. You must also be a current Massac County resident. Call the county at (618) 524-5012 or (618) 524-8500 to check before applying. Massac is a COMMISSION (non-township) county — General Assistance runs at the COUNTY level (Massac County Courthouse, Metropolis). Layered with Egyptian AAA, Shawnee Development Council LIHEAP, Massac Memorial Charity Care, and 211.
What you'll need
- Proof of Massac County 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: 618-524-5012
What to say when you call
"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Massac County General Assistance + Emergency Aid — Referral Coordination (Massac County). I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need proof of Massac County residency, proof of all household income, photo identification — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"
Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.
Renewals
as-needed
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Find my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.