How to apply for Pope County General Assistance + Emergency Aid — Referral Coordination (Pope County) in Illinois

Pope County government (General Assistance) + community organizations

Who it's for

Pope County emergency aid: (1) DISTINCTIVE — Pope 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 Pope County government (precinct form). (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) CHESI Pope County Clinic (Golconda) for sliding-fee medical, dental, and behavioral care, plus SIH Harrisburg Medical Center financial assistance for hospital bills. (5) Salvation Army / area churches / local food pantries. (6) Dial 211.

Pope: COMMISSION (non-township) county (12th) — General Assistance runs at the COUNTY level, not by townships (precinct form). Layered with Egyptian AAA, Shawnee Development Council LIHEAP, and 211.

People who qualify for one senior program often qualify for others. See everything you may qualify for — free, no SSN, about five minutes.

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What you'll need

  • Proof of Pope 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: 211

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Pope County General Assistance + Emergency Aid — Referral Coordination (Pope 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 Pope 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

Official source →Last verified · September 13, 2026

Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.

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