Resources for Illinoisans During the COVID-19 Pandemic

This page will be updated continuously to reflect the most recent information. This page was last updated on August 26, 2020.

The COVID-19 pandemic has temporarily changed life as we know it in Illinois, across the country and around the world. Since the COVID-19 public health crisis began, Senator Duckworth has led with a wide range of actions to support middle-class working Americans and help our nation better respond to the pandemic, including supporting the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which makes important progress to help Americans address and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether you need information about the virus or assistance from economic hardship during this time, here are some resources that may help.

For all Illinois residents: If you feel sick or believe you may have COVID-19, call your healthcare provider for medical advice. Stay home and away from others. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is also available to answer general questions at 1-800-889-3931 or online here. IDPH also provides an updated list of testing sites throughout Illinois here. All COVID-19 related updates from the State can be found here. This includes IDPH’s latest news releases, video archives of Governor Pritzker’s daily press conferences and maps of where cases have been reported across the state. 

For struggling small business owners: Click here to learn more about the resources available to small business owners.

For Illinoisans who have been laid off or are unemployed: Click here to apply for unemployment insurance. More information on COVID-19 related unemployment benefits are available here.

Most Illinoisans will receive a one-time direct economic impact payment of up to $1,200 under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that Senator Duckworth voted to pass. Parents may also receive an additional $500 for each child. Learn more about these payments and eligibility here. Duckworth also recently introduced legislation to ensure more new parents quickly receive the additional $500 per child without having to wait until 2021.

To disinfect your home: Keeping surfaces in the home clean and disinfected is an important protection against COVID-19. The CDC recommends that you:

  • Clean surfaces using soap and water. Practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces, including tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets and sinks
  • After cleaning, use a household disinfectant. Many products recommend keeping the surface wet for a period of time and making sure there is proper ventilation
  • Disinfecting solutions can also be made from diluted household bleach or 70% or more alcohol solutions

Click here to learn more about best practices on cleaning and disinfecting your home

For Illinois residents currently abroad: Senator Duckworth’s office can be reached at the following international toll-free number: at 800-744-17441.

For Veterans: If you believe you may have COVID-19, use VA’s MyHealthEVet to send your provider a secure message and schedule a telehealth appointment. Veterans and their caregivers can also talk to a nurse by calling the Nurse Advice Line at 888-598-7793.

For Illinoisans experiencing homelessness: The Illinois Department of Human Services has resources to help here. For Veterans, call 877-424-3838 for 24/7 access VA’s services for homeless and at-risk Vets. For Chicago residents, call 311.

If you are experiencing food insecurity: Please visit Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) website or call 1-800-843-6154 for information about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), more commonly known as food stamps, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women Infants and Children (WIC) and other food assistance. For information about summer meals for children please click here or to find your local food bank please click here.

For people with disabilities: Access Living has assembled a resource guide for COVID-19, available here.

This is a difficult time for everyone, and it's understandable that Americans might feel stressed and anxious right now. If you or your children are coping with these feelings right now, CDC has helpful resources, available here.

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