Other Assistance Programs
Affordable Connectivity Program
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a U.S. government program run by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program. to help low-income households pay for internet service and connected devices like a laptop or tablet.
You are likely eligible if your household’s income is below 200% of the Federal Poverty Line, or if you or someone you live with currently receives a government benefit like SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, WIC, Pell Grant, or Free and Reduced-Price Lunch.
Visit https://www.affordableconnectivity.gov/ for more information.
Illinois Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
The Illinois Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides supplemental income for purchasing food for low-income households. An eligible person or family receives an Illinois Link Card or an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which is used like any other debit card at the grocery store. The card uses money from a SNAP account set up for the eligible person or family to pay for food items. Students attending an institution of higher education, like a college, university, trade school, or technical school more than half-time (6 or more credit hours at EIU) are eligible for SNAP if they meet an exemption and meet all other SNAP eligibility requirements. As of Jan. 16, 2021, a student is exempt if they have a 0 EFC based on the current year FAFSA or if they are eligible for Federal Work Study. Please visit https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/students for more information on the program. An online application is also available at https://abe.illinois.gov/abe/access/.
Resources for Students with Housing Insecurity
Please visit this page for more information.
Child Care Assistance Program
Students who qualify for the need-based MAP Grant award may be eligible for assistance with expenses such as food, housing, or child care for dependent children. If you have dependent care expenses, ask the financial aid office about the federal dependent care allowance. The Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services and assists low-income parents with child care payments through 16 Resource & Referral agencies throughout the state. EIU’s Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) covers the counties of Clark, Coles, Cumberland, Edgar, Moultrie and Shelby. If you have more questions, or need clarification, please visit https://www.eiu.edu/ccrr/ for eligibility and application information. You may also contact the Illinois Department of Human Services at 800-843-6154 or www.dhs.state.il.us.
