AgeOptions Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
FREE help for grandparents and relatives of any age raising kids 18 and under in suburban Cook: child care, medical coverage, financial and legal help, school enrollment.
Verified 9/29/2026
Help for Grandparents & Relatives Raising Kids
Support groups, money help, guardianship help and respite for grandparents and relatives raising children.
Area
12 resources
Chicago DFSS Help for Grandparents & Relatives Raising Children
For Chicagoans 55+ raising a child under 18: support groups, training and funds for school supplies, camp, furniture or one-time rent/utility help. Drop-in support groups around the city.
Verified 9/29/2026
Chicago Volunteer Legal Services
FREE legal help from volunteer lawyers for low-income Cook County residents: custody, child support, divorce, guardianship, adoption, housing, wills and immigration.
33 N. Dearborn St, Suite 400, Chicago, IL 60602
Verified 9/29/2026
Cook County Guardianship Assistance Desk for Minors
FREE help preparing court papers for relatives asking for guardianship of a child. By appointment, Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm.
69 W. Washington St, Room 1020, Chicago, IL 60602
Verified 9/29/2026
DCFS Extended Family Support Program
For relatives and close family friends raising a child informally: help getting guardianship, the TANF Child-Only Grant and other benefits.
Verified 9/29/2026
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Program (IL Dept on Aging)
For grandparents and older relatives raising kids: respite care, guardianship and adoption legal help, support groups, counseling and emergency help. Call the Senior HelpLine to be connected.
Verified 9/29/2026
Greenlight Family Services - Standby Guardianship
Helps guardians name a backup caregiver in case they get sick or pass away. Free consultation.
3636 S. Iron St, Suite 240, Chicago, IL 60609
Verified 9/29/2026
Illinois TANF Child-Only Grant
Monthly cash grant for a relative raising a child, whatever the caregiver's income; the child also gets Medicaid. Apply online or at an IDHS office.
Verified 9/29/2026
Lutheran Child & Family Services - Extended Family Support
For relatives informally raising a child in Cook and nearby counties: guardianship help, child-only grants, day care, school enrollment and basic needs. No cost when referred by DCFS.
1 Oakbrook Terrace, Suite 501, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
Verified 9/29/2026
Relatives Raising Children Support Group - Austin
Drop-in support group at the Austin Senior Satellite for any relative raising a child. Call DFSS for dates and times.
5071 W. Congress Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60644
Verified 9/29/2026
Relatives Raising Children Support Group - Kroc Center
Drop-in support group for any relative raising a child. Call DFSS for the schedule.
1250 W. 119th St, Chicago, IL 60643
Verified 9/29/2026
Relatives Raising Children Support Group - Salvation Army Southeast
Drop-in support group for older relatives raising children, run with the City. Call DFSS for the schedule.
1767 E. 79th St, Chicago, IL 60649
Verified 9/29/2026
More guides
Popular topics
Free Tutoring & Mentoring in ChicagoSpecial Needs & Disability Help in ChicagoFood Pantries & Free Meals in ChicagoYouth Sports in ChicagoChurch & Faith-Based Programs in ChicagoTeen Jobs & Internships in ChicagoFree Things to Do with Kids in ChicagoHelp for New & Expecting Parents in ChicagoHousing, Rent & Utility Help in ChicagoImmigrant & Refugee Family Resources in ChicagoPrograms for Dads in ChicagoChicago Public Library Branches & Kids' Programs
By category
Free & Low-Cost Childcare in ChicagoChicago School Help for ParentsFree Youth Programs in ChicagoSummer Programs for Chicago KidsFree & Low-Cost Kids' Health Care in ChicagoMental Health & Family Support in ChicagoHousing & Food Help in ChicagoFree Legal Help for Chicago FamiliesFree Job Training in ChicagoFree GED & Adult Education in Chicago
By area
Family Resources on the North SideFamily Resources on the South SideFamily Resources on the West SideFamily Resources on the SouthwestFamily Resources on the NorthwestFamily Resources in the North SuburbsFamily Resources in the West SuburbsFamily Resources in the South SuburbsCitywide Resources for Chicago Families
See something wrong or missing? Email theparentpowernetwork@gmail.com