Independent Living Support

two people having a conversation at a resource fair

MOPD's Information and Referral staff assist people with disabilities in making more effective use of the health, education, training, economic and social resources available to them.

Information & Referral Services

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Allows qualified Chicago Residents with disabilities support services to live a healthy, more independent lifestyle.

 

Personal Assistance & Independent Living Program

Central West Community Center mural of a diverse group of people with colorful clothes and various disabilities. Includes the text

As service providers and advocates of persons with disabilities, we must effectively communicate with our clients and ensure that they have meaningful access to City services, resources, and programs.

Advocacy & Access

MOPD Disability Resource Unit Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, we can help you get access to meals. MOPD will assist you in completing an application for MOW. Criteria includes: verification of disability, residency, and age (under 59 yrs.)

MOPD can assist in completing an application for persons with disabilities under the age of 59 years old. Once the application is completed you will be contacted for an in-home assessment to determine your needs. A person may receive up to six hours of personal assistance to help with meal preparation, food shopping, and household tasks like washing dishes or doing laundry.

Yes, MOPD offers FREE amplified phones, captioned phones, TTY, and braille phones. to qualified Illinois residents with hearing loss, blind, or speech-disabled regardless of age or income through the Illinois Telecommunications Access Corporation.

To qualify for the program, applicants must:

  • Be a legal resident of Illinois
  • Have standard phone service in residence (land-line)
  • Have a difficult time hearing on the phone
  • Have your application signed by your doctor, audiologist or Illinois Department of Human Services Counselor for the Deaf
 No appointment is necessary. If you have questions email MOPDInfo@cityofchicago.org or call 312.746.5773 (Voice). You may test the equipment to determine which device serves your needs at our main MOPD office at City Hall, 121. N LaSalle Street, room 104, Monday through Friday between the hours of 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

MOPD can assist you in completing an online application with the State of Illinois's Benefit Access Program. This allows persons with disabilities, such as a fee discount on license plates and free rides on fixed-route transits. Eligibility is determined by age, disability, residency and income.

SSI (Supplemental Security Income) provides cash benefits for people who are disabled, with little or no work history, who have low-income and resources. SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance)provides cash benefits for people who are disabled that have a work history and paid into the Social Security (FICA) tax system. SSDI pays a monthly benefit to people who are unable to work for a year or more because of a disability. To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, you must: a) have worked in jobs covered by Social Security; and b) have a medical condition that meets Social Security's eligibility requirements. Here is the link to see how you qualify Social Security qualifications.

Please check out this resource: MOPD Most Commonly Asked Questions (last updated November 2023).