Ford County

Local offices in Ford County

We found these on official websites. Call before you go, since hours and places can change.

• Local office · Regional office

  Gibson Area Hospital WIC Program, Paxton Clinic

  711 E Pells Street, Paxton, IL 60957

  Help here

  • WIC nutrition assistanceAsk about food and nutrition support for eligible pregnant or postpartum women, infants, and children under five.
  Call 217-579-1087DirectionsWebsite

  Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on fordcountyphd.org

• Housing help · County office

  Ford County Housing Authority

  214 E 7th Street, Gibson City, IL 60936

  Help here

  • Housing assistanceContact the authority to ask about housing assistance for local residents.
  Call 217-784-5488DirectionsWebsite

  Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on fordcounty.illinois.gov

• Local office · Nonprofit

  211 Illinois

  Help here

  • Help finding local servicesCall 211 any time to get connected with local help for housing, food, utilities, health care, and other needs.
  Call 211Website

  Last checked October 9, 2026 · Found on 211illinois.org

• Public health · County office

  Ford County Public Health Department

  1500 W Ottawa, Paxton, IL 60957

  Help here

  • Public health servicesGet immunizations, health screenings, and other public health services.Read more
  Call 217-379-9281DirectionsWebsite

  Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on fordcountyphd.org

• Mental health and recovery · Nonprofit

  Community Resource & Counseling Center

  1510 W Ottawa Road, Paxton, IL 60957

  Help here

  • Mental health and counselingGet counseling, mental health care, and help during a crisis.Read more
  Call 217-379-4302DirectionsWebsite

  Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on 4crcc.com

• Courts and legal help · County office

  Ford County Courthouse Self-Help Center and Law Library

  200 W State, Paxton, IL 60957

  Help here

  • Court self-help and law libraryUse court forms and legal information to help with a case or learn about court procedures.
  Call 217-379-9420DirectionsWebsite

  Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on illinoiscourts.gov

• Older adults · Regional office

  East Central Illinois Area Agency on Aging, Inc.

  1003 Maple Hill Road, Bloomington, IL 61704

  Help here

  • Aging services and referralsGet connected to local services and support for older adults and caregivers.
  Call 309-829-2061DirectionsWebsite

  Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on eciaaa.org

• Jobs and training · Regional office

  American Job Center, Ford County Illinois workNet

  258 W State Street, Paxton, IL 60957

  Help here

  • Job search and workforce helpGet help finding work, training, and other employment services.
  Call 217-579-1010DirectionsWebsite

  Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on apps.illinoisworknet.com

Ford County, Illinois website

Checked on October 8, 2026

Nonprofits that serve Ford County

Each one serves this area. Call before you go, since services and hours change.

Cities and towns in Ford County

• Caberynot checked yet
• Elliottnot checked yet
• Gibson City
• Kemptonnot checked yet
• Melvinnot checked yet
• Paxton
• Piper City
• Robertsnot checked yet
• Sibleynot checked yet

Illinois programs by kind of help

These are run by Illinois and work the same everywhere in the state. Each page lists the programs and how to apply.

• FoodFood benefits, WIC, school meals and food banks.
• HousingRent help, shelter, and help with heat and power bills.
• HealthHealth coverage, Medicare, mental health care and help with drug costs.
• MoneyCash help, disability, retirement and veterans payments, and tax help.
• CareChild care, help for older adults and disability support.
• EducationHelp paying for college and training, and free preschool.
• WorkJobs, unemployment, and the IDs and papers you need for work.
• Legal helpFree legal help with eviction, family law, benefits and more.
• SafetyHelp with abuse at home, a safe place to stay, and crisis lines.

Checked on October 8, 2026

Federal help anyone can use

These come from the federal government, so they work the same in every state.

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

  Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people with little income and few resources who are 65 or older, blind, or have a disability, including children.

  Call 1-800-772-1213
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

  Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes and now cannot work because of a disability that will last a long time.

  Call 1-800-772-1213
• Social Security retirement benefits

  Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes, starting as early as 62. Spouses and widows may also get benefits.

  Call 1-800-772-1213
• Medicare

  Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Health insurance for people 65 or older and for some younger people with a disability or kidney failure.

  Call 1-800-633-4227
• Extra Help with Medicare drug costs

  Social Security Administration. Help paying for Medicare prescription drug plans for people with limited income and resources.

  Call 1-800-772-1213
• VA health care

  U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Health care at VA clinics and hospitals for veterans who served in the active military and did not get a dishonorable discharge.

  Call 1-877-222-8387
• VA disability compensation and benefits

  U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Monthly payments for veterans with an illness or injury caused or made worse by military service, plus education, home loan and other benefits.

  Call 1-800-827-1000
• FAFSA, the federal student aid form

  U.S. Department of Education. One free form that opens federal grants, work-study and loans for college or trade school. Many states and schools use it for their own aid too.

  Call 1-800-433-3243
• Federal Pell Grant

  U.S. Department of Education. Money for college or trade school that usually does not have to be paid back, for students with financial need.

  Call 1-800-433-3243
• Lifeline phone and internet discount

  Federal Communications Commission. A monthly discount on phone or internet service for households with low income or who get benefits like SNAP, Medicaid or SSI.

  Call 1-800-234-9473
• Head Start and Early Head Start

  U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Free preschool, child care and family support for young children from birth to age 5 in families with low income, run by local programs.

  Call 1-866-763-6481
• IRS Free File

  Internal Revenue Service. File your federal tax return online for free with tax software offered through the IRS, if your income is under the year's limit.

• VITA and TCE free tax help

  Internal Revenue Service. IRS-certified volunteers prepare and file your taxes for free, in person, for people with low or moderate income, older adults and people with disabilities.

  Call 1-800-906-9887
• Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

  Internal Revenue Service. A federal tax credit for people who work and earn low to moderate income. It can mean a bigger refund, even if you owe no tax.

  Call 1-800-829-1040
• Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

  U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Help paying rent in a home you choose, for families with very low income, older adults and people with disabilities. Local housing authorities run it, and many have waiting lists.

• Replace a Social Security card

  Social Security Administration. Get a free replacement Social Security card if yours was lost, stolen or damaged. Many people can ask online.

  Call 1-800-772-1213
• FEMA disaster assistance

  Federal Emergency Management Agency. Help with a place to stay, repairs and other needs after a disaster the President has declared in your area.

  Call 1-800-621-3362

Checked on October 9, 2026