Illinois Respite Coalition - Emergency Respite Care Program

Description:

One of the focuses of the Illinois Respite Coalition (IRC) is supporting a safety net for caregivers in crisis. The IRC has Emergency Respite funding stipends for caregivers across Illinois in a planned or unplanned emergency. This program provides funding so caregivers can pay for services they choose.

Crisis situations that may qualify for the Emergency Respite Program include, but are not limited to the following circumstances:

-Caregiver illness (physical, mental, and/or emotional)
-Caregiver hospitalization or doctor appointments
-Illness of a loved one
-Funeral or wake
-Drug or alcohol abuse counseling or support
-Care recipient transitions (i.e. living arrangements)
-Loss of employment or work related situations
-Declining Mental Health

Hours:

Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Intake Process:

Please call.

The IRC will respond to respite requests within 24-48 hours Mon-Fri. The organization is NOT open 24/7.

Any person experiencing an emergency should call 911 first and can then reach out to the Illinois Respite Coalition to get information about eligibility for the Emergency Respite Care Program. Caregivers will be required to fill out an application before a funding determination will be made.

Program Fees:

None

Languages:

English and Spanish

Eligibility:

Individuals and families in Illinois who are caring for a loved one of any age with a disability*. Crisis situations that may qualify for the Emergency Respite Program include, but are not limited to the following circumstances:

-Caregiver illness (physical, mental, and/or emotional)
-Caregiver hospitalization or doctor appointments
-Illness of a loved one
-Funeral or wake
-Drug or alcohol abuse counseling or support
-Care recipient transitions (i.e. living arrangements)
-Loss of employment or work related situations
-Declining Mental Health

Is Shelter?

No

Related Resource

Date of Official Change:

December 22, 2025

Address Listings

Phone Numbers

Legal Status:

Non-Profit