Area Services & Support

  1. For Residents
  2. For Businesses

Emergency Mortgage Assistance (EMA) Program

  • Application period: Monday, August 24 through Friday, September 4
  • Application website: https://ema.ihda.org/

Are you struggling to pay your mortgage due to COVID-19? METEC Resource Center has announced a $15,000 Emergency Mortgage Assistance (EMA) program. Applications will be accepted Monday, August 24 though Friday, September. 4.

To be eligible, your household income before March 1, 2020 was within the allowable limits (there will be an income eligibility checker on the application website during the application period ); you or an adult member of the household, suffered a loss of income due to COVID-19; and you missed a mortgage payment on or after March 1, 2020.

For more information, call 312-883-2720 or toll free 888-252-1119.

METEC Resource Center is a community partner providing assistance for individuals applying. It is located at 2605 W Krause Avenue, Peoria, and its phone number is 309-676-3832.

View the Emergency Mortgage Assistance flier (PDF). 

SNAP Online Purchasing Plan

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved IDHS’ SNAP Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Online implementation plan, which gives SNAP customers the ability to enter their Personal Identification Number (PIN) to order groceries online. All SNAP recipients with Link cards in Illinois will be able to participate.

Read information about the SNAP online purchasing plan.  

Social Security Phone Scams

Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs says Social Security phone scams have skyrocketed, becoming the Number 1 fraud reported to the Federal Trade Commission and Social Security Administration. To help reduce this fraud, Social Security has launched a new online form to report these phone scams.

Report Social Security phone scams. 

Searchable Online Map to Find Food Pantries and School Meal Distribution Sites

A searchable online map is available for finding local food pantries and school meal distribution sites across the Tri-Counties. It can be searched by city or address. Be sure to adjust the distance range for the broadest search. While much of the information has been recently updated, given demand, it’s a good idea to call ahead.

Search for local food pantries and school meal distribution sites.

Driver’s License and REAL ID Deadlines

Here are some reminders for those needing state driver services such as license renewals and license plate stickers:

  • Expiration dates for driver’s licenses, identification cards, vehicle registrations and other transactions and document filings will be extended at least 90 days after Driver Services Facilities reopen.
  • Renew your license plate sticker online.
  • The REAL ID deadline has been pushed back to October 1, 2021.