Charleston
Ask about Charleston
Ask in your own words. We look up programs and offices for Charleston and tell you where to go next.
Local offices in Charleston
We found these on official websites. Call before you go, since hours and places can change.
Utilities · City office
City of Charleston Water and Sewer Utility
520 Jackson Avenue, Charleston, IL 61920
Help here
- Water and sewer service and billingResidents can start or stop water service, ask about a bill, and make payments.Apply onlineRead more
Checked on October 9, 2026 · Found on charlestonillinois.org
State office · State office
Illinois Department of Human Services Family Community Resource Center - Mid-Illinois
1550 Douglas Street, Charleston, IL 61920
Help here
- Medicaid and All KidsResidents can get help applying for Medicaid and All Kids health coverage.
Checked on October 9, 2026 · Found on dhs.state.il.us
State office · State office
Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Facility
1010 E Street, Charleston, IL 61920
Help here
- Driver and state ID servicesResidents can visit for driver license and state identification services.
Checked on October 9, 2026 · Found on ilsos.gov
Library · City office
Charleston Carnegie Public Library
712 Sixth Street, Charleston, IL 61920
Help here
- Library cards and library resourcesResidents can get a library card and use books, technology, learning resources, and meeting rooms.
Checked on October 9, 2026 · Found on charlestonlibrary.org
Local office · City office
City Hall
520 Jackson Avenue, Charleston, IL 61920
Help here
- City services and informationContact City Hall for help finding city services and information.
Checked on October 9, 2026 · Found on charlestonillinois.org
City of Charleston, Illinois website
Checked on October 9, 2026
Nonprofits that serve Charleston
Each one serves this area. Call before you go, since services and hours change.
Food bank
Food banks supply the food pantries and meal sites near you. Call or check the website to find one close by.
Nonprofit
Eastern Illinois Foodbank
2405 North Shore Drive, Urbana, IL 61802
Listed on feedingamerica.org, checked on October 10, 2026
Free legal help
Free help with civil legal problems, like eviction, benefits and family law, for people with low incomes. Funded by the Legal Services Corporation.
Nonprofit
Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, Inc.
Listed on lsc.gov, checked on October 10, 2026
Community action
Local nonprofits that help people with low incomes. Many help with energy bills, rent, jobs and taxes. Call to ask what they offer now.
Nonprofit
Embarras River Basin Agency
400 West Pleasant, Greenup, IL 62428-0307
Listed on nascsp.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Offices for all of Coles County
Charleston is in Coles County. These county and state offices serve people there too.
State office · State office
Coles County Family Community Resource Center
119 West State Street, Charleston, IL 61920
Help here
- Apply for public benefitsVisit the state office for help applying for food, cash, and medical benefits.Apply online
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on dhs.state.il.us
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.
Checked on October 9, 2026 · Found on 211illinois.org
Public health · County office
Coles County Health Department
753 Windsor Road, Charleston, IL 61920
Help here
- Public health servicesGet nursing services, screenings, immunizations, and environmental health help from the county health department.
- WICEligible pregnant or postpartum women, infants, and children under five can get nutrition support and food benefits.Read more
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on colesco.illinois.gov
Mental health and recovery · County office
Coles County Mental Health Commission
651 Jackson Avenue, Room 309, Charleston, IL 61920
Help here
- Mental health services and referralsContact the commission for information about mental health services and local referrals.
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on colesco.illinois.gov
Courts and legal help · County office
Coles County Circuit Clerk
651 Jackson Avenue, Room 128, Charleston, IL 61920
Help here
- Court information and self-help resourcesGet court information and help finding resources for navigating the county court system.
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on colesco.illinois.gov
Older adults · Regional office
East Central Illinois Area Agency on Aging
Help here
- Aging and caregiver supportGet information and referrals for older adults, caregivers, and adults with disabilities in Coles County.
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on eciaaa.org
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.
- GoodsClothing, diapers, furniture, a phone and other things for home.
- TransitBus fares, rides and getting to appointments.
- 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.
- LegalFree legal help, and help staying safe.
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
Talk to a person
- 211 Illinois
Free help finding food, housing, bills and more near you.
Call 211 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or worried about someone. Any time.
Call 988Text 988