SURVIVOR FUND FAQ

What is the Survivor Fund and what can I apply for?

The Network: Advocating Against Domestic Violence established the Survivor Fund to address critical gaps in the safety net for survivors of gender-based violence and human trafficking. Eligibility requirements and application processes vary depending on the current funder(s).

The basic eligibility to receive funding is that you are a victim/survivor of domestic violence, sexual abuse, stalking and/or human trafficking and you have not received funding from The Network in the last 12 months.

I am a survivor of gender-based violence and reside in Illinois but outside of Cook County. What funding do I qualify for?

Please email survivorfund@the-network.org to see if there is any current funding that you might be eligible for.

I am a survivor of gender-based violence and currently reside outside of Illinois. What funding do I qualify for?

Our current publicly available funding is only available for residents of the state of Illinois. For resources in your state, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233

Visit the National DV Hotline’s website: https://www.thehotline.org/

I am undocumented or someone in my household is. Do I/we qualify for funding?

Yes. This program is open to all, regardless of your immigration status. This means that if you are not a documented resident, or your household is a mixed-status household, and you meet the eligibility criteria, you are eligible to participate. The application does not contain questions regarding citizenship or immigration status.

Can I apply for funding on behalf of a minor/child who is a survivor?

Yes. The “survivor/applicant” would be the minor. Advocates and caretakers may apply on behalf of a minor by providing the minor’s name and documentation at the time of the appointment with our application specialist. The adult who is applying on behalf of the minor MUST be present at the appointment. The contact information, and the payee, must be an adult who has a responsibility to manage the minor’s funds.

Will applying for/receiving funding impact my public benefits?

Receiving funds from The Network: Advocating Against Domestic Violence may affect eligibility for certain public assistance or benefit programs. Because individual circumstances vary, The Network is unable to provide legal, tax, or benefits guidance or determine how funding may impact a person’s benefits. We encourage recipients to seek advice from their benefits administrator or other qualified professional if they have questions about how this support may interact with other assistance they receive.