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FAQ
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TRAINING
CALENDAR
In this section, find answers to common questions about finances and a list of additional resources to help you access affordable health care, free tax preparation, and much more. If you don’t find your question below, or you need additional resources, please contact us.
ANSWERS TO COMMON FINANCIAL QUESTIONS
A bank told me I am on ChexSystems. What does this mean and how do I get a copy of my ChexSystems report?
I have no idea what my credit is like. Where can I get a copy of my credit report?
I think my identity has been stolen. Where can I find help with identity theft?
I am having trouble paying my bills; how can I reduce my debt?
I am worried I might need to declare bankruptcy; where can I go for help?
I have a mortgage and now I am worried about being foreclosed; who can I call?
I am a Mexican citizen and I don't have an Illinois driver's license. How do I get a Mexican Matricula card?
I am a Guatemalan citizen and I don't have an Illinois driver's license. How do I get a Guatemalan Consular ID?
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Free Tax Preparation
Discounted Transportation Passes
Food Assistance
Childcare Advice, Help with Childcare Costs, and Family Support Services
Help with Your Career
Home Buying Assistance
Rental Assistance
A bank told me I am on ChexSystems. What does this mean and how do I get a copy of my ChexSystems report?
copy of your ChexSystems report can help you understand why you have been denied opening a bank account. If you have been denied in the past 60 days because of ChexSystems, you can access your report online. Otherwise you can write to ChexSystems, Inc. to send you your report. Click here to access your report.
I have no idea what my credit is like. Where can I get a copy of my credit report?
ou are entitled to one free credit report from each of the three credit bureaus (Transunion, Experion, and Equifax) every year. You can request and view your report online. Click here to view your report.
The Federal Reserve Bank has published a pamphlet explaining your credit report, why your credit score is important, and how to use your report. Click here to view this tool.
I think my identity has been stolen. Where can I find help with identity theft?
he Federal Trade Commission provides an entire Web site about identity theft, including how to prevent identity theft and how to recover your identity if it has been stolen. Click here to visit the Federal Trade Commission’s Web site “Fighting Back Against Identity Theft.”
The Federal Reserve Bank has also published a guide on “How to Establish, Use, and Protect your Credit.” Click here to view the guide.
I am having trouble paying my bills; how can I reduce my debt?
In the Rockford area, you can call Family Credit Management Services (FCMS), a 501(c)3 non-profit, HUD-approved credit and housing counseling agency. FCMS offers free budget counseling, credit counseling advice, a Debt Management Plan and free financial literacy materials. Click here to visit their website.
If your goal is to eliminate or manage your debt, FCMS offers free, confidential consultations with a Certified Credit or Housing Counselor to help you achieve this goal. Click here to visit the FCMS website or call (800) 994-3328, Monday through Thursday 8:30am-10:30 pm, Friday 8:30am-7:00pm, or Saturday 9:00am- 5:00pm (Central Time) to speak to a counselor now.
I am worried I might need to declare bankruptcy; where can I go for help?
n the Rockford area, you can call Family Credit Management Services (FCMS) a 501c3 non-profit, HUD-approved credit and housing counseling agency. FCMS offers tools to help you set and achieve financial goals. To view their tools, click here. If your goal is to avoid filing for bankruptcy or to understand the bankruptcy process, they will provide guidance and resources to help you determine what is right for you.
I have a mortgage and now I am worried about being foreclosed; who can I call?
ou are not alone. Call the National Foreclosure Prevention Hotline: (888) 995-HOPE where your call will be answered by a homeownership counselor who can understand your situation and help with your next steps. You can also click here to visit their Web site.
I am a Mexican citizen and I don’t have an Illinois driver’s license. How do I get a Mexican Matricula card?
To apply for a Matricula card from the Chicago Mexican Consulate office, you must make an appointment with the Consulate, either at the Chicago office or during their visits to cities around Illinois. Click here to access their Web site and learn about eligibility requirements, make an appointment, or find out about any upcoming visits to Rockford. Or call (312) 855-1380.
I am a Guatemalan citizen and I don’t have an Illinois driver’s license. How do I get a Guatemalan Consular ID?
Visit the Chicago Guatemalan Consulate office’s Web site for the eligibility criteria to apply. Click here to access the office’s contact information and hours. Click here for information about obtaining a consular ID, or call (312) 332-1587.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Use this list of resources to get help reducing your everyday expenses, claim all of the credits and benefits you are owed, and start building assets for the future.
Free Tax Preparation
The Winnebago County's Treasurer's Office can help you prepare your tax return. Please contact them at 404 Elm St., Ste. 205, Rockford, IL 61101. For more information, dial (815) 319-4400 or visit their website.
Discounted Transportation Passes
The Rockford Mass Transit District offers discounted fare for seniors and disabled, and free fare to those enrolled in the circuit breaker program. Contact them at 520 Mulberry Rockford, IL 61101, (815) 961-9000 or visit their website.
Food Assistance
You may be eligible to receive food assistance from the following agencies:
• State of IL Department of Human Services 1111 N. Avon (815) 987-7620 or visit their website.
• Rock River Valley Food Pantry: 1080 Short Elm (815) 965-2466.
• Rock River Valley Food Pantry: 1100 Broadway (815) 965-1086.
• Cornucopia Food Pantry: 402 Market St. (815) 962-1380.
Childcare Advice, Help with Childcare Costs, and Family Support Services
Find free resources and referrals for child care through the following organizations:
• YWCA: 4990 E. State Rockford, IL 61108, (815) 968-9681 or visit their website.
• Trinity Day Care: 215 N. 1st St. Rockford, IL 61107 (815) 986-5437. Visit their website.
• Children’s Safe Harbor, 615 S. 6th St. Rockford, IL 61104 (815) 316-7777.
• Assistance with collecting child support: 1114 Taylor St. Rockford, IL 61101, (800) 447-4278. Visit their website.
Help with Your Career
Get help finding a new job or building skills to grow your career.
• Careers, Etc.: A non-profit geared towards helping ex-offenders with job readiness training, mock interviews, resume writing, communication & computer skills and finding a job. Contact at 5301 E State St, 815-964-3491.
• Ellis Heights United Neighborhood Center: 1810 W. State St. Staffed by Rock River Training and the Winnebago County Health Department. Free internet access, phones, and fax and copy services.
• La Voz Latina: 412 Market St. 815-965-5784. Visit their website. Offers English as a second language classes, GED classes in English & Spanish, computer classes, job training and placement services.
• Booker T Washington Center: 524 Kent Rockford, IL 61102 (815) 968-8861. Visit their website. Offers free computer classes, free tutoring, senior services.
• Workforce Connection: 303 N. Main Rockford, IL 61101 (815) 395-6609. Visit their website. Offers career training and job placement.
Home Buying Assistance
Low- and moderate-income buyers can work toward purchasing an affordable home in Rockford. There are several organizations working to help educate you about the process, and help you purchase your new home.
• Finally Home Program of the State Treasurer's Office
• Rockford Housing Authority: 223 S Winnebago St (815) 489-8500. Visit their website.
• Rockford Area Affordable Housing Coalition: 205 N. Church St. (815) 962-2011. Visit their website.
Rental Assistance
Get help paying overdue rent, avoiding eviction, or applying for a security deposit to move into permanent housing. For more information,
contact:
• City of Rockford Human Services: 612 N. Church Street 815-987-5782. Visit their website.
• Rockford Township: 119 N. Church Rockford, IL (815) 962-8855. Offers many assistance programs. Visit their website.
