Get My Payment Illinois Coalition
A project of New America Chicago
Tax credits and government benefits can only help low-income Illinoisans if they receive them. Lack of access to technology, poor delivery systems, and other barriers often keep our lowest-income neighbors from getting the help they already qualify for and need the most. The Get My Payment Illinois Coalition is a group of nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping residents access free tax filing help, 530A child investment accounts (Trump Accounts), Child Tax Credits, Earned Income Tax Credits, and affordable bank accounts.
Show More
Between 2020 and 2022, the coalition helped over 220,000 people learn how to receive their pandemic stimulus checks and a variety of tax credits, as well as access BankOn accounts. Working with government and nonprofit partners, including libraries, social service agencies, and food pantries, we shared critical information to connect low-income residents with payments through social media, ads, and in-person events. Our insights from working directly with community members, helped inspire major policy improvements. New America Chicago is a founding member of this coalition, which was revived in 2025 to help low-income, Illinois families access free tax preparation help.
Visit the coalition’s website at getmypaymentillinois.org to learn how to file for tax credits, get a child investment account, and find guidance on safe, affordable banking products.
Latest
Tax Filing without the Headaches: Illinois’ Earned Income Tax Credit Simplified Filing Pilot
Make the Most of Your Money: Safe, Affordable Bank Accounts through Bank On Chicago
Righting a Backwards Policy: Making Sure the Second Stimulus Checks Reach the Hardest Hit Illinoisans
Experts
Meegan Dugan Adell
Director, New America Chicago
Emma Fenstermaker
Researcher
Vanessa Rangel
Operations Manager, New America Chicago