Diverse Learners Recovery Fund for Students With Disabilities

This program has officially ended.

We would like to thank everyone who participated in The Diverse Learners Recovery Fund. The program has officially come to an end as of January 1, 2025. Your engagement and support have been invaluable, and we are grateful for the opportunity to have served you through this initiative.

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This program has officially ended.
54%Funds Delivered
4,340+Approved Applications
$500 per student, two students maximum per household
Up to $1,000 per household
What is the Diverse Learners Recovery Fund?
The Diverse Learners Recovery Fund is a collaboration between the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities and Ada S. McKinley Community Services, Inc., dedicated to aiding families of students with disabilities affected by COVID-19. It operates as a lottery-style grant drawing, offering a one-time cash grant of $500 to eligible K-12 students with disabilities. Up to 8,000 applicants will be selected through the lottery to receive the grant. Submitting an eligible application does not guarantee you will receive the funds.
Learn more about the Diverse Learners Recovery Fund in this video.
Eligibility Requirements
Reside in the City of Chicago You live in Chicago and have a picture ID with a valid address or a picture ID plus a document that shows your name and current Chicago address. See the list of acceptable documents:
  • Driver’s licenses
  • State ID
  • Passport
  • City Key ID
  • Military ID
  • Consulate ID
  • Utility Bill, Bank or Credit Card Statement
  • Other documents may be accepted
Have a Student With a Disability You have legal guardianship over a Chicago student enrolled in K-12th grade who has a disability. See the list of acceptable documents:
  • Individual Educational Plan (IEP)
  • 504 Plan
  • Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) determination letter
  • Doctor's Note on an official letterhead providing verification of a disability
  • Other official documents verifying disability may be accepted
Meet Household Income Limit Your total household income should be less than or equal to 300% of the federal poverty level:
  • 2022 or 2023 tax returns
  • 2023 W-2s
  • Public Aid Determination Letter (SNAP, TANF, etc.)
  • Award Letter for Social Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
  • Pension/Annuity Income
  • Paycheck stubs covering 30 days
  • Employer's letter on official letterhead
  • Unemployment Benefit
  • Child Support Documents
  • VA Benefits
  • Verified enrollment in Federal Free or Reduced Priced Lunch program
  • Other documents may be acccepted
The Diverse Learners Recovery Fund Timeline

The Diverse Learners Recovery Fund Application will be open through 11/15/24.

Recipients of the Diverse Learners Recovery Fund will be chosen through a lottery system. Only applications that have completed the verification process and are found eligible will be able to participate in the lottery. The time period to verify the eligibility of applications will depend on the number of applications received at any given time. There will be monthly drawings. Applications verified as eligible that are not chosen in previous drawings will have the opportunity to be chosen in subsequent lottery drawings.

Selected applicants will be notified by email and directed to return to the portal to select a payment method.

All verified eligible applicants will be notified of their status following each lottery drawing.

Frequently Asked Questions
Contact Us Still have questions or need help? Call us or send an online request and our support will contact you as soon as possible.
Phone to customer service +1 (312) 561-6965
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