Compare 25 free help companies serving Chicago, Illinois. Average rating: 4.1/5.
Illinois enacted the Predatory Loan Prevention Act in 2021, capping all consumer loans at 36% APR including fees, effectively banning traditional payday lending. The DFPR enforces comprehensive lending regulations. Consumers can file complaints online with DFPR or the Attorney General's office.
Chicago-based financial services provider offering free credit consultations, tax preparation, notary services, and business startup assistance with bilingual support.
Best for: Spanish-speaking immigrants seeking free credit consultations and financial guidance, First-time Latino entrepreneurs starting LLCs or small businesses in Chicago
Chicago-based nonprofit offering free, bilingual financial coaching, employment support, and resource mobilization to help individuals overcome economic barriers and achieve financial stability.
Best for: Individuals seeking foundational financial literacy, budgeting skills, and goal-setting support in Chicago, Spanish-speaking community members needing bilingual economic empowerment resources
MoneySharp is a US Trustee-approved credit counseling agency offering pre- and post-bankruptcy financial education courses for $12 per household.
Best for: Individuals required to complete credit counseling before filing Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, Recent bankruptcy filers needing post-discharge debtor education courses for discharge requirements
Community-based nonprofit in Chicago offering free youth services, mental health support, community organizing, and neighborhood resources to Brighton Park residents.
Best for: Chicago Brighton Park and South Side residents seeking free community services and youth programming, Parents and students in Chicago Public Schools wanting school-integrated mental health, mentorship, and community support
Non-profit financial opportunity center providing free one-on-one coaching and group workshops on credit, savings, housing, and small business for low-income communities.
Best for: First-time homebuyers in Chicago seeking down payment assistance and credit building, Spanish-speaking Latinx and Black residents at or below 30% of area median income
Chicago-based nonprofit with 45+ years providing free education, health, human services, and advocacy to immigrant families and underserved communities across 209 zip codes.
Best for: Immigrant families seeking employment, citizenship, housing, and education support in Chicago area, Older adults needing day care, in-home services, and health resources with cultural sensitivity
Chicago-based financial services provider offering free credit consultations, tax preparation, notary services, and business startup assistance with bilingual support.
Best for: Spanish-speaking immigrants seeking free credit consultations and financial guidance, First-time Latino entrepreneurs starting LLCs or small businesses in Chicago
Chicago-based nonprofit offering free, bilingual financial coaching, employment support, and resource mobilization to help individuals overcome economic barriers and achieve financial stability.
Best for: Individuals seeking foundational financial literacy, budgeting skills, and goal-setting support in Chicago, Spanish-speaking community members needing bilingual economic empowerment resources
MoneySharp is a US Trustee-approved credit counseling agency offering pre- and post-bankruptcy financial education courses for $12 per household.
Best for: Individuals required to complete credit counseling before filing Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, Recent bankruptcy filers needing post-discharge debtor education courses for discharge requirements
Community-based nonprofit in Chicago offering free youth services, mental health support, community organizing, and neighborhood resources to Brighton Park residents.
Best for: Chicago Brighton Park and South Side residents seeking free community services and youth programming, Parents and students in Chicago Public Schools wanting school-integrated mental health, mentorship, and community support
Non-profit financial opportunity center providing free one-on-one coaching and group workshops on credit, savings, housing, and small business for low-income communities.
Best for: First-time homebuyers in Chicago seeking down payment assistance and credit building, Spanish-speaking Latinx and Black residents at or below 30% of area median income
Chicago-based nonprofit with 45+ years providing free education, health, human services, and advocacy to immigrant families and underserved communities across 209 zip codes.
Best for: Immigrant families seeking employment, citizenship, housing, and education support in Chicago area, Older adults needing day care, in-home services, and health resources with cultural sensitivity
Chicago-based nonprofit CDC offering free housing counseling, business support, and community development services to low-to-moderate income residents in South Side neighborhoods.
Best for: Chicago South Side renters and homebuyers seeking HUD-approved housing counseling, Homeowners facing foreclosure in Roseland, Morgan Park, and adjacent neighborhoods
National nonprofit credit counseling organization offering free financial counseling, debt management programs, and housing guidance with NFCC and HUD certifications since 1961.
Best for: Consumers with multiple high-interest credit card debts seeking consolidation and structured repayment plans, Homeowners facing foreclosure or seeking HUD-certified housing counseling and prevention strategies
Non-profit community development organization providing free homebuyer workshops, affordable housing, and economic empowerment programs in North Lawndale, Chicago.
Best for: First-time homebuyers in North Lawndale seeking free financial education and mortgage guidance, Renters looking for affordable apartment options through a community-based provider
501(c)(3) non-profit providing culturally-sensitive health, employment, and mental health services to underserved Asian American communities in the Midwest since 2003.
Best for: Uninsured or underinsured Asian American individuals seeking health insurance navigation and enrollment assistance, Low-income Asian American individuals with mental health needs seeking culturally-competent counseling
Northside Community Development Corporation is a Chicago-based nonprofit providing community development and housing services in the Rogers Park area.
Best for: Rogers Park and surrounding Chicago neighborhoods seeking community development resources, Low-income individuals interested in affordable housing opportunities
Chicago-based nonprofit housing and financial counseling organization serving Belmont Cragin and surrounding communities since 2003, offering foreclosure prevention and first-time homebuyer guidance.
Best for: Chicago northwest-side homeowners facing foreclosure or delinquency seeking prevention counseling, First-time home buyers in Belmont Cragin area needing pre-purchase education and financial preparation
Oak Park Regional Housing Center offers free housing counseling, fair housing advocacy, and apartment referral services to residents across Western Cook County since 1972.
Best for: First-time homebuyers seeking free education and equal-opportunity counseling in Western Cook County, Apartment seekers in Chicago region needing fair housing guidance and rental referrals
HUD-certified non-profit housing counselor serving Chicago's Chicagoland region since 1966, offering free financial education, homebuyer counseling, and emergency housing assistance to low-income families.
Best for: First-time homebuyers in Chicago/Chicagoland seeking free pre-purchase counseling and down payment assistance, Low-income renters facing eviction or needing emergency rent/utility assistance in the Chicagoland area
Chicago-based nonprofit providing free financial wellness counseling, affordable housing development, and immigration support to low-income immigrant families since 1990.
Best for: Chicago-area immigrant families seeking affordable housing combined with financial counseling, Low-income residents needing free financial wellness support without predatory lending alternatives
Xilin Association is a multilocation Illinois nonprofit providing free and low-cost community services including adult daycare, in-home care, classes, and programs for families and seniors.
Best for: Low-income immigrant families seeking affordable multilingual childcare and eldercare, Seniors and adults requiring in-home care assistance in the Chicago metropolitan area
HUD-certified nonprofit housing counseling agency providing free/low-cost comprehensive housing advice, down payment assistance programs, and housing stability support since 2005.
Best for: First-time homebuyers seeking down payment assistance and homebuying guidance in the Chicago area, Current homeowners or renters facing housing instability or seeking retention/relocation support
Non-profit community action agency in Cook County providing utility assistance, housing services, WIC, and family support to low-income households for over 60 years.
Best for: Low-income Cook County households facing utility shutoff or heating/cooling emergencies, Pregnant women, infants, and young children needing nutrition assistance and WIC benefits
Chicago Urban League is a HUD-approved housing counseling agency and non-profit offering free financial empowerment programs, credit counseling, and workforce development for African Americans in Chicago.
Best for: African American residents of Chicago seeking free homebuyer education and HUD-certified housing counseling, Chicago-area individuals needing free credit management and financial literacy workshops
Nonprofit credit and housing counselor providing HUD-approved debt relief, foreclosure prevention, and homeownership guidance since 1974. Free or low-cost counseling sessions available nationally.
Best for: Homeowners facing foreclosure or reverse mortgage decisions who need free, impartial HUD-approved counseling, First-time homebuyers seeking education on down payments, mortgage terms, and homeownership readiness without sales pressure
Greenpath Financial Wellness Chicago, IL — GreenPath Financial Wellness is a 60-year-old nonprofit offering free NFCC- and HUD-certified financial couns...
Best for: Individuals with $5,000+ in credit card debt seeking structured, professional repayment plans, Homeowners facing foreclosure or considering major housing decisions
HUD-certified non-profit providing free housing counseling, public benefits assistance, and immigration services to Korean, Asian American, and immigrant communities in Chicagoland.
Best for: Low- to medium-income renters facing eviction or needing rental assistance in Chicagoland, Korean American and Asian American immigrant families navigating housing and public benefits in Chicago area
Illinois nonprofit that mobilizes member organizations to prevent homelessness, increase affordable housing, and expand homeownership through policy advocacy, counseling, and capacity building.
Best for: Illinois residents seeking connections to HUD-approved housing counselors without navigating confusing application processes, Nonprofit organizations and housing agencies seeking capacity building, training, and AmeriCorps volunteer support
HUD-approved housing counseling agency offering free advice to help Americans achieve homeownership and financial stability through certified counselors and educational programs.
Best for: First-time homebuyers seeking free pre-purchase counseling and financial education, Low-to-moderate income individuals qualifying for down payment assistance programs
HUD-certified nonprofit housing counseling agency serving low-to-moderate income families across Chicagoland since 1966, offering free financial education, homebuyer prep, and housing stability counseling.
Best for: First-time homebuyers in Chicago seeking free down-payment assistance and pre-purchase education, Low-to-moderate income renters and homeowners facing foreclosure or housing instability in Chicagoland