Don’t Miss June’s $150 “Chicago Moves” Stimulus Checks – There are just two weeks left for Chicago residents to apply for June’s “Chicago Moves” stimulus checks, with applications closing by the end of the month.
Those who apply for the stimulus checks will not, however, be guaranteed to receive them. The checks will be distributed based on a lottery system. Every month until September, Chicago will hold the same lottery.
The Chicago Movies program was announced in March by Democratic Mayor Lori Lightfoot.
Under the scheme, 150,000 Chicagoans would be granted up to $150 in physical prepaid cards with the purpose of helping them afford to travel. 100,000 public transport users would receive $50 in prepaid transit cards, and 50,000 drivers would be given $150 prepaid gas cards.
“The last two years have been exceedingly difficult for many of our residents, in particular our most vulnerable populations. Through the pandemic, we have collectively faced tragedy, and many among us have faced accompanying economic hardship,” Lightfoot said at the time, adding that rising inflation means Chicago residents need more help than ever.
“By subsidizing the cost of gas and transit, this program will enable participants to save their resources for other critical expenses. Chicago is a city that moves. People have to be able to get to work, school, places of worship, medical offices, grocery stores,” Lightfoot also said, adding that the scheme was a “huge step” towards making the city more accessible for people, whether they choose to travel by car or by public transport.
The scheme opened on April 27 this year and will end in September.
Are You Eligible?
To apply for the Chicago Moves gas stimulus check in Chicago, you must be a resident of the city and 18 years old. Applications must possess a valid license with the right mailing information for their vehicle, and have a household income that is at or below 200% of the Area Median Income for Chicago.
To apply for the prepaid transit cards, Chicago residents must have a household income that is at or below 140% of the Area Median Income for the city.
How to Apply
Applications are easy to do – and there are a few ways to do it.
The simplest and quickest way to apply is online by visiting www.Chicago.Gov/ChicagoMoves.
Applicants may also apply via mail, by sending their application to:
ATTN: Dept. of Finance: Chicago Moves, 121 N. LaSalle St., 7th Floor, Chicago, IL 60602
Alternatively, applicants may visit any Chicago Public Library and ask to apply.
Only one application may be made per household.
Jack Buckby is a British author, counter-extremism researcher, and journalist based in New York. Reporting on the U.K., Europe, and the U.S., he works to analyze and understand left-wing and right-wing radicalization, and reports on Western governments’ approaches to the pressing issues of today. His books and research papers explore these themes and propose pragmatic solutions to our increasingly polarized society.
