The Get My Payment Illinois Coalition
Many hard-working individuals and families earn little enough money that they aren’t required to file taxes, but may be eligible for tax refunds. Our coalition works to ensure they know about their options and are able to access their tax credits without paying high fees.
In March 2020, a group of Illinois-based nonprofit organizations first came together to help ensure more hardworking, low-income Illinoisans are able to receive their stimulus checks and to receive these funds more quickly. Because of the success of that initiative, the coalition went on to spread the word about access to Child Tax Credits, Earned Income Tax Credits, and free tax filing options among low- to moderate-income communities.
The coalition now includes the Economic Awareness Council, New America Chicago, and BankOn Chicago, with support from other nonprofits, foundations, and local government.
Outreach and Assistance Strategies
In May 2020, the coalition launched a website, www.GetMyPaymentIL.org to provide clear information about pandemic era stimulus payments, tax credits, and free services to help lower-income individuals and families access them. The helpline and website were retired between 2022 and 2023, and the helpline was taken on by SimplifyCT.
With the launch of Direct File in Illinois, the coalition relaunched a new website in 2025 at www.GetMyPaymentIllinois.org to provide more information about tax credits and free tax filing help.
Resources for Nonprofit and Government Partners
The Get My Payment Illinois Coalition works with government and nonprofit partners to spread the word online through websites, social media, and e-newsletters. The coalition will also provide flyers to organizations that provide in-person services. To request flyers, please email kknapp@econcouncil.org.
The Coalition for Free and Fair Filing has a number of different resources including a toolkit with sample flyers, texts, and social media content. To request access to the full toolkit, email fenstermaker@newamerica.org.