Employment Barrier Reduction Program (EBRP)
The Employment Barrier Reduction Program (EBRP) provides assistance to directly alleviate financial barriers that prohibit participants from obtaining or retaining employment or job training services, such as clothing, cell phone or minutes, transportation, personal hygiene, child care, books or training supplies, course registration, ID/Driver's License.
EBRP's purpose is to increase employment among people who have lost or at risk of losing SNAP benefits because they are struggling to meet strict federal work requirements.
Program Eligibility
Individuals are eligible for EBRP services if they are a resident of Kendall or Grundy Counties and one of the following:
- currently receiving SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid benefits
- part of an active SNAP household
- eligible persons with a pending application for SNAP
- able-bodied adults without dependents who have been kicked off SNAP due to benefit time limits within the last 9 months.
Documents Needed
- Proof of SNAP/TANF or Medicaid (example: Summary of Benefits, or Notice of Decision)
- Explanation of service request (example: assistance to obtain OR retain employment)
- Supplemental documents to justify expense request (example: 2 auto repair quotes, eviction notice, utility bill/shut off notice)
- Proof of continued job search / job maintenance (example: proof of submitted applications, paystubs)
Application Process
The application process for EBRP is as follows:
- Applicant prepares required documentation.
- Applicant schedules appointment with Kendall Grundy Community Action (KGCA).
- Applicant and KGCA staff completes application.
- KGCA staff submits application and documentation to Illinois Association of Community Action Agencies (IACAA).
- IACAA approves or denies application within 7-10 days. KGCA staff will receive notification.
- KGCA staff will notify applicant of decision and next steps.
