Requirements

Who Can Apply

You must meet certain requirements to be eligible for a TechConnect Low Interest Loan:

1. You must be a person with a disability, or a family member or authorized representative of a person with a disability, and you must be an Illinois Citizen. The Program must benefit the person with a disability.
2. There must be a reasonable expectation that you will repay the loan. Although we will look at your credit history, our decision will be based on all of the information you provide.
3. You must agree to automatic payments from your checking or savings account and provide two months of bank statements.
4. Although any Illinois resident is eligible to apply for the Program, priority will be given to individuals whose net income, minus disability-related expenses, does not exceed 500 percent of the federal poverty level:

   Family Size	Annual Salary Less Than	Monthly Salary Less Than
   1	$51,050	$4,255
   2	$68,450	$5,705
   3	$85,850	$7,155
   4	$103,250	$8,605
   5	$120,650	$10,055
   6	$138,050	$11,505
   7	$155,450	$12,955
   8	$172,850	$14,405

   For each additional person, add $3,480

5. An Assistive Technology Loan must be used for assistive technology, which includes but is not limited to:
   • Hearing aids and assistive listening devices
   • Communication systems
   • Computers and disability related software
   • Environmental control units
   • Braille equipment
   • CCTVs and other low vision devices
   • Manual or motorized wheelchairs and scooters
   • Home modifications, including ramps, roll-in showers, widened doorways, etc.
   • Motor vehicle modifications
6. A Telework Loan may be used for, but not limited to, the following:
   • Computers, printer, and related peripherals
   • Software
   • Fax machines
   • Scanners
   • Office machines (e.g., calculators)
   • Telecommunications devices
   • Telecommunications system installation charges (e.g., telephone, DSL, high speed and Internet hookup fees)
   • Office furniture
   • Home modifications for telework
   • Motor vehicles with or without modifications
   • Assistive technology for telework
7. Techconnect Loans may not be used for bill consolidation or purchasing a home.

If you have any questions about whether you or what you want to purchase qualifies for the program, please Contact Us or check with your local Center for Independent Living. Staff at the Centers can also help you fill out the application.

What You Need to Apply

You will need to provide the following information on your TechConnect Loan application:

• Name, birth date, address, and other identifying information of the person with a disability (and the same information if the person applying for the loan is not the person with a disability).
• Proof of disability, which might be a written note from your doctor, a written note from your Divison of Rehabilitation Services counselor, a copy of your Social Security award letter, etc.
• Price quotes with information about the product you intend to purchase, including prices and names of vendors.
• Proof of income, such as a copy of your most recent income tax return plus check stubs if employed or award letter from Social Security
• Proof of insurance or insurability for loans for a vehicle or home modifications.
• Current and previous address and employer information.
• Contact information for the nearest relative not living with the applicant.
• Checking account or savings account information with the bank's name & address. (If you don't have a bank account your local Center for Independent Living can help you start one.)
• Two months of bank statements.
• Information about your assets, such as real estate, insurance, automobiles, and their values.
• Information about your debts, including rent or mortgage loans, car loans, and credit card balances.
• Business plan and Telework Loan Final Checklist, if the loan is used for home-based employment. Please Contact Us for further instruction.