Struggling Chicago residents from suburban Cook County who were economically impacted by the coronavirus pandemic can now apply for a one-time payment of $600.

A new financial assistance program was announced Monday that could help roughly 3,000 households in the area, according to NBC Chicago.

The application process began Monday and will close at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 6. The $2.1 million Cook County COVID-19 Recovery Resident Cash Assistance Program will be funded by the Federal Cares Act.

To apply for assistance, applicants must be a resident of suburban Cook County, provide one form of government-issued identification, proof of their COVID-19 hardship, proof of household income meeting eligibility requirements, and bank information.

Toni Preckwinkle, the Cook County Board President, stated the fund will “support residents whose income is at or below 250% of the federal poverty level prior to March 1, 2020.”

“Many families are having a hard time making ends meet due to job loss during the pandemic. With the unemployment numbers rising and many workers furloughed, it’s becoming impossible to live check by check,” Preckwinkle said in a statement.

“This program will offer relief to more than 3,000 residents who are experiencing financial hardship and provide some assistance for those who are struggling to pay bills or take care of essential needs.”

The announcement comes amid a rising number of positive COVID-19 cases in Illinois. Local network WGN noted that there has been a 7-day rolling average positivity rate of 7.7% in suburban Cook County and 7.5% in Chicago.

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