Assisted living and SSI. How can I find resources or assisted living for him in Chicago?

Assisted living is usually private pay. Mom paid 5k a month 4 yrs ago and that was a special rate. Chicago area is probably more. If your Dad is getting palliative care then he probably needs LTC that Medicaid will pay for. Talk to his case worker.

1. Is there any way that he would qualify for Hospice rather than Palliative Care?
The reason I ask is that it is possible that the Hospice Social Worker could get him into a facility faster than what it might take normally. (facilities see Hospice and they assume that this would not be a long-term resident)
2. Check some of the resources that might be available through the City (I think 311 is the number you can call)
3. There is a Resource Directory put out by Elderwerks that has a lot of information. Call toll free 855-462-0100 or you can look on line for the resource book Elderwerks.org. They are a NOT for Profit organization. The information and referrals are free.
4. If he is a Veteran contact the Veterans Assistance Commission and see if he is eligible for any services from the VA.

Since Medicaid differs by state you will need to go online for your county (Dept of Health and Human Resources) to see what it will pay for. Some state's Medicaid + SS will cover AL and some do not, some offer an Elder Waiver program, etc. My state covers only LTC. You could contact Social Services for the Elderly and talk to a social worker, or contact your local area's Agency on Aging. Once you know what would be covered, then you can start finding options.