Cash Assistance Programs in Illinois

Long before the global pandemic, finances were challenging and have become even more so in the last few years post COVID-19. Price increases are now happening worldwide, including in the food sector, essential commodities, fuel, and even household utilities. The majority of people who have been impacted by the financial crisis have sold their homes, mortgaged their possessions, and accrued significant amounts of debt from unpaid loans.
Because of these factors, obtaining financial independence may seem impossible and hard to achieve. Fortunately, the government is offering several financial assistance programs to support individuals and families needing additional funds to get out of debt. The State of Illinois provides financial aid to its constituents. In this article, we’ll help you understand different programs and what they offer, and how to qualify and apply.

Illinois Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

TANF is a financial program that offers temporary financial help to families with one or more dependents, including pregnant women. It provides help for financing family shelters, utilities, and food needs, along with other payments excluding medical expenses. Because this program is temporary, its purpose is to fill the income gap and secure families until they become more financially stable.

Who qualifies to apply?

You are eligible to apply to TANF financial program if:

1. You are a U.S. citizen and a resident of Illinois
2. You are pregnant or if your spouse living with you is pregnant
3. You have a dependent that is less than 18 years old living with you
4. You are under 18 years old and living with your parents, legal guardian or adult relative
5. You have a valid Social Security Number (SSN)
6. You are not on strike
7. You or your family are in crisis, homeless, or in danger of being homeless

How can I apply?

If you are eligible based on the criteria above, then you may apply by visiting your nearest Family Community Resource Center (FCRC). You may also apply online or submit your filled-out application forms through fax. You may contact 1-800-843-6154 for program details, inquiries, concerns, and support services.

How long does it take?

After submitting the application form, eligible applicants are asked to go to the nearest FCRC office for an interview with the caseworker. Your information and data will then be forwarded to the Department of Human Services (DHS). You will receive their decision in writing in no more than 45 days.

Do I need to pay the money back?

No. As a beneficiary of the TANF program, you are not required to pay back the money you receive. In cases of TANF overpayment, a portion of the proceeds will be withheld, and beneficiaries will receive a letter informing them of a future benefit reduction.

Illinois Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Another type of Illinois financial program is SNAP. Formerly known as ‘Food Stamps", SNAP provides benefits that will allow beneficiaries to buy food to supply meals to their entire household. It can also be used to pay for dining at approved restaurants, diners, food stands, certified farmer’s markets, or farm stands. Other markets even pay twice the value of your benefits.
If you become a SNAP beneficiary, you will be given a LINK card that works like an ATM at accredited dining facilities, markets, and grocery stores. You can only use the card for food purchases, and it cannot be cashed in the store. You may call (800) 678-LINK to keep track of your balance and purchase history, report a lost card, and request a replacement.

Who qualifies to apply?

You are qualified to apply to the Illinois SNAP if you have a net income under $2,001. You can also apply if you live in a household with a person aged 60 and above, or if you or your child, parent, or spouse have a disability. If you have a net income of less than $3,750.
You must also meet working requirements to become eligible such as currently looking for work, not reducing hours of work, accepting a job offer, and participating in an Employment and Training Program for a minimum of 20 hours per week.
Higher education students at least enrolled part-time may also apply for this cash assistance program. They have special eligibility if they are under 18, working 20 hours a week on the job, physically or mentally disabled, receiving TANF benefits, if they are a single parent, or taking care of a child less than 6 years old in their household.
Under SNAP, the Restaurant Meals Program allows you to use your LINK card at restaurants. Effective January 1, 2020, you are eligible for this program if you or your spouse are:

1. Disabled
2. Above 60 years old
3. Homeless
4. A veteran or a child of a veteran

To know more about your eligibility and other requirements to become qualified for this program, you may check with the State of Illinois’ SNAP office.

How can I apply?

Once you know you are eligible, you may start applying by filling out the application form online using the Application Portal. You may also print the form and fill it out at any DHS local office or FCRC near you. After your documents are completed, you must hand-deliver them back to the DHS office, or you may mail and fax. You will then be asked to complete an interview either in person or by phone if you cannot go physically. You will also need to prepare documents as proof of your financial capacity on income, assets, and expenses. If necessary, they might ask for your grocery receipts, pay stubs, energy bills, and other additional requirements. You may contact the DHS office for other SNAP program details, inquiries, concerns, and support services.

How long does it take?

For SNAP, you must wait for 30 days before you can get a decision. If you are not eligible, you will receive a denied application letter. If you are permitted to receive the benefits, you will get a written letter informing you of your approval to receive food stamps, the amount, and your certification period or how long you will be receiving the amount granted. A tracking number is provided, so you can monitor the progress of your application. The LINK card where your SNAP benefit amount will be credited monthly will also be mailed to your residence.

Do I need to pay the money back?

No. SNAP beneficiaries are not required for repayment unless there is a notice of overpayment received. In that case, you pay for the entire overpayment, or DHS can opt for recoupment or keep a portion of your monthly benefits to pay off the overpayment amount.

Illinois General Assistance (GA) Program

The GA program is for people who need cash assistance but have failed to qualify for any financial program. Recipients to the GA program usually have hardly minimum assets and income. Adults without children may apply under the Transitional Assistance program. In contrast, adults with children and pregnant women will fall under the Family and Children Assistance program.
However, program rules differ from one county to another, and they have different specifications on how much beneficiaries will receive monthly. You may look for your township GA office to find out more.

Who qualifies to apply?

For you to qualify for any GA program, you must first be:

1. A US citizen or a qualifying non-US citizen
2. A Resident of Illinois
3. Live in a township covered by a GA program

According to Illinois General Assembly GA Statutes, you may qualify for Transitional Assistance if you are:

1. Age 21 and above
2. Married and living with a spouse
3. Age 18-20, not living with parents

For Family and Children Assistance, you must be:

1. Under age 18
2. Age 18 and a full-time secondary school or vocational training student who will complete the course before reaching age 19
3. Dependents under age 18 living with parents
4. Pregnant women with a verified pregnancy

How can I apply?

If you are eligible for any of the above, you may fill up the application form at your township office. You may be asked to submit proof of income or assets through utility bills, pay stubs, medical bills, receipts, and rent payments. The township office will review your documents and contact you for additional requirements through a working phone number or active email address.

How long does it take?

The processing of GA program qualification may give you a notice of approval or denial 30-45 days from the date of application receipt. You will receive the letter through mail or a selected township address if you don’t have a personal address. You will also receive any changes in claiming benefits like amount increase, reduction, or stop payments. Any appeal for denied application may be filed at the township office and should be done within 60 days from the date of written notice.

Do I need to pay the money back?

No. However, if you receive GA overpayment because you haven’t updated your records, you must repay the entire excess assistance amount given by your township, or you have 60 days from the receipt of notice to appeal for the overpayment.