How to Apply for Public Aid in Illinois

The Illinois Department of Human Services provides assistance to low-income families and single parents living in the state of Illinois. Food and cash benefits are loaded on to an electronic debit card that is accepted at grocery stores, pharmacies and many other retail stores. Benefits are determined by the family size and amount of monthly income received. The amount is a set limit and is electronically deposited to the card each month. The application process is simple and requires only a few steps.

Things You'll Need

• Internet connection
• Birth certificate, or Social Security card
• Proof of residency

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Instructions

• 1

  Complete an application online or in person at the Illinois Department of Human Services. Paper forms are available but the preferred method is to apply online because it is faster and keeps down the congestion of local offices. The online application is easy and requires providing some basic information such as your name, age, address, the amount of rent and utilities the family pays, household income for everyone and how many people live in the home.

• 2

  Go to the local office for an intake interview. You will be notified by mail when an interview has been set. You will need to bring documentation such as birth certificates for proof of citizenship, social security cards, proof of residency, pay stubs, bank statements, utility bills and rental agreements. Single parents will need to register for child-support enforcement if not already receiving child-support payments, to be eligible to receive benefits. If the parent of the child is receiving child support, this will be included as income.

• 3

  Provide any additional information requested to process your case. The caseworker will go over your information to determine your eligibility and will discuss the amount of benefits you will receive and give instructions for using the Illinois Link Card.

• 4

  Call the number listed on the back of your Illinois Link Card to activate it and choose a Personal Identification Number (PIN). You will be able to access your card information by phone to check your balance and transactions. Stores that accept the Link Card will have a display sticker posted in the window. Use the card as you would a credit or debit card by swiping it at the register and entering your PIN number for validation.