How to Apply for Illinois Welfare Benefits
Illinois welfare benefits are administered under a program called Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or TANF. The program provides temporary financial help to individuals and families who need cash assistance, food, housing and help with utilities or other living expenses. TANF is available to qualifying Illinois residents who are pregnant or have at least one dependent child.
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Instructions
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Go to the Illinois Department of Human Services Temporary Assistance for Needy Families website. Read over the eligibility requirements to determine whether you qualify. Scroll down to the Office Locator portion of the page and click on "Find Offices."
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Select the "Family Community Resource Center" option from the first pop-up box on the page that opens. Select your county in the second pop-up box. Press the "Find Offices" tab. Locate the office closest to you and notate the address, fax number, phone number and directions to the office.
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Go to the Illinois Department of Human Services Apply for Cash Assistance website. Choose the method in which you would like to apply for benefits: online or by mail. Click "Apply Online Now" and follow the directions for online application, or choose the paper form under the "Apply Using a Paper Application" headline if you wish to fill out your application offline. Fill out the application, then fax, mail or deliver it to your local office. You may also go to the office to fill out an application in person.
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Attend the required interview after you receive a call from a caseworker notifying you of the time and location. Take proof of identity, income and residence, along with Social Security numbers for each individual on your application. You may have the interview conducted over the phone if you are unable to come in person.
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References
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