Illinois TANF

TANF is one of Illinois’ cash assistance programs that provides temporary financial assistance for pregnant women and families with children.

TANF gives monthly cash to help pay for food, shelter, utilities, and expenses other than medical to eligible families up to a total limit of 60 months.

Most TANF families are expected to register for work or participate in work activities as a condition of receiving cash benefits, unless otherwise exempt.

If you are a single parent with a child under age 6, you must work or participate in a work activity for at least 20 hours per week or no fewer than 35 hours per week for two-parent families.

FAQ #

Who is eligible for TANF in Illinois? #

To be eligible for TANF in Illinois, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  1. Be a U.S. citizen or legal alien, or permanent resident.
  2. Be pregnant or have a child under age 19 who lives with them. A child who is 18 must be a full-time high school student.
  3. Live in Illinois.
  4. Be either under-employed, unemployed or about to become unemployed.
  5. Have countable income within certain limits.
  6. Develop a Responsibility and Services Plan (RSP).

What is the income limit for TANF in Illinois? #

There’s a limit to how much income you can have and still qualify for TANF based on the size of your family unit. For example, a family of three qualifies if their countable income is less than $576 a month.

  • Family Size Income Limit
  • 1 $340
  • 2 $458
  • 3 $576
  • 4 $694
  • 5 $812
  • 6 $930
  • 7 $1,048
  • 8 $1,166

How much is TANF benefit in Illinois?? #

How much money you get from TANF in Illinois largely depends upon your family’s income and size. Illinois’ benefit, tied to 30 percent of poverty, is $576 a month for a family of three.

In response to the pandemic, Illinois also issued a one-time payment of $500 to all TANF families to help reduce food insecurity.

How do I apply for TANF in Illinois? #

You may apply for TANF in person at a local DHS office that serves the area where you live or online through Illinois' Application for Benefits Eligibility (ABE).

If your application is approved, you will get your cash benefits on an Illinois LINK card that you can use at any authorized retailer or to get cash from an ATM.

For further information about Illinois TANF, call
Illinois DHS Help Line
1 800 843-6154

If your family is in immediate need of food, your SNAP application may be processed right away, whether or not you qualify for TANF.

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