Illinois TANF
TANF is one of Illinois’ cash assistance programs that provides temporary financial assistance for pregnant women and families with children.
The program provides monthly cash benefits to help cover basic needs such as food, shelter, utilities, and other non-medical expenses, 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. 1
FAQ
Who is eligible for TANF in Illinois?
To be eligible for TANF in Illinois, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Be a U.S. citizen or legal alien, or permanent resident.
- 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.
- Live in Illinois.
- Be either under-employed, unemployed or about to become unemployed.
- Have countable income within certain limits .
- Develop a Responsibility and Services Plan (RSP).
What is the income limit for TANF in Illinois?
In Illinois, a family’s countable income must be below the monthly TANF payment level for that family size to qualify for benefits. For example, a family of three may be eligible if its monthly countable income, less the earnings disregard (a 75% disregard), 2 is at or below $753.
| Household Size | Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $439 |
| 2 | $596 |
| 3 | $753 |
| 4 | $910 |
| 5 | $1,067 |
| 6 | $1,224 |
| 7 | $1,381 |
| 8 | $1,538 |
How much is TANF benefit in Illinois??
In Illinois, TANF benefits vary by household size, countable income, and allowable deductions. A family of three with no income may receive up to $753 per month.
| Household Size | Payment |
|---|---|
| 1 | $439 |
| 2 | $596 |
| 3 | $753 |
| 4 | $910 |
| 5 | $1,067 |
| 6 | $1,224 |
| 7 | $1,381 |
| 8 | $1,538 |
How do I apply for TANF in Illinois?
You may apply for TANF in person at a local DHS office 3 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.
Illinois Department of Human Services
DHS Customer Helpline
(800) 843-6154
Footnotes
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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. ↩
-
The state calculates a family’s adjusted income by applying a substantial earned income deduction, under which 75% of gross earnings are disregarded, before determining eligibility and benefit amounts. ↩
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Search for a DHS Office by selecting your county, and, for Cook County, your ZIP Code. ↩