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Help to Buy Food

SNAP is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program that used to be called Food Stamps. SNAP helps low income people buy the food they need for good nutritional health. If you qualify for SNAP, you will get an Illinois Link card. Each month, the amount of your SNAP benefits will be added to your Link Card account, and you can use it like a debit card to pay for food at most grocery stores.

Learn more about SNAP

Help to pay for Health Care coverage

Medicaid and All Kids cover health care for low income people of all ages in Illinois. The Illinois Department of Health Care and Family Services (HFS) is committed to improving the health of Illinois' families by providing access to quality health care. This mission is accomplished through HFS Medical Programs that pay for a wide range of health services, provided by thousands of medical providers throughout Illinois, to about two million Illinoisans each year.

Learn more about Healthcare coverage

Community Supports for Adults with Long Term Needs

Community Supports helps people find the resources needed to remain in their home or community. Screening and assessments are completed to determine individual need for these services.

Learn more about Medical Support for Seniors
Learn more about Disability and Rehabilitation
Learn more about Developmental Disability

Help to pay for Medicare costs

Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) cover the cost of Medicare premiums for low income seniors and people with disabilities on Medicare. People who qualify for one of the Medicare Savings Programs do not have to use their Social Security income to pay Medicare premiums. For some people, Medicare deductibles and co-insurance charges are also covered.

Learn more about Medicare Savings

Help with Cash Assistance

Cash Assistance can help pay for food, shelter, utilities, and expenses other than medical costs. A small amount of cash assistance is available to people who fit into one of three groups:

• Low-income pregnant women or families that include at least one dependent child under the age of 18, may qualify for TANF Cash Assistance. TANF is short for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. If someone receives TANF, they also get Medicaid or All Kids health care coverage.
• Low-income seniors age 65 or older, people who are blind, and people who have a permanent disability may qualify for AABD Cash Assistance. AABD is short for Aid to the Aged, Blind and Disabled. People who qualify for AABD cash assistance also get Medicaid health care coverage.
• Immigrants with refugee or asylee status may be eligible for cash assistance through the Refugee Resettlement Program (RRP). Refugees may be eligible for assistance up to 8 months after the date of entry into the United States. Asylees may be eligible for assistance up to 8 months after the date asylum is granted. People who qualify for RRP Cash Assistance also get Medicaid health care coverage. People who qualify for TANF or AABD cash assistance do not qualify for RRP cash assistance.

Learn more about Cash Assistance