Illinois.gov - IL Application for Benefits Eligibility (ABE) Apply Without Account What's Next Guide

What’s Next Details

Congratulations, your application for benefits has been submitted. Here are some things you can do to speed the processing of your application.

Look for mail from the State of Illinois and respond quickly. We will use what you told us as well as electronic data sources to determine if you are eligible for benefits. If we need more information, you will get a letter with a list of items needed to complete your application. You need to mail, fax or drop-off these items at your local Family Community Resource Center (FCRC) before the deadline. Use the IDHS Office Locator to locate your local FCRC.
Be available for your interview. If you have applied for SNAP or cash benefits, a caseworker will need to speak to you, either in person or on the phone, to complete your application. You will get a letter with the date and time for this interview. Your benefits may be delayed or denied if you do not have this interview or do not reschedule the appointment. There is no interview required if you have applied for health care coverage benefits only.
Answer your phone. If you have little or no income, you may be able to get SNAP right away. If it looks like you may qualify, a caseworker will call you at the phone number you gave us. It is very important that you answer your phone over the next several days. If you miss the caseworker’s call, you will get an interview appointment letter in the mail.
Let us know if your mailing address or phone number changes. It is very important that we are able to reach you if we need more information or to let you know if you qualify for benefits. You can update your address, phone number or other information on your application by calling the DHS Help Line at 1-800-843-6154 (TTY: 1-800-447-6404). Please have your Application Tracking Number on hand.
Check the status of your application before taking further action. Generally, once you have submitted an application, you will not need to apply again. If you are concerned because you have not heard about your application, call the DHS Help Line at 1-800-843-6154 (TTY: 1-800-447-6404) to check the status. Your tracking number is proof that your application was submitted, so please have it on hand.
Withdraw your application. If for any reason you decide you no longer want to apply for one or more benefits, call the DHS Help Line at 1-800-843-6154 (TTY: 1-800-447-6404).

What to expect if you are approved

If you are eligible for benefits, you will get an approval letter in the mail.

Most SNAP applications are processed within 30 days. This may be sooner if you qualify for immediate SNAP benefit.
Cash assistance applications take up to 45 days.
The state strives to complete health care coverage applications within 45 days or if eligibility is based on a disability, within 60 days.
In most cases, you will get an Illinois Link Card, mailed to you separately. If you qualify for immediate SNAP benefits, you will have the option of picking up your Link right away at your nearest DHS Family and Community Resource Center (FCRC). The Illinois Link Card is a plastic card that looks and works like a debit card. You can use it at most grocery stores or where you see the Illinois Link logo. Your SNAP benefits will be issued to this card each month. Only one Illinois Link Card is issued per case. To learn more about your Link Card and to manage your account, visit Illinois Link Card.
In most cases, you will get an Illinois Link card, mailed to you separately. If you qualify for immediate SNAP benefits, you will have the option of picking up your Link right away at your nearest DHS office. The Illinois Link card is a plastic card that looks and works like a debit card. You can use it at most grocery stores or where you see the Illinois Link logo. Your SNAP benefits will be added to this card each month. If you are also approved for cash assistance, those benefits will be managed on the same Link card. Only one Illinois Link Card is issued per case. To learn more about your Link card and to manage your account, visit Illinois Link Card.
You will get an Illinois Link card, mailed to you separately. The Illinois Link card is a plastic card that looks and works like a debit card. Your cash benefit will be issued to this card each month. Only one Illinois Link Card is issued per case. To learn more about your Link card and manage your account, visit Illinois Link Card.
You will get a letter in the mail that includes your Recipient Identification Number(RIN) – this letter is your ‘medical card’. This should come within 10 days after getting your approval letter. The RIN is what you give medical providers and pharmacies when you need care. The provider can also check eligibility using your name, Social Security Number and date of birth.

If you are eligible for health care coverage, your approval letter will list your benefit start date. If you have unpaid medical bills from a date after your benefit start date, you can ask the provider to submit those bills to Medicaid for payment. You will not be reimbursed for any medical bills you already paid.
Choose a health plan and doctor. Soon after getting your medical card, you will get a client enrollment package in the mail. This will explain your health plan options, how to pick a health plan and how to pick a primary care provider (PCP) within that plan. The options you have depend on where you live and whether you are a child, adult, senior or person with disability. You have 60 days from the date you get your client enrollment packet to choose a health plan and/or PCP. If you do not choose, then Medicaid will assign you to one. Call the Client Enrollment Services at 1-877-912-8880 (TTY: 1-866-565-8576) or go to enrollhfs.illinois.gov to learn more about your health plan options.

What to do if you are denied

If you are denied benefits, you will get a letter in the mail telling you why you were denied.

If you are eligible for health care coverage, your approval letter will list your benefit start date. If you have unpaid medical bills from a date after your benefit start date, you can ask the provider to submit those bills to Medicaid for payment. You will not be reimbursed for any medical bills you already paid.
You have the right to appeal the decision. Check the last page of the denial notice for instructions on where to file an appeal. If you are appealing a decision on cash or health care coverage, you must do so within 60 calendar days after the decision. If you are appealing a decision about SNAP benefits, you must do so within 90 days of the date on the denial notice. For more information on the Appeals Process, visit the Department of Human Services website, dhs.illinois.gov.
If you are denied health care coverage because you make too much money, you may be eligible for financial help to buy private insurance through the Federal Health Insurance Marketplace (Marketplace). Medicaid will automatically send your health care coverage application to the Marketplace. You can contact Illinois’ Get Covered Illinois office at (866) 311-1119, Monday - Saturday, 8 AM – 8 PM, or visit getcoveredillinois.gov to learn more about applying for and choosing a private insurance plan on the Marketplace and to find someone in your area who can help you.
If you are denied because you missed your interview and did not reschedule, you will need to reapply at abe.illinois.gov.
If you need food, contact the DHS Help line at 1-800-843-6154 (TTY: 1-800-447-6404) or visit Food Connections on the Department of Human Services website, dhs.illinois.gov , to find a food pantry or soup kitchen near you.

What you need to do to manage your benefits

If you move or change your mailing address, call the DHS Help Line at 1-800-843-6154 (TTY: 1-800-447-6404) to give us your new address. You can also report the change on-line by visiting The Department of Human Services website.
Watch for mail from the State of Illinois. Periodically, you will get forms in the mail asking you to verify and update your information if you have health care coverage. You must fill out these forms and mail them back before the deadline. If you do not return the forms by the due date, your health care coverage will be canceled.
If your health care coverage is canceled because you did not send in information the State requested, you have three (3) months from the date of the cancelation notice to provide the documents. If you send in the requested documents in time, your case will be re-opened. After the three months, you will have to file an appeal or reapply.
Appeal a cancelation. If your health care coverage is canceled because you did not respond to a notice, you will get a cancelation letter telling you the date your benefits were canceled. You have 60 days from the date of the cancelation letter to appeal. The letter will tell you how to file an appeal.

Official Site of The State of Illinois