Welcome to Making the Connection Illinois

Register for FY 12 Making the Connection training sessions HERE

NOTE: Best Practices in Navigating Disability Benefits and Spenddown scheduled for May 18, 2012 has been cancelled.  This training session will now be available on two new dates: May 4, 2012 and June 1, 2012. 

Both training sessions will be held at DuPage County Government Complex Bldg 421 N County Farm Rd. Room 1500B Wheaton, IL

Training cost is $85 for one.  If 2 persons from the same agency they can attend for the price of one. 

Use the above link to register.

Making the Connection: Illinois aims to help you understand who is eligible for a variety of public benefit programs and how to apply for these programs. You are also able to access simple screening tools that can effectively and efficiently help you determine what you may be eligible to receive.

How to Get Started?

To be eligible for many benefits, your income must be at or below a certain amount (Federal Poverty Level). Income standards vary depending on the benefit program and your household size.

• 1.  First, click here to determine your Federal Poverty Level income standard. You will need to provide information on your income.

• 2.  Secondly, decide what type of help you need.  You can do this by going to the bar at the top of the page and looking at the If I Am....or If I Need....headings.  The links will guide you to some programs that may be able to help you based on your unique situation.  If looking for medical care only, consider using the the PATCHWORK QUILT. On the quilt, look on the left side for the type of person you are trying to assist.  Then look across the top line for the persons income based on Federal poverty level.  Where the person and income intersect this is the medical program to consider.  If you want to get more information about the go to the program name on the chart and open the link.

• 3. Explore the links in the toolbars above or to the left for the types of assistance available. These links will guide you to basic benefit information. When a benefit program fits your needs, you are able to directly link to the program to apply for the benefit online or to download an application. You can also print the page itself, to review later or share with others.

Registered Users:
We offer special features for registered users, including a message board access that allows you to communicate with peers throughout the state,

Currently, registered users are being limited to participants who:

• 1.  Attend a session of the Making the Connection training series beginning in October 2008.  These users have the ability to read the Making the Connection training manuals on-line. Coming soon registered users will be able to participate in on-line training sessions.  In addition, participating in the Making the Connection training will also permit you to customize this website through use of adding your own links to resources.
• 2.  Have attended a SOAR (SSI/SSDI Outreach Advocacy and Recovery) training session.  Persons who have access to this information will be able to share resources and information with other Illinois SOAR trained workers.
• 3.  Are part of the Illinois Department of Human Services Open Door Pilot Project.  This project is helping to assist individuals in crisis.  Referrals to this program are made through IDHS divisions. 
  
  If you would like to register for an upcoming training session on accessing public benefits or SOAR and gain access to additional features of the website, please see www.dupagefederation.org or contact us.

Making the Connection: Illinois is made possible through generous funding by The Chicago Community Trust and the DuPage County Development Block Grant.