Who is eligible?

You may be able to receive cash help if you ...

• Receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) OR
• Are denied SSI because of income and the income is below state standards (see below) AND
• Are a U.S. citizen or qualifying non-citizen
  • Live in Illinois
  • Are 65 years or older, OR
  • Blind, OR
  • Disabled

The way the state calculates the state standard is extremely complicated. It is always best to apply and let the state caseworker determine if you are eligible. Many SSI clients living alone and paying at least $121 a month for rent and all utilities may be able to receive State Supplemental cash help.

Assets

When determining if you can receive cash help, the state needs to look at assets that you have. The state allows one person to have assets of $2000; 2 persons - $3000; and 3 or more persons - $3000 for the first 2 people, plus $50 for each additional person.

The state does not count:

• Burial space, such as crypt, casket, vault, marker, lot, or opening/closing the grave
• Certain funds set aside for burial, cremation, or funeral expenses
• Some prearranged funeral and burial plans
• One car needed to take you to medical appointments
• The home where you live

Where to apply?

You apply by going to the local Illinois Department of Human Service’s Family Community Resource Center (FCRC) in your area or you can apply online or print an application from the website that you can mail to the office in your area. Click here to find the office in your area.

What happens after you apply?

ENGLISH / ESPANOL

You will need to be interviewed in person at the local IDHS office. After you apply a letter is sent to you that tell you the date and time of your interview. The interview is to be scheduled and held within 14 calendar days of when the state receives your application. You will need to bring information about your income, assets (checking, savings, retirement accounts, etc.) to the interview as well as your birth certificate.

If you cannot go into the office for an interview due to health problems or a conflict with work hours provide this information on the application (there is a section on page 3 that you mark) and ask for the interview to be done by phone. Make sure you give the phone number where you can be called.

Once the application is received by the state, they have up to 60 days for disability benefits, or 45 days if you are 65 and older or blind.