1. The DHS-Essential Information

2. A brief history and some statistics… The DHS was created in 1997 to integrate public benefits services. The DHS has over 13,000 employees and a budget of over $5.4 billion/year. The DHS receives its funding from both federal and state sources. Almost 3 million people receive Medicaid benefits in Illinois About 900,000 households in IL receive SNAP benefits.

3. What services does the DHS offer? The Big Three: TANF SNAP Medicaid Other Services: Alcoholism and addiction treatment Other cash assistance programs (Aid to the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (AADB), Earnfare) Child Care (Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), Head Start) Developmental disabilities assistance (in home care, day services, etc.)

4. Services continued… Disability and Rehabilitation (vocational training, help with independent living, educational services) Other food programs (emergency food, WIC) Housing (emergency shelter, homelessness prevention program) Youth Services (GEAR UP, Homeless Youth)

5. The DHS does not offer: Medicare (apply through federal government) SSDI and SSI (apply through federal government) Utility assistance (use CEDA, COMED, etc.) Emergency cash assistance (call 311!) Commodities assistance (use Goodwill, etc.)

6. Applying for the Big Three Three options: online, paper, or in office -Only choose one option -Regardless of option chosen, the client will need to go into the office for an interview. If the client is unable to go into the office, they may have a phone interview. -If the client is applying for TANF, they will need to have a more extended interview and be assigned a caseworker who will help them develop a plan to reach financial self sufficiency. Paper: -Fill out the application and fax/mail/bring it to a DHS office. The application is available in English and Spanish. -At the bare minimum, the client must list their name and address, and sign the form in order to apply. -When the client has their interview at the DHS, the caseworker will ask the questions they did not fill out. Online: -Follow instructions on the online application system.

7. What documents are needed to apply? A client will need to have as many of the following documents with them as possible/applicable while filling out the application and when going into the office for an interview. The DHS worker who schedules the interview will instruct the client on what to bring to the interview. -A form of identification -Proof of residence -Proof of Social Security numbers for all people on the application -Health Insurance Cards, Premium amount statement -Income tax returns/Proof of income -Property deeds -Housing Bills

8. DHS Tips The DHS has an online office locator. Use this to find the nearest office to your client. Best hours to go into a DHS office are Wednesday and Friday between 2 pm and 4 pm. The DHS has an online calculator for SNAP benefits. This calculator will tell you if the client is likely to receive benefits, and if so, what amount. Apply even if you don’t know if the client will receive benefits.