Last Updated on February 28, 2022 by Anne-Sophie Reinhardt
Illinois TANF offers up to 60 months of monthly cash assistance for food, shelter, utilities, and expenses other than medical to pregnant women and families with children.
TANF requires all work-eligible to participate in work activities for cash assistance. Single parents with a child under 6 years of age must work or partake in a work activity for a minimum of 20 hours a week. Two-parent families must work for a minimum of 35 hours a week.
FAQ’s about TANF Illinois
What are the qualifications for TANF in Illinois?
- U.S. citizen or legal alien, or permanent resident.
- Pregnant or have a child under age 19 who lives with them. A child who is 18 must be a full-time high school student.
- Resides in Illinois. The homeless may qualify.
- Under-employed, unemployed or about to become unemployed.
- Planning to become self-sufficient
How much does welfare pay in Illinois?
The benefits you receive from TANF largely depend on your family’s income and size. A family of three receives $533 monthly benefits from Illinois.
Illinois’ COVID-19 pandemic response raised the benefits to $500, a one-time payment to help with food resources for families under TANF.
How do I apply?
File an application in person at a local DHS Family Community Resource Center (FCRC) in your county. Visit the DHS Office Locator to locate an office near you.
Start your application online through Illinois’ self-service portal for TANF, SNAP, and Medicaid, Illinois ABE. Get cash benefits through an Illinois LINK card.
Learn more and get immediate assistance through
Illinois DHS Help Line
1-800-843-6154
- CBPP, TANF Benefits Still Too Low to Help Families.
