Government benefits in Cook County and Chicago from DHS
People living in or near poverty levels can get help from government benefits from the state and local DHS office. Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and the state Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS). These public assistance programs from DHS as well as the Department of Healthcare and Family Services provide information on nutritional help from SNAP, cash assistance and others with details and the government benefits in Chicago below.
Government benefit programs in Chicago that help with food and nutrition
SNAP Food Stamp benefits are generally for low income households in Cook County. The application process can take months, but an expedited process can also be use for SNAP food stamps. This is not a cash based plan. But rather it operates as an EBT debit card also known as the Illinois Link Card.
- It pays for groceries. But SNAP can't pay for the following items. Hot prepared foods; Alcohol; Tobacco; Vitamins, medicine, supplements; groceries prepared to be, immediately eaten; or “non-food items” such as soap, paper products, diapers, or pet food. Once again it for mostly non-perishable supplies but there are some surprising stuff that SNAP does pay for
- DHS food stamps can pay for additional services for senior citizens that live in Chicago. But this is only used for special, certain conditions. For example, members of the eligible low income elderly and/or homebound households who are 60 years of age or older may use the food stamp benefits to pay for home delivered meals. This is because social services department will realize that often these individuals can't make it to the store.
Benefit amounts given to each client can change over time. The amount of the SNAP public aid is adjusted each year according to the U. S. Department of Labor’s study on the cost of food. When the amount is allocated, a household's monthly benefits are loaded to a state of Illinois Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. Then the family can use the EBT card in any grocery store or retail location anywhere in the county of Cook.
The federal government funded Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC) can be enrolled at the Chicago or Cook County Department of Human Services office. The resources serves low-income women in Chicago who are post-partum or pregnant, as well as infants and children up to the age of five. It provides food and formula.
WIC is a health and nutrition education program that furnishes vouchers to obtain nutritious supplemental food items, such as milk, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, infant foods and formula, iron fortified cereals, 100% juice, cereal, and more.
- The program further promotes health and well-being for women and children by providing one-on-one nutrition assessment and counseling free of charge.
- There is also referrals to affordable health care or other community services, as needed.
Other food benefits for low-income families in Chicago including School Meal Programs, which can help kids from families living in poverty. DHS, using federal and state of Illinois funds, offers free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch to eligible students in public and nonprofit private schools.
- Kids on break can get nutritional support from Summer Food Service Program, which is a public assistance program that ensures children in Cook County IL continue to receive nutritious meals during summer vacation when they do not have access to school lunch or breakfast.
DHS programs in Cook County that help pay bills
"Free" government money is part of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). This can help very low-income families in Cook County or expectant women. The cash can help pay a variety of bills - rent, electric, transportation and others. TANF provides temporary cash assistance to pregnant women and families living close to or near poverty levels with one or more dependent children..
Government help with Day Care Services is available from Chicago DHS. The public assistance program is known as Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP). Federal government funding provides financial assistance to low-income, working poor families with child care needs. Vouchers can also be issued to those in full time college or job training. Some of the requirements are as follows.
- Applicants must meet income requirements as set by the state of Illinois which are usually close to poverty guidelines.
- The applicant needs proof of employment or training/school.
- There is also proof needed that shows why the person needs day care.
Only a portion of the expense will be paid. DHS in Chicago can also help clients locate a safe, federally qualified affordable day care provider near them as well who participates in this voucher program. As not all providers are required to participate.
Cook County DHS helps with educational needs. Low income families can get the resources they need to create a strong educational and developmental foundation for young children. Through such government services as Early Head Start and Head Start, Chicago’s children are afforded the opportunity to develop critical early literacy, socialization skills and school-readiness skills.
Various Medical Assistance in Cook County is arranged by DHS. There are various public assistance programs such as Medicaid, is a comprehensive health care insurance for low-income families and individuals as well as those living in poverty. All Kids is another government insurance benefit however it provides comprehensive healthcare coverage for children, regardless of immigration status or family income level.
- The programs vary. Those who have been found eligible for SSI - Federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Temporary Cash Assistance are automatically eligible for Medical Assistance. Covered services include, but are not limited to, pharmacy services, basic physician care, inpatient/outpatient hospital care, payment for nursing home costs, medical day care, personal care, mental health, and substance abuse treatment.
Access job training and help in finding employment from Illinois workNet Workforce Centers and the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Several Chicago Workforce Centers are spread across the city. Government services from DHS and partners focus on helping job seekers find employment and increase income, and resources are also available for employers to help them find the best candidate for an open position.
- A number of free public services are offered for job seekers and people who are over 18 years of age. They include free internet access, workshops to develop job searching and resume writing skills, online workforce development resources including Illinois workNet, and office supplies. There are also free phones in Illinois from the government. For example, the public can get free access to telephone, faxing, copying, and the Internet.
Applying for Chicago public assistance programs
The primary Cook County Illinois Department of Human Services office is at 2650 W Fulton St, Chicago, IL 60612. For more information call (773) 638-7373. There are other social services too, including a locator portal from the state which will help residents find a location.
Related Content From Needhelppayingbills.com
|
