Health & Benefits

The Aid to the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (AABD) program gives cash and medical assistance to some low-income people. The program is for persons who are 65 years or older, blind, or disabled and who need money. AABD cash is a state program designed to help them meet their basic needs. The Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) runs the program.  

A person may be eligible for AABD if they:

• Are a U.S. citizen or meet specific requirements for non-citizens,
• Are an Illinois resident,
• Are 65 years or older, blind, or disabled, and 
• Meet any of the following requirements:
  • Receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), 
  • Are not eligible for SSI due to income, or
  • Are not eligible for SSI due to the time limit expiration on aid to non-citizens.

You can check on the DHS website to see if you are eligible. You can ask for help from the DHS Help Line at (800) 843-6154 or TTY: (866) 324-5553.

AABD for non-citizens

• Are age 65 or older,
• Meet the citizenship requirements for medical assistance,
• Were legally residing in the U.S. on August 22, 1996, and
• Have been denied SSI because they said you were not disabled.

• Under age 65, and
• A non-citizen ineligible for SSI due to the expiration of the federal 7 year limit, but have immigration status that would make you eligible under the federal 7 year exception rules.

A program similar to AABD is also available to give medical assistance to non-citizens. It is called Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors. (Note: The Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors program will be paused for new enrollees beginning November 6, 2023.)