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Date: 09/08/2025

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  1. Home
  2. Health & Benefits
  3. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
  4. Applying for TANF benefits

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Health & Benefits

Worried about doing this on your own?  You may be able to get free legal help.

Apply Online

The Big Picture

TANF is short for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. The TANF program gives temporary cash assistance to pregnant women…

More on Getting temporary financial help with TANF
Applying for TANF benefits How-To
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Fill out an application for cash assistance

Fill out the form linked below:

  • Request for Cash Assistance: Use this form to apply for TANF cash benefits.

Note: You can also apply online.

Submit your application

You can submit your application:

  • Online through the ABE system,
  • In person by bringing your application to the nearest Family Community Resource Center (FCRC),
  • By faxing your application to the nearest FCRC, or
  • By calling (800) 843-6154.
Go to your interview

After you apply, you will be asked to go to the FCRC for an interview:

  • At the interview a caseworker will ask you questions and enter your answers into a computer.
  • The caseworker will print out the application with your answers on it and have you sign it.
  • The caseworker will ask to see proof of the information you give, including:
    • Children's birth certificates to show they are related to you,
    • Social Security cards, and
    • Proof of income such as paycheck stubs.
  • If more information is needed, the caseworker will give you a list with a deadline to provide the information.

Note: You can ask your caseworker to help you get this information.

Get your Decision

DHS will make a decision on your application and notify you in writing within 45 days. If you disagree with the decision, you can appeal A request to change a court's decision the decision within 60 days of the date of the written notice.

Responsibility and Service Plan

DHS will also do a Family Assessment and a Responsibility and Service Plan (RSP) at the interview. You must cooperate with creating the RSP, but most activities cannot start until 30 days after when you applied for TANF. There are some exceptions.

Last full review by a subject matter expert
December 19, 2023
Last revised by staff
December 20, 2023

About our legal information

Learn more

TANF payment levels
Responsibility and services plan or RSP for TANF recipients
TANF child support and school attendance rules
TANF sanctions and reconciliation
TANF benefit time limits

Worried about doing this on your own?  You may be able to get free legal help.

Apply Online

The Big Picture

TANF is short for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. The TANF program gives temporary cash assistance to pregnant women…

More on Getting temporary financial help with TANF

Learn more

TANF payment levels
Responsibility and services plan or RSP for TANF recipients
TANF child support and school attendance rules
TANF sanctions and reconciliation
TANF benefit time limits
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© 2025 Illinois Legal Aid Online. 
All rights reserved.
 
ILAO is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. ILAO's tax identification number is 20-2917133.