C

CAF

CAF is an acronym for "combined application form." The CAF is a single application system for all benefit programs that the Department administers. A CAF can be completed manually, but most are completed and processed through an automated computer system.

caretaker relative

The adult relative, as specified by DHS policy, with whom a TANF/GA-FCA child lives. The caretaker relative provides care, supervision, and a home for the child, and usually spends the cash benefits for them.

case

A person or group of persons who receives benefits under a specified benefit program. For example, a TANF case refers to all persons who receive TANF under the same identification number. A food stamp (FS) case refers to all people who receive FS under the same identification number. Use of the word case is the same as benefit unit (but not the same as filing unit).

case number

An identification number assigned to each benefit unit. The number identifies the type benefits (2-digit category), Family Community Resource Center (3-digit FCRC) that services the case, group (2-digit benefit issuance schedule), and basic number (unique number assigned to the benefit unit).

case record

The official record of information for a benefit unit. It contains required forms, documents, and recordings which detail the benefit history for the case. It includes computer records.

cash benefits

Monetary benefits, usually issued through EBT system, to help an eligible unit pay for basic needs (e.g. shelter, food, clothing).

cash surrender value

The net amount of cash that a life insurance policy is worth, after deduction of loans and/or liens against it.

category

A 2-digit number that identifies the major type of assistance a case receives.

CDB

CDB is the abbreviation for the "client database." The CDB is the computer system that contains information about applicants and clients. It includes a history of benefits and the current benefit status.

charge upon a claim

DHS has the right to repayment when a client gets money for an injury. This is called charge upon a claim.

circuit breaker

A property tax relief benefit for qualifying persons. The program is administered by the Illinois Department of Revenue.

CIS

CIS is an abbreviation for the "client information system." CIS is a broad term used to refer to the computer system that contains information about program benefits and individual cases.

claim

A claim is an obligation amount filed against the estate of a deceased person to recover the cost of benefits they received. A claim also refers to a reported obligation amount that reflects overpayment of benefits to a case.

client

A person who receives cash, medical, social services, and/or food stamp benefits under a program administered by the Department of Human Services (DHS).

COBRA

Health insurance that may be purchased for a maximum period of 18 months from a former employer.

coinsurance

The amount of payment that is above the rate that Medicare (or other insurance) pays for medical services. Payment of this amount is considered the responsibility of the patient.

common-law marriage

A marriage existing by mutual consent of a man and woman. Common-law marriages are not established in Illinois, but such marriages recognized by and consummated in another state are recognized in Illinois. Children of these marriages are considered legitimate.

community MANG

An AABD MANG client who does not reside in a long term care facility or supportive living facility.

community spouse

The spouse of a supportive living facility (SLF) resident, long term care (LTC) facility resident, or MANG client who is applying for or receiving in-home care services through the Department on Aging (DoA services). The community spouse cannot live in an SLF or LTC facility. However, the community spouse may be applying for or receiving DoA services, as long as they do not also receive regular or spenddown medical assistance (excludes QMB only, SLIB only, and QI-1 only benefits). For persons applying for or receiving DoA services, the community spouse may be living with or apart from the client.

continuation

The extension of child support enforcement services to a client after the cash or medical benefits are canceled.

contract for deed

A contract to purchase an interest in real property. Under the terms of the contract the property title passes to the purchaser only after certain conditions are met, usually after payment of part or all of the purchase price.

conversion policy

A health insurance policy which was once part of an employment plan, but which a former employee has converted to personal payment of premiums.

copayment

A required amount of payment for services that the client must make. Copayments apply to medical and child care services Different copayment amounts may be set for each medical procedure and patient type. Child care copayments are based on gross annual income, number in the home, and number needing child care.

corresponding months

Corresponding months are the related budget and payment months for budgeting purposes.

court order

An order issued by a court, also known as a judicial order. For child support, the order sets up, modifies, or enforces child support payments.

CSE

The Child Support Enforcement (CSE) program is established by Title IV-D of the Social Security Act. The program is directed towards locating noncustodial parents and alleged fathers, establishing paternity, obtaining child support and medical support orders, and enforcing support orders. CSE services are automatically available for families receiving TANF, foster care, and AABD Medicaid. CSE services are available to other families who apply and meet certain criteria. Current support payments collected for TANF and foster care families are used to offset benefit costs for the TANF and foster care programs. Current support payments collected for other families are sent to the family.

current support

The ongoing amount required to be paid under a support order by a noncustodial parent. It does not include any amount to reimburse past benefit payments or payment of arrearages.

custodial parent

The parent with whom a child lives.

cut-off date

The last date to enter information in the DHS computer system, in order to affect benefits for a specific fiscal month.