Verifying Identity

Overview

When filing an application for benefits in ABE, you can submit and complete an application with out verifying your identity. However, you will not be able to return to check on the status.

To access any case information in Manage My Case (MMC), you must verify you identity.

To verify your identify for ABE or MMC use, we will offer three processes.

1. IL Secretary of State
2. Third Party Service
3. Manual Process

IL Secretary of State (SoS)

ABE will attempt to verify the Head of Household identity through the Illinois Secretary of State (SoS) using the Illinois State Driver's License or Illinois State Identification card.

1. Enter your information exactly as it appears on your ID, including the 12-digit Driver's License or ID Number and press Next..

 

• If the Secretary of State can use your answers to verify identity, ABE will continue the application process and will later show you the information it could verify electronically.

Using a Third-party Service to Verify Identity

1. If Identity Verification fails through SOS or you do not have State of Illinois identification, ABE will access Experian, a third-party identity proofing service. You will be asked randomly generated questions only you would know the answers to based on previous addresses, tax data or ownership details. Answer these questions and press Next.

• If the ID Proofing service is able to use your answers to verify your identity, ABE will continue the application process and will later show you the information it could verify electronically.
• If you were not able to answer the questions correctly, you will be asked to contact the identity verification help desk to continue your application. When you call, you will be given a code to enter into ABE. Or, you can proceed by selecting Verify Identity Later.
• If you cannot complete the ID Proofing process and choose Verify Identity Later, don't worry, you can still submit your application and it won't affect your eligibility. ABE won't be able to electronically verify your information, but a caseworker will do it in the office. If you receive the pop-up page below, click Verify Identity Later to continue with your application.

 

Manual State Identity Proofing

1. 1. To request State Identity Proofing, fill out, sign, and return the following form:
   • State Identity Proofing Request Form (pdf), 
   • IL444-3610 S FORMULARIO DE SOLICITUD DE PRUEBA DE IDENTIDAD DEL ESTADO (pdf).
2. Include proof documents listed in the table below.
3. If an Approved Representative is completing the form, a signed Approved Representative Form must be mailed along with the Request form, and Proof Document, even if one is already on file with the State.
4. Proof documents: You will need to provide a copy of one (1) document from Column A or two (2) documents from Column B from the list of Acceptable Identity Proofing Documents.

Column A - Submit One (1) of These	Column B - Alternativly, submit two (two) of these
Illinois Driver's License	Birth Certificate
School Identification card	Social Security Card or Official document containing your Social Security Number
U.S. Military Draft Card or Draft Record	Marriage Certification
Identification card issued by the federal, state or local government	Divorce Decree
U.S. passport or U.S. passport card	High School or College Diploma (Including High School Equivalence Diploma)
Foreign Passport with picture	Property Deed or Title
Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550 or N-570) or Certificate of U.S. Citizenship (Form N-560 or N-561)	Employer Identification card
Permanent Resident Card or Alien Registration Receipt Card (Form I-551)
Military dependent's identification card
Native American Tribal document

5. Return the completed form and proof documents to:

What happens after a Manual ID Proofing request?

• Allow 6-8 weeks for an approval or denial notice to come in the mail or email as requested.

Questions about Manual ID Proofing?

• Email: ABE.Questions@illinois.gov