03/27/2025
Information Memo:
Summary:
- Beginning 01/21/2025, both ABE and MMC were updated to include three additional spoken language options, (Polish, Mandarin, and Ukrainian), and four additional written language options, (Polish, Chinese-Simplified, Chinese-Traditional, and Ukrainian).
- Changes made to ABE or MMC for the "Spoken Language Preference," or "Written Language Preference" will systematically update IES.
- Updates to IES will be made to identify the "Written Language Preference" of the Head of Household, (HOH) which will drive the written language of correspondence being sent systematically from IES as it becomes available.
- Correspondence available to be generated in additional language options will be updated through a phased approach.
- Additional language options may also be added in the future through a phased approach.
Due to implementation of PA 103-0723, both IDHS and HFS are directed to update language options in ABE, MMC and IES.
Current spoken language updates include:
- Polish
- Mandarin
- Ukrainian
Current written language updates include:
- Polish
- Chinese-Simplified
- Chinese-Traditional
- Ukrainian
Language Option Updates to ABE, MMC, and IES
In compliance with PA 103-0723, updates to IES have been made to add language options for individuals who are Limited English Proficient (LEP), to select their "Written Language Preference," and "Spoken Language Preference." Currently IES supports correspondence in English and Spanish, but updates are being made for the target spoken languages of Polish, Mandarin, and Ukrainian. Mandarin may be written in Chinese-Simplified, or Chinese-Traditional. IES correspondence will be updated to send correspondence in the selected "Written Language Preference" of the HOH to include Polish, Chinese-Simplified, Chinese-Traditional, and Ukrainian through a phased approach. While some correspondence may be available in a selected "Written Language Preference" other correspondence may not be available yet. Workers should explain to the customer, when a form is not available in the customers' selected "Written Language Preference," IES will send the correspondence in English.
[signed copy on file]
Dulce M. Quintero
Secretary, Illinois Department of Human Services
Elizabeth M. Whitehorn
Director, Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services
