04/09/2025
Information Memo
Summary:
- This memo is provided to add further clarification to Additional Language Options Available in ABE, MMC, and IES, published 03/27/2025.
- System changes have been made in ABE, MMC, and IES to collect spoken and written language options for Polish, Ukrainian, and Mandarin (Chinese-Simplified and Chinese-Traditional) in preparation for IES generated correspondence.
- Correspondence will be available in the additional languages through a phased approach.
- Customers who choose Polish, Ukrainian, or Mandarin as their preferred written language option will continue receiving correspondence in English until it is available in the chosen language.
Updates to Language Options in IES
Initial changes have been made to ABE and IES to accept the additional spoken and written languages in Polish, Ukrainian, and Mandarin (Chinese-Simplified and Chinese-Traditional) in preparation for IES generated correspondence.
IDHS and HFS are working together to update forms through a phased approach. Once changes are made to a document and all necessary steps are taken to assure that it will function as expected, the form will be made available and sent systematically from IES in the chosen language.
When a customer chooses a written language option for which any form is not yet available in that written language preference, IES will send the correspondence in English. Language translations are provided as a courtesy and only the English version is considered authoritative.
[signed copy on file]
Dulce M. Quintero
Secretary, Illinois Department of Human Services
Elizabeth M. Whitehorn
Director, Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services
