Changes to VTTC Eligibility:
1. Who is eligible for benefits under the Victims of Trafficking Torture & Other Serious Crimes (VTTC) program?
If you are not eligible for federal benefits, you may be eligible for state food and cash assistance under VTTC:
- If you have any derivative family members*, and you have filed an application for asylum prior to seeking VTTC benefits, or filed an application for U Visa, or T Visa, OR
- If you are a single adult, and you have filed an application for T Visa or U Visa prior to seeking VTTC benefits.
Single adults are not eligible for VTTC cash and state food benefits if they do not have a pending application for a U Visa or T Visa.
Please note that applicants who are claiming derivative family members (*a spouse, parent, child, or sibling under 18) will be asked for proof of these relationships, per policy.
Additionally, food assistance benefits are not available for individuals residing in a shelter where meals are provided.
Applying for Benefits:
2. What do I need to prove that I've applied for asylum, U Visa, or T Visa?
Acceptable proof of applications is detailed at IDHS: VTTC Eligibility Changes.
3. I already applied for benefits at a local office. Should I return to an office to (re)apply?
No. Your application will be processed in the order in which it was received. Returning to an office to reapply could slow down your application process due to duplicate application records.
You do not need to return to the office to check on your pending application or submit another application. If you applied online and have your application number (T number), you can check your status online at https://www.abe.illinois.gov.
4. I already applied for benefits through my case manager. Should I return to an office to (re)apply?
No. Your application will be processed in the order in which it was received. Going to an office to reapply could slow down your application process due to multiple application records.
5. I applied for benefits and have not received a response on my application. Should I go to the office and check status?
No. Your application will be processed in the order in which it was received. Going to an office to reapply could slow down your application process due to multiple application records.
If you applied online and have your application number (T number), you can check your status online at https://www.abe.illinois.gov.
6. I had a phone interview appointment, and I did not receive the call, what do I do?
A notice with your rescheduled appointment date will be mailed to you. If you do not receive a notice within 7 days, call the Application for Benefits Eligibility (ABE) Customer Call Center at 1-800-843-6154.
7. I had an in-person appointment scheduled and the appointment was canceled. How will I obtain information to reschedule my appointment?
Your appointment is being rescheduled, and you will receive a letter to notify you of the new appointment date and time.
8. How do I apply for benefits (medical, food, and/or cash assistance), if I have not yet done so?
You can submit applications using one of the following options:
- Online through https://www.abe.illinois.gov
- By calling the ABE Customer Call Center at 1-800-843-6154
- Visiting a Family Community Resource Center (FCRC)
- Visiting an Illinois Welcoming Center (IWC) or Immigrant Family Resource Program (IFRP) agency. You can find the nearest IWC or IFRP organization at Centros de Bienvenida y Programas de Recursos Familiares / Welcoming Centers & Family Resource Programs
*Note-To create an ABE/ Manage My Case (MMC) account, identity proofing is needed. You may use any of the following options for identity proofing:
- IL Secretary of State - Validate using an IL Driver's License or IL State ID
- Experian - Validate using personal credit questions
- Paper/Manual Process - complete the State Identity Proofing Request Form online through https://www.abe.illinois.gov
If you do not have a social security number (SSN), enter 9's for the SSN when activating.
Checking Application/Benefit Status:
9. Should I come to an office to check my status for an already submitted application?
No. If you have applied, your application has been received and there are thousands of applications to review. Inquiring in person at an office about your application status will not speed up the review and could unintentionally slow down the process. The best thing to do is wait for a notice of decision in the mail.
If you applied online and have your application number (T number), you can check your status online at https://www.abe.illinois.gov/
10. How should I check the status of my submitted application?
If you have applied, your application has been received and there are thousands of applications to review. The best thing to do is wait for notification about the status of your application.
11. How should I check the status of my benefits?
If you have applied, your application has been received and there are thousands of applications to review. The best thing to do is wait for notification about the status of your application. You can also call the ABE Customer Call Center at 1-800-843-6154.
12. Can I go to the organization where I applied for my benefits and check my application status?
While the organization or individual who helped you apply for benefits may be able to help check your status, the best and fastest way to check your status is by calling the ABE Customer Call Center at 1-800-843-6154.
Other Questions:
13. How do I submit a change of address?
The best way to submit a change of address is to call the ABE Customer Call Center at 1-800-843-6154.
If you know your case number, create an ABE account to submit an address change online at https://www.abe.illinois.gov/
14. My benefits have been approved. How do I obtain a Link card?
When your benefits are approved, you will be instructed to come into the office to pick up the Link card. If you are in your own housing, you may also request the Link card to be mailed to your home address.
15. I received my Link card; how do I activate?
Check the number on the back of the card and call that number for activation. If you do not have a social security number, enter 9999999999 and create a four-digit PIN. Do not share your PIN with anyone.
16. My Link card has not had funds transferred, what do I need to do?
Call the ABE Customer Call Center at 1-800-843-6154.
17. I received a letter asking for additional documents. How do I submit them?
You can submit your additional documentation in any of the following ways:
- · Mail all requested documents, including the cover sheet received with the letter, to:
- Data Preparation/IES Central Scanning
- P.O. Box 19138
- Springfield, IL 62763
- · Fax all requested documents, including the cover sheet received with the letter, to:
- If you have an ABE account, log into your account, and follow the instructions to upload your documents.
- Drop off at the nearest IDHS Family Community Resource Center. You can find the nearest FCRC at IDHS: Office Locator at Please drop off in the Drop Box in front of the office.
18. If I need to go to an office, which locations should I visit?
You may visit any IDHS Family Community Resource Center for services.
19. My letter said I was denied for federal benefits - what does this mean?
IDHS must first evaluate your eligibility for federal benefits, such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). You will receive a denial notice for SNAP if you are not eligible under the federal program. IDHS will then evaluate your eligibility under the VTTC programs. You will receive a separate notice of the decision for VTTC.
20. My letter said I was denied; how do I appeal?
You can submit and find a petition for appeal form at https://www.abe.illinois.gov or call 1-800-435-0774 to file one over the phone.
If you have a Manage My Case account, submitting an online appeal is very easy. Go to Manage My Case and click the Appeal button at the top of the page.
