Apply for Benefits
Apply Online
Use the Application for Benefits Eligibility (ABE) to apply for SNAP, cash or medical assistance - online, anytime.
Apply Using a Paper Application
- Download the application
- Follow the directions on the form. Type in as much information as you can. If you can't answer all the questions, that's ok. You must include your name and address. You may print out the application and write on it if you prefer. You must sign the form.
- Once you've completed the application, carry, mail or fax it to your local Family Community Resource Center. Use the DHS Office Locator to locate your local office.
Apply At Your local Family Community Resource Center
- Applications are taken at DHS local offices. Use the DHS Office Locator to locate the Family Community Resource Center in your county to apply for benefits.
Apply Using the Phone
- Please call our toll-free line ABE Help Line at 1-800-843-6154 (Voice), Nextalk 1-800-324-5553, 711 TTY Relay, if you have questions or need help with the application.
What happens next?
The application process begins the day your DHS office receives your signed application. You will be asked to come to the office for an interview or participate by phone if you are unable to come to the office.
You will be asked for various types of documents such as:
- proof of your identity
- proof of your residence
- proof of Social Security numbers for all people on your application
- other types of documents depending on your circumstances.
The DHS caseworker will tell you what you need.
Contact Information
DHS, USDA, and HHS are equal opportunity providers and employers.
- Department of Human Services
EEO/AA Office
401 S. Clinton Street, 7th floor
Chicago, IL 60607
- U.S. Department of Agriculture
Director, Office of Adjudication
1400 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington D.C. 20250-9410
Toll Free (866) 632-9992 (Voice)
Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities
may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at
(800) 877-8339 or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish).
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Director, Office for Civil Rights,
Room 506-F
HHS Building
200 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20201
(202) 619-0403 (Voice)
(202) 619-3257 (TTY)
USDA Nondiscrimination Statement
SNAP and FDPIR State or local agencies, and their sub recipients, must post the following Nondiscrimination Statement:
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State of Illinois Department of Human Services) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
(1) Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
(2) Fax: (202) 690-7442; or
(3) Email: program.intake@usda.gov.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Additional Illinois Nondiscrimination Information
You may also write the Department of Human Services (IDHS) at Department of Human Services, Bureau of Civil Affairs, 401 South Clinton St., 6th Floor, Chicago, Illinois, 60607 or call the IDHS Helpline Number at 1-800-843-6154 or 866-324-5553 TTY/Nextalk or 711 Relay.
DHS, HHS, and USDA are equal opportunity providers and employers.
The State of Illinois provides reasonable accommodations according to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
More Information & Resources
