093_SB1428
LRB093 10066 DRJ 10317 b
1 AN ACT in relation to public aid.
2 Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois,
3 represented in the General Assembly:
4 Section 5. The Illinois Public Aid Code is amended by
5 changing Section 11-4 as follows:
6 (305 ILCS 5/11-4) (from Ch. 23, par. 11-4)
7 Sec. 11-4. Applications; assistance in making
8 applications. An application for public assistance shall be
9 deemed an application for all such benefits to which any
10 person may be entitled except to the extent that the
11 applicant expressly declines in writing to apply for
12 particular benefits. The Illinois Department shall provide
13 information in writing about all benefits provided under this
14 Code to any person seeking public assistance. The Illinois
15 Department shall also provide information in writing and
16 orally to all applicants about an election to have financial
17 aid deposited directly in a recipient's savings account or
18 checking account or in any electronic benefits account or
19 accounts as provided in Section 11-3.1, to the extent that
20 those elections are actually available, including information
21 on any programs administered by the State Treasurer to
22 facilitate or encourage the distribution of financial aid by
23 direct deposit or electronic benefits transfer. The Illinois
24 Department shall determine the applicant's eligibility for
25 cash assistance, medical assistance and food stamps unless
26 the applicant expressly declines in writing to apply for
27 particular benefits. The Illinois Department shall adopt
28 policies and procedures to facilitate timely changes between
29 programs that result from changes in categorical eligibility
30 factors.
31 The County departments, local governmental units and the
-2- LRB093 10066 DRJ 10317 b
1 Illinois Department shall assist applicants for public
2 assistance to properly complete their applications. Such
3 assistance shall include, but not be limited to, assistance
4 in securing evidence in support of their eligibility.
5 The Department of Public Aid shall develop and implement
6 procedures, to take effect January 1, 2004, to allow
7 community providers, schools, service agencies, employers,
8 labor unions, local chambers of commerce, and religious
9 organizations to assist in enrolling adults and families in
10 programs under Article V of this Code and under the
11 Children's Health Insurance Program Act.
12 (Source: P.A. 88-232.)
13 Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon
14 becoming law.