Location and Hours

501 West Washington St, Bloomington, IL 61701

Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 

(Closed on State Holidays)

Phone Number

(309) 451-6000

Website

www.dhs.state.il.us

About

DHS can help you meet your basic needs, cope with illnesses, emergencies or other needs. You have to apply online or go into this local office to fill out a paper application. Depending on your eligibility you may be able to receive more than one service.

Most Requested Services

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) : Formerly known as Food Stamps

Cash 

Illinois Link Card 

Medical Programs

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) 

Women, Infants and Children (WIC)

Change of Address, Income or Assets

Services Descriptions

  1. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) - (Effective October 2015) Helps low-income families and people with or without disabilities buy food. SNAP benefits are distributed on the Illinois Link Card: an electronic card that is accepted at most grocery stores. The program is managed by the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the United States Department of Agriculture. The Department of Human Services administers the program in Illinois. Monthly income is also a factor in receiving SNAP benefits. you cannot exceed over a certain amount monthly. Here's a chart for Monthly Income Guidelines and do not apply for all households: 

    Number of

    People in Your

    Household

    Maximum Gross

    Monthly Income

    Maximum Gross

    Monthly Income

    (Age 60 and Over or Disabled)
    1 $ 1,276 $ 1,962
    2 $ 1,726 $ 2,655
    3 $ 2,177 $ 3,348
    4 $ 2,628 $ 4,042
    5 $ 3,078 $ 4,735
    6 $ 3,529 $ 5,428
    7 $ 3,980 $ 6,122
    8 $ 4,430 $ 6,815
    9 $ 4,881 $ 7,508
    10 $ 5,332 $ 8,201
    Each additional person add $ 451 $ 693
    Here's a chart for Maximum Amount of SNAP Benefits the chart shows the maximum amount of SNAP benefits your household can receive each month. This dollar amount is based on the number of people in your household, your income, and your expenses. You could receive any amount up to or including these amounts.
    Number of People in
    Your Household    		 Maximum Gross
    Monthly Benefits
    1 $ 194
    2 $ 357
    3 $ 511
    4 $ 649
    5 $ 771
    6 $ 925
    7 $ 1,022
    8 $ 1,169
    9 $ 1,315
    10 $ 1,461
    For households with more than 10 people, add $146 for each additional person. Even if you are eligible to receive benefits there are rules to the program: DHS expect people who can work to work, proof of certain information may be required, changes in a person situation must be reported, and eligibilty is reviewed from time to time. Foods that SNAP Benefits can be used to purchase:

     

    • any food or food product for human consumption,
    • seeds and plants for use in home gardens to produce food.

     

     

    SNAP benefits cannot be used to buy:

    • Hot foods ready to eat,
    • Food intended to be heated in the store,
    • Lunch counter items or foods to be eaten in the store,
    • Vitamins or medicines,
    • Pet foods,
    • Any nonfood items (except seeds and plants),
    • Alcoholic beverages,
    • Tobacco

     

  2. Cash: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) - Program helps pregnant women and families with one or more dependent children with temporary cash and other benefits. TANF can help pay for food, shelter, utilities, and expenses other than medical.

    Aid to the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (AABD) - Helps those who qualify and need cash assistance.

    Earnfare - Helps adults who do not have custody of their children and who receive SNAP. They must first work off the value of their SNAP benefits (at minimum wage) and then they can work more hours and earn up to $294 per month.

    Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) - Puts cash back in your pocket and will locate help to file your Income Taxes.

    Illinois Welcoming Centers - Offer many state, community, health, employment training, and educational services in one location. The Illinois Welcoming Center staff is bilingual English/Spanish and has access to multilingual interpreters and translators. These cash benefits are distributed on the Illinois Link Card.

  3. Medical Assistance Programs - Medical programs are designed to provide residents access to quality health care. To qualify for medical assistance a person must meet financial eligibility, residence requirements, and in most cases must be citizens. (except for children) To apply you can either do it online, over the phone, or in person at the office.

  4.   -This is a food assistance program for Women, Infants, and Children. It helps pregnant women, new mothers, and children under 5 years of age obtain healthy food in order to develop and grow properly. You Qualify for Services if you are pregnant, just had a baby, or have a child under 5 (including foster children) and your family is in a low or medium range income. If you receive SNAP Benefits or Medical Assistance you will qualify for W.I.C. When you receive W.I.C you will get coupons for food, baby formula, and baby food with cereal when the baby reaches a certain age. In order to apply for W.I.C you will have to go to the local W.I.C office which isn't in the DHS office. Which is Located inside the McLean County Health Department on 200 Front St. in Bloomington. Walk-in hours are Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 1:0:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Closed Wednesdays mornings. To call in to see what you may need to bring prior to your visit their Phone Number- (309) 888-5450. They also provide other services: Breastfeeding classes and information, help in finding health care in your area, and information about nutrition to help you and you family eat well.

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