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.