Important News for Illinois Low Income Families Receiving TANF Pa

Illinois has set a precedent now that all child support payments collected for families receiving or having received Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) will now be directly passed on to them without state deductions.

Child Support Changes in Illinois Now in Effect

This landmark policy was effective as of July 1 and represents a significant change from previous practices where a portion of child support was retained to cover operational costs.

The Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) announced this change to meet its goal of alleviating financial burdens on vulnerable families across the state.

Checks Already Being Sent Out in Illinois

Families reliant on TANF will experience immediate financial relief, with paper checks already being issued for child support collected through July 2024. Future payments will continue through the LINK card system, ensuring ongoing support for children's care and well-being.

Niya Kelly of the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless gave high marks to the policy shift and said it could be monumental, noting its broad impact beyond direct beneficiaries.

These pass-through payments do not affect families’ TANF eligibility or alter child support account balances, according to the press release. As Illinois takes a more progressive approach to child support distribution, the state sets a benchmark for proactive governance aimed at enhancing financial stability and support for its residents.

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Child support payments collected and issued to the parent receiving support will not impact a parent’s eligibility for TANF benefits, according to the report. This change also does not impact child support account balances; only the method of distribution of funds is changing.

After families stop receiving TANF, they will continue to receive all current and past-due child support in full.

For more information about Illinois' Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), CLICK HERE.