Learn that appropriate services and supports is heavily dependent on parents’ and guardians’ ability to navigate a very complex system and to advocate for their child.
(PDF, 1.2 MB | Last updated: June 2021)
REFERRAL & SUPPORT TOOLS
REACH: Policy Recommendations
Proposed policy recommendations related the reach initiative and the whole child task for report.
(PDF, 99.6 KB | Last updated: 2022)
Early Intervention Standardized Referral Form
FS 650 (N-7-14): Allows HFS to share information with your child's assigned primary care provider and treating doctors within the group, for care coordination.
(PDF, 109 KB | Last updated: March 2018)
Early Childhood Special Education Referral Fax Back Form
HFS 652 (R-3-18): Notify your referral source about the outcome of an Early Intervention (EI) Referral.
(PDF, 307 KB | Last updated: April 2019)
SNAP RESOURCES
On July 4, 2025, the federal government passed H.R. 1, a new law, which makes significant changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as Link in Illinois. These new changes affect thousands of Illinoisans' SNAP eligibility, require them to take extra steps to receive their SNAP benefits, or put them at risk of losing their benefits altogether.
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See below for resources to determine SNAP eligibility, additional information on changing work requirements, and assistance meeting requirements and maintaining benefits.
We also want to direct you to organizations that are specializing in food assistance and sharing information that may be critical to helping continue benefits for Illinoisans. We hope this information is helpful to you, your family, and your communities, as we know and believe that no one should go hungry.
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Check your SNAP eligibility through this screener
Review the changes to the SNAP work requirements
Get help keeping your SNAP benefits
Get connected with organizations and coalitions specializing in food assistance.
These are just a few of the many places working to ensure food security for people across the state.
NEWS & UPDATES
July 2019
