New Educational Option for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Recipients

As of January 1, 1999, the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) allows you to attend college to get a degree as long as you attend full-time and maintain at least a 2.5 grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) or its equivalent.

• You will continue to get your full grant, food stamps and medical card benefits.
• Your 60-month benefit "clock" will stop counting down while you are enrolled in school.
• You will not be required to get a job while you are in school.

When can I benefit from this new policy?

During your first semester or quarter, you will not have a work requirement, BUT your 60-month clock does not stop until you have a 2.5 grade point average (GPA), so this benefit cannot apply until your second semester or quarter.

What happens if I fall below the 2.5 GPA or its equivalent?

You will be given one semester or quarter to get your grades up to 2.5 without having a work requirement. However, this time will count against your 60-month benefits limit.

If you do not meet the 2.5 GPA, you may continue attending college under the old rules which allow you to attend part-time or full-time as long as you maintain a 2.0 GPA and are in an activity 25 hours per week (30 hours as of October 1, 1999). You can do this by combining at least 20 hours per week at a job with school credit hours. Your 60-month benefits clock does not stop unless you work 25 hours per week (30 hours as of October 1, 1999).

I am already enrolled in postsecondary education. Will this policy apply to me?

Yes, as long as you are attending full-time and maintaining a 2.5 GPA, you are eligible for this policy. You must talk to your caseworker about applying this policy to you.

How long can I be in school?

You can use this policy for a lifetime maximum of 36 months. This will allow you to complete a four-year degree program if you attend straight through including summer school, or if you attend four school years and take summers off.

NOTE: The policy of stopping your clock and not having a work requirement apply only to months in which you attend school.

How can I get approved for this program?

Talk to your caseworker about including this in your plan, called the Responsibility and Services Plan (RASP). If you have already completed a plan, you can change it to include college, so talk to your caseworker about your plan.

Child care and transportation support are available from IDHS while you are attending college.

Financial Aid is available to pay tuition to attend college.

Grants are available based on financial need. Unlike loans, grants do not have to be paid back. To begin the application process, fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). FAFSA forms are available from financial aid offices of colleges, public libraries, and high school counseling offices. You do not have to apply for loans to be eligible for TANF assistance.

For more information, contact Melissa Josephs at Women Employed, 312.782.3902, or Wendy Pollack at the National Center on Poverty Law, 312.263.3830 ext. 238.