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AABD is a state program that provides cash assistance to low income individuals to supplement income below the poverty level.
AABD recipients are also eligible for medical assistance under the Medicaid and Food Stamp programs (see Medicaid and Food Stamp program information).
Eligibility: An individual must be either age 65, blind, or disabled to be eligible for AABD. The individual must be a citizen of the U.S., permanent legal resident and in this country legally. Income and asset guidelines must also be met. The individual must have financial needs greater than their income.
Exempt assets include homestead property, personal and household effects not to exceed $2000 in value, life insurance, or pre-paid burial not to exceed $1,500, burial space, headstone, etc., and $2,000 in other assets for one person and $3,000 for two people. Inkind support such as payment of bills is exempt income.
Anyone with income of $738 or less should apply. A budget will be developed to determine eligibility. Even if the individual qualifies for only $1, they will be assigned a free monthly Medicaid card. Public Aid looks at actual expenses up to the allowable DPA maximum including rent, utilities, personal needs, special diets, laundry, etc. Special diet allowances are also considered.
Estate Recovery: Public Aid may place a lien against any real estate the recipient may own and may also place a claim against the estate for any Public Aid medical assistance received. The claim will only be enforced after the death of the surviving spouse and only when there is no surviving child who is under age 21, blind, or permanently and totally disabled. Please call Prairie State Legal Services (815)965-2902 or (800)892-2985), of the Department of Human Services for further information.
Documentation: The following is a general list and not all documents are necessary in all cases:
- Social Security Card
- Proof of resident alien card, both sides
- Bank account statement for three months prior to application, unless there has been a transfer of assets, then it should be five years and proof of what has happened to the assets. If the bank name has changed or merged with another one, client needs a letter from the bank (on their letterhead) stating that.
- Birth Certificate
- Award letter from Social Security for Title 2 and 16
- Life insurance policies with the face value and the cash value
- Rent receipts
- Gas bill
- Electric bill
Please email Program Services or call the telephone number below for more information.
