Assistance Programs
A wide range of programs exist to help individuals and families meet their needs, including covering costs for mental health care, health care, food assistance, disability, and certain children’s mental health services. The below information outlines some resources available to eligible individuals and families living in Illinois.
For more information about these programs and others, call NAMI Chicago’s Helpline at 833-626-4244.
Health Insurance
Medicaid
Medicaid is a federal program that provides health insurance, which includes mental health care, to individuals and families who have limited income and assets. Each state has flexibility in how they run the program, which means Medicaid may not cover the same range of services in one state as it does in another. In Illinois, Medicaid covers a number of services, including mental health and substance use services.
Medicare
Medicare is a federally funded and administered health insurance program, including mental health care, to people over 65 years old. Individuals who meet certain other criteria may also qualify for Medicare, including those who receive Social Security Income (see below for more on SSI).
Children’s Mental Health Funding
Family Support Program
The Family Support Program (FSP) is an Illinois-specific program that provides access to intensive mental health services and supports to youth experiencing severe mental health symptoms. FSP provides case management, a range of community-based mental health services, certain support services and residential services. Learn more
Other Needs
SNAP
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, provides money for eligible individuals and families specifically to help purchase food. In Illinois, benefits are distributed on a LINK card, which looks like a credit or debit card.
Social Security Disability Programs
Social Security Disability Programs provide income intended to cover the cost of living for individuals who are unable to work due to their disability and/or to retired senior citizens. There are two programs administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA): Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Income (SSDI). Many people need legal support to apply for benefits — call NAMI Chicago at 833-626-4244 for a referral to a credible attorney who can assist you.
Special Needs Trusts
A special needs trust is a financial tool that allows an individual to keep their savings while becoming eligible (or maintaining eligibility) for Medicaid and SSI benefits. A person living with a disability, or their supportive family members, can put money into the special needs trust to pay for the supplemental or “special” needs that are not covered by Medicaid and SSI. The funds placed within the special needs trust won’t be considered when determining eligibility for benefits. Call NAMI Chicago at 833-626-4244 for a referral to a credible attorney who can help you set up a special needs trust.
Sources
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. “Medicare & You.” Accessed 1/9/2020 https://www.medicare.gov/forms-help-resources/medicare-you-handbook/download-medicare-you-in-different-formats
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. “Medicaid.” Accessed 1/9/2020 https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/index.html
Illinois Department of Human Services. “HealthChoice Illinois: Tell me about…” Accessed 1/9/2020 https://www.illinois.gov/hfs/healthchoice/Pages/TellMeAboutFAQs.aspx
Illinois Legal Aid Online. “Special Needs Trusts for Legal Services Attorneys.” Accessed 1/9/2020 https://www.illinoislegalaid.org/sites/default/files/legal_content/file_content/8529Special%20Needs%20Trusts%20for%20Legal%20Services%20Attorneys%20%283%29.pdf