Illinois - IL

Acceptable Subsidies

The standard eligibility programs that may be used as proof of subsidy include Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Food Stamps, Medicaid, National Free School Lunch Program, Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA), and Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

IL State Eligibility Database Proof

If an applicant is rejected by the state eligibility database and can provide proof of their subsidy that lists the applicant’s name (ONLY AWARD LETTERS for SNAP/FOOD STAMPS--NO SNAP/FOOD STAMPS CARDS), they can still proceed with their application for Lifeline service. SNAP/FOOD STAMPS CARDS SUBMITTED AS SUBSIDY PROOF FOR THIS BYPASS OPTION WILL BE REJECTED BY THE SUBSIDY APPROVALS CENTER (SAC).

See General Rules for more information.

Acceptable Subsidy Proof Examples

Food Stamps Letter

• Award letters are the ONLY acceptable proof of SNAP/Food Stamps

Medicaid Cards ]

• Medicaid = MediPlan, Illinois Healthy Women, All Kids

Medicaid Letter

Free School Lunch Award Letter

DHS Referral Letter

• Must list the customer’s name as “Person Being Referred” and have a Lifeline-eligible program listed under “Referred person receives the following services”.

Acceptable ID Examples

• MTD is NOT a privately-owned transit system and is publicly operated, therefore its ID's are acceptable.

• RTA is NOT a privately-owned transit system and is publicly operated, therefore its ID's are acceptable.