Illinois Child Support Services (CSS) is pleased to share an important change in the delivery of services to Illinois families. Effective January 1, 2023, we changed our rules to benefit families receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). 

You are receiving this letter because you will be mailed a check.

What Changed?

• Families receiving TANF will now receive all child support payments collected while TANF benefits are being received and after TANF benefits end.  All child support payments collected from the parent obligated to pay support will be paid to the parent designated to receive the support.
• Any child support payments that were received and retained by the Department after January 1, 2023, will be issued to the family beginning in July 2024.  A paper check will be issued by the Illinois Office of the Comptroller to send these payments to the family.

What Did Not Change?

• TANF clients will continue to receive Pass-Through payments if child support is collected in a month when the child(ren) receive TANF benefits. No Pass-Through payment will be made to a family for a month in which there is no child support collection. Pass-Through payments will still be issued to the family via the LINK card.
• Parents receiving TANF will still be required to cooperate with Child Support Services. 
• Medical Support and support for children in Foster Care may still be owed to the State.

How Will It Work?

• The state will continue to issue a Pass-Through payment, when appropriate.
• Beginning July 2024, any additional child support dollars collected will be sent to the family by paper check from the Illinois Office of the Comptroller the following month.  Any child support payments collected between January 2023, and June 30, 2024, will be mailed starting July 10, 2024, and paid-out through the end of August 2024. 

Important Notes:

• To assure you receive the check, you must make sure your address and contact information is correct with CSS. Checks will not be forwarded.
• Child support payments collected and issued to the parent receiving support will not impact a parent’s eligibility for TANF benefits.

Did you know Child Support Services has a self-service on-line portal?  Enrollment in the portal allows you to communicate and obtain specific case information via email.  It also allows you to monitor payment details.  Enroll today for fast and simple service at Registration Information (illinois.gov). 

For questions, please call 800.447.4278 or email hfs.dcssaskaquestion@illinois.gov. CSS is committed to providing services to better serve you!