Our Benefits Services Team is here to help.
The application process for many federal and state benefit programs can be complicated. Our Benefits Services program seeks to connect more individuals to these public programs by reducing barriers, explaining applications & following up with individuals. By connecting people to income support benefits, we hope to set families up to achieve long-term food security.
Our team can help you apply for public benefits. You do not need to reside in our service area to receive assistance with public benefits applications. Financial assistance for State IDs is limited to our service area.
Schedule an appointment
Outside of Drop-In hours, please contact us to make an appointment.
Email: benefits@gobeyondhunger.org
Phone: (708) 386-1324 ext. 1106 or ext. 2119 for Spanish
- Phone hours Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Hotline: (708) 406-7295
Drop-in hours*
Please call ahead to confirm in-person Spanish availability before stopping by.
*All Drop-In hours are held at our Pantry site (848 Lake St., Oak Park, IL, 60301)
BENEFITS WE CAN HELP WITH
What documents are needed to apply?
SNAP/Medicaid/Medicare Savings/Cash Assistance
- Current Illinois photo ID with current address
- If ID address is not current, please bring a current lease, utility bill or governmental letter.
- If unhoused, please bring a verification letter from a shelter.
- Proof of income from all sources from past 30 days (Social Security, pay stubs, unemployment, etc.)
- Name, date of birth, social security number of all household members
- Children’s birth certificates
Access to Care
- Proof of Income (past 2 pay stubs, Social Security Benefit Letter, US 1040, etc.)
- Proof of Address (ID, lease, utility bill, etc.)
- Proof of Identity
- Birth Certificate, voter registration card, naturalized citizenship certificate, visa, birth certificate/ID from country of origin, etc.
Benefit Access
- Current Illinois photo ID
- Proof of income from previous year (1040, 1099, etc.)
- Proof of disability, if disabled and under age 65
- Social Security Award Letter, VA Award Letter, Class 2 disability card, Attachment A Physician’s Statement
RTA Ride Free Permit & RTA Reduced Fare Permit
- Current Illinois Photo ID
- Other documents on case by case basis
State ID/Driver’s License Financial Assistance
Limited to food pantry service area.
To receive financial assistance to cover the full cost of a new/renewed State ID, duplicate State ID/Driver’s license, or State ID/Driver’s License change of address, all necessary documents required by the Secretary of State must be presented during Social Services visit.
- Click here to see what documentation is required.
Not seeing what you need?
Visit our Resource Library. These resources are not affiliated with Beyond Hunger but offer helpful information for a variety of needs.
The Health Connection Hub has services for individuals and families, including: senior and youth services, developmental disabilities, medical healthcare, behavioral/mental health services, and other social supports.