I live in Rock Island, IL. How do I update my Link and Medicaid?

To update your status for Link (SNAP) and Medicaid benefits in Rock Island, Illinois, you have several options. It’s important to report changes within 10 days of when they happen to avoid issues with your benefits.

Here’s how you can do it:

1. Online (Recommended):

• ABE Manage My Case: This is the primary online portal for managing your Illinois benefits.
  • Go to abe.illinois.gov and log in to your “Manage My Case” account.
  • If you don’t have an account, you can create one.
  • Once logged in, you can:
    • Report changes in income, household members, expenses, or your new address.
    • Upload supporting documents.
    • View notices and benefit details.
    • Renew your benefits when it’s time for redetermination.

2. By Phone:

• DHS Helpline: Call the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Helpline at 1-800-843-6154.
  • This number can be used to report changes, check application/redetermination status, and get general assistance with your benefits.
  • For TTY users, call 1-866-324-5553 or 711 Relay.
  • The helpline is generally available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

3. In Person or by Mail/Fax:

• Local Family Community Resource Center (FCRC): You can visit your local DHS office in Rock Island.
  • Use the DHS Office Locator on the Illinois DHS website to find the address for your local Rock Island FCRC.
  • You can also mail or fax documents and change report forms to your local FCRC.
  • For SNAP: You can use the “SNAP Program Change Report Form” (available for download online or by requesting a copy from your local office).
  • For Medicaid only: If you only have Medicaid, it’s generally recommended to upload, fax, or mail documents directly to the Illinois Medicaid Redetermination Project (IMRP) rather than taking them to the local DHS office.
    • Fax: 1-866-661-7025
    • Mail: Illinois Redetermination Project, PO Box 1242, Chicago, IL 60690
    • Make sure to write your name and case number on all documents.

Types of Changes to Report:

It’s crucial to report any changes that could affect your eligibility or the amount of your benefits. These commonly include:

• Changes in income: This includes getting, changing, or losing a job, or any change in the amount of earned or unearned income (e.g., more than $125 up or down for SNAP).
• Changes in household size: People moving in or out of your household, including newborns.
• Change of address or phone number: It’s very important to keep your contact information updated so you receive important notices about your benefits.
• Changes in shelter costs: (e.g., rent or mortgage, utilities).
• Changes in assets: (e.g., cash, stocks, bonds, money in bank accounts).
• Changes in child support payments.
• Getting other health insurance.

Important Notes:

• Keep Records: Always keep copies of any documents you submit and confirmation numbers for online or phone reports.
• Redetermination/Renewal: Both Link (SNAP) and Medicaid require annual redeterminations (renewals) to continue your benefits. You will receive notices in the mail when it’s time to renew. You can often complete this process through “Manage My Case” online or by mail/phone.
• Mid-Point Reporting (for SNAP): Some SNAP households are under “Mid-Point Reporting” rules, which have slightly different reporting requirements. If you are a Mid-Point Reporting unit, you primarily need to report if your gross monthly income exceeds the Gross Monthly Income Standard for your household size.

For specific questions about your case, it’s always best to contact the Illinois Department of Human Services directly through the methods listed above.