HB4522 Summary

• Requires Department of Human Services to develop transitional benefits programs for TANF and SNAP that gradually reduce benefits as income exceeds eligibility limits, with a stepped scale ranging from 100% benefits at 175% federal poverty level down to 20% at 200% federal poverty level.

• Mandates implementation of transitional child care benefits by July 1, 2025, allowing recipients to receive sliding-scale child care assistance (80%, 60%, 40%, or 20% of state base rate) as household income increases up to 300% of federal poverty level, with one-time participation only.

• Requires annual reporting to General Assembly beginning September 1, 2026, on program participation, effectiveness in encouraging employment, administration costs, and increased state income tax revenue generated.

• Directs Department to pursue federal waivers necessary for program implementation and requires beneficiaries to comply with all TANF and SNAP work requirements while receiving transitional benefits.

• Upon federal approval, limits initial applications for SNAP, TANF, and Child Care Assistance Program to one-page forms and allows periodic eligibility review forms to be submitted with Illinois income tax returns.