Public Benefits Access
Public Benefits Training & Technical Assistance
Navigating public benefit programs is often frustrating due to the different eligibility rules and complex application processes. A strong understanding of benefit programs (including who qualifies and how to solve problems) helps case managers and other advocates provide more effective and targeted assistance to people in need. DuPage Federation's Public Benefits Access' seeks improve advocacy for people served through increased knowledge of these complex programs.
Public Benefits training participants learn the basic rules of who qualifies for specific benefits; how to complete applications; how to navigate the application process; and how to troubleshoot problems
Public Benefits Access Training
28 days to the eventMon, Aug 24Online via ZoomNew to public benefits work? This training gives you the essentials, from eligibility to applications, so you can guide clients with confidence and accuracy. This is a 4-Part Training Series (August 24, 26, 31 and September 2. Attendance at all sessions is required.
Live Public Benefits Q&A Sessions
11:30AM
THURSDAYS
Last Thursday each month*
Summer Alzawawi, Program Director holds live Public Benefits Q&A sessions via Zoom on the last Thursday of each month at 11:30 A.M. During Q&A sessions, participants may ask questions pertaining to public benefits and public benefits access. In addition, Summer will share public benefits updates and information on special topics. Conversations can be held in English or Arabic, with interpretation in other languages upon request. Please contact Summer at salzawawi@dupagefederation.org for interpreter requests, allowing enough time to review the request and obtain an interpreter.
To join the live Q&A sessions, please register in advance. Even if you registered previously, a new registration is required to attend upcoming sessions.
*November's session will be the third Thursday, November 19, 2026.
Public Benefit Questions or Technical Assistance
If you are a provider with a public benefits case question or need technical assistance or have questions about public benefits and public charge or assisting consumers in enrolling in affordable healthcare, consider visiting HelpHub. HelpHub is an online community where enrollment assisters in Illinois share experiences, ask questions, and troubleshoot problems.
Public Benefits Quick Resource Guide
Download this Quick Resource Guide for handy links to on-demand, self-paced training modules, public benefits and childcare assistance applications, and screening tools.
Additional Resources
Visit our Resources page for additional public benefits access resources such as Desk Aids, Fact Sheets, FAQs, recorded webinars and more.