Overview

The Children and Family Benefits Unit (CFBU) promotes increased access, enrollment, and renewal of CPS students and families in food stamps, All Kids (formerly called KidCare), FamilyCare, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). The CFBU is composed of 11 liaisons, seven of whom are bilingual. Liaisons are located in schools throughout the city and are equipped to enroll families in income support programs and advocate on their behalf.

Goals

• Ensure that all children are given the opportunities to academically succeed
• Ensure that CPS families receive those benefits to which they are entitled
• Work as advocates for CPS families
• Empower parents to become advocates on their own behalf

Program benefits

• Provide applications for public benefits such as food stamps, All Kids, FamilyCare and TANF
• Assist with the submission of public benefits applications
• Provide case management to individuals who currently have benefits and are experiencing difficulties with their case
• Connect families to additional resources
• Work with schools to schedule outreach events and send letters home to potentially eligible households

Resources

Programs like food stamps and All Kids provide valuable support to families and communities. Income support programs can increase a family’s income by up to 33% a year. The program also provides a stable resource to ensure that families have regular access to food. Programs like All Kids ensure that families are able to regularly access medical care and that emergency or serious health problems do not compromise a family’s financial well-being. Contact the CFBU office for more information.