(305 ILCS 5/Art. III heading)

(305 ILCS 5/3-1) (from Ch. 23, par. 3-1) Sec. 3-1. Eligibility Requirements. Financial aid in meeting basic maintenance requirements for a livelihood compatible with health and well-being shall be given under this Article to or in behalf of aged, blind, or disabled persons who meet the eligibility conditions of Sections 3-1.1 through 3-1.7. Financial aid under this Article shall be available only for persons who are receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or who have been found ineligible for SSI (i) on the basis of income or (ii) due to expiration of the period of eligibility for refugees and asylees pursuant to 8 U.S.C. 1612(a)(2). "Aged person" means a person who has attained age 65, as demonstrated by such evidence of age as the Illinois Department may by rule prescribe. "Blind person" means a person who has no vision or whose vision with corrective glasses is so defective as to prevent the performance of ordinary duties or tasks for which eyesight is essential. The Illinois Department shall define blindness in terms of ophthalmic measurements or ocular conditions. For purposes of this Act, an Illinois Person with a Disability Identification Card issued pursuant to the Illinois Identification Card Act, indicating that the person thereon named has a Type 3 disability shall be evidence that such person is a blind person within the meaning of this Section; however, such a card shall not qualify such person for aid as a blind person under this Act, and eligibility for aid as a blind person shall be determined as provided in this Act. "Disabled person" means a person age 18 or over who has a physical or mental impairment, disease, or loss which is of a permanent nature and which substantially impairs his ability to perform labor or services or to engage in useful occupations for which he is qualified, as determined by rule and regulation of the Illinois Department. For purposes of this Act, an Illinois Person with a Disability Identification Card issued pursuant to the Illinois Identification Card Act, indicating that the person thereon named has a Type 1 or 2, Class 2 disability shall be evidence that such person is a disabled person under this Section; however, such a card shall not qualify such person for aid as a disabled person under this Act, and eligibility for aid as a disabled person shall be determined as provided in this Act. If federal law or regulation permit or require the inclusion of blind or disabled persons whose blindness or disability is not of the degree specified in the foregoing definitions, or permit or require the inclusion of disabled persons under age 18 or aged persons under age 65, the Illinois Department, upon written approval of the Governor, may provide by rule that all aged, blind or disabled persons toward whose aid federal funds are available be eligible for assistance under this Article as is given to those who meet the foregoing definitions of blind person and disabled person or aged person. (Source: P.A. 96-22, eff. 6-30-09; 97-1064, eff. 1-1-13.)

(305 ILCS 5/3-1a) (from Ch. 23, par. 3-1a) Sec. 3-1a. Interim Assistance. (a) (Blank). (b) The Illinois Department may establish, by rule, an advocacy program to help clients pursue Supplemental Security Income applications and, if the client is found ineligible for Supplemental Security Income initially, to help the client pursue the Supplemental Security Income reconsideration and appeal process. This program may be limited to specific geographic areas. (Source: P.A. 92-111, eff. 1-1-02.)

(305 ILCS 5/3-1.2) (from Ch. 23, par. 3-1.2) Sec. 3-1.2. Need. Income available to the person, when added to contributions in money, substance, or services from other sources, including contributions from legally responsible relatives, must be insufficient to equal the grant amount established by Department regulation for such person. In determining earned income to be taken into account, consideration shall be given to any expenses reasonably attributable to the earning of such income. If federal law or regulations permit or require exemption of earned or other income and resources, the Illinois Department shall provide by rule and regulation that the amount of income to be disregarded be increased (1) to the maximum extent so required and (2) to the maximum extent permitted by federal law or regulation in effect as of the date this amendatory Act becomes law. The Illinois Department may also provide by rule and regulation that the amount of resources to be disregarded be increased to the maximum extent so permitted or required. Subject to federal approval, resources (for example, land, buildings, equipment, supplies, or tools), including farmland property and personal property used in the income-producing operations related to the farmland (for example, equipment and supplies, motor vehicles, or tools), necessary for self-support, up to $6,000 of the person's equity in the income-producing property, provided that the property produces a net annual income of at least 6% of the excluded equity value of the property, are exempt. Equity value in excess of $6,000 shall not be excluded. If the activity produces income that is less than 6% of the exempt equity due to reasons beyond the person's control (for example, the person's illness or crop failure) and there is a reasonable expectation that the property will again produce income equal to or greater than 6% of the equity value (for example, a medical prognosis that the person is expected to respond to treatment or that drought-resistant corn will be planted), the equity value in the property up to $6,000 is exempt. If the person owns more than one piece of property and each produces income, each piece of property shall be looked at to determine whether the 6% rule is met, and then the amounts of the person's equity in all of those properties shall be totaled to determine whether the total equity is $6,000 or less. The total equity value of all properties that is exempt shall be limited to $6,000. In determining the resources of an individual or any dependents, the Department shall exclude from consideration the value of funeral and burial spaces, funeral and burial insurance the proceeds of which can only be used to pay the funeral and burial expenses of the insured and funds specifically set aside for the funeral and burial arrangements of the individual or his or her dependents, including prepaid funeral and burial plans, to the same extent that such items are excluded from consideration under the federal Supplemental Security Income program (SSI).Prepaid funeral or burial contracts are exempt to the following extent: (1) Funds in a revocable prepaid funeral or

burial contract are exempt up to $1,500, except that any portion of a contract that clearly represents the purchase of burial space, as that term is defined for purposes of the Supplemental Security Income program, is exempt regardless of value.

(2) Funds in an irrevocable prepaid funeral or

burial contract are exempt up to $5,874, except that any portion of a contract that clearly represents the purchase of burial space, as that term is defined for purposes of the Supplemental Security Income program, is exempt regardless of value. This amount shall be adjusted annually for any increase in the Consumer Price Index. The amount exempted shall be limited to the price of the funeral goods and services to be provided upon death. The contract must provide a complete description of the funeral goods and services to be provided and the price thereof. Any amount in the contract not so specified shall be treated as a transfer of assets for less than fair market value.

(3) A prepaid, guaranteed-price funeral or

burial contract, funded by an irrevocable assignment of a person's life insurance policy to a trust, is exempt. The amount exempted shall be limited to the amount of the insurance benefit designated for the cost of the funeral goods and services to be provided upon the person's death. The contract must provide a complete description of the funeral goods and services to be provided and the price thereof. Any amount in the contract not so specified shall be treated as a transfer of assets for less than fair market value. The trust must include a statement that, upon the death of the person, the State will receive all amounts remaining in the trust, including any remaining payable proceeds under the insurance policy up to an amount equal to the total medical assistance paid on behalf of the person. The trust is responsible for ensuring that the provider of funeral services under the contract receives the proceeds of the policy when it provides the funeral goods and services specified under the contract. The irrevocable assignment of ownership of the insurance policy must be acknowledged by the insurance company.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Code to the contrary, an irrevocable trust containing the resources of a person who is determined to have a disability shall be considered exempt from consideration. A pooled trust must be established and managed by a non-profit association that pools funds but maintains a separate account for each beneficiary. The trust may be established by the person, a parent, grandparent, legal guardian, or court. It must be established for the sole benefit of the person and language contained in the trust shall stipulate that any amount remaining in the trust (up to the amount expended by the Department on medical assistance) that is not retained by the trust for reasonable administrative costs related to wrapping up the affairs of the subaccount shall be paid to the Department upon the death of the person. After a person reaches age 65, any funding by or on behalf of the person to the trust shall be treated as a transfer of assets for less than fair market value unless the person is a ward of a county public guardian or the State Guardian pursuant to Section 13-5 of the Probate Act of 1975 or Section 30 of the Guardianship and Advocacy Act and lives in the community, or the person is a ward of a county public guardian or the State Guardian pursuant to Section 13-5 of the Probate Act of 1975 or Section 30 of the Guardianship and Advocacy Act and a court has found that any expenditures from the trust will maintain or enhance the person's quality of life. If the trust contains proceeds from a personal injury settlement, any Department charge must be satisfied in order for the transfer to the trust to be treated as a transfer for fair market value. The homestead shall be exempt from consideration except to the extent that it meets the income and shelter needs of the person. "Homestead" means the dwelling house and contiguous real estate owned and occupied by the person, regardless of its value. Subject to federal approval, a person shall not be eligible for long-term care services, however, if the person's equity interest in his or her homestead exceeds the minimum home equity as allowed and increased annually under federal law. Subject to federal approval, on and after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 97th General Assembly, homestead property transferred to a trust shall no longer be considered homestead property. Occasional or irregular gifts in cash, goods or services from persons who are not legally responsible relatives which are of nominal value or which do not have significant effect in meeting essential requirements shall be disregarded. The eligibility of any applicant for or recipient of public aid under this Article is not affected by the payment of any grant under the "Senior Citizens and Disabled Persons Property Tax Relief Act" or any distributions or items of income described under subparagraph (X) of paragraph (2) of subsection (a) of Section 203 of the Illinois Income Tax Act. The Illinois Department may, after appropriate investigation, establish and implement a consolidated standard to determine need and eligibility for and amount of benefits under this Article or a uniform cash supplement to the federal Supplemental Security Income program for all or any part of the then current recipients under this Article; provided, however, that the establishment or implementation of such a standard or supplement shall not result in reductions in benefits under this Article for the then current recipients of such benefits. (Source: P.A. 97-689, eff. 6-14-12; 98-104, eff. 7-22-13.)

(305 ILCS 5/3-1.3) (from Ch. 23, par. 3-1.3) Sec. 3-1.3. Property transfers. To the extent required under federal law, a person shall not make or have made a voluntary or involuntary assignment or transfer of any legal or equitable interests in real or personal property, whether vested, contingent or inchoate, for less than fair market value. (Source: P.A. 88-554, eff. 7-26-94.)

(305 ILCS 5/3-1.4) (from Ch. 23, par. 3-1.4) Sec. 3-1.4. Residents of public institutions. Residents of municipal, county, state or national institutions for persons with mental illness or persons with a developmental disability or for the tuberculous, or residents of a home or other institution maintained by such governmental bodies when not in need of institutional care because of sickness, convalescence, infirmity, or chronic illness, and inmates of penal or correctional institutions maintained by such governmental bodies, may qualify for aid under this Article only after they have ceased to be residents or inmates, but they may apply in advance of their discharge. Applications received from residents scheduled for discharge from such institutions shall be processed by the Department in an expeditious manner. For persons whose applications are approved, the date of eligibility shall be the date of release from the institution. A person shall not be deemed a resident of a State institution for persons with mental illness or persons with a developmental disability within the meaning of this Section if he or she has been conditionally discharged by the Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities or the Department of Human Services (acting as successor to the Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities) and is no longer residing in the institution. Recipients of benefits under this Article who become residents of such institutions shall be permitted a period of up to 30 days in such institutions without suspension or termination of eligibility; if residency in an institution extends beyond 30 days the eligibility for all benefits except Aid to Families with Dependent Children shall be suspended. Benefits shall be restored, effective on the date of discharge or release, for persons who are residents of institutions. Within a reasonable time after the discharge of a person who was a resident of an institution, the Department shall redetermine the eligibility of such person. The Department shall provide for procedures to expedite the determination of disability of persons scheduled to be discharged from facilities operated by the Department. If federal law or regulations governing grants under this Article permit the inclusion of persons who are residents of institutions designated in this Section beyond the period authorized herein, the Illinois Department, upon a determination that the appropriations for public aid are sufficient for such purpose, and upon approval of the Governor, may provide by general and uniform rule for the waiver of the provisions of this Section which would otherwise disqualify such person for aid under this Article. (Source: P.A. 88-380; 89-507, eff. 7-1-97.)

(305 ILCS 5/3-1.5) (from Ch. 23, par. 3-1.5) Sec. 3-1.5. Residents of private institutions. Persons who are residents of or who are being maintained by a private institution may qualify only if they have not purchased care and maintenance in the institution by cash or by transfer of property, or having purchased care and maintenance, only after the amount of the cash or property has been wholly consumed for care and maintenance. (Source: Laws 1967, p. 122.)

(305 ILCS 5/3-1.6) (from Ch. 23, par. 3-1.6) Sec. 3-1.6. (Repealed). (Source: P.A. 77-1802. Repealed by P.A. 92-111, eff. 1-1-02.)

(305 ILCS 5/3-1.7) (from Ch. 23, par. 3-1.7) Sec. 3-1.7. Multiple convictions for violations of this Code. Any person found guilty of a second violation of Article VIIIA shall be ineligible for financial aid under this Article, as provided in Section 8A-8. (Source: P.A. 82-440.)

(305 ILCS 5/3-2) (from Ch. 23, par. 3-2) Sec. 3-2. Conditions for basic maintenance grants to persons receiving institutional care. A resident of a public or private home or institution maintained for the care of persons who are sick, convalescent, infirm or chronically ill, may, if otherwise qualified, be granted financial aid for basic maintenance, subject to the rules and regulations of the Illinois Department, if the facilities of the home or institution are in conformity with standards prescribed by the Department of Public Health for safeguarding the health, safety, and comfort of the residents thereof, and provide such services as may be prescribed by the Illinois Department for enhancing their rehabilitation or increasing their capacity for self-care. (Source: Laws 1967, p. 122.)

(305 ILCS 5/3-2.5) Sec. 3-2.5. (Repealed). (Source: P.A. 93-774, eff. 7-21-04. Repealed by P.A. 95-322, eff. 1-1-08.)

(305 ILCS 5/3-2.6) Sec. 3-2.6. Sheltered care rates. The Department of Human Services shall increase the sheltered care rates in effect on June 30, 2008, by 10%. (Source: P.A. 95-780, eff. 8-5-08.)

(305 ILCS 5/3-3) (from Ch. 23, par. 3-3) Sec. 3-3. Examination as to blindness. For all purposes, the Illinois Department may accept determinations as to blindness performed under the auspices of the Federal Social Security Administration and properly certified to the Department. (Source: P.A. 89-21, eff. 7-1-95.)

(305 ILCS 5/3-4) (from Ch. 23, par. 3-4) Sec. 3-4. Examination as to disability. For all purposes, the Illinois Department may accept determinations as to disability performed under the auspices of the Federal Social Security Administration and properly certified to the Department. (Source: P.A. 89-21, eff. 7-1-95.)

(305 ILCS 5/3-5) (from Ch. 23, par. 3-5) Sec. 3-5. Amount of aid. The amount and nature of financial aid granted to or in behalf of aged, blind, or disabled persons shall be determined in accordance with the standards, grant amounts, rules and regulations of the Illinois Department. Due regard shall be given to the requirements and conditions existing in each case, and to the amount of property owned and the income, money contributions, and other support, and resources received or obtainable by the person, from whatever source. However, the amount and nature of any financial aid is not affected by the payment of any grant under the "Senior Citizens and Disabled Persons Property Tax Relief Act" or any distributions or items of income described under subparagraph (X) of paragraph (2) of subsection (a) of Section 203 of the Illinois Income Tax Act. The aid shall be sufficient, when added to all other income, money contributions and support, to provide the person with a grant in the amount established by Department regulation for such a person, based upon standards providing a livelihood compatible with health and well-being. Financial aid under this Article granted to persons who have been found ineligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) due to expiration of the period of eligibility for refugees and asylees pursuant to 8 U.S.C. 1612(a)(2) shall equal 90% of the current maximum SSI payment amount per month. (Source: P.A. 97-689, eff. 6-14-12; 98-674, eff. 6-30-14.)

(305 ILCS 5/3-5a) (from Ch. 23, par. 3-5a) Sec. 3-5a. Protective payments to substitute payee. If the person, by reason of his physical or mental condition, is unable to manage funds, or if, for any reason, he persistently mismanages the grant to the detriment of his best interests, the County Department, in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Illinois Department, may make a protective payment by designating a person who is interested in or concerned with the person's welfare to receive the grant in his behalf. The substitute payee shall serve without compensation and assume the obligation of seeing that the grant is expended for the recipient's benefit. He may spend the grant for the recipient, or supervise the recipient in its use, depending upon the circumstances in the case, and shall make such monthly reports to the County Department as the County Department and the Illinois Department may require. The County Department shall terminate the protective payment when it has made a determination that the grant will be used for the recipient's welfare. A substitute payee may be removed, in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Illinois Department, for unsatisfactory service. Such removal may be effected without hearing. The decision shall not be appealable to the Illinois Department nor shall it be reviewable in the courts. The County Department shall conduct such periodic reviews as may be required by the Illinois Department to determine whether there is a continuing need for a protective payment. If it appears that the need for such payment is likely to continue beyond a reasonable period, the County Department shall take action for appointment by the circuit court of a guardian or legal representative for the purpose of receiving and managing the public aid grant. The person shall be advised, in advance of a determination to make a protective payment, that he may appeal the decision to the Illinois Department under the provisions of Section 11-8 of Article XI. (Source: Laws 1967, p. 2324.)

(305 ILCS 5/3-6) (from Ch. 23, par. 3-6) Sec. 3-6. Entitlement to medical assistance. Persons qualified for financial aid for basic maintenance shall be entitled to receive, under Article V, all necessary medical assistance. (Source: Laws 1967, p. 122.)

(305 ILCS 5/3-7) (from Ch. 23, par. 3-7) Sec. 3-7. Entitlement to Social Services. Persons qualified for financial aid for basic maintenance shall be entitled to receive, under Article IX, such rehabilitative, training or other social services as are appropriate. (Source: P.A. 82-440.)

(305 ILCS 5/3-8) (from Ch. 23, par. 3-8) Sec. 3-8. Funeral and burial. If the estate of a deceased recipient is insufficient to pay for funeral and burial expenses, and if no other resources, including assistance from legally responsible relatives, are available for such purposes, there shall be paid, in accordance with the standards, rules and regulations of the Illinois Department, such reasonable amounts as may be necessary to meet costs of the funeral, burial space, and cemetery charges, or to reimburse any person not financially responsible for the deceased who has voluntarily made expenditures for such costs. (Source: P.A. 90-372, eff. 7-1-98.)

(305 ILCS 5/3-9) (from Ch. 23, par. 3-9) Sec. 3-9. Claim against the estate of a deceased recipient. On the death of a person who has been a recipient, the total amount paid under this Article shall be filed and allowed as a claim against that person's estate or as a claim against the estate of that person's surviving spouse. No claim of the State, however, shall be enforced against any real estate while it is occupied as a homestead by the recipient's surviving spouse, or a relative of the recipient as defined by the rules and regulations of the Illinois Department, if no claims by other creditors have been filed against the estate, or, if such claims have been filed, they remain dormant for failure of prosecution or failure of the claimant to compel administration of the estate for the purpose of payment. "Homestead", as used in this Section, means the dwelling house and contiguous real estate occupied by a surviving spouse, or defined relative of the recipient, regardless of the value of the property. The transfer of money, personal property or other personal assets, or any interest therein, by a present or former recipient into a joint tenancy account in a bank or other institution or depository shall be prima facie evidence of an intent to defeat the claim against his estate. The transfer may be voided in an appropriate legal action, or the Illinois Department may consider the recipient's interest in the joint tenancy account as an asset of his estate for the purpose of the claim provided by this Section. The Illinois Department may, by rule, defer or waive the enforcement of its claim hereunder if the deceased recipient is survived by a dependent spouse and minor child or children, or if rehabilitative training for employment or other means of self-support for the surviving spouse or children is feasible and the deferment or waiver of the claim would facilitate achievement of self-support status and prevent or reduce the likelihood of return to dependency upon public aid. The estate claim herein provided is in addition to the lien claim established in Section 3-10. (Source: P.A. 88-85.)

(305 ILCS 5/3-10) (from Ch. 23, par. 3-10) Sec. 3-10. Lien on real property interests. Subject to the provisions of Sections 3-10.1 to 3-10.10, inclusive, the State shall have a lien upon all legal and equitable interests of recipients in real property, whether vested or contingent, including legal and equitable rights and interests of the recipient to coal, gas, oil, iron and other underground mineral resources, for basic maintenance grants paid under this Article, and for payments made to preserve the lien as provided in Section 3-10.5. The lien shall attach to such interests owned or subsequently acquired by persons who were recipients on or after the effective date of this Code, and in respect to which interests a notice of lien has been recorded or filed as provided in Sections 3-10.2 and 3-10.3. Liens recorded or filed under the provision of Article VIII-A of the 1949 Code for which the period of enforceability has not expired shall not be affected by the enactment of this Code. (Source: P.A. 88-85.)

(305 ILCS 5/3-10.1) (from Ch. 23, par. 3-10.1) Sec. 3-10.1. Execution of notice of lien. The County Department of the county in which the recipient resides shall execute a notice of lien which shall contain the name and address of the recipient, a legal description of the property, the fact that a lien is being claimed for aid paid under this Article, and such other information as the Illinois Department may by rule prescribe. The notice shall designate the County Superintendent of Public Aid in his official capacity, and his successors in office, as the holder of the lien and shall be executed by the County Superintendent, in his official capacity, and shall be acknowledged substantially in the following form: "State of Illinois, County of (name of county): I (give name of the officer and his official title) certify that (name and official title of superintendent of public aid) personally known to me to be the same person whose name is subscribed to the foregoing instrument, appeared before me this day in person and acknowledged that he signed the instrument as required of him by law, for the uses therein set forth." "Dated (insert date)................................Signature of officer (Seal)." (Source: P.A. 91-357, eff. 7-29-99.)

(305 ILCS 5/3-10.2) (from Ch. 23, par. 3-10.2) Sec. 3-10.2. Recording or filing of notice of lien. Upon the recording or filing of the notice of lien with the recorder or Registrar of Titles of the county or counties in which the real estate is situated, the State shall have a lien thereon under the provisions of the 1949 Code, if applicable, for aid to the aged, blind or disabled, and a lien for similar aid paid on and after the effective date of this Code, and for payments made under Section 3-10.5 to preserve the lien. The lien shall be prior to any lien thereafter recorded or filed and shall be notice to a subsequent purchaser, assignor or encumbrancer of the existence and nature of such lien. The lien shall be inferior to the lien of general taxes, special assessment and special taxes heretofore or hereafter levied by any political subdivision or municipal corporation of the State. In case title to land to be affected by the notice of lien is registered under "An Act concerning land titles", approved May 1, 1897, as amended, the notice shall be filed in the office of the registrar of titles of the county within which the property is situated and shall be entered upon the register of titles as a memorial or charge upon each folium of the register of titles affected by such notice; but the State shall not have a preference over the rights of any bona fide purchaser, mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lien holders registered prior to the registration of such notice. In the administration of the estate of a deceased recipient the lien shall also be inferior to funeral expenses not in excess of $500 and burial expenses to the extent allowable under this Code, attorney's fees allowed by the court in relation to such administration, and other expenses of administration. The lien shall be enforceable for a period of 5 years from the date of recordation or filing of the notice of lien. The lien may be extended for additional 5 year periods upon the filing or recordation of a new notice of lien prior to the expiration of the current period of enforceability. (Source: P.A. 83-358.)

(305 ILCS 5/3-10.3) (from Ch. 23, par. 3-10.3) Sec. 3-10.3. Recorder's duties. The recorder in counties in which he is required to keep a tract index shall record and index the notice of lien and any certificate of release issued pursuant to Section 3-10.6 in the manner provided by law for the recording and indexing of other instruments. In all other counties the recorder of deeds shall procure a file labeled "Aid to the Aged, Blind or Disabled Real Estate Lien Notices" and an index book labeled "Aid to the Aged, Blind or Disabled Real Estate Lien Index". When a notice of lien is presented for filing he shall file it in numerical order and enter it alphabetically in respect to each person to whom the lien applies in the index. The entry shall show the name and address of the recipient, the serial number of the notice and date and hour of filing. When a certificate of release of lien issued by the County Department is presented for filing in the office of recorder or registrar of titles where the notice of lien was filed, the recorder, in the case of nonregistered property shall permanently attach the certificate of release to the notice of lien and shall enter the certificate of release and the date in the index on the line where the notice of lien is entered. In the case of registered property, the registrar of titles shall file and enter upon each folium of the register of titles affected thereby a memorial of the certificate of release, which memorial, when so entered, shall act as a release pro tanto of any memorial of such notice of lien previously filed and registered. (Source: P.A. 83-358.)

(305 ILCS 5/3-10.4) (from Ch. 23, par. 3-10.4) Sec. 3-10.4. Court costs waived. The Illinois Department and County Departments shall not be required to furnish bond or make a deposit for or pay any costs or fees of any court or officer thereof in any legal proceeding involving the lien. (Source: P.A. 83-889.)

(305 ILCS 5/3-10.5) (from Ch. 23, par. 3-10.5) Sec. 3-10.5. Payment to preserve lien. To protect the lien of the State for reimbursement of aid paid under this Article, the Illinois Department may, from funds which are available for that purpose, pay or provide for the payment of necessary or essential repairs, purchase tax certificates, pay balances due on land contracts, or pay or cause to be satisfied any prior liens on the property to which the lien hereunder applies. (Source: Laws 1967, p. 122.)

(305 ILCS 5/3-10.6) (from Ch. 23, par. 3-10.6) Sec. 3-10.6. Release of lien. The County Department, under the rules and regulations of the Illinois Department, shall issue a certificate of release of lien upon payment by the recipient, his spouse, heirs at law, next of kin, or personal representatives, of the total amount of aid to which the lien applies, or upon submission of a bond with surety or sureties satisfactory to the Illinois Department, conditioned upon payment of such amount. A certificate of release may also be issued upon payment of the value of the property to which the lien applies; in such case, the release shall reserve the Illinois Department's claim for the balance against subsequently discovered assets of the recipient. The Illinois Department may also by rule provide for release of the lien in the case of recipients who have dependent spouses and minor children or for whom rehabilitative training for employment or other means of self-support is feasible where release of the lien would facilitate achievement of self-support status and prevent or reduce the likelihood of return to dependency. (Source: Laws 1967, p. 122.)

(305 ILCS 5/3-10.7) (from Ch. 23, par. 3-10.7) Sec. 3-10.7. Foreclosure of lien. Upon the death of the recipient, or prior thereto in cases of fraud if the Illinois Department deems such action necessary to preserve the security of the lien, the Illinois Department, acting in behalf of the State, may foreclose the lien in a judicial proceeding to the same extent and in the same manner as in the enforcement of other liens. The process, practice and procedure for such foreclosure shall be the same as provided in the Civil Practice Law, as amended. If the amount bid for the property at the sale is less than the amount of the lien, or if there are no bidders, the Illinois Department may purchase the property for the use of the People of the State of Illinois. Property so acquired may be sold to the highest bidder, after advertisement in the State official newspaper, the sale to be not less than 10 days after the advertisement. Upon a sale, the deed shall be executed by the Illinois Department for the use of the People of the State of Illinois, and shall be signed by the Director. Except in cases of fraud, the Illinois Department shall defer foreclosure proceedings on property occupied as a homestead by the recipient, his surviving spouse, or a relative of the recipient as defined by the rules and regulations of the Illinois Department. (Source: P.A. 89-507, eff. 7-1-97.)

(305 ILCS 5/3-10.8) (from Ch. 23, par. 3-10.8) Sec. 3-10.8. Joint tenancy interest.) A joint tenancy interest in real property shall be subject to the lien created by Section 3-10. The filing and approval of an application for aid under this Article on or after the effective date of this Code shall constitute a severance of the joint tenancy, effective on the date of the filing or recording of the notice of lien. The severance shall be solely for the purpose of enforcing the lien. For all other purposes, the joint tenancy shall remain in effect and be unimpaired. The lien shall be enforceable only to the extent of the interest of the recipient. A fractional part of the property, to be determined by dividing the total value of the property by the number of joint tenants, shall be presumed to have belonged absolutely to the recipient. A release of lien executed under Section 3-10.6 and filed, registered or recorded as provided in Sections 3-10.2 and 3-10.3, or the expiration of the 5 year period of limitation or any renewal period where no judicial proceedings are pending for the enforcement of the lien, shall nullify the severance of the joint tenancy. Judicial proceedings for the enforcement of the lien against registered land or any judgment predicated on such proceedings shall not affect such registered land unless the provisions of "An Act concerning land titles", approved May 1, 1897, as amended, are complied with. In either case the acceptance of aid thereafter shall, upon the recording or filing of a notice of lien under Sections 3-10.2 and 3-10.3, again result in the severance of the joint tenancy of the recipient. The repeal of the 1949 Code shall not affect the validity of a lien or severance of a joint tenancy interest established prior to the effective date of this Code. (Source: P.A. 79-1365.)

(305 ILCS 5/3-10.9) (from Ch. 23, par. 3-10.9) Sec. 3-10.9. Redemption. Except as to any sale had by virtue of a judgment of foreclosure in accordance with Article XV of the Code of Civil Procedure, whenever real estate has been or is sold at judicial or judgment sale and the lien thereon in favor of the Illinois Department is junior or inferior to the lien so enforced or foreclosed by or through that sale, the right to redeem in any manner under or by virtue of such lien from such sale or from the lien so foreclosed or enforced shall terminate at the end of 12 months from the date upon which there is filed for record in the office of the Recorder for the County in which the lands so sold are situated, if such lands are unregistered, or in the office of the Registrar of Titles for such County, if such lands are registered, a certified copy of the original or duplicate recorded or registered certificate of such sale, such certified copy being endorsed by the Director showing service of a copy of such certificate upon him or her, and upon such service such officer shall make such endorsement. Such service may be by United States registered or certified mail. (Source: P.A. 89-507, eff. 7-1-97.)

(305 ILCS 5/3-10.10) (from Ch. 23, par. 3-10.10) Sec. 3-10.10. Sale of property of deceased recipient-Order for amount of lien-Preservation of lien. Whenever the court having jurisdiction of the estate of a decedent determines that it is necessary or desirable for the proper administration of the estate to sell real property upon which the State has a lien imposed by this Article, the Court shall enter an order for the total amount of which the State has a lien, as determined by evidence submitted to it by the Illinois Department through the appropriate County Department or Departments. The superiority of such lien shall not be affected thereby and shall be satisfied from the proceeds of sale in the same manner as specified in Section 3-10.7 for foreclosure of the lien. The Illinois Department shall have the same power of purchase and subsequent sale as set forth in the second paragraph of Section 3-10.7. The lien may be released by the County Department in accordance with the provisions of Section 3-10.6. (Source: Laws 1967, p. 122.)

(305 ILCS 5/3-11) (from Ch. 23, par. 3-11) Sec. 3-11. Fraudulent transfer of real property. A transfer of any legal or equitable interest in real property, whether vested, contingent, or inchoate, by a person who is or has been a recipient, including any such transfers prior to application which would have initially disqualified the person as provided in Section 3-1.3, shall, under any of the following conditions, be deemed prima facie fraudulent as to the Illinois Department. (1.) Where the deed or assignment has not been recorded or registered by the grantee, trustee, or assignee (2.) When the deed or assignment, even though recorded or registered, fails to state the consideration (3.) When the consideration for the deed or assignment, even though recorded or registered, is not paid (4.) When the consideration for the deed or assignment, even though recorded or registered, does not approximate the fair, cash market value. The Attorney General, upon request of the Illinois Department, shall file suit to rescind any such transfer or assignment of real property. Any aid furnished under this Article shall be recoverable in any such proceeding from such person or from his estate. (Source: P.A. 92-111, eff. 1-1-02.)

(305 ILCS 5/3-12) (from Ch. 23, par. 3-12) Sec. 3-12. (Repealed). (Source: Repealed by P.A. 88-412.)

(305 ILCS 5/3-13) (from Ch. 23, par. 3-13) Sec. 3-13. Federal program - Declaration of responsibilities: It is the position of this State that the Federal Government should meet its obligation to provide financial aid to those aged, blind or disabled persons eligible under Article III hereof so as to assure those persons a standard of living compatible with health and well-being, including any supplementary aid program provided to meet special or emergency needs, and it is the position of this State that the Federal Government should meet its obligation to provide continuing supplemental nutritional aid for such persons through the Federal Food Stamp Program or through full reimbursement for expenditures made in lieu of such Food Stamp Program. (a) The Illinois Department may, from federal reimbursements received under this Section, make disbursements to any attorney, or advocate working under the supervision of an attorney, who represents a recipient of assistance under Article VI of this Code in a program administered by the Illinois Department, in an appeal of any claim for federal Supplemental Security Income benefits before an administrative law judge which is decided in favor of such recipient. The amount of such disbursement shall be equal to 25% of the maximum federal Supplemental Security Income grant payable to an individual for a period of one year. No such disbursement shall be made unless a petition and a copy of the favorable decision is submitted by such attorney or advocate to the Illinois Department within 60 days of the date of such decision. The disbursement shall be made within 30 days after the petition is received. The Illinois Department shall promulgate rules and regulations necessary to implement this subsection. (b) The Illinois Department shall institute a State program to fully supplement the federal Supplemental Security Income grants of all persons in the aged, blind, or disabled categories who meet the eligibility and need requirements of this Code. The amount or amounts of such supplementary payments shall be established by the Director of the Illinois Department in a manner consistent with the other provisions of this Article III. (c) The Illinois Department, the Comptroller and the Treasurer, are authorized to disburse to the Federal Government amounts appropriated to the Illinois Department for use in furnishing aid to persons eligible under Article III of this Code, to receive reimbursements from the Federal Government therefor, and to establish administrative procedures necessary for the accomplishment of such a payment system. (Source: P.A. 93-632, eff. 2-1-04.)

(305 ILCS 5/3-14) (from Ch. 23, par. 3-14) Sec. 3-14. Authorization for Federal administration of supplement: The Illinois Department is authorized to enter into an agreement with the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare for the Secretary to administer, as provided in Section 1616 of the Social Security Act, any or all portions of a State program to supplement grants. (Source: P.A. 78-3rd S.S.-22.)

(305 ILCS 5/3-15) (from Ch. 23, par. 3-15) Sec. 3-15. (Repealed). (Source: P.A. 78-3rd S.S.-22. Repealed by P.A. 92-111, eff. 1-1-02.)