SPRINGFIELD — In order to ensure that domestic violence survivors get the assistance they need, State Senator Mary Edly-Allen to advance House Bill 2682 through the Senate on Saturday. In 2023, only an estimated 4% of eligible recipients received the Family Violence Option (FVO) protections under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.

“I was proud to partner with the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless and the Network Advocating Against Domestic Violence on this common-sense legislation that helps survivors and streamlines crisis assistance within the TANF application process,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “The proposed waiver and critical assistance funding are crucial tools for survivors. Now more than ever we need to continue to make resources readily known and accessible for our most vulnerable communities.”

Despite TANF applicants needing to be screened for FVO eligibility, very few survivors actually access FVO waivers or Crisis Assistance funding.

House Bill 2682 would require DHS to implement the federal Family Violence Option when making determinations to an individual's compliance with the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. In addition, the bill would establish the good cause waiver and the family safety notice form qualifications and overview within DHS, allowing an individual to apply for a waiver if domestic or sexual violence causes them to fail to comply with TANF requirements.

“We know how important it is to have the needed supports for people who are survivors of gender-based violence,” said Director of State Legislative Policy Equity and Transformation for the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, Niyah Kelly. “These supports include access to public benefits and making sure we remove barriers when the opportunity arises. This legislation will ensure survivors have additional tools at their disposal for themselves and their children to successfully leave and become independent.”

House Bill 2682 passed the Senate on Saturday.