DFCS

The Employment Barrier Reduction Program provides supportive services expenses (homelessness prevention, utilities, transportation/gas, uniforms, tools/equipment, etc.) to SNAP, TANF, and Medicaid recipients and applicants for DHS services who are either identified by the Community Partner or referred by the Family and Community Resource Center (FCRC). These services are designed to reduce barriers to gaining employment and to assist customers in securing and maintaining employment. In addition, the program provides access to resources which allow families to eliminate the need for TANF cash assistance or SNAP assistance and the opportunity to improve their overall financial well-being through employment.

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305 ILCS 5

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To reduce barriers to gaining employment and to assist customers in securing and maintaining employment. In addition, provides access to resources which allow families to eliminate the need for TANF cash assistance or SNAP assistance and the opportunity to improve their overall financial well-being through employment.

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Nonprofit Organizations;

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Project Grants

Human Services

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A participant or the participant’s household may receive no more than $2000 of assistance in a calendar year. The assistance should directly alleviate financial barriers that prohibit participants from becoming or remaining housed, or from obtaining or retaining employment or job training services. The funds can be used for: Emergency housing costs Rent arrears, 1st month’s rent, security deposit/move-in fee, if not covered by a housing program, application fees/background/credit check fees, key deposits Utility bills: arrears to have service connected and/or help the participant get on a payment plan, if other funds are unavailable Relocation/moving expenses Storage unit State Identification or Driver’s License costs or fees associated with any other documentation that will assist in obtaining housing or employment Employment/training barrier reduction Transportation costs Car or bicycle repairs Auto liability insurance Driver’s license reinstatement fees Registration fees Public transportation fare Gas Borrowing/renting car Security deposit for the driver of a carpool vehicle to transport a group of workers to a work site or a group of customers to an activity site. Mandatory entrance fees into apprenticeships, educational, or training programs Tools, books, or supplies needed for education or training Uniform or professional dress costs Basic hygiene products and/or Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when required for employment or training program Temporary childcare Required medical services/physical exam including eye glasses and prescription medicine Background check fees Criminal record sealing/expungement fees Cell phone costs when needed for job search or employment Low cost laptop/tablet when needed for job search, employment, or distance learning in an E&T program Internet cost for job search and/or educational purposes PO Box costs

Upon execution of the grant agreement, reporting shall be in accordance with the requirements set forth in the Uniform Grant Agreement and related Exhibits which includes, but is not limited to the following: • Periodic Financial Report (PFR), • Periodic Performance Report (PPR), • Close-out Report at the end of the Agreement and Close-out Performance Reports • Annual Audit in conformance with Audit Requirements set forth in the grant agreement. Additional data may be collected as directed by the Department and in a format prescribed by the Department.

Grantee shall be subject to the audit requirements contained in the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996 (31 USC 7501-7507) and Subpart F of 2 CFR Part 200, and the audit rules and policies set forth by the Governor's Office of Management and Budget. See 30 ILCS 708/65(c); 44 Ill. Admin. Code 7000.90. All grantees are required to complete and submit a Consolidated Year-End Financial Report (CYEFR) through the Grantee Portal. The CYEFR is a required schedule in the Grantee's audit report if the Grantee is required to complete and submit an audit report as set forth herein. The CYEFR must cover the same period as the Audited Financial Statements, if required, and must be submitted in accordance with the audit schedule at 44 Ill. Admin. Code 7000.90. CYEFRs shall follow a format prescribed by Grantor.

Grantee shall maintain for three (3) years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report, adequate books, all financial records and, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other records pertinent to this Award, adequate to comply with 2 CFR 200.334, unless a different retention period is specified in 2 CFR 200.334 or 44 Ill. Admin. Code 7000.430(a) and (b). If any litigation, claim or audit is started before the expiration of the retention period, the records must be retained until all litigation, claims or audit exceptions involving the records have been resolved and final action taken.

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Illinois Dept. of Human Services, Division of Family and Community Services -401 S. Clinton St., Chicago, IL 60607 and 100 South Grand Ave. East, Springfield, IL 62707

www.dhs.state.il.us

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7/1/2021

FY 2021 : $2,000,000
FY 2022 : $2,000,000