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Communities of Practice:
Benefits Navigator

Benefits Navigator

Beginning January 1, 2023, each public institution of higher education in Illinois is required to designate a member of staff to serve as a Benefits Navigator to help students in need to determine eligibility for benefit programs and identify campuswide and community resource support. The designated staff member will participate in a Communities of Practice (CoP) held by IBHE to coordinate with Benefits Navigators at other public institutions of higher education to develop best practices. Below, IBHE includes links to resources that may be beneficial to Benefits Navigators.



Benefits Navigators Names and Contact Information





Resources and Tips




Learning Renewal Resource Hub

IDHS Food Connections

United Way 211

IDHS: Cash, SNAP & Medical Assistance

IDHS: Emergency Food

IDHS: Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

ISAC Student Portal

Link Up Illinois

Food Finder Map

Food Dignity Series

IDHS: WIC Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program (FMNP)

IDHS: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

IDHS: Medical Assistance Programs

IDHS: Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)

Benefit Finder Questionnaire

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Swipe Out Hunger: Pantry Guides and Toolkits

Feeding Illinois: Food Banks


Other Helpful Information


HOUSE Liaison   Undocumented Student Liaisons  Veteran Coordinators


Illinois Department of Human Services: Benefit Programs


Past Meeting Presentations 2024


Past Meeting Presentations 2023



Contact Us

Melissa Van
Policy Research Associate
van@ibhe.org

Ashley Lewis
Assistant Director of Policy Research
lewis@ibhe.org