“Benefits Navigation and Public Benefits Accessibility at UIC: Analyzing the Impact of HB 4201 on Campus”
Introduction
Author: Margarita Arango
Department: UIC Institute for Policy & Civic Engagement
Advisor: Dr. Joseph K. Hoereth, IPCE / Karlie Sanchez, Graduate Assistant, IPCE
Abstract: State Representative Maurice West introduced House Bill (HB) 4201 in 2021 to help students access the public benefits for which they are eligible. The bill passed in 2022 requires all publichigher education institutions in IL to designate a “Benefits Navigator” to assist students with determining eligibility for public assistance and provide culturally appropriate support resources. Focusing specifically on the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) campus, this study investigates how HB 4201 impacted UIC’s basic needs support and examines how UIC can improve basic needs accessibility for students through strengthened benefits navigation. Using an analysis of HB 4201, Illinois compiled statute, and UIC’s basic needs assistance for students, this study looks at whether HB 4201 strengthened basic needs accessibility for UIC students. The study finds that the benefits navigator and the university do not comply with Illinois statute, information regarding basic needs is spread across departments, and the bill has hardly impacted basic needs accessibility at UIC. Implications of this investigation are significant given that the state of the benefits navigation program at UIC directly affects students’ support systems and academic success, demonstrating the need for increased research on benefits navigator programs. This poster suggests that benefits navigation at UIC would benefit from a strong, supportive, and collaborative relationship between UIC, state agencies, and the IL General Assembly, consolidating basic needs accessibility programs and information under one office, and prioritizing student feedback.
Keywords: Benefits navigation, public benefits, basic needs, college students, food insecurity